Camera stabilizer
Device which prevents unwanted camera motion
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 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. The artemis Trinity system, developed by Curt O. Schaller (who was responsible for the idea, concept, design, and development) 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. 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. 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).
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 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.
01Camera shoulder brace
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. 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.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Camera stabilizer”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Filming with handheld camera stabilizer.jpg by Z22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Curt O. Schaller - Steadicam Operator - Entwickler und Designer der artemis-Reihe von Sachtler.jpg by Christian R. F. Schaller, CC BY 3.0
- NEWTON stabilized camera head on a RTS rail system at Beyonce tour 2018.jpg by Testosterossa, CC BY-SA 4.0
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