A recent development in cameras has been the implementation of gyroscopic motion data within the metadata of the recording. What this did was allow for ultra-fast and accurate stabilization in post.
In Blackmagic’s Camera Update 7.9.1 they actually added this functionality to a few of the Pocket cameras—apparently a hidden tech just waiting to be unlocked. Now you just need to load up some new footage into Resolve 18 and start using it.
If you are curious about how this feature works, what you need, and what the results are you might be interested in this video from LensProToGo that details the feature.
Every single current model in the Pocket lineup is compatible:
- Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
- Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
- Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
- Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
All the cameras have an internal gyroscope that records information on the camera’s movements. That information is recorded to the Raw video – note that this is not internal stabilization in real-time. You can then choose to use this data when working with the footage in Resolve.
It was kind of surprising that this was essentially hidden in the cameras since they were created and relied on a software update to unlock. Some of these cameras are years old too. It, unfortunately, isn’t retroactive though so it will only apply to newly recorded footage.
Image Credit: Blackmagic Design
Having this update years ago would’ve changed a lot for many people as stabilization was an issue to consider compared to the competition.
Make sure the cameras are updated to the latest version and that DaVinci Resolve is updated.
There’s nothing else to really do once you are updated. It does only work with Blackmagic RAW though.
Image Credit: Blackmagic Design
On the 4K model specifically, there is a weird switch for seeing if lens stabilization is on or off. It’s not on the 6K models for some reason. But, it does deactivate the gyro stabilization if it is on.
Just start shooting as you normally would at this point. You won’t have anything to do until you head into DaVinci Resolve.
Dropping the footage on your timeline you can check out this stabilization by checking out the Inspector tab under Video. There is a stabilization section you can turn on. Under mode you’ll want to select Camera Gyro – it won’t be there on incompatible clips.
Image Credit: Blackmagic Design
Hit stabilize and let it go. You can make some tweaks to the effect to fine-tune it a touch.
This once solves all your problems. Smaller judders and jitters will still show up and the blur caused by the shake is not going to magically disappear.
For handheld work, it is probably the most effective time. Don’t consider it a cure for shaky footage, but it is very nice to have in your pocket.
Have you made use of gyro stabilization?
[source: LensProToGo]
Order Links:
- Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio (B&H, Amazon)
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (B&H, Amazon)
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (B&H, Amazon)
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 (B&H, Amazon)
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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