Shaky Surveillance Video Prevention – 6 Tips to Help!
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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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