Rig Stabilizer Buying Guide

When you think of camera accessories, your mind probably fills with images of lenses, microphones, and cables. Perhaps even a few images of tripods and cages pop up as second thoughts. You may not immediately think of stabilizers as a must-have in your gear.

A camera stabilizer is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you need in your photography gear to create beautiful, stable videos. It's often an underrated piece, but its presence can enhance the quality of your videos in unparalleled ways.

With so many stabilizers available online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've put together a list of criteria to consider when looking for a new stabilizer for your camera.

Without further ado, let's dive into our stabilizer buying guide.

Camera Stabilizer Basics: What is a Stabilizer?

A camera stabilizer, also called a “camera stabilization gimbal,” is a piece of equipment designed to hold a camera in a way that prevents unwanted movement and maintains smooth footage while shooting.

While there are a few different types of stabilizers, they all rely on the weight of your camera and must be properly balanced. This is because all camera stabilizers work on the same basic principle: the weight and movement of the stabilizer serve to counterbalance the weight and movement of your camera. So, in addition to choosing a stabilizer that best matches your camera model and weight, you may also need to adjust it to properly counter its movement.

Camera stabilisers can incorporate gimbals to prevent camera shake or even be fitted with brushless monitors for precise adjustments.

Why are stabilisers important?

Whether you're filming or photographing, almost nothing will ruin an image or video more than sharpness due to camera shake. Unwanted movement while shooting not only affects your audience's viewing experience. It also makes your shots look messy or amateurish.

The Benefits of Using a Camera Stabilizer

The main advantage of a camera stabilizer is its ability to stabilize shots better than a camera operator alone could. But camera stabilizers also have several other benefits, including:

The ability to film from different angles that might not be possible without a stabiliser
An easier and more comfortable way to hold the camera, especially for long periods of time
The ability to capture fluid shots in motion
They provide a place to attach additional camera accessories

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Camera Stabilizer

With the benefits a camera stabilizer has to offer, it's definitely worth considering adding one to your camera gear collection. You'll notice increased quality and professionalism that could translate into more work opportunities and boost your career as a content creator.

There are so many types of camera stabilizers on the market. How can you decide which one to choose? Should you focus solely on your budget or consider other factors?

To help you make the best decision, consider the following when choosing a camera stabilizer:

Your project
Your type of content
Your budget
Compatibility with your camera
Compatibility with other accessories

Other factors to consider

These are some of the main factors to consider, but they are not the only ones. You can also choose between a motorized or non-motorized stabilizer. The main difference between these two types is that the latter does not have an electrically powered motor; it works by mechanically balancing the camera with its weight. Non-motorized stabilizers can be adjusted manually, allowing you to have a little more control over the stabilizer than you would with a motorized model.

Camera gimbal models don't only differ in their stabilization mechanism. Gimbals come in different types, weights, and sizes, which means some are more portable than others. If you'll be holding your gimbal and camera for long periods of time, you may want to invest in a lighter handheld model. If your shoots are short, or if you'll be attaching your gimbal to a separate cart or car, you may want to opt for a bulkier and heavier version. Also consider the portability of your gimbal if you plan to take it with you, and choose a model that's highly portable and can easily fit in your backpack.

SmallRig camera stabilisers: stabilisers worth your investment

Our SmallRig stabilizers are designed to help you shoot stable videos without having to invest a large portion of your budget in purchasing this type of video accessory. On SmallRig, you can find over 96 different types of stabilizers, ranging from mounting clamps to sling hand grips and more.

Find what you're looking for in our wide range of camera stabilisers.

Conclusion

Filming with smooth, stable shots is the best way to give your film and photos that extra touch of professionalism and quality. Unless you're intentionally looking for a blurred or unstable shot, you'll appreciate the ability to consistently take stable shots with a camera stabiliser.

We hope you've found this guide helpful in discerning and choosing the right camera stabilisers for your video shooting projects and needs. Be sure to check out our extensive collection of camera stabilizers that will help you take the quality of your videos to the next level.