Video surveillance is one of the most crucial activities for any reputable private investigator and it is also one of the most important tools of the trade. The private investigator must employ appropriate work techniques, excellent work ethics, best equipment and most of all take high quality video clips. Video clips of a certain event can either make or break a case. To get outstanding surveillance footage, a private investigator must have access to good equipment and understand video surveillance and filming techniques such as video editing and post production. While video surveillance is usually conducted from a distance, there is a need to get as much high quality video footage as possible. If that didn’t work out like you planned, you may need this iMovie tutorial to fix shaky video.
Amateurish, blurry, low quality and shaky videos should never be submitted to court by any self-respecting professional P.I. In years past, equipment was costly and bulky. The recent emergence of smart phones can now be used to document important events casually without raising any suspicion. However, even with the incredible technology available in these devices you may still find some shaky and bumpy video clips; but there’s a solution that could remake your clip into a stable high quality recording – iMovie.
iMovie is video editing software by Apple made for use by people who can’t spend three years learning to edit videos. It works only on iOS and Mac devices. iMovie has been a favorite for many novice users who want good results without the fuss of learning a professional editing tool. Here is a step by step iMovie tutorial on fixing shaky or jittery videos.
iMovie Tutorial Part 1: Four main ways to analyze for stabilization on Mac
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Click the “After Import Analyze for Stabilization” button in the import box. This allows iMovie to scan all clips being imported. This option works best if you have a lot of videos to analyze.
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Otherwise, select a single clip in the Event Browser and then select File – Analyze Video – Stabilization. This analyzes the entire clip even if you’ve selected just a part of it.
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Alternately you can choose to analyze a section of your clip. Select a single section of your clip by selecting the desired clip in the Project Browser and then select File – Analyze video – Stabilization. iMovie does not scan the whole clip in the Event Browser. However, if more video from the same clip is added, iMovie may analyze it again and again.
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Double-clicking a clip brings up the Clip Inspector. Click the Analyze Entire Clip if it is in the Event Browser. If the selected clip is in the Project Browser, then click the Stabilization: Smooth Clip Motion box.
iMovie Tutorial Part 2: How does iMovie stabilize Videos?
The time taken in the stabilization process depends on the video length. What really happens is that iMovie zooms and crops the video so that it can focus solely on the primary theme of the video and keep it centered. The amount of stabilization applied in a particular video is in direct proportion to the amount of zoom and cropping applied by the iMovie software.
Any recorded video is usually made up of an array of pictures known as frames. iMovie thus becomes the best option when it comes to analyzing every single frame in the video, and once it finds a camera motion that went off during recording, it rotates the video clips to remove the bumps.
To fix a shaky video, iMovie analyzes each and every picture in the video and compares the edited picture with the one nearby so as to recognize the changes realized in every angle. When stabilization is completed, iMovie slides the video clip to iron out the jitters and other bumps.
There’s an indicator in the iMovie software that shows when work is in progress. Once completed, a check mark is displayed in the “Stabilize Shaky Video” box. The amount of stabilization applied to the video footage is also displayed.
iMovie Tutorial Part 3: Don’t forget these tips
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Preview your stabilized clip so as to confirm whether the quality of the video is as desired. Click the Play button in the viewer once the Playback options are displayed.
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If the quality desired is not yet attained, apply more stabilization by adjusting the “Stabilize Shaky Video” slider.
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Note that when the analyzed video is played from the Event Browser, it plays it in its original recorded state without smoothing out the clip motion. Stabilization will be noticeable only when the video is played in the project browser.
Even the most professional private eye has a bad day every now and then. Hopefully these tips will help you correct those shaky, unstable videos to provide your client with the results they need.
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Introduction
Shaky surveillance video is a common challenge that plagues most investigators. As a private investigator, it is vital to capture clear photos and videos of your subjects in order to offer satisfying results and evidence to your clients. However, it is not as simple as you may think. There are several factors that you have to consider in order to get quality images. These factors include the cameras lens, choice of the aperture, shutter speed and so on. But these can be easily remedied by choosing the right surveillance equipment.
