What camera support can help reduce shake from hand tremors with a bridge camera?
Asked 8/28/2020
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2 answers
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I have early-onset Parkinson’s and significant hand tremors, which makes camera shake a problem. I use a bridge/superzoom camera with a standard tripod socket. Are there any supports—especially something worn around the neck or braced at eye level—that could help stabilize the camera for shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
1
If your tremors are too severe for existing Image Stabilization systems to compensate, you might want to look into having something made, since I don't know of an existing device such as you describe.
Start with the devices musicians sometimes use to hold a harmonica while they play a guitar with their hands -- those will give you the correct type of body support. To that, you'll add a platform in which the tripod screw can mount. A spacer may be needed to raise the eyepiece to the correct height. You may need to extend the support to run further down your chest (to offset the leverage of the camera's weight compared to a relatively light harmonica), and would likely find it helpful to have an adjustable strap behind your neck to provide the other end of the lever arm.
Originally by user89902. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89902
6y ago
0
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There doesn’t seem to be a common off-the-shelf neck/eye-level support specifically for this use, but several approaches may help reduce shake.
A monopod is the simplest proven option and can cut down movement a lot while staying portable. Using a remote shutter release, if your camera supports one, can also reduce shake from pressing the button.
A video stabilizer/steadicam-style rig may help, though some rely on added weight and balance rather than directly cancelling tremor, so comfort and practicality will vary.
If you specifically want a body-braced support, a custom solution may be needed. One suggestion is adapting a neck/chest support similar to a harmonica holder, with a platform mounted to the camera’s tripod thread and possibly a spacer to place the viewfinder at eye level.
Technique can also help: use shutter priority and aim for faster shutter speeds such as 1/500 to 1/1000 sec when possible. Wider-angle settings and wider apertures can make this easier in brighter light.
There are also experimental tremor-suppression gloves in development, but these do not appear to be established retail products yet.
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