topic XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues in Professional Video

XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 13:31:43 GMT

Hello all,

Long time Canon User. I have a fleet of XA-10's (10 of them total), have used multiple SLR's (currently using the R6... awesome) and I recently purchased a couple Canon XA-50's.

Overall, I love the XA-50 and it's features. The abilty to film in 4k will help me on some shoots, and I prefer the versatility of camcorders for live events (weddings, corporate speaking events, etc.) vs. SLR's, which I striclty use for photography.

Anyway, one area of concern I do have with the XA-50 is the image stabilization. I've tried setting it in Standard and Dynamic mode, with the same results. Those results? Shakiness. Check out this footage:

https://youtu.be/uJzqVjV7_QA

This is shot using a monopod, the videographer (me) standing as still as possible. But you'll still notice a bit of jitteryness in the footage. When I use our XA-10's for the same purpose, we don't get any of that jitteryness. The footage is smooth as silk (I also love the LCD on the XA-10... I'm perplexed why Canon would use inferior LCD's on upgraded equipment to the XA line... but that's relatively minor to me at least).

Why would the XA-10's image stabilization be so much better than the XA-50's?

Is there something I can do to rectifiy this image stabilization issue with the XA-50? If it had the same image stabilization capability as the XA-10 (and maybe the same LCD... haha), it would be my dream camera!

Any advice or expertise here, pertaining to the image stabilization, would be appreciated.

-Matt

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

rs-eos — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:42:13 GMT

I don't think the footage was too bad, but agreed that it does contain some jitters.

For any critical videography events such as this, I would use a tripod instead of a monpod (and then turn off any IS). Digital IS crops in on the sensor and that can lead to some degraded video quality (typically slight, but a degrade nonetheless).

Speaking of turning off IS, it's possible that with the monopod, the IS was actually causing the issues. Did you try not having IS turned on in such cases?

When hand-holding, even on a monopod, due to these cams being so light, it's too easy to introduce unintended movement. So again, a tripod would ultimately be best.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Inapickle — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 01:24:42 GMT

I put it down to the wedding dress

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 01:47:05 GMT

Hi Ricky,

Thanks for your input! I had a gig today and tried your suggestion about turning off the IS... that was a no go. I could see the jitters were worse right off the bat.

I did however do some research on the 'Powered IS' feature. Apparently I can toggle that on or off. And, for this shoot (another wedding... yes, on a Wednesday), we left that function 'ON' the entire time. Once I get to editing that footage, I'll report back with my findings.

Finally, I do agree a tripod will make anything better. But how we film, and where we film, it's not an option (with our B-Cam at least). We always have one camera on a tripod centrally located somewhere for our 'main' footage, and move around the entire ceremony site for supplemental footage on foot. Can't lug around a tripod that way, discreetly at least.

I just find it odd that the XA-10... the precurser to the entire XA line... and now discontinued... is a FAR superior camera to the XA-50 in the stabilization department. Mind-boggling, honestly. We have no problem with jittery shots with that camera on a monopod. Maybe the Powered-IS feature will prove me wrong.

Honestly, if the XA-10 had 4k functionality, it would be the perfect event camera as far as I'm concerned. Lol.

-Matt

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Inapickle — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 03:17:58 GMT

Bear in mind also that the XA50 is a good deal heavier than the XA10, so it's going to be less stable and harder to control atop a monopod:

'Fully loaded' with grip belt, top handle with microphone holder, lens hood, battery pack, SD card:

XA10 - 0.82 Kg

XA50 - 1.435 Kg

Is it a video monopod, with feet, that you are using ? If so, what model and with what head?

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 03:47:44 GMT

Thank for your input!

I don't think the weight makes that much of a differnce, honestly. Remember the Canon GL2? We used those before the XA-10, and some even heavier production cameras in the 13-14 pound range doing contract work, using the same monopods. And all of those cameras with thier IS were more than adequate, and better, than what I've experienced so far with the XA50.

We keep it simple... regular old Bogen-Monfrotto and/or Oben graphite (metal) tripods. No heads, no feet. Again, they've worked well paired with a number of different cameras for us dating all the way back to the year 2000.

This is the first time I've seen this kind of jittery footage in a camera while paired with a monopod.

This is the current model monopod I really love... heavy duty, thick... supports up to 26lbs.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00658HXBA/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item

A steal really for the price.

A good heavy duty monopod with feet though has always intrigued me. Do you recommend any particular model? If it can help make our jobs easier, I'm always open to new ideas!

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Inapickle — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:56:55 GMT

I'm no expert but I know the Sirui P424S is, or was, very popular for wedding/event videography.

