5 Video Stabilizers for Silky Smooth Footage

Camera shake provides a great creative look for a horror film, but it’s less than ideal for photographing events—especially weddings. It’s distracting and often takes away from the moments you’re working so hard to capture. 

Getting smooth and steady video is a combination of both good technique and advanced technology. While camera and lens image stabilization have made amazing strides, they can’t do it alone. Third-party accessories provide a step up in technology, which, when mastered, allows you to produce cinema-quality footage whether you are producing run-and-gun coverage or creating time-lapse video. 

You don’t necessarily have to invest in bulky and expensive camera accessories, either. Here are some choices that will fit both your needs and budget. 

Camera Motion Research’s Blackbird Camera Stabilizer

The Blackbird Camera Stabilizer offers a high-end but affordable stabilizer for cameras weighing between 1 and 8 pounds. Its unique design provides very low friction, precise alignment and durability. The camera stage provides easy-to-handle adjustment knobs for precision x-y positioning of the camera for perfect leveling. Its well-constructed dovetail guides delivers secure footing for your camera and avoids the shifting that can plague lesser models. The stage on which the camera sits includes a scale to reference when reattaching the camera, avoiding time spent rebalancing the stabilizer. The gimbal includes six precision ball bearings that not only provide excellent control but also the smooth feel that helps to deliver quality footage. 
Price: $675

Camalapse 4

Whether you’re interested in creating dynamic time-lapse or panoramic video, the Camalapse 4 provides an affordable and compact solution for producing up to 360-degree/60 minutes of pictures or video. Weighing just 3.9 ounces, the pocketable unit supports camera equipment up to 5 pounds and features metal-threaded tripod adapters on the top and bottom. Its water-resistant design makes it capable of handling a light rain or water spray. The unit is easy to use by simply pointing the camera in the direction where you want the capture to stop and then twisting the base toward your starting point. Start recording and the Camalapse does the rest of the work for you, slowly and gentling panning the camera toward your designated end point while you sit back and relax. It’s available in black, red, blue and silver.
Price: $30

Syrp Genie Mini 

The Syrp Genie Mini is an ultra-compact motion control accessory that provides smooth and precise panning and tilting for virtually any camera from a GoPro to a DSLR. It’s an ideal accessory whether you’re creating smooth motion time-lapse or real-time video. The unit can be used on your existing tripod and then controlled via your smartphone using the Syrp Genie app. You can begin shooting by using the built-in presets within the app or customize to fit your own needs. To provide further versatility, the Syrp Mini can be attached to the Syrp Genie, which provides motion control on a tripod or slider. The Syrp can pan with a load of 17.6 pounds but only performs a tilt if it’s holding 11 pounds—which should still accommodate most DSLR and lens combos. It can make a 360-degree rotation in as little as 31 seconds but you can set it to go much longer, too. 
Price: $249

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Edelkrone Pocket Rig 2

This ultra-portable and collapsible DSLR rig will appeal to photographers who want to keep weight and bulk to a minimum. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the Pocket Rig 2 features a fully adjustable arm that provides a rifle-like stabilization experience. The arm folds out from beneath the camera base and then presses comfortably against your chest or securely on your belt. This improves stability offered by simply free-holding the camera several inches from your eye. The unit offers even more versatility thanks to two collapsing 15mm rods that can accommodate the addition of a focusing rig to maintain sharpness on the fly. The rods can be extended out to 18cm. There’s also a ¼-inch hole at the bottom so you can attach the Pocket Rig 2 to your tripod to serve as a baseplate.
Price: $290

Tiffen Steadicam Curve 

If you have incorporated the GoPro HERO camera as part of your digital kit, the Steadicam Curve provides you the tool you’ll need to capture smooth run-and-gun footage for quality B-roll. Compact enough to carry in your pocket, the unit is built using a strong aluminum frame and weighs only half a pound. It features an adjustable bottom weight to achieve the balance you need for effective use. The Curve is compatible with the GoPro mounting system and accommodates current models as well as HERO 2 and HERO 3 mounts. You will need to use your GoPro with the accessory LCD BacPac attached, otherwise your camera won’t balance correctly. 
Price: $59.95