Display
The presence
of a display in the stabiliser design makes the operation of the device more comfortable and visual. Depending on the specific modification of the stabiliser, the screen can perform many functions. Usually, the display shows basic information about the operating modes used, the date and time, as well as the battery level. The most advanced stabilisers can display the image from the camera, which allows you to use it as a viewfinder with LiveView mode. At the same time, the screen size on professional steadicams can reach 3″ or more, but the vast majority of models are still equipped with a 0.5″ screen.
Rotation angle
The range of rotation angles supported by the steadicam.
In this case, it means turning the camera to the right or left, without tilting back and forth.
Tilt angle
The range of forward-backwards tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the stabiliser.
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 can deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.
Another option is used when the angles of tilt 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, and the “+” sign — forward, lens down.
Bank angle
The range of roll angles (to the side) supported by the stabiliser.
Can be recorded in two ways (See "Tilt angle")
Battery life
The maximum length of time the device will work before it needs its battery to be recharged. It is worth considering that the manufacturer indicates the maximum time, which does not correspond to real indicators due to the conditions and intensity of use.
Removable battery
The presence
of a removable battery in the design of the stabiliser allows, if necessary, to replace the used one with a spare one and thus to record longer without interruption.
Shooting modes
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Time lapse. Shooting video in time lapse mode involves a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes). In the completed 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 stabiliser.
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Selfie mode. A separate mode for shooting selfies. 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 stabiliser automatically compensates for frame deviations from the reference location, while the motor runs at the highest possible speed.
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Panorama. In this shooting mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates around its axis, taking a series of shots, from which the 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 centre of the image, or at least in the frame. The subject for tracking is set by the stabiliser operator.
— Inversion mode. This mode allows you to turn the device upside down, retaining all its functions and camera position. It will come in handy when shooting from atypical angles (for example, from the ground).
