If you’re like most people, you probably take a lot of videos on your iPhone. And if you’re like most people, those videos are probably a little shaky.
That’s because even the best iPhone cameras can’t match the stability of a real video camera.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no way to stabilize your videos.
With a few simple tips, you can make sure your videos are smooth and steady every time.
What Causes Shakey iPhone Footage?
When you watch a Hollywood movie, the picture is always smooth.
But when you try to record a video on your iPhone, it often comes out shaky and hard to watch.
Here are a few of the most common and prominent reasons that iPhone footage is often shaky.
Lack Of Experience
The most common cause is simply a lack of care or experience when shooting with an iPhone.
If a professional cinema camera was operated by an amateur, the final footage would likely look very poor — the same is true for iPhones.
The good news is that iPhones are a lot easier to learn and operate than other cameras. And, with the tips we will cover later, you will no longer be an inexperienced amateur when it comes to iPhone filmmaking.
iPhones Are Light
Another common reason for shakey iPhone footage is that iPhones don’t weigh much.
This might not seem like something that affects stability, but it actually does!
Heavier objects are actually easier to hold steady than light ones.
Some iPhones Don’t Have Image Stabilization
This isn’t an issue with newer phones, but some older models of the iPhone were built without image stabilization.
Image stabilization is a technology built into many cameras and smartphones that helps to automatically stabilize video footage.
Most models after the iPhone 6 come with image stabilization built-in.
How To Stabilize Your iPhone Videos
Hold Your Camera Carefully
The easiest way to get stable iPhone footage is to change the way you hold your smartphone.
Here are some simple steps to take to start improving your smartphone footage right away
- First, brace your arms against your body. This will help to steady your hands and avoid camera shake.
- Second, keep your elbows close to your sides. This will give you more control over the camera and help you keep it steadier.
- Third, use both hands to hold the camera. This will provide more stability than using one hand.
- Fourth, keep your wrists straight and avoid moving them side to side. This will help to keep the camera level and avoid shaky footage.
Following these simple tips will help you get smoother and more stable iPhone footage with minimal effort.
Move Carefully
One of the biggest contributors to shaky iPhone footage is movement. If you plan to move around while shooting, it is very important that you move carefully.
To do this, you need to be aware of how you’re moving the device and make an effort to be as smooth as possible.
First, avoid sudden jerks or movements.
Start and stop your recording smoothly, and keep your transitions fluid.
You should also try to keep the iPhone as steady as possible.
If you can, use both hands to support it, or prop it up on a steady surface.
In addition, be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid walking into things or shaking the camera too much.
By following these simple tips, you can make your iPhone footage look a lot smoother and more professional.
Use A Stabilizer Or Gimbal
Even if you have steady hands, it’s hard to keep the camera perfectly still when you’re moving around.
That’s where a stabilizer or gimbal comes in handy.
A stabilizer is a device that helps to keep your camera steady, whether you’re hand-holding it or mounting it on a tripod.
A gimbal is similar to a stabilizer, but it uses sensors and motors to keep the camera level at all times.
This can be a great help if you’re shooting video while walking or moving around.
Both stabilizers and gimbals can help you get smoother, more professional-looking footage.
Note that both these devices can range wildly in price. Gimbals can be especially pricey as they contain complex electronic components such as motors.
That said, those serious about getting smoother, more professional-looking iPhone footage should seriously consider investing in a stabilizer or gimbal.
So if you’re serious about iPhone videography, consider investing in one of these devices.
Read More: Camera Gimbals: The Ultimate Guide
Use An App
One of the most frustrating feelings is to realize that the video you already shot has turned out shaky!
Fortunately, there are now a number of apps available that can help to stabilize your iPhone videos after you’ve finished filming.
Many of these apps use advanced algorithms to automatically detect and correct any movement.
As a result, you can rest assured that your videos will come out looking smooth and professional.
Whether you’re shooting a family vacation or a birthday party, using an app to stabilize your iPhone video will help you capture memories that you’ll be able to treasure for years to come.
Check out this helpful list of iPhone stabilization apps (both free and paid).
Edit Your Video In Post
If all else fails, you can always simply cut out the shakey, unwanted parts of your footage.
Edit your video carefully.
Even the steadiest videos can benefit from a little editing.
If you’re not satisfied with how your video looks, don’t be afraid to trim out some of the shakier parts or add stabilization effects in post-production.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to stabilize your iPhone videos.
By using one or more of the methods described above, you can get smoother and clearer videos that are less likely to make people seasick.
Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you and the kind of videos you like to shoot.
With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