There are several YouTube videos produced by Wedding Film School that reviewed and compared Sirui and Manfrotto models 'in-use' at weddings. Can't post links as they will probably get deleted, but a search for 'Best Video Monopod for Weddings' will pull them up.

If you are happier using a conventional monopod I would recommend investing in a Manfrotto 361 Shoulder Brace. Relatively inexpensive and definitely helps to achieve steadier 'held' shots, in my experience anyway. Even use one with my Sirui SR 204S video monopod. Only drawback is that with the brace held against your shoulder or chest it is not short enough (fully retracted) to bring your eye to the EVF.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:46:15 GMT

You're not going to believe this... but I was on B&H looking at an Sirui monopod! Checked out those videos on Youtube just now, too. I think I'm sold on the Sirui. It seems plenty strong, versatile and much larger feet for more balance (able to hold a camera by itself in a pinch). Gonna do more research, but I appreciate your tip! It put me on the right track.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Mark35mmF2 — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 05:18:43 GMT

Hi there,

I think you might be right about the Powered IS being activated the whole time, that would defintiely make the camera believe there is more stabilization necessary than the steadiness of your hand and monopod was allowing, so that IS system would have been extra skiddish. As was said earlier the added weight and larger sensor size of the XA50 will be a factor, but your plan to turn off the Powered IS and update to a heavier duty monopod should do the trick. It may also be worth it to try out that powered IS without a monopod just to get a feel for what you can expect unsupported, but really only for peace of mind.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Inapickle — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 02:29:48 GMT

Yeah, I don't think having Powered IS turned on all the time is a good idea - it's really intended for handheld, static shots at full telephoto and I'd imagine that most of your wedding video is shot at the wide end.

I can't speak for the XA50/HFG60, but wth my HF-G40 on a monopod I almost always use Standard IS. Very occasionally I'll turn it off for static shots on the Sirui P-204SR indoors or under perfectly still conditions outdoors when I can confidently let go of the monopod (fully locked down at the base) and record hands-free using the IR wireless controller or a LANC remote, but it takes a good 5 seconds to settle down after letting go and the slightest touch, wind or vibration can cause it to wobble.

If you do go for a Sirui video monopod you'd be best investing in one of the high end carbon fiber models that are more stable, by virtue of the wider diameter tube sections and larger feet.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 02:11:37 GMT

Thanks again for your input! My last comments may have been misunderstood... I intended to say we just discoverd the Powered IS and planned to use it at a couple weddings this past week.

We turned it ON and left it on all day. For close ups, zoom ins, wide shots. Whatever. Results were mixed, but there was a dramatic drop in the 'jitters' for closer-up type shots where we had to zoom in at least 50% or more. So that does seem to help in that department.

Still nowhere near as steady as our XA-10's though, which is a bummer, but not the end of the world (as Final Cut Pro has an outstanding image stabilizer we can use to fix most cases of the jitters... just more time consuming).

On a brighter note, I jumped at the Sirui P-424SR and, WOW, what an amzing tool. I've tried other monopods with feet, but they were not stable enough to hold the cameras up and almost seemed pointless vs. a standard monopod. However, this Sirui paired with a decent, lightweighit Manfrotto head (MVH500AH), really made the job easier with these particular cameras. I haven't edited that wedding yet, but I'm expecting to see even better shots with less jitters.

I bought three more of the Sirui's to add to our other kits so everyone on our team will have the opportunity to utilize them... so I appreate the tips from both of you regarding that option!

I'll report back with how that footage looks when I get to it.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

Inapickle — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 01:39:24 GMT

@editinglife wrote:
Thanks again for your input! My last comments may have been misunderstood... I intended to say we just discoverd the Powered IS and planned to use it at a couple weddings this past week.

We turned it ON and left it on all day. For close ups, zoom ins, wide shots. Whatever. Results were mixed, but there was a dramatic drop in the 'jitters' for closer-up type shots where we had to zoom in at least 50% or more. So that does seem to help in that department.

https://www.canon.ca/en/product?name=XA50&category=/en/products/Video-Cameras---PRO/Professional-Camcorders/4K-UHD-Camcorders

Quoting from the 'Features' section:

"5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization

The XA50 camcorder also incorporates a 5-axis Optical Image Stabilization (IS) system. The camcorder features three modes of image stabilization: Standard, Dynamic and Powered.

In Standard IS mode, the stabilizing angle is made constant independent of the zoom magnification.

Dynamic IS mode extends the stabilizing range at the wide end of the focal length, allowing for image stabilization when shooting while walking.

