2008Steadi-Newbies forum
Whether to enable in-camera image stabilization when shooting with a stabilizing rig like a Steadicam or Glidecam
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Image stabilization should be turned off when operating a mechanical stabilizing rig, as the camera's automatic corrections can conflict with deliberate rig movements and create unwanted artifacts.
- Image stabilization causes noticeable lag and confusion during fast pans, particularly when using telephoto lenses with a rig.
- Learning to operate a stabilizing rig with image stabilization enabled can create bad habits, as operators may unconsciously compensate for the stabilizer's behavior.
- Image stabilization may provide benefit only when the rig itself has vibration issues during straight-line shots where no deliberate camera movement is intended.
- Image stabilization can be useful when the camera is stationary and the operator is simply trying to minimize breathing and body movement, provided no active framing adjustments are being made.
Depends on
- These findings come from operators of early 2000s camcorders (Canon GL2, Sony FX1, Glidecam) and may not apply to modern stabilization systems.
- The recommendation to disable stabilization represents general consensus but was not universally agreed upon in the discussion.
- No controlled testing or technical measurements were provided to quantify the performance impact.
- Applicability may differ depending on the specific stabilizing rig model and the camera model being used.