Comparing video stabilization modes on Sony cameras
After using and testing multiple Sony cameras in the last couple of years and different methods of in-camera and post-stabilization, we wrote this blog post to help some people decide which stabilization method to use for their projects.
In this example, we used a Sony ZV-E1 camera which is essentially an A7S III in a smaller body. It doesn’t have the best in-camera stabilization out of all Sony cameras but it has a new “Dynamic active”, and we were curious to see how it looks.
It’s a very light camera, so good stablization is essential for filming handheld.
STANDARD STABILIZATION
It works best for static shots when holding a camera without support or when filming with telephoto lenses. This setting is not effective in eliminating shakes during camera movement.
ACTIVE STABILIZATION
ACTIVE setting adds 1.1 crop to the image and the results depend on the lens used. If you watch the video posted above, you can see that the results between STANDARD and ACTIVE are almost indistinguishable on the Sigma lens but, on the Sony lens, ACTIVE stabilization is a drastic improvement over the STANDARD.
First-party lenses are required for it to work properly, and third-party lenses don’t benefit from the ACTIVE mode despite having the same crop.
DYNAMIC ACTIVE STABILIZATION
This setting adds 1.3 to your image and is designed to eliminate the shake when filming while walking. It does a good job on the Sony lens, but it wasn’t able to stabilize the Sigma lens in our test and added some artifacts.
This method works great for eliminating unwanted movements, but the downside is that the image degradation by the crop and loss of resolution can be noticeable.
STABILIZATION IN POST
Every modern Sony camera records Gyro data that can be used for stabilization in post with great results.
If you look at the video, the results of post stabilization are on par with DYNAMIC ACTIVE STABILIZATION with a smaller crop (around 1.17 in our case) and more flexibility to adjust the look.
You can reduce the crop, making the footage less floaty, but it still eliminates distracting shakes and micro jitters. It also works the same on both Sigma and Sony lenses.
THE DOWNSIDES OF POST STABILIZATION
There are two programs for stabilization in post: a paid Catalyst Prepare and an open-source Gyroflow.
The benefits of a Catalyst Prepare are that it detects your lens and the focal length and applies all the settings. The biggest downside of it is the workflow. You need to create a new master file for a clip that you’re stabilizing, and it requires additional render time, storage space, and organizing.
Gyroflow, on the other hand, can be used as an OFX host in programs such as Davinci Resolve, where you can apply it to your clips in the timeline without additional render time. It’s also free but consider donating to the developers, because it’s amazing.
The main downside is that you need to choose lens profile manually, and if you’re using zoom lenses, you can only effectively stabilize the wide and long end of your zoom. Everything in between might not look great, which isn’t a problem in Catalyst.
Also, Gyroflow works best with in-camera stabilization turned off, and Catalyst works even if it’s on. Future releases of Gyroflow might fix this issue.
Both programs work only with modern electronic lenses, so using a manual lens isn’t going to work, which is also true for in-camera stabilization.
For post-stabilization, you need to increase the shutter speed to avoid motion blur artifacts. For 24p footage with slight movements, it needs to be at least 1/100 and not longer. For broader movement, you will need to increase it even more.
11.18.2024 Update: The latest Gyroflow update added a lot of improvements to the software, including automatic lens detection on Sony cameras and working with IBIS. There’s no point in using Catalyst software anymore.
WHEN TO USE IN-CAMERA STABILIZATION
The obvious answer would be when you don’t want to spend the time in post, but there are also scenarios where in-camera stabilization can be beneficial.
If you own Sony lenses and can rig out your camera or add extra weight, ACTIVE stabilization can look good, especially if you want to maintain the 180-degree shutter angle. It’s very effective in eliminating distracting shaking during handheld filming.
DYNAMIC ACTIVE is also a good option for social media content. The biggest downside of using the DYNAMIC ACTIVE setting is crop and the reduction of quality, but it won’t be noticeable on the smaller screen.