Camera stabilizer
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A camera stabilizer, or camera-stabilizing mount, is a device designed to hold a camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted camera movement, such as "camera shake".
For small hand-held cameras, a harness or contoured frame steadies the camera against the photographer's body. In some models, the camera mount is on an arm that protrudes in front of the photographer; beneath the camera is a handle grip. Another variation positions the camera atop a fulcrum brace against the photographer's chest or abdomen.
To compensate for camera instability caused by the movement of the operator's body, camera operator Garrett Brown invented the Steadicam, a body-mounted stabilization apparatus for motion picture cameras, which uses springs as shock absorbers.
In 1991, Martin Philip Stevens[a] invented a hand-held camera stabilizer for motion-picture and video cameras, called the Glidecam.
In 2001 Sachtler and Curt O. Schaller launched the artemis camera stabilizer system at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The artemis systems were the first modular camera stabilizer systems in the world. In addition, the artemis HD systems were the first Full HD camera stabilizer systems worldwide.[1][2] The artemis Trinity system, developed by Curt O. Schaller (who was responsible for the idea, concept, design, and development)[3][4][5] together with Roman Foltyn in 2015, was the first camera stabilizer system in the world that combined a mechanical stabilization system with an electronic one. In April 2016, ARRI acquired the artemis camera stabilizer systems developed by Curt O. Schaller from Sachtler.[6][7][8] In 2022, under the leadership of Curt O. Schaller, the second generation of the Trinity, the ARRI TRINITY 2, followed. In 2025, Curt O. Schaller and Roman Foltyn were awarded the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS): Curt Schaller for the concept, design and development of the Trinity 2 system and Roman Foltyn for the software and hardware design of its motorized stabilized head.[3][9][5][2] In 2026, Curt O. Schaller and Roman Foltyn were also awarded the Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Award of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) for the development of the TRINITY camera stabilization system (ARRI TRINITY 2).[10][11][12][2]
Since approx. 2015, it is common to stabilize moving cameras with remote controlled camera heads. The camera and lens are mounted in a remote controlled camera holder which is then mounted on a moving dolly, such as rail systems, cable suspended dollys, cars or helicopters. For example, the Newton stabilized remote head[13] is broadly used to stabilize moving TV cameras at live broadcasts of sports and events.
Some camera stabilization machines use gyroscopes to sense disruptive motion.
Although a tripod can hold a camera stably, stationary platforms are not regarded as camera stabilizers.
Camera shoulder brace
[edit source]A camera shoulder brace stabilizes by shifting the weight of the camera to the operator's shoulder. This allows for smoother shots than might be obtainable by handheld operation. Camera shoulder braces are typically padded for comfort and allow the attachment of zoom controllers, transmitters, and other devices. [14] The operator generally holds two handles while a third brace rests on the shoulder. A remote LANC zoom controller is usually placed on one of the handles.
Most braces are made of PVC, carbon fiber or lightweight metals to keep the weight down. If the brace were too heavy it would defeat the purpose of using it, reduced camera shake and fluidity of movement.
For low shots, most braces can be used as a mini-tripod by setting the brace on flat surface.
Shoulder braces also reduce stress on the arms which reduces tiredness and muscle cramps during filming.
See also
[edit source]Notes
[edit source]- ↑ Born in England, 1963
References
[edit source]- ↑ "Curt O. Schaller awarded Scientific and Technical Award for the ARRI TRINITY 2 camera stabiliser system". britishcinematographer.co.uk. February 11, 2025. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Curt O. Schaller, Oscar & Emmy winner: ARRI TRINITY 2". schaller-media.de. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- 1 2 "14 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE HONORED WITH ACADEMY AWARDS". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. January 27, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ↑ Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (April 29, 2025). "Scientific & Technical Awards 2025". oscars.org. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- 1 2 "ARRI Trinity 2 - Curt Schaller and Dr. Roman Foltyn - 2025 Sci-Tech Awards - Oscars". YouTube. April 30, 2025. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ↑ "ARRI Artemis Trinity Stabilizer/Gimbal Video". Film and Digital Times. 2 May 2016. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
- ↑ "Is the ARRI Artemis Trinity the World's Most Advanced Camera Stabilizer?". No Film School. 25 April 2016. Archived from the original on 30 May 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
- ↑ "ARRI Debuts Final Version of Trinity Stabilizer and Maxima Gimbal". Studio Daily. 6 May 2016. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
- ↑ "Oscars: Academy Names Sci Tech Winners Including Statuette For Captioning, Moves Fires-Postponed Ceremony To Late April". Deadline Hollywood. January 27, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ↑ Television Academy; National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (September 3, 2026). "Television Academy and National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Announce Recipients of 2026 Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "2026 Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards Announced". British Cinematographer. September 3, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Television Academy Announces 2026 Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards Recipients". Yahoo Entertainment. September 3, 2026. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
- ↑ "Newton stabilized camera head". Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
- ↑ Bolat, John. "Appareil photo enfant". Retrieved 22 May 2021.
- "How a Camera Stabilizer Works". Steve’s Digicams. Archived from the original on 24 April 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2011.