Camera Top Handles: A Guide To Better Footage

These days there are many high-tech and expensive options for camera stabilization.

But did you know that one of the most effective tools to achieve better footage is actually one of the cheapest and easiest to use?

That tool is the modest top handle.

A top handle is a type of camera grip which attaches to the top of your camera. These grips can either be attached directly to the camera or to a camera cage. A top handle provides a more sturdy way to hold a camera and also helps stabilize video footage.

Now that you have an idea of what a top handle is, let us take a look at why you should be using one in your filmmaking and just how to use one.

Why You Should Use A Top Handle For Shooting Video

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to camera rigs, so why would you choose a top handle?

Cost

Most top handles are inexpensive, especially when compared to other camera stabilization options like gimbals.

Gimbals can set you back hundreds of dollars, whereas a reasonably priced top handle will cost only a fraction of that.

While top handles are no replacement for a gimbal, their price makes them ideal for entry-level filmmakers looking to up their videography for cheap.

Simplicity

Top handles are fairly simple in design, and that’s actually a good thing!

Because they are so simple, without any fancy electronics or moving parts, top handles make shooting quick and fun.

There’s no worry about batteries or balancing, just grab and go!

Balance And Stabilization

Top handles allow you to achieve more steady footage, with less shake and unwanted camera movement.

The way this works is very simple…

Once a top handle is attached to your camera, your camera’s weight naturally stabilizes itself. The key to making sure these works is to hold the top handle loosely (but not too loosely!). Basically, you should be letting gravity do all the work!

How To Get Better Footage With A Top Handle

Here are a few methods for improving your filmmaking with a top handle.

Don’t Hold The Handle Too Tight

Top handles can help to steady your footage by putting some room in between you and your camera.

This means less of your body and hand movement and vibration will appear in your footage.

However, this won’t work as well if you clutch the top handle too hard.

The harder you hold your top handle, the more vibration and shake will be transferred to your camera.

Therefore, it is important to hold your top handle in a manner that is firm enough to not drop your camera but loose at the same time.

Use Manual Focus

It can be tempting to shoot in autofocus mode, but shooting in manual mode with the assistance of a top handle will give you a much more cinematic quality to your footage.

Set your camera to manual mode and focus on something around a meter or two in front of you.

Once you have focussed, focus by moving towards or away from your subject while loosely clutching your top mount.

This is one of simplest ways to achieve more cinematic footage.

Types Of Camera Top Handle (And How To Attach Them)

There are two main styles of top handle mounting systems: Hot Shoe/ Cold Shoe Mounts and Camera Cage Mounts.

Hot Shoe/ Cold Shoe Mounts

This style of mount is essentially universal — if your camera has a hot or cold shoe attachment, then this style of top handle will attach.

To install, simply slide the top handle’s mount into your hot or cold shoe and tighten using.

The downside to this style of top handle is its sturdiness. Hot and cold shoe mounts are only as strong as your camera’s design — meaning that a camera with a lower quality hot or cold shoe could be at risk of damage if overloaded with, say, a heavy lens.

Camera Cage Mounts

This style of mount is designed to attach to a camera cage.

Camera cages encase attach to the outside of your camera and provide enhanced protection and attachment options for your camera.

Top handles with camera cage mounts screw into the cage. As a result, they are much sturdier and more trustworthy than their hot or cold shoe counterparts.

Different camera cages have different methods of attachment and are only compatible with certain top handles. Make sure to purchase a top handle that works with your cage and review its specific instructions for attachment.

Best Camera Top Handles

1. Ulanzi UURIG Universal Hand Grip

This camera top handle is an affordable and simple option that is ideal for beginner filmmakers.

Thanks to its hot shoe mount, this style of grip can be mounted to almost any camera, as long as it has a hot or cold shoe attachment.

Unfortunately, this style of mount is only as reliable as your camera’s hot shoe, and therefore shouldn’t be used with particularly heavy lenses or gear.

This grip also has its own cold shoe mounts for attaching accessories such as microphones and video monitors.

Pros: Affordable, universal, mounts for accessories.

Cons: Hot shoe mount is not as strong as cage mount.

Best for: Casual filmmakers, people on a budget.

Click here to check out the Ulanzi UURIG Universal Hand Grip on Amazon