Komodo Post-Stabilization

[Chris W.]

I have been eyeing the Red Komodo for some time now, most likely will get it when there are more in stock. One of the reasons I want it over the bmpcc6k is the global shutter and the advertised stabilization in post. I really love the idea of just having the komodo and a side handle without needing a gimbal. I don't have a problem using a tripod in doors, but almost every city/place you need a permit if your filming outdoors and it looks too professional, which means a tripod. People would overlook a handheld camera even if it's a Red. The Red Komodo webpage has post-stabilization as it's own section so it is a selling point.

I've looked online for footage as example and I'm impressed with the results. This was stabilized in post and was filmed in 24p 180° https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Pby-lYBCs . This is another good one. Uses Canon FD lenses and I just love the look: https://vimeo.com/492315376 . (this instagram post says it was all shot handheld so I assume post-stabilization was used https://www.instagram.com/p/CPAghEHBa8-/)

I have seen some examples that have these artifacts and jitters that I have only seen on stabilized footage, sort of like a rapid up and down motion blur. https://youtu.be/30LMixY3Juw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A2hBV32skg . I have a theory that when the user moves with the subject then it causes these jitters but when they stay stationary it doesn't happen. I noticed footage where they stay in one spot or only pan in that spot it looks smooth.

(I did avoid most examples filmed in higher frame rates or slow-motion footage, most things can look smooth if you slow it down)

I could always just buy canon RF lenses with I.S and then stabilize it even more in post, but it would be nice to use some vintage glass.

For people that have used it, how was your experience in post-stabilization and is it reliable? Does the global shutter make stabilization easier to do or is about the same as rolling shutter. And what software did you use for it, I've read that resolves stabilization is better than warp stabilizer since warp is made for rolling shutter cameras

 

[Han Vogen]

I’ve post stabilized my Komodo footage on many occasions. While the global shutter helps remove some artifacts, I find that stabilization without gyro data is extremely limited. Don’t expect to forego using a gimbal/tripod. Comparing my Komodo to my Sony FX6, which while not global shutter, does has a fast readout speed of 7-8ms; I can assure you that the FX6 will run circles around the Komodo all day long for stabilization. This is because the Sony records gyroscopic data. The Komodo is rumored to have a gyroscopic sensor, however it is not enabled. Adding the gyro metadata to the stabilization algorithm means you can say goodbye to the dreaded warping that happens when trying to stabilize footage that does not have this gyro data. Without the gyro data warping quickly becomes a issues if trying to stabilize anything beyond minimal camera shake. Whereas, the Sony has huge latitude in this regard. It’s not even close.

I sure do wish Red would speak up about this.