Shaking arms

S

s1mpl3k1d

Active member
Hi folks,

I'm using magic lantern on my Canon 50D to take videos. I'm a beginner. I noticed my videos are shaking even if I am standing only at one position and taking a video of something. Is there something I can add externally so shaking can be reduced? I want a non-tripod solution please. Something that will not eradicate the shaking but reduce it dramatically will be fine.

Thanks a lot!

Neil
 
Ok, I am interested with the answer you gave specifically the shoulder mount. How does it look like? I'm a very newbie to this field. :)
 
Tripod ;p

Because of the size, lack of image stabilization (some lenses are stabilized) and light weight of DSLRs, you need to add some weight to the camera to use them in a handheld mode. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of rigs out there... just google "DSLR shoulder rig" for starters... that should give you quite a few results.

For a beginner... I might recommend something from IndiSystem. They have some cheaper rigs that are pretty good.
 
I was reading a review in amazon about a product, here is my question: can we use a steadycam in one position and will the video produce with a steadycam in one position still shake? If it works, then I'll invest on a good non-pro steadycam instead.
 
NormanBates said:
these is the cheapest shoulder rig around; not great, but you can't beat the price:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...How-You-Use-Your-CowboyStudio-Shoulder-Rig**&

from there to $3000, there's a LOT of options to choose from

in any case, a tripod is often better
as @5tu said: "Tripods are like pants — you use them because you have respect for yourself."
Click to expand...

That is awesome! Good enough for me since I'll just use it for my hobby/interests! :)

Looks like I need a viewfinder too after seeing that video! hahaha

Thanks a lot!!!
 
yes

mind you, it is not the best quality; it kind of works, but it doesn't have a counterbalance, and it can break if you put too much weight on it (doesn't seem to be your case) or treat it violently (just be kind of careful)
 
NormanBates said:
yes

mind you, it is not the best quality; it kind of works, but it doesn't have a counterbalance, and it can break if you put too much weight on it (doesn't seem to be your case) or treat it violently (just be kind of careful)
Click to expand...

I ordered it. What about inexpensive but good quality follow focus and viewfinder for my lcd screen? My camera is a Canon 50D.

Thanks!
 
I guess you mean 60D...

for a viewfinder, I know this one one of the better cheap ones, but I've also read some complaints about use with swivel screen; check the comments and evaluate how bad those would hurt you:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KCAQ9O...www.similaar.com/foto/equipment/us_video.html
(my camera is a T2i, so I have no swivel screen experience)

for a followfocus, I use this one:
http://dfocussystem.com/dfocus.php
it was the best option on the cheap a year ago, but maybe there are cheaper and/or better alternatives out by now

if you don't want to mount the camera on rails, you can mount the ff with something like this:
http://dfocussystem.com/dslr.php
(I bought it, then threw it away and now I use my own DIY solution: ugly but fits better my specific needs)
 
Yup. Love my 50D more now, hehehe. Those were shot using a $1 lens which my wife found from a garage sale last year. It's very useable at f2 and f2 is the max of that lens too. Love the quality of my ML test videos. The earlier ones, I still didn't know how to lock at certain iso. I'll try it next week or two once I get my 50mm f1.4 lens.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
 
if I stretch my budget a little higher, what LCDVF would you recommend? I remember reading a post and he said that the one with velcros are better. I also saw another LCDVF last night and it had somewhat color red near the part that attaches to our eyes. It looked like a deadening fabric/cloth and not rubber. Not really sure. I couldn't also find the picture.
 
DSLR Follow Focus

DSLR Follow Focus

s1mpl3k1d said:
I ordered it. What about inexpensive but good quality follow focus?
Click to expand...

For a reasonably priced follow focus that does not require rails and works quite well provided you get the right size diameter(s) for your lens(es), you might want to checkout the DSLR Follow Focus.

Here are a couple sample videos that show what the DSLR Follow Focus capable of (best viewed in HD):

http://youtu.be/Em8FcZXzpzY

http://youtu.be/hS7FWR3va98

**Full disclosure: I am the creator and manufacturer of the DSLR Follow Focus. It was developed because I was looking for an "under $100" professional follow/rack focus solution that I would not be embarrassed to pull out when doing client work. One did not exist, so I created it.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Regards,
Aric Spence
DSLR Solutions
 
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I don't really know much about viewfinders: I use a DIY loupe that I'm pretty sure beats nearly everything out there for what I need (huge magnification on very small package) but has some serious drawbacks (not detachable, fogs easily)

apart from the mounting mechanism (some may suck big time), I'd say you have to go to the zacuto one to feel the difference (that one is awesome, the absolute gold standard, but it has a price to match)
 
SDesign said:
For a reasonably priced follow focus that does not require rails and works quite well provided you get the right size diameter(s) for your lens(es), you might want to checkout the DSLR Follow Focus.

Here are a couple sample videos that show what the DSLR Follow Focus capable of (best viewed in HD):

http://youtu.be/Em8FcZXzpzY

http://youtu.be/hS7FWR3va98

**Full disclosure: I am the creator and manufacturer of the DSLR Follow Focus. It was developed because I was looking for an "under $100" professional follow/rack focus solution that I would not be embarrassed to pull out when doing client work. One did not exist, so I created it.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Regards,
Aric Spence
DSLR Solutions
Click to expand...

Thanks. I will check it out.
 
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