Brief history of the stabilizer
A stabilizer is a device used by operators in film and video shooting to make camera movement smoother when recording a moving object by hand.
Before the invention of the stabilizer, moving objects were filmed using a dolly system (the camera was mounted on a platform, and the platform was placed on rails), a crane, or a lightweight camera held in hand (but even then, shaking was unavoidable). American cameraman Garrett Brown realized that the expressive capabilities of a movie camera were quite limited, so in the 1970s he invented the stabilizer.
Garrett Brown's system consisted of the following elements: the operator wore a vest, to which a so-called 'third arm' was attached—an articulated element similar to those used in desk lamps—and a tripod was attached to the third arm. The camera and control monitor were mounted on the tripod, and the structure was balanced by weights that 'dampened' vibrations caused by the operator's walking.
Over time, the system was improved, and semi-professional models appeared for mass video production. First came the mechanical stabilizer—a smaller version of Brown's invention—which held the camera using a system of weights and joints.
But the operator had to adjust the mechanical stabilizer individually for different cameras, and any gust of wind or careless movement could ruin the shot with sudden shaking.
Electronic stabilizers replaced mechanical ones. Very easy to set up, they quickly became popular and are widely used by videographers, including in our studio.
Decided to shoot a video for yourself or your brand? Can't wait to see how the shots from the stabilizer will look? Then fill out the brief, and our manager will answer all your questions.
Interesting fact
Steadicam is a popular synonym for 'stabilizer'. You can hear it, for example, in the speech of professional operators. In fact, it is a registered trademark of Tiffen, one of the first companies to produce stabilizers for filmmaking. The same story happened with Xerox, which produced copying machines (later becoming 'xeroxes').
Filmography of the stabilizer
After inventing his device, Brown decided to sell it. So he used the stabilizer to shoot a 'promo video'. In it, Brown's wife simply walked up the stairs (the image was smooth, as if shot from a dolly). This impressed the producers of United Artists so much that they agreed to use it in the upcoming film 'Bound for Glory'. In 1977, this film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography.
The director of 'Rocky', John G. Avildsen, decided to use the stabilizer, impressed by its capabilities. He realized that the stabilizer would allow him to make memorable shots even on a small budget (the studio allocated $1 million for the entire film).
Our compatriot Alexander Sokurov used a stabilizer in his film 'Russian Ark', shot without a single edit. In 2020, Apple decided to repeat Sokurov's experience and shot a five-hour project 'Hermitage', which also used various stabilization systems, but for a smartphone.
For what kind of shooting to use a stabilizer?
Using a stabilizer allows the operator to make the image more dynamic and interesting, and to engage the viewer even more in what is happening on screen. Here are a few situations where you can use a Steadicam.
Concert filming
Create the illusion of shooting on a slider, or make a circular pan around the artist to create a parallax effect—in any case, the image will be captivating.
Host walkthrough
Sometimes you need to show the host or speaker in motion. Using a stabilizer, we engage the viewer even more: they will feel as if they are next to the host and following them. The stabilizer is especially indispensable during online broadcasts because it allows the operator to smoothly follow the speaker along the most complex routes.
For reportage shooting
During shooting of any event the stabilizer will help capture any movement or film a scene. The shots will be smooth and can be used in final editing.
For dynamic action shots
Sports games, training sessions, mass dances—all these events will become even more interesting if filmed with a stabilizer.
Complex panoramas
Show all the details of the Winter Palace, the monumentality of the General Staff Building, or walk through Kazan Square to show the majestic Kazan Cathedral at the end of the shot. All this can be done with a stabilizer.
Wheredo we use the stabilizer?
We use the stabilizer in almost all projects. For example, in report videos: we filmed IKEA employees inviting customers to the store after the lifting of restrictions; we showed in detail the equipment of the musicians Brainstorm and the scale of the exhibition 'Gold of the Inca Empire'.
We also use the stabilizer at concert shoots and during online broadcasts. In February 2021, we worked at the IJA conference and held a tour of the jewelry exhibition specifically for online participants, following the host.
Remember that hands always shake. Even a professional operator finds it quite difficult to avoid camera shake, so we use a stabilizer to create truly high-quality shots.
If you want to make a professional and high-quality video, then leave a request on the website. Or fill out the brief. The manager will contact you shortly.