However, shaky surveillance video is a problem that requires a more detailed approach. But, with a few tips, you may be able to solve this problem. In this article, I will bring you up to speed with a few tips and tricks on how to handle surveillance equipment, video cameras and spy cameras in order to achieve video stabilization by preventing the cameras from shaking.
6 Tips for Preventing Shaky Surveillance Video
- Holding a camera like a pro
Knowing the correct way to hold your video camera is the most important part of filming. Well, apart from knowing how to record! Below are some quick tips on how to hold your camera steady in order to get smooth movements while filming. Remember, the best videos are the steady ones.
- Use both hands – Even though this tip is self-explanatory, it is super effective. If you are filming using a camcorder, it is advisable to hold the camera on its handle strap or the top handle and then brace it underneath using your free hand.
- Don’t tense up – It is always advisable to be loose and feel comfortable while filming. It may be a little tricky since you want the camera to be still but, teasing your arms or locking your knees will tire you up. Before you start recording, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. In addition, always absorb any unevenness of the terrain you are on before hitting that record button.
- Pinkies up – When shooting on a point & shoot camera, a camera phone or spy cameras, consider this rule. The technique ensures your fingers do not block the lens and still keep your arms steady.
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Elbows in
Try to hold a good and strong stance – your legs and shoulder width apart, holding the camera firmly and close to your face. The key is tucking in your elbows. This supports your upper body and reduces any chances of your arms moving. When working with a wide, a low shutter speed or even both, breathing can cause a shake. It helps if you first exhale or inhale and then hold your breath as you take the shot. This is because expansion of your lungs can cause unwanted movement.
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Get leaning
One of the best ways to stay steady is finding a solid structure to rest or lean on. You can lean on a wall, fence or even a lamp post. Depending on the structure’s height, you can rest the camera on it. Even better, you can lean on it therefore taking some weight off your feet hence giving you the more stability.
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Holding stances
There are two popular stances you can try in video stabilization. The first one involves creating a tripod with your knees. You can create the tripod by resting your elbow on your knee while in a seated position. The other is squatting down with one knee facing up and using that knee to rest your elbow. Again, remember to hold the camera firmly and close to your face and try to hold your breath after breathing in or out.
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Lie down
Lie flat on the ground allowing the lens to sit directly on the ground. The problem with this position is that you must have a downward tilt to the lens.
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Get close to the subject
Lastly, you should get as close as you can to the subject. The less you zoom, the lesser impact of movement will be and therefore a smaller chance of shaky surveillance videos.
In Closing…
That is not all there is to know about preventing shaky surveillance videos, but with these tips you will be in a better position to capture stable videos and good photos for your clients. Make the best out of these tips and ensure your clients are pleased with what you offer, but don’t stop here. Think about what you do and come up with your own tips and then tell us about them in the comments! Good luck!
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Options? What options?
You may be asking yourself, “What types of covert cameras are available for a person who is interested in surveillance?” Well it turns out that I’ve got several listed in this introductory article. Keep in mind there are many more types of spy cameras available than what I have listed here, and in the coming days and months I’ll be writing some articles about many others. I’ll also be going into more detail about these types of cameras as well, and hopefully giving you some useful information on where you might think to use them. Who knows. I might even throw in a few “technique” articles as well…
Mobile SpyCams
Bluetooth Headset Camera
Some covert cameras are disguised as bluetooth headsets and record in High Definition. Typically these are operated by various combinations of button presses, but some are voice activated. Either way, you’d be wise to practice before using them in a real scenario. Typically there is no display on these devices (that would not be very covert now, would it?) so you need to practice using them to become proficient. If you are a Macintosh user, you may want to confirm that the device is compatible with OSX, or be prepared to use a Windows computer or virtual machine to access your video and images. USB interfaces are the typical transfer method for this type of camera (and most other mobile covert surveillance equipment), but if the camera is equipped with an SD memory card you may be able to remove it and insert into a card reader on your computer.
