Get Smooth Footage on the Sony a6400 Without Stabilization

Get smooth handheld footage on the Sony a6400 without in body image stabilization and a lens like the Sigma 16mm f1.4 that does not have optical steady shot. I've got some tips on how to stabilize your handheld footage without using a gimbal or slider.
Gear featured in this video:
a6400: geni.us/oXC0F (Amazon)
Sigma - geni.us/6onr49I (Amazon)
Camera strap I use: geni.us/jA33xAj (Amazon)
Another camera strap: geni.us/f0AEwB (Amazon)
Budget ND Filter: geni.us/RuPZ (Amazon)
Tripod: geni.us/CyiF91r (Amazon)
Bracket: geni.us/Rx4aA8 (Amazon)
Smallrig Cage for a6400: geni.us/V2y0oOK (Amazon)
Are you subscribed yet? bit.ly/kevinsubscribe
Another Great Camera - geni.us/oMlHB9b (Amazon)
Prime Lens 16mm - geni.us/Xbpn (Amazon)
Prime Lens 30mm - geni.us/Pxdp (Amazon)
Zoom Lens - geni.us/OeCA (Amazon)
Sony 85mm 1.8: geni.us/bO9Bk (Amazon)
Kit Lens: geni.us/P5kNqK1 (Amazon)
Feelworld Master MA5: geni.us/ToshYu7 (Amazon)
SmallRig Setup- geni.us/tcwWC (Amazon)
Manfrotto Bumblebee 230: geni.us/FOhKGI (Amazon)
GoPro - geni.us/CNSSlOS (Amazon)
Joby Gorilla Pod- geni.us/c7mJQ4d (Amazon)
Here’s the mic- geni.us/tj8Ja (Amazon)
Peak Design Clutch - geni.us/Q8P2FDa (Amazon)
Mavic Pro - geni.us/QEzR (Amazon)
This is how I find relevant keywords for my videos: www.tubebuddy.com/kevinross
Stay in touch:
/ kevinrossrn
/ kevinrossrn
Kevin Ross
4845 Pearl E. Cir. STE 101
Boulder, CO 80301
I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
#Sony #a6400 #Stabilization

[@BabyBackManiac]

It’s a shame the algorithm held you back on this one. This is great content. Thank you, Kevin.

[@KevinRossRN]

I appreciate you saying so, but hey, if it helps you (and just a few others that have watched... Then I'm good with that. But again, I really appreciate you jumping in here. Do you have an a6400 or a camera without IBIS?

[@BabyBackManiac]

Kevin Ross canon 90d...no stabilization. Plus I just get a kick out of learning new things.

[@KevinRossRN]

@@BabyBackManiac Sweet. I've seen/heard good things about the 90D. Glad to contribute to the learning 👊📸

[@BabyBackManiac]

Kevin Ross yeah, thanks man. I like the 90D. I have a BBQ channel so the same thing that makes skin tones look good makes the food look good. I wish I could record audio and AF while in 120 but just having 120fps is nice compared to the 80D I had before.

[@KevinRossRN]

@@BabyBackManiac oh right, I forgot about the lack of audio at 120...Have you thought about mounting a smartphone with something like a rode videomicro for that external audio source to sync in post?

[@KhairulOnggon]

Thanks Kevin. Just what i need. Greetings from Malaysia

[@KevinRossRN]

My pleasure... Do you film with the a6400 or similar camera without stabilization?

[@bykush_5299]

This was so informative... Thanks for this amazing video

[@KevinRossRN]

Glad that it helped. Good luck on your own setup. Appreciate you hanging out.

[@850Tech]

Very Interesting and very useful tips Kevin. Thanks.

[@KevinRossRN]

Glad to help. Thank you!

[@zuzannazazuklebba2500]

Awesome ! thank you I saw video py P.McKinnon who is awesome aswell but you kindly shown us how it looks in real life instead of just explaining. Thanks again x

[@KevinRossRN]

My pleasure. Glad it helped. Thank you 🙏

[@Puttugamer]

Very Well explained Kevin..... Greetings frm India

[@KevinRossRN]

Thanks so much! I'll keep them coming.

