The Importance of Camera Movement in Video Production
Covered in this post—
Camera Stabilization Technologies
Servo-Driven Gimbals
Combining Video Technology With The Director’s Vision
Chicago Video Production With MCP
The goal of any piece of video footage is to get a dynamic, engaging shot that draws the audience in and keeps them on the edge of their seat. You might be thinking that we just described a Hollywood blockbuster, but the fact is that with movement, the same can be achieved for corporate promotional videos, commercials, or event coverage.
The key ingredient to taking what would otherwise be a mundane video clip to the next level is movement. We aren’t just talking about a panning in and out on a product or featured speaker, but the fluid motion that can provide different angles and perspectives on a particular subject.
With today’s modern technology, such as gimbals and drones, movement is more achievable than ever before, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
At Mark Campbell Productions, our team of professional videographers and cinematographers are equipped with the latest technology to help our clients produce high-end video content that can be used in a variety of different ways.
Camera-Stabilization Technologies
When was the last time that you sat down and watched old home movies? The images are grainy and at times it might feel like you are riding a rollercoaster because of the unnecessary shaking as the camera swings around.
Video technology has come a long way in the past twenty years, and it continues to improve making it easier to add movement to video content, without it looking like it was pulled from the Blair Witch Project.
Stabilization tools work to remove unwanted movement from the shot, giving you that buttery smooth movement that looks great and doesn’t make you immediately want to keep scrolling.
Internal Stabilization
The first line of defense for adding movement to your video content is the internal stabilization tools that exist within the camera itself. We see the basic components of this type of stabilization technology in our smartphone cameras. Professional-level video stabilization is essentially the same technology on steroids.
High-end DSLR cameras and video equipment have these tools ready built into the body of the camera and any professional videographer worth their salt will use these without thinking twice.
While internal stabilization components are great for small movements, getting a truly dynamic shot may mean the camera is in constant motion. We jokingly referred to the Blair Witch Project earlier, and that type of raw footage certainly has merit and a place in the world of video content, but it may not be great in the corporate world, where a polished end product is usually best.
Servo-driven Gimbals
Servo-driven gimbals are one of the most frequently used stabilization tools because they use an internal motor connected to multiple axes, and stabilize with the use of a battery-powered controller and connected motor. As the camera moves, the gimbal addresses unwanted shaking or movement making it easier to include movement in the shot.
Gimbals can be attached to a wide variety of video technologies, including everything from GoPro-type action cameras to the top-of-the-line cinematography cameras. Their flexibility gives the director endless possibilities to ensure that the final product is amazing.
Video Drones
If you are looking for a completely different angle or perspective in your next marketing campaign, a drone is a must-have. A drone’s ability to literally go above and beyond can emphasize scope and scale which is much more difficult to achieve when cameras are limited to the ground.
Getting a breathtaking aerial shot requires the right equipment and a trained pilot. Without both of these ingredients, you may be able to capture an aerial video, but it can easily be underwhelming. A high-performance drone used in filming should have the following features:
Stabilizing gimbal
Good flight range
Electronic speed control
High-resolution camera capable of shooting at 60fps
Self-stabilization to combat the Chicago wind
The last point on that list should not be overlooked. Cheap, lightweight drones may be an affordable option, but they often struggle in less-than-ideal conditions. If you are interested in drone footage, ask the video production company you are considering what types of drones they use, and if they have experience working in the Windy City.
Combining Video Technology With The Director’s Vision
The technology used is only half of the equation, and to be frank, the most expensive piece of video equipment is virtually useless without the right people behind the camera. Going back to your uncle’s home movies, they may be great for nostalgia, but calling them dynamic is probably a stretch.
Having a professional video protection team in your corner means having multiple experts on staff who understand how to incorporate specific types of movement to achieve every type of shot needed to create compelling video content.
Knowing how – and when – to shift perspective and adapt the shot is a skill that takes years to develop. Even small movements can add a sense of momentum, create space, or generate energy. While this can occur in real-time, the majority of the shots will be carefully planned, based on your vision and the message that you want to convey. Because of this, the more vocal you can be during the planning phase, the better the final product.
Chicago Video Production With MCP
High-quality video content that includes movement can bring a much-needed boost of energy to your event, marketing campaign, or promotional video. Keep in mind that the technology being utilized, whether it be a gimbal or drone, requires technical expertise and a creative touch to generate dynamic content that delivers lasting ROI.
Mark Campbell Productions has worked with countless businesses, in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, helping them create compelling storylines through professional-level video content. Our videographers are well-versed in all of the latest technology to incorporate movement, and our production team brings decades of experience to the table.
To learn more about video production with the MCP team, please visit our website and request a custom quote.