Features
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For a smartphone. Mount for using a smartphone as a camera. Most often it is a kind of "vice", in which the body of the device is tightly clamped. Such "vices" usually have a fairly wide range of adjustment for the width of the "seat", which allows you to use this type of steadicam with most modern smartphones, regardless of the diagonal. And some models can even work with compact digital cameras.
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For the camera. Attachments designed for use with full-size cameras — SLR and "mirrorless" (MILC). Such cameras are quite large and have a screw mount for a tripod; All these features are taken into account in the design of the steadicam.
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For action cameras. Steadicams designed for action cameras — compact cameras used mainly for shooting dynamic scenes like sports, “rides” (skiing, cycling), etc. Such devices, by definition, are designed for use in rather extreme activities, including surfing , skiing, paragliding, etc. However, the specific features of different steadicams may be different, so before buying it's ok to clarify this point separately.
Note that instead of the general name “for an action camera”, the steadicam specifications may contain the names of specific models of action cameras for which the device is designed.
Tilt angle
The range of forward-backward tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the steadicam.
It can be written in different ways.
The simplest option is when one angle value is indicated in the characteristics. This may mean that the camera is able to deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.
Another recording option is used when the angles of inclination forward and backward are not the same. In such cases, the horizontal position of the camera on a vertical steadicam is taken as zero, the “—” sign indicates the maximum angle of camera deflection back, lens up, the “+” sign — forward, lens down.
Bank angle
The range of roll angles (to the side) supported by the steadicam.
Can be recorded in two ways (See "Tilt Range")
Shooting modes
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Timelapse. Shooting video in Time-Lapse mode involves a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes). In the finished video, the effect of fast movement is achieved (for example, the day from sunrise to sunset fits in just a few minutes). However, this is the general principle of Time Lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different depending on the specific model of the stabilizer.
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Selfie mode. A separate mode for shooting selfies (self-portraits). This function can be implemented in different ways, depending on the purpose of the device. It is aimed at filming himself and the immediate environment of the operator.
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Sports mode. The mode is designed for high-quality shooting of dynamic scenes in motion. In sports mode, the stabilizer automatically compensates for frame deviations from the reference location, while the motor runs at the highest possible speed.
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Autopanorama. In this shooting mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates around its axis, taking a series of shots, from which the finished panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas, however, camera movement in the vertical plane can also be provided.
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Tracking mode. Automatic tracking of a certain object by pointing the camera so that the shooting target is constantly in the center of the image, or at least in the frame. The subject for tracking is set by the steadicam operator.
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Inversion mode.... This mode allows you to turn the fixture upside down, retaining all its functions and camera position. It will come in handy when shooting from atypical angles (for example, from the ground).Battery model
Model of the battery used in the Steadicam. This information is not of key importance when choosing: if you wish, knowing the battery model, you can find detailed information about it, however, the key characteristics of the battery are usually given in general information about the steadicam. However, model information can be useful if you plan to purchase an additional battery, or if the household already has a battery and you need to evaluate its compatibility with the device.
Autonomy
The maximum time during which the device will work stably. It is worth considering that the manufacturer really indicates the maximum time, which does not correspond to real indicators due to the conditions and intensity of use.
Power bank function
The ability to work steadicam in
power bank mode — an external battery for various portable devices. This allows the device to share its energy with the phone, the charge of which is already hooked, and the shooting process is not yet over.
Connection
There are two main types of connection in modern steadicams:
Wi-Fi(more precisely, Wi-Fi Direct — for direct communication between devices) and
Bluetooth. Despite the difference from a technical point of view, in this case, these standards are very similar. First, they are both wireless. Secondly, both are used for direct connection with devices installed on the steadicam — smartphones, action cameras, etc. (for more details, see "Mounting"). Thirdly, the specific functions of such a connection may be different, they should be specified separately for each model; however, such functions usually include at least control over the shooting process (start/pause video recording, capture photos). So the main selection criterion for this indicator is what technology the connected gadget supports — Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Separately, we note that there are steadicams that support both standards at once — these are mainly expensive professional models for cameras (see "Mounting"), where Wi-Fi is used to transfer video to an external screen, and Bluetooth is used for basic remote control.
Dustproof, waterproof
The presence in the steadicam
of protection against dust and moisture, and the level of such protection.
Any device has a certain degree of dust and water protection; however, in this case, an increased degree of security is implied, at least allowing you to safely use the steadicam in the rain. In general, the degree of such protection may be different. Sometimes it is not indicated at all in the main characteristics, and this point needs to be clarified according to the documentation for the device. Sometimes a specific level of protection is given in accordance with the IP standard — for example, IP67. A detailed interpretation of such markings can be found in special tables.
