Camera Stabilizer Options Follow
The main types of camera stabilization are as follows:
- In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- In Lens Stabilization
- Electronic camera / phone stabilization gimbals
- Mechanical, counter weight balanced gimbals
In Body Image Stabilization
This type of camera stabilization consists of micro processor motors attached to the camera sensor. Most IBIS systems are of the 5-axis variety (tilt, roll, pan, yaw and pitch), meaning they will shift the sensor on 5 different axes to counter-act small shifts in movement created when hand holding a camera.
This is a very successful means of effecting a fluid handheld experience especially in regards to shooting video footage.
In Lens Stabilization
This type of stabilizer is built into a camera lens and usually consists of a 2-axis stabilization system (X and Y axes).
Floating lens elements are shifted electronically to counter-act opposite camera shake movement sensed by the camera.
Many newer camera brands can combine in lens stabilization with in body stabilization for more effective overall shake reduction.
Handheld electronic camera / phone stabilization gimbals
This type of stabilizer is generally a 3-axis handheld gimbal which electronically stabilizes the tilt, roll and pan of a camera by electronically sensing those movements and counter-acting them.
They come in different sizes which allow a variety of payloads to be attached. These can vary from action cam and mobile phone size gimbals all the way up to gimbals that can accomodate heavy weight DSLR / mirrorless cameras with large and heavy lenses attached.
They usually offer a variety of different software settings allowing the gimbal to behave in different ways depending on your filming needs.
The one downside of this type of gimbal is it's delicate nature and reliability on battery power.
Mechanical, counter weight balanced gimbals
This type of camera stabilizer was, and in some ways still is, the film making industry standard type of stabilizer.
They tend to be large and heavy when combined with the camera gear and counter weights necessary to balance the entire unit. Many are available with accessory shoulder and waist harnesses to help the operater carry the load.
The upside to these units is they are all mechanical, very sturdy, and have no need for battery power.
The downside is that they have a much steeper learning curve to master the art of using them successfully.