Eyeglasses Camera
Older iterations of eyeglass cameras were not really covert at all. Most of these cameras looked like eyewear seen in 1970s era discos, or perhaps even Wall Street in the 1980s. Yes, you know the type of glasses I’m talking about, only these had a third noticeable lens for the camera located in the nose bridge of the glasses. Newer models are much more passable as trendy eyewear with camera optics that are all but unnoticeable. There are even models available that are in the form of sunglasses, like these. Even though they are much better than in previous years, you may want to still keep your distance with some models if the lens is obvious to others.
Cellphone Camera
We all know that most mobile phones have cameras built-in, but undercover cameras can be built into phone housings with the lens in a different location. For instance, the camera lens might be placed on the top edge of the unit and disguised as an earphone jack, though you probably don’t want so shove a headphone plug in there. These (like many others) are not inexpensive, so don’t throw them around like your old Samsung flip phone.
Wearable
Because of the constant reduction in size of camera technology, video and still cameras can be found in all types of wearable form factors. From ball caps to buttons, many products exist to give you an opportunity for the perfect shot. In fact, you can find some camera units that have no “disguise” and are just waiting for you to come up with some cool new form factor that no one has thought of yet! Seriously, be creative. Maybe at some point we’ll do a demo of how you can create your own form factor of spy cameras.
Fixed Position Surveillance Equipment
Wired Cameras
Certain situations may allow for fixed position surveillance cameras. These cameras are mounted in fixed locations around buildings and properties. Once installed, these cameras are typically not relocatable. Some of these cameras allow for movement in order to cover more area. Why include these as spy cameras? Because they are surveillance cameras that can be positioned in different areas that are not readily visible. Most people do not notice things that are outside of their normal field of vision. Placing a fixed position wired surveillance camera can give great video coverage while still remaining relatively undetectable. Typically, these devices are used in conjunction with a DVR recording system, though in years passed they were generally hooked into banks of VCR’s or optical disc recorders. You can even get some systems that have IR (infrared) night recording capabilities. Many models are internet enabled and can be viewed literally across the world, away from the installation site.
Wireless Spy Cameras
Similar to the wired fixed position cameras, these cameras are normally used in conjunction with a DVR system, but may also be internet enabled. These devices offer additional flexibility in positioning due to the fact that they do not require signal cables to upload video or for power.
Car Camera
When I was a kid, a television program called “COPS” became popular. If you’ve ever seen a show with an officer pulling someone over and getting a good shot of the dashboard camera, you know what I’m talking about. These cameras can be used in mobile surveillance situations and can be mounted in a variety of locations within the vehicle. Most models do not offer the ability to change the shot angles, so you have to point the car in the right direction to get the best shot.
Hidden Cameras
Some spy cameras are built into common household items and can be positioned in various places. You may have heard of “nanny cams” before, and they fall into this category. As with most other concealed cameras, your imagination is the only limitation to what you can get. I will not detail every type of hidden camera that can be purchased, but will give you just a few examples. Clock radios, smoke detectors, and even home entertainment equipment can be purchased with cameras inside.
One really interesting idea with hidden cameras is similar to what we discussed with wearable cameras. Because standalone camera modules can be purchased, you can create a custom-made enclosure to fit into the environment that you are trying to get on video. This means that anything you see around you has the potential for becoming a camera housing. Go wild with your imagination and build your own!
Conclusion
There is literally no end to the form factors that video surveillance cameras can have. Many of these spy cameras also provide still image capture capabilities, but with easy access to video editing software tools it’s easy to capture decent stills from video. Explore different websites to get an idea of what can be purchased, and perhaps even create your own if you have an idea. It isn’t all that difficult with the modules available to you today. Just look around you and see what you could put a camera into. But make sure no one will miss whatever it is if you have to remove the insides!
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