32 Bit 3 Axis Gimbal / Photo Credit: GiniRigs - Wikipedia
FILM 3-AXIS CAMERA GIMBAL? (In the
Entertainment industry. What is a 3-AXIS
Camera Gimbal?)
What is a 3-AXIS Camera Gimbal?
A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of
an object about a single axis. ... Handheld 3-axis gimbals are used in
stabilization systems designed to give the camera operator the independence of
handheld shooting without camera vibration or shake.
Gimbals are
certainly exciting with their promise of delivering smooth footage even when
you’re running at full speed. Traditional handheld stabilizers like a Glidecam
can be unwieldy, temperamental, and come with a steep learning curve just to
get usable results. A gimbal sounds like the solution to all of your problems.
In reality,
while a gimbal has many benefits, it also comes with its own list of caveats.
This guide will help you determine whether a 3-axis gimbal is the right tool
for your needs.
Here’s a
look at what kind of footage 3-axis gimbals are capable of when used by an
experienced operator:
I stress
“experienced operator”, because even though a gimbal lowers the learning curve
in some ways compared to something like a Glidecam, it’s important to know that
3-axis gimbals still require a lot of practice and experience to get great
results.
If you’re
cool with that, let’s dig in:
WHAT IS A
3-AXIS BRUSHLESS GIMBAL?
The simplest
way to understand what a 3-axis brushless gimbal is, we need to work backwards:
- Gimbal — a
device that keeps the camera level by pivoting around it...
- Brushless — the
gimbal uses electric brushless motors to stabilize the camera...
- 3-Axis — the
gimbal stabilizes motion in 3 axes: pitch, roll, and yaw...
- 3-Axis
gimbals first gained popularity as a way to stabilize aerial footage from
remote-controlled drones, but we’ll be focusing on using handheld gimbals with
the Panasonic GH4 in this guide...
HOW DOES A
3-AXIS GIMBAL WORK?
Gimbals
bring together an array of complex electronics, sensors, motors, and physics to
accomplish the seemingly impossible task of canceling out motion on the fly
before it reaches the camera.
Basically, a
motor is placed on the 3 different axes around the camera. When the sensors
detect motion on these axes, the motors counteract that motion to cancel it out
almost instantly. This keeps bumps and jolts from ever reaching the camera as
it sits motionless in the middle of all of this activity.
In other
words, a brushless gimbal is a robot Tai Chi master.
WHAT MAKES A
GIMBAL SPECIAL?
By using
modern technology to cancel out external movement, the camera is able to remain
very stable. This allows you to capture smooth footage that would otherwise
only be possible with a counterweighted stabilizer like a Steadicam or
Glidecam.
One of the
other unique benefits of a gimbal is it’s ability to keep a level head under
pressure.
Traditional
stabilizers rely on counterweights to smooth camera movement. This works well,
but it also makes them sensitive to external forces like the wind or the
inertia from when you turn a corner. As a result, keeping the camera
consistently level with the horizon is difficult as a counterweighted
stabilizer has a tendency to sway.
Worse yet,
once the swaying starts, it can be difficult to smoothly get it under control,
which can result in footage that looks like it was filmed on a boat out at sea.
By contrast,
a brushless gimbal uses sensors and motors to keep the camera absolutely level
despite how you may be holding it, so you can say sayonara to seasickness.
This ability
to remain straight and level makes a gimbal similar to sliders and dollies that
use tracks to move the camera along a straight path. In some cases, it is even
possible to simulate slider moves with a brushless gimbal— the key is keeping
the camera vertically level as the gimbal does its magic to keep the camera
level with the horizon.
HOW DO I
SHOOT WITH A GIMBAL?
Most gimbals
can be used in several different configurations:
HANDLEBARS
Most 3-axis
gimbals have handlebars that extend out to the sides, allowing you to support
the gimbal and camera with both arms.
The gimbal
is easy to control in this mode and is good for shooting mid-level angles.
However, you need to raise the handlebars higher to shoot at eye-level, which
increases strain and fatigue on your arms and shoulders.
INVERTED
HANDLEBARS
Some gimbals
can be inverted so that the handlebars are below the camera. This allows you to
keep your arms lower while shooting at eye-level, which helps a lot with strain
and fatigue.
In fact,
some manufacturers like Letus Direct have designed gimbals that are inverted by
default for this very reason.
TOP HANDLE
Most gimbals
also have a top handle that allows you to operate the gimbal with just one
hand. The top handle is also useful when shooting low to the ground.
IS A GIMBAL
DIFFICULT TO USE?
In many
ways, brushless gimbals have drastically reduced the learning curve for
shooting ultra-smooth footage compared to traditional counterweighted
stabilizers. Thanks to the technology packed into a gimbal, much of the work
you used to have to learn to do manually is taken care of by sensors and
motors.
However,
many concepts and skills from operating counterweighted stabilizers can be
directly applied to shooting with a gimbal.
For example,
the camera needs to be properly balanced on the gimbal to allow the motors to
perform well. An unbalanced camera can cause increased vibrations as the motors
try to compensate for the imbalance. This will also cause the motors to use
more power than necessary.
