The Hand Held Camera stabilizer was made to eliminate the jerks in shots, mostly seen when the cameraman walks with the camera. The stabilizer gives a smooth, gliding on air, steadicam type of feel to the moving camera shot.

All shakes and jerks in a recorded image are the effects of forces acting on the centre of mass of the camera. The basic technique of this form of stabilization is to take the centre of mass of the camera and to place it outside the camera where it can be better managed. In this case it s pulled out to the handle of the apparatus, and thus in the hands of the operator.

This is done by attaching the camera to a metal frame and counter-balancing the weight of the camera on the top end by attaching a corresponding weight to the bottom.

The second technique of this form of stabilization is to isolate forces acting on the centre of mass from the rest of the apparatus. The handle is attached to the rest of the apparatus by a gimbal (a joint that allows movement, both on the front to back axis and the side to side axis). Effectively, when there are jerks, the handle takes the shocks leaving the rest of the apparatus steady, thus nullifying or substantially dulling undesired shakes.

Point of Note – A lot still comes down to the skill of the operator, it requires a fluidity on his/her part – to take short quick steps for movement, while for pans, work with the weight of the whole apparatus.

The shortfalls of the stabilizer become apparent while pulling focus and tilting. Since both hands are needed to pull focus, this operation becomes difficult and may involve another person. Tilting is difficult since the device is designed to avoid tilts and rocks. For tilting, the bottom of the apparatus needs to be guided against the turning point/fulcrum of the handle, a very measured and skilled movement for a smooth shot.

The hand held stabilizer weighs about 6.5 kgs added to the weight of the camera and therefore requires two hands for smooth operation.

This piece is made from 2 iron plates joined together by bent and welded metal rods, the handle is aluminium with two hinges for movement attached to the iron by screws. The handle is attached to the iron frame directly below the centre of gravity (very easily found). The iron parts were powder coated black. A Manfrotto quick release adapter mounted on the top to facilitate switching between tripod and stabilizer. The counter-weight is a hunk of iron, again powder coated to prevent rust. The ‘black box’, the counter-weight, sits on is a piece of thermocol covered with black paper, it is put there to raise the centre of mass of the apparatus, so it can fall within the handle.

A very important part of this construction is getting the exact weight for counter-balancing and finding the perfect position for its placement. This is done through testing (hit and trial), adding and reducing the weight and moving the weight to the perfect position and then fixing it when it is perfect.