[@AprilClayton]

Thank you for these tips. I love my Sony A6400, but miss the IBIS of LUMIX G95. I’ll try holding it more carefully like this.

[@KevinRossRN]

Yeah that Panasonic line up is great for stabilization. I can understand the contrast when using each of these cameras.

[@KevinRossRN]

Stabilizing your footage takes a little prep and work, but it's possible on a camera without built-in stabilization like the Sony a6400. I'll follow up with additional videos on stabilizing in post...and yes, a little shake will still be there, but in my opinion it's more cinematic that way. What about you?

[@BrianHallmond]

Just got mine!!!!!!! HYPED

[@KevinRossRN]

Sweet! Super stoked for you. Here's to creating some kind of awesome 👊💥📸

[@BrianHallmond]

@@KevinRossRN Thank you so much! :D

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

Where do you clip on the shoulder strap on the camera cage ? I but a cage on my sony a6400 now I have no place to but on shoulder strap.

[@KevinRossRN]

I actually use this shoulder strap: amzn.to/33ePBXK there are cheaper options, but the anchors can be attached to the cage.

[@InvertLogic]

stabilizing in post not always works. if you have heavy bump in the movement you will see it wobble on edges a lot in PP. I do it all the time in Premiere pro but its not 100 guarantee will work. but thanks for the great work!

[@KevinRossRN]

You're right, it doesn't always work. I'll give you that. It takes more care and planning to get those shots for sure.

[@TomSundayGames]

Liked, Subbed, purchased your cage and strap via the links. Thanks for all of the information! You rock!

[@KevinRossRN]

Thanks! Very much appreciated friend. Keep a steady hand 😉 And experiment. 🤘

[@TomSundayGames]

@@KevinRossRN I wish i saw this video before attempting my first vlog in Vegas. I used the kit lense 16-50 (mounted on a Joby). I noticed my selfie videos were ok. Still shaky but not so bad. But when facing the front, camera is impossible to hold steady and walk. I realize I may be testing its limits but walking and recording what you see.......what would you recommend? I will for sure use all of the tips you mention in this video. The strap, cage for better grip and your techniques. To be honest, at the moment I feel a bit limited. I feel like Its best to setup the camera stationary or pan when vlogging. I am not sure how I can walk around and vlog, without it being very shaky. I am considering buying the 10-18 lense for wider angle. That should help me a little? Would you have any advice? I appologize, binging your videos now and didnt get to that one yet (if you already made it)! :)

[@KevinRossRN]

It’s cool. Glad to have you here and happy to answer questions. So the Sigma 16mm is just an awesome lens, but as I said it’s not stabilized. The kit lens is fine to start with, but it’s not the best glass of you have a certain look you’re going for. The Sony 10-18 is really wide so as far as vlogging, it’s great. Just keep in mind that focal length so if you’re looking to punch in on something you’re not really zooming in all that much, but wide, yes. I’d probably keep it closer to 18 then 10 because you’ll get some distortion around the edges and your face may appear more rounded. OSS (stabilized) does help as long as you’re still taking certain measures to stabilize. I think the OSS in these lenses is better than the IBIS in some of these Sony cameras, but obviously the 6400 doesn’t have it. Now, Tamron is starting to offer some stabilized options: amzn.to/3vOI91P Not as good as Sony’s OSS, but it’s a start.

[@TomSundayGames]

@@KevinRossRN Thank you so much for such a detailed response. This helps a lot. I checked out the Tamron. I think I will go with a 10-18 and try to save up for a good Sony Zoom Lense with OSS. I have the 16-50 kit, I also have the Sigma 16mm you mentioned. I use that for night and all of my YT videos. Figure I add the 10-18 and then eventually a good zoom one and I should be prepared for most situations. What do you think?

[@KevinRossRN]

Between the 10-18 and the Sigma 16 you may find that you’ll not really use the kit lens, but at least you’ll have it. The Sigma is awesome for low light and I still use this everyday for my studio talking head shots. The 10-18 is F4, but I think that’s fine for vlogs, honestly. If you can aim for a lens that has at least 2.8 aperture than you’ll get that bokeh, but for run and gun I think you should be fine. Just watch that distortion when closer to 10mm 😉

[@YuMahGoChadd]

Tysm!

[@KevinRossRN]

Thank you as well.

