Type
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For smartphone. Mount for using a smartphone as a camera. Most often it is a kind of clamp, in which the body of the device is tightly clamped. Such clamps usually have a fairly wide range of adjustment for the width of the phone, which allows you to use this type of stabiliser with most modern smartphones, regardless of the diagonal. And some models can even work with compact digital cameras.
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For camera. Attachments designed for use with full-size cameras — SLR and mirrorless (MILC). Such cameras are quite large and have a thread mount for a tripod. All these features are taken into account in the design of the stabiliser.
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For action cameras. Stabilisers designed for action cameras — compact cameras used mainly for shooting dynamic scenes like sports, 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 stabilisers may be different, so before buying it's ok to clarify this matter separately. Note that instead of the general name “for action camera”, the stabiliser specifications may contain the names of specific models of action cameras for which the device is designed.
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With camera. Stabilizers equipped with their own cameras. These are integrated
...directly into the stabilizer's construction, eliminating the need for external devices for filming. Moreover, such models are inherently optimized for working with the built-in camera — at the very least, the user doesn't have to deal with balancing the load on the stabilizer's head. Note that the ability to remove and replace the camera with another is usually not provided, although there are occasional exceptions to this rule.In box
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Phone mount(like a screen). The ability to use your smartphone as your stabiliser screen. The device's camera is not used in this case: filming is carried out either on the built-in camera of the stabiliser or on the action camera attached to it. Note that the smartphone can be used not only as a viewfinder but also to control the camera; specific features depend on the stabiliser model.
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Focus control mechanism. A device that allows the stabiliser controls to focus the lens on the installed camera. It simplifies the use of manual focus lenses greatly.
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Two-handed handle. The two-handed handle increases agility, stability and precision.
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Quick release plate. This element makes it possible to quickly install and remove the camera from the stabiliser without using third-party tools.
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Tripod. The presence of a small tripod in the stabiliser kit — a tripod, which allows you to use the device in a stationary position, setting it on a flat hard surface. Usually the tripod is detachable.
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Remote control. The presence in the kit of a small remote control. It is convenient when the device is installed at a remote distance, for example, in a car.
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Bag / Case.... The presence of a bag or case in the standard package of the stabilizer. Bags often come with handles or a strap for convenient carrying, while cases are somewhat simpler — they don't have handles and are designed to be carried in a travel bag, backpack, etc. A bag or case protects the device from dust and other contaminants and to some extent shields the contents from damage in case of bumps or falls. Additionally, bags or cases can often be used to store extra accessories.Max. load
The maximum weight that the stabiliser is designed to carry.
This is the maximum weight of the camera with all accessories allowed for this model.
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")
Max. phone diagonal
The maximum diagonal of the phone that can be installed on this stabiliser.
This parameter is more relevant for models for various purposes, not only for those that were originally designed for smartphones. Here we note that the maximum diagonal is a rather approximate parameter: models with the same screen size may have different actual dimensions.
Max. phone width
The maximum size of the phone that can be installed in the stabiliser mount.
Capacity
The capacity of the battery used in the stabiliser.
In theory, a higher capacity allows you to work longer without recharging, but the battery life of the stabiliser also depends on its power consumption. So, only models with similar performance characteristics can be compared with each other according to this indicator; and when choosing, it is better to focus not on the capacity, but on the directly claimed battery life.
