Article Detail
11 Oct
Stabilizers
No one wants to watch video that shakes and moves randomly. In fact, viewers will not watch your video if they have to work to track the footage in the frame. You need to stabilize your camera. Tripods are a great solution, but the odds are if you are shooting with your phone you are not carrying a tripod. Fortunately there are other options.
The Adorama Heavy Duty L-bracket (w/ 2 Shoe Mounts) costs less than $8. A bargain. You will want at least two shoe mounts on your bracket. One for an accessory light and the other for attaching audio (mixer, wireless receiver, shotgun mic, digital recorder.) There are plenty of L-brackets available in the market, ranging in price from $6 - 25 dollars. The price variation is for better hand grips, adjustment options and number and placement of shoe mounts.
An alternative camera bracket/grip is the Shoulderpod S1 Professional Smartphone Rig. While it does not have the accessory
mounts, it can attach to a tripod or offer a better hand-hold for gripping your camera.
Tripods are the most loathed accessory in video production. They are heavy, awkward and usually left behind in the closet. All the same, they are the one tool that will differentiate your story from the other haphazard and amateur content you will find online.
Desktop Tripods
Sometimes a small desktop tripod is all you need to create a stable image. For ease of use and convenience I recommend the Pedco UltraPod II. The system can stand on fold-out, no-slip feet, or attach to solid objects with a Velcro strap. A ball and socket camera mount assembly adjusts to multiple positions quickly and easily. It folds to 7” and weighs only 4 oz. Made from fiberglass reinforced nylon with aluminum threaded components.