Image Stabilization ???

[Dave Carter]

Hi,
I just received a Panasonic TM900 video cam.  I have taken several test clips with the camera optical stabilization on but there is still more shaking then I would like.  I have to hand hold as I am preparing for a trip to Africa.  And much of the time will be riding I guess.

The clips I took are 1080p/60.
To edit I am using:
Mac Pro desktop with Mac OS X version 10.6.8
2x3 Quad-Core Intel
8 GB RAM
Adobe Premiere Pro CS 5.5 version 5.5.0 for MAC

I inport the clips at AVCHD 1080p60 setting.

My general editing and exporting at 1080p 60 is going fine.  My question is - is there any software that can further process the stabilization either in Premiere or as a standalone before Premiere.  I have looked at a lot of options on the web, but I can not find any of them that say they will work with my setup and clips.

Please advise best as I do not want to start downloading trial softwares and I am sure some of you have all ready crossed this bridge. 

Thanks,
Dave

[bcooter]

Yes there is a lot of image stabilization software, (fcp x will do it on the fly) but all of it requires some cropping of the image and sometimes it looks funky and degrades, other times it looks great.

There is no easy way to shoot stable at speed, that's why camera cars, trucks, etc. are so damn expensive.

If there was a cheap way, Hollywood would have found it.

Not exactly what your doing but this is the effort to show 3 minutes of Jeff Bridges riding a horse.  (Jeff Bridges shot this as part of his collection of work).



Personally I don't like image stabalization in camera, because if you go slow mo, or effect the clip you get a jerk or a slip slide.

The Sony FS100 when panning does this strange thing of you stop the camera and the image keeps moving for a few seconds.  At first it seems like an acid flashback, then you realize it's the the Japanese ways of making the western world think they're crazy.

I did this piece purposely with image stab on so when I went to extreme slow mo it would jerk and I liked the effect, though once agin it's not what your looking for, though maybe if you get of the norm it might look cool.

http://www.russellrutherfordgroup.com/video/source/man.htm

IMO

BC

[fredjeang]

Coot, congrats for the motions grading! Really cool. That's really one of your strenghs.

About stab-tracker, the most accurate I've been using so far is the one from Autodesk. Really really precise and put to shame everything else I've been seeing. It's legendary, and you might have some similar feedback, But it's not cheap, if you're on Mac it would simply mean a Smoke software.

Have a look at Boujou 5 too.

There is a powerfull tool in Avid but it looked complex and complete but so far I'm still using the Autodesk Combustion one because I didn't had the time to dig into Avid.

On a budget, there is a good solution but it requires practice, but much much better than having to stab and therefore crop. Check that:
http://www.steadytracker.net/steadytracker/steadytracker-xtreme.html

The extreme is not easy to manouver (will require lot of practise, I've seen footage done by experienced users with it and it's really good) BUT it allows you to zoom and follow focus. I've ordered one from CobraCrane.


Avoid having to stab in softwares as much as you can.

If you are going to use a camcorder with AF lens(es) AND do not focus manually, and on a budget, check this company: http://www.steadigo.com/
it's more accurate than the U3X wich is not bad but you have best stab with this one.

[Les Sparks]

Check out the CanonHV20/30/40 forum (covers other camcorders too) for discussions for software and hardware (steadycam) image stabilization.
You'll find user experience and examples of what's possible.
Go to http://www.hv20.com/forum.php and search for steaycam. Then search for image stabilization
Here's what was returned to me on the stadycam search http://www.hv20.com/search.php?searchid=891614

Even if you don't have HV20/30/40 cameras, you'll find lots of good info regardless of what camera you use.

Les

[Dave Carter]

Thanks Les.
I will go spend some time there now.  I have never been to that site that Irecall.
Dave

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

The 2D AE tracker is good enough for minor issues.

[lowep]

Here is a link to stuff I have shot in Africa with a Panasonic TM300 with a standard Manfrotto alu tripod and hand held. Any shot where the camera is moving is hand held. For me one of the good things about this camera that belongs to the same product family as yours is that it is so small that it is easy to nurse and move with. But you may be more particular. I have a friend who reckons you get less camera shake if you reduce the resolution that might be worth checking out. But if you are as serious about image stabilisation as you say you are why not carry a small tripod like this one even if you are riding a bike - unless you plan to ride from Tripoli to Capetown?