Since the dawn of filmmaking, budding camera operators have searched for ways to stabilize their cameras. This was quite difficult with bulky, old-fashioned cameras—but as those cameras got smaller, they grew easier to stabilize. With a more maneuverable camera, you’ve got a whole range of stabilizing equipment to choose from. Let’s look at a brief history of the DSLR camera gimbal, one of the most crucial tools for filmmaking success. Stabilizers of Yore What came before the gimbal? In 1910, it was the Aeroscope, a handheld camera that allowed the operator to film up to 10 minutes of footage without...

If you’re making a video or full-length feature that’s heavy on the text, you’ll want your actors to remember all that text word for word. Each word and phrase is important! Sure, they can memorize their lines, but having a backup is mandatory if you want that professional touch. Delete “um” and “ahh” from your and your actors’ vocabularies and set up a high-quality teleprompter to display the words. With the right technology, that teleprompter will fit right in with the rest of your equipment. Invest in a prompter that’s compatible with the equipment you already own, and make sure...

As you find your footing as a photographer or filmmaker, you’ll make new discoveries and find new ways to capture those shots. And at some point, you may hit a wall. Have you reached the limit of what your equipment can do? Check out these three benefits of upgrading your camera rig setup and think about what a new rig can do for you. You’ll Get New Ideas When you update your gear, you’ll find all kinds of new ways to use your camera. A new rig could mean a new angle, both for the shot you need and for...