Powered IS mode helps facilitate stabilization in the low frequency range at the tele end, and should be used exclusively for fixed-point shooting which does not involve panning"

Really, that's the only scenario where Powered IS is of benefit. Added to which, if you leave it on all the time it will consume more power and shorten battery life - I don't know by how much, as I've never been inclined to test it...on my HF-G40, that is.

Actually if you put the camcorder into full 'Auto' mode and zoom in on a distant object you will see (from the on screen icon) that the camcorder automatically switches from Dynamic IS (default in Auto mode) to Powered IS at full telephoto and if you pan or tilt just a little, while fully zoomed in, it will revert back to Dynamic IS.

@editinglife wrote:

Still nowhere near as steady as our XA-10's though, which is a bummer, but not the end of the world (as Final Cut Pro has an outstanding image stabilizer we can use to fix most cases of the jitters... just more time consuming).

Never used FCP so can't comment on the image stabilizer. On the odd occasion I've resorted to digital stabilization in-post, I've always used the Deshaker plugin for VirtualDub, with very good results. Bear in mind that there will inevitably be some loss in image quality.

@editinglife wrote:

On a brighter note, I jumped at the Sirui P-424SR and, WOW, what an amzing tool. I've tried other monopods with feet, but they were not stable enough to hold the cameras up and almost seemed pointless vs. a standard monopod. However, this Sirui paired with a decent, lightweighit Manfrotto head (MVH500AH), really made the job easier with these particular cameras. I haven't edited that wedding yet, but I'm expecting to see even better shots with less jitters.

I bought three more of the Sirui's to add to our other kits so everyone on our team will have the opportunity to utilize them... so I appreate the tips from both of you regarding that option!

I'll report back with how that footage looks when I get to it.

That's quite an investment. Hope it works out for you. I tried using a Manfrotto fluid video head (701HDV) with my Sirui P204SR monopod, but it just didn't suit me. For one thing it made it too top-heavy and more difficult to balance, especially with the pan handle attached. And there was too much drag on the 'fluid' pan to be usable, even when fully loosened.

For my style of shooting, I prefer a tilt head. Currently I'm using a Sirui L-10 which, although not 'fluid', has fine, smooth tension control. For dynamic shots I set the tension on the top swivel section of the monopod and the ball-joint at the base so there is just enough resistance to allow fluid movements. That way, I can get in close to the LCD screen and EVF and comfortably hold the camcorder with one hand whilst making on-screen adjustments and operating the controls. For long static shots, at full telephoto, I'll switch from Standard IS to Powered IS, lock-down the tilt head and top swivel section with my left hand (when possible) and cup the camcorder with both hands before pressing Record. My only frustration is that you have to reach down to tighten/loosen the ball joint at the base, which can get a bit tedious when setting up for locked-down 'hands-free' shots on uneven ground.

Some people use the pan handle on a video head like a shoulder/chest brace, but I found it just got in the way. Plus, in order to zoom whilst controlling movements with the pan handle you really need a LANC zoom remote. That said, I might, at some point swap the L-10 tilt head out for a Sirui VA-5 fluid video head, which is relatively light and compact. Even if I don't use the pan handle it would be nice to have some counter-balance on the tilt. When I checked one out in a photo store, it seemed like the fluid pan on the VA-5 might be usable also - finer control of the drag than was possible on my old 701HDV head.

Cheers.

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

kelseyrieger24 — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 22:20:14 GMT

Hello, there!

I have read many forums for a solution to the stabilization issue with the xa50 Canon.

almost completely putting that camera away for good and buying a brand new one because I was so agitated with it.
with that being said, I’m going to keep this short and sweet.

I recently purchased the DJI RS2, which holds the most weight for a Ronin gimbal. I avoided the crane gimbal because of reviews.
must I say just how impressed I am!!
after 6 years of putting up with unsteady footage, I can finally say, I am so very impressed!!!!!!!!!

GET YOURSELF A GIMBAL! I have waited years to be able to come back to this very post with a solution! I hope this help you all as well

much love, and many blessing to you

Sincerely, Kelsey Crystal Rieger

Re: XA-50 Image Stabilization Issues

editinglife — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:52:31 GMT

Hi Kelsey,

I think it's very nice of you to have kept this tread in mind all this time. I certainly appreciate it!

I still deploy the XA50 from time to time. It is a great camera and does best on a tripod. If I have to have it on a monopod or get close up shots of things, I've just learned you really can't zoom in too much and keep it steady enough for good footage without a tripod or super stable monopod. But it gets the job done, especially when I need 4k capture.

However, I'm doing more and more real estate videos and have been turning to my SLR's for that more often and have been looking at the very gimbal you mention here. Now that I've seen this post, I'm going to pull the trigger and get one!

I really appreciate your input:)

-Matt