How to Use a Gimbal in Real Estate Photography: Expert Advice
Not knowing how to use a gimbal properly can lead to shaky, unstable videos, potentially costing real estate agents valuable listings and sales. While our team can expertly edit photos and videos for you, quality videos start with stable shots. To make the most of this tech, here are our tips on how to use a gimbal in real estate photography and videography.
How to Use a Gimbal in Real Estate Photography
To use a gimbal in real estate photography, properly mount and balance your camera, then familiarize yourself with the gimbal's controls and sensitivity settings. Plan your shots to highlight key property features and apply creative techniques. Keep the gimbal close to your body, and experiment with different heights and movements to capture smooth, dynamic footage that brings properties to life.
Using a gimbal helps create smooth and professional-looking shots. Here are our tried-and-true ways of taking cinematic shots that will set your work apart from amateur-looking footage.
| Step | Tips |
|---|---|
| Balance the camera, lens, and gimbal | Slide the camera to the gimbal and double-check the screws and locks. Adjust the gimbal's axes (tilt, roll, pan) |
| Apply different gimbal modes and controls | Practice with different modes (follow, lock, pan-follow) |
| Adjust sensitivity settings | Adjust gimbal sensitivity based on shooting conditions |
| Create a shot list | Highlight property features and design creative walkthrough sequences. |
| Make creative shots | Use both hands and your upper body to move the gimbal |
1. Balance the Camera and Lens Combo on the Gimbal Properly
Balancing prevents the gimbal from overworking, prolonging motor life. While different models might have unique mounting systems, you generally need to:
- Place the gimbal on a flat surface to make it stable.
- Remove extra accessories like lens caps to avoid extra weight.
- Carefully slide your camera into the mounting plate and tighten it with the provided screw.
Adjust each axis independently:
- Tilt axis: Make sure the camera stays level when you let go.
- Roll axis: Adjust until the camera doesn't veer side to side.
- Pan axis: Center balance so the camera doesn’t rotate spontaneously.
2. Understand Gimbal Controls and Modes
Familiarize yourself with the gimbal's hardware buttons and functions. Shift between different modes to achieve the necessary shot.
- Pan follow mode: Use this to follow your horizontal movements, keeping the shot stable along the vertical axis.
- Full follow mode: To take dynamic shots, use this mode for a full range of movement, following both pan and tilt directions.
- Lock mode: Set this mode to keep the camera fixed in a single direction, regardless of how the handle moves.
3. Adjust the Sensitivity Settings
Adjusting the gimbal's speed and responsiveness manages how quickly the gimbal follows your movements. While these values provide general guidelines, you need to fine-tune the settings based on your shooting style, subject matter, gimbal model, camera weight, and environmental factors.
- Speed: A medium-speed setting of around 50 to 70 allows for reasonably quick pans and tilts without being too twitchy.
- Smoothness: Higher smoothness values from 60 to 80 help create fluid, cinematic movements by dampening sudden changes in direction.
- Deadband: A small deadband of two to five prevents unintended micro-movements when holding a static shot while still allowing precise adjustments.
4. Plan Your Shots
Compared to listings without video, property listings with video got 403% more inquiries. To achieve this, you need to capture intriguing yet informative shots.
- List each room or area you want to showcase.
- Decide on the angle and type of shot — such as wide or close-up — you intend to take.
- Look for unique elements like fireplaces, large windows, or open floor plans.
With a cohesive shot list, our editors can better understand the flow of the video edit you want to achieve.
5. Use Your Upper Body and Hands to Apply Creative Gimbal Techniques
About 85% of buyers and sellers are likely to work with agents who use video marketing. To attract agents as clients, know the right body movements and gimbal-handling practices to produce creative yet quality shots for marketing real estate properties.
Use Two Hands When Handling the Gimbal
With two hands, you're less likely to shake or tilt during filming.
- Grasp the handle firmly with your dominant hand and use your other hand to guide and balance.
- Practice holding the gimbal in different positions.
- Switch hand positions during long shoots to reduce fatigue.
Keep the Gimbal Close to Your Body
By shortening the distance, you center the weight, making it less strenuous to hold for extended periods.
- Tuck the elbows in to reduce arm movement.
- Adjust the gimbal's height to match the center of gravity.
- Use a shoulder strap for extra support.
Use Your Upper Body to Move the Gimbal
This technique offers more natural and flowing movements, improving the quality of your shots.
- Instead of relying solely on your arms, use your upper body to maneuver the gimbal.
- Pivot with your feet to create sweeping pans.
- Shift your body weight to assist in smooth transitions.
Walk Backwards With Bent Knees
Walking backward with bent knees minimizes vertical bouncing, especially when shooting walkthroughs of properties.
- Bend your knees slightly, keeping your steps relaxed.
- Plan your paths before starting a shot.
- Pause at key vantage points to highlight features.
Experiment With Height Variations
Trying different heights adds dynamic perspectives to your videos.
- Raise the gimbal to capture vaulted ceilings or other architectural features.
- Lower it to floor level for spacious room views.
- Use varying heights to create visual interest.
Related Questions
Is It Necessary to Use Gimbal for Real Estate Photography and Videography?
While not strictly necessary, using a gimbal in real estate photos and videos can significantly enhance the quality and professionalism of your footage. A gimbal helps create smooth, stable shots that make properties look more attractive to potential buyers.
How to Choose the Best Gimbal for Shooting Property Videos?
When selecting a gimbal for property videos, consider factors such as compatibility with your camera, weight capacity, battery life, and ease of use. Look for a gimbal that offers smooth stabilization, various shooting modes, and is comfortable to handle for extended periods.
How Can I Shoot Quality Real Estate Footage?
To shoot quality real estate footage, invest in good equipment including a camera with manual controls, a wide-angle lens, and a gimbal for smooth movements. Plan your shots carefully and use a gimbal to stabilize shots that highlight key features of the property.
Conclusion
When you pair your gimbal skills with our professional editing, we can further emphasize the smooth transitions you've captured, highlighting key features of the property. With practice, your gimbal techniques will evolve, creating more dynamic and engaging content your clients will love.