[@MateenTrackHd]

Sir please tell us how to present those great colours,please do give us the settings configuration...

[@KevinRossRN]

I primarily film in HLG2 and then convert that to Rec 709. I set my white balance to the environment, so anywhere from 5500-5700K depending on the look. And Manual exposure 1 or 2 stops down.

[@MateenTrackHd]

@@KevinRossRN Thank you so much sir🙂

[@KevinRossRN]

Sure thing. Best of luck.

[@KoganeKeith]

This was awesome dude thank you! + a workout 😂

[@KevinRossRN]

Indeed it is. Gotta stay in shape 😁

[@KoganeKeith]

@@KevinRossRN haha definitely! I recently bought the a6400 and I’m so bummed about the no in body stabilization, I didn’t even know it didn’t have it till after I bought it😔 but I heard that a lens might be able to stabilize video?? Is there such a thing?

[@KevinRossRN]

Yes indeed. The Sony lenses that say OSS on them is optical steadyshot. Tamron also makes a “stabilized” lens that will help remove micro jitters.

[@KoganeKeith]

@@KevinRossRN oh thank you so much for your help Kevin!! I super appreciate it! Keep up the good work! 🙏

[@KevinRossRN]

You got it. Happy to help 🤙

[@_salma4]

Very informative video thank you! I have a question, does the A6400 shoot good videos without lenses? I'm planning on buying a 'camera body' first then save some money for the lens 😅 but not sure if this camera's footage is good without lenses or not.

[@KevinRossRN]

Ah, if it were only possible to film without lenses, but unfortunately it isn't. What are you currently filming with?

[@nima16042]

you can get a kit lens for like $130 but you need a lens of some sort!

[@matrixate]

It helps to have that grip on your camera.

[@KevinRossRN]

It does help. That’s for sure.

[@gioortiz8459]

Great video. I was just about to buy this camera til I came across a video of the horrible rolling shutter. Will a gimbal fix that issue? I plan on making fun outdoor vlogs with my kiddos and I WAS super excited about picking this camera up!!!

[@KevinRossRN]

I do love the camera. Hands down. I have a gimbal, but only use it for commercial shoots...and some things here on KZbin, but not on the regular. I just offer that up as a PSA that gimbals can be fun, but also takes time to balance them, and work through some of the finer details if you're vlogging. Anyway, as far as the rolling shutter this is unfortunately a Sony "thing." Well, at least when compared to other cameras in this range. If you're whip panning or making abrupt dolly movements, or anything that's going to jar the sensor, you're going to see it. A gimbal will definitely offer some benefit as far as overall stabilization, but it just won't fix rolling shutter. This seems to have drastically improved with the A7Siii, however that's in a whole other league of camera and price.

[@gioortiz8459]

Kevin Ross can you recommend an overall good camera for my purpose in that price range?

[@KevinRossRN]

Do you have an ecosystem you're currently in, or are you starting fresh? And, are you looking for something with interchangeable lenses or are you fine with more of a point and shoot with a built in zoom lens?

[@gioortiz8459]

Kevin Ross starting fresh and I would like something with Interchangeable lenses

[@KevinRossRN]

Not sure what country you're in, but have you looked into Fuji? The XT-3: amzn.to/30VGKu4 I love Fuji colors quite frankly. The XT-4 is the newer model and has IBIS, but it comes at a higher price...I know a lot of people recommend the Canon m50 and I don't have anything against Canon, but you're limited as far as lenses are concerned. However have you looked the Canon 70D or 80D or do you want to be in the mirrorless camera space?

[@Mr_shehabi]

Is it possible to do chasing video with this? Like for example chasing a water bottle flip with focus on the bottle?

[@KevinRossRN]

You mean like tracking the bottle flip with dolly, tilt or whip pan movement handheld?