Several
techniques are also very valuable when operating a gimbal. Walking smoothly to
reduce bumps in your steps and absorbing shock with your arms to keep the
camera level are two techniques that have a noticeable impact on your footage.
Additionally,
a gimbal requires you to learn new technical skills as well. The gimbals
complex electronics are configured via software that you will need to become
well-acquainted with in order to tune the gimbal for the best performance when
using different lenses and cameras.
BORN TO RUN:
WHEN SHOULD I USE A GIMBAL?
A gimbal is
particularly useful when you need to capture smooth footage while maintaining
freedom of movement. For example:
Making your
way through a crowded and brightly-colored bazaar as you chase a small monkey
named Abu.
Following
someone as they head from their car in the parking lot, up flights of stairs,
down hallways, and in to their office at work (only to find out they were
fired).
Running
through the woods with a pack of wild wolves (like they did in Twilight,
right?)
Filming a
person on a bicycle as you ride alongside them in a car (you tossed a coin, and
you got to be in the car).
Also,
because gimbals are adept at keeping the camera level, it can also be used to
simulate a slider’s linear movements. Though it may take some additional takes
to keep the camera vertically level, this is a nice capability to have when you
cannot bring a slider with you.
On the flip
side, a gimbal is not the best option for extended shooting. This is especially
true if you don’t have any additional way to support the weight of the gimbal
and camera, as your arms alone will only last for so long.
Of course,
if you’re looking to capture footage with an organic handheld look, then a
gimbal is definitely not the right tool for the job. In such cases, a handheld
rig is a much better option.
WHAT ARE A
GIMBAL’S DRAWBACKS?
Like any
tool, there are benefits and drawbacks to brushless gimbals that you need to be
aware of when evaluating whether it’s right for you. Here are some of the
downsides to shooting with a gimbal:
Requires
power — Controllers, sensors, and motors all require power, so you’ll have to
remember to bring enough batteries to last for your entire shoot.
Takes time
to balance — the camera needs to be properly balanced on the gimbal each time
you change cameras or lenses.
Requires
technical savvy — you will need to be adept at using computers and electronics
to configure and tune the gimbal for the best results via software.
Tiring to
use — A gimbal’s form factor requires you to hold it out in front of you with
both arms when shooting, putting strain on your arms and shoulders.
Learning
curve — a gimbal is not something you just pick up and use. You need to become
familiar with its controls and different modes of operation to get good
results.
Bulky — a
gimbal’s wide handlebars and rigid frame make it more difficult to travel with
and use in small spaces compared to just the compact GH4 and a minimal handheld
rig.
Requires
external m0nitoring — The GH4’s EVF and rear screen are obscured when mounted
on most gimbals, so you’ll need an external monitor just to see what you’re
shooting.
Requires a
stand — many gimbals cannot be set down without the aid of a stand, so this is
something you’ll need to bring with you wherever you go with a gimbal.
Price —
Gimbals are still quite new, so prices are high at the moment ($2K+ for
high-quality gimbals).
CHOOSING A
GIMBAL: WHAT FEATURES DO I LOOK FOR?
We’ll be
taking a look at the best gimbals for the GH4 in the next guide, but here are
the important features that you should look for when choosing a gimbal for any
camera:
Weight
Capacity — the gimbal must be able to support the GH4 and the lens you intend
to shoot with. For example, the gimbal should support at least 1kg to handle
the GH4 and a small lens.
Tool-less
adjustments — balancing the camera will go much faster if the gimbal features
tool-less adjustments for adjusting the camera sled’s position in the gimbal.
32-bit
Controller — Better performance and more control via software compared to the
older 8-bit controllers.
Spacious
camera sled — the sled needs to be large enough to properly balance the camera
and lens you’ll be using. Longer lenses will require the camera to be moved
further back, so the sled needs to be able to accommodate this.
Quick-Release
camera plate — quickly mount and remove the camera from the gimbal.
Industry-standard
mounting options — some gimbals use non-standard tubing for its frame, which
requires proprietary attachments for mounting monitors and other accessories.
Industry-standard mounting options such as 15mm rods and 1/4-20 threaded holes
allow you to mount accessories using readily-available gear.
Solid
customer support — Gimbals are complex tools that may require a good deal of
tweaking and adjustment, so you want a responsive company that won’t leave you
hanging when you have a problem.
DOES A
GIMBAL WORK WELL WITH THE PANASONIC GH4?
As long as a
gimbal is well-made and has the weight capacity to support the GH4 and the
lenses you will be using, it can work very well with the GH4.
Furthermore,
the GH4’s compact size and low weight means that you can also use smaller and
lighter gimbals. This makes a big difference when you’re shooting all day, as a
heavy gimbal alone will take quite a toll on your body.
The GH4 and
a small gimbal might be the perfect pair for shooting smooth footage while on
the move.
While
brushless gimbals may not be the right tool for every shot, they are
surprisingly versatile and have the potential to unlock new ways for us tell
stories with more flexibility than ever before.
Sources,
References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked
In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The
Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative
Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film
Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of
Credits, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Steadicam,
Tiffen, Aakash Regmi,
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32 Bit 3
Axis Gimbal / Photo Credit: GiniRigs - Wikipedia
