This entry is a transcription for the video below. Check it out!
If you make videos, you’ve probably seen one of these before. It’s called a gimbal and videographers use them to get extremely smooth footage. There are times where this is an incredibly useful tool, but it’s not a cure-all and shouldn’t be used in every situation. Gimbals are great for shots where the camera is moving, especially if you’re following a subject. If you’re shooting long-form content like music performances or a wedding ceremony, gimbals help make sure that the whole 30 or 60 minute shot is usable.
For stationary shots, though, you’re better off going handheld for some natural movement or a tripod if you want the shot locked off. These kinds of shots put emphasis on objects moving onscreen within the frame, rather than the movement of the camera itself. If you as the camera operator are pretty much standing still during recording, odds are, you don’t need a gimbal… and you’ll be surprised how often that’s what you’re doing!
Amateur gimbal operators tend to capture footage that bobs up and down. To fix bad gimbal form, you need to use your arms and legs like a suspension system. Don’t lock your elbows in, and walk heel-toe with a slight crouch so that your whole body is nice and springy.