[@Mr_shehabi]

Kevin Ross yes

[@Mr_shehabi]

Kevin Ross does it look very shakey with 120 frame? Or it can be done

[@Mr_shehabi]

Kevin Ross like what this guy exactly doing kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5XVkKSmo9Sgo9k

[@KevinRossRN]

Ha! I had a feeling you were asking about Daniel's filming tutorials. That's good that you've watched them. So, you're obviously going to switch to manual focus, control your lighting, experiment with your shutter speed because you may have to work outside of the 180 rule, use your body to apply a stabilizing effect. If you're trying to track something like a bottle flip, then you're focused on 1 move at a time this way you're focused on stabilizing (in post) 1 axis. Sony's are great cameras, love them, but the IBIS for video blows, and quite frankly won't be appreciated with transitions like this. Filming in 60 or 120fps will obviously help you slow that down, stabilize in post, and speed ramp where you need it. Adding in some motion blur will help. Yes, the smooth motion in your production (ninja like steps, holding the camera close to your body, etc) is important, but the editing is just as important. Anyway, very long answer to your question. I've got a video planned on how to do something like this with a non stabilized camera and lens. I'll be showing this with the use of a camera strap as well as pure handheld. It can be done, but be patient, and practice a lot.

[@fabiofieri854]

i notice something as a jello Effect in the trees in the minut 3.20.. why? is an error of the autofocus of the 6400?

[@KevinRossRN]

It’s possible there was some focus breathing in that particular shot.

[@fabiofieri854]

@@KevinRossRN what is a focus breathing? it is normal? is only on 6400 or in all camera that make video?

[@KevinRossRN]

It can happen on any camera. It means that the focus is in and out, trying to lock on a subject. Certain lenses have more of an issue than others. It could have been that I had a wide focus area set and it was just trying to lock onto a certain subject that it couldn’t seem to maintain that lock. I try to film in manual when I can and sometimes you’ll get this result depending on the auto focus settings. I’d have to look at the raw footage to see what might have been going on at that time. I’m certainly not immune to user error from time to time.

[@fabiofieri854]

@@KevinRossRN thanks for the answer! nothing to apologize, we are humans :) the question are only to understand if the 6400 is for me... and thanks to you, i understand it is :)

[@KevinRossRN]

It’s a great camera. Even though I have the A7IV I still use the 6400. And there are certainly some stabilized lenses you could look at for handheld if you need to.

[@galaxytraveler5779]

I have an a6400 on a tripod set up in my car and the shake and vibrations are really bad. Yet, i know someone who did the same thing and his is perfectly smooth. Could he have an expensive tripod with some kind of built-in stabilization, or am i just not using the settings properly?

[@KevinRossRN]

Cheaper tripods, especially the very thin aluminum constructed ones will have more issues. Where is it mounted in your car?

[@galaxytraveler5779]

@@KevinRossRN Thanks for your reply! I have it on the floor in front of the passenger seat. I have the seat pushed against it to sort of lock it in place, as well as something heavy hanging from the hook to keep it sturdy. It is just a cheap $70 tripod. Torjim AX60 to be exact. Do you know of a gimbal you could connect to a tripod, or perhaps a specific tripod you would recommend?

[@KevinRossRN]

So you’ll still get vibration with a gimbal, you’d likely need a vibration isolated. A company called Proaim makes one, but it also comes down to how much you want to spend. amzn.to/3AKs68o Gimbals are getting better to help stabilize each axis, but often times a vibration isolator is added to those. Do you have a stabilized lens to also try?

[@galaxytraveler5779]

@@KevinRossRN I just have the 16-50mm kit lens with OSS, which obviously doesn't do anything to help in this particular case. Or at least certainly not that i notice. it shakes and vibrates and the image seems blurry most of the time because of it. I will look into this isolator by Proaim. Really appreciate the help!

[@KevinRossRN]

Sure thing. Those isolators can help, they’re just not cheap. Folks that typically use them in a car might have a door or windshield mount to try and keep it off the floor.

[@kicunghartono1]

camera without stabilization is okay as long it is cheap, like sony a6000, but for the sony`s marketing jargon "a6400 for vlogger" its totally make people get wrong ... unless people use a6400 with IS lens or get a tripod any where, which it is not practically for some people. also editing shaky in post production like warp stabilizer in premiere is full of pain. thankyou for your effort make this video.

[@KevinRossRN]

I appreciate your time here, as well as you taking the time to weigh in. It does take a little extra effort without a stabilized lens. Fortunately there are a couple more options for those lenses since this video was released. What’s your current setup you’re working with?

[@user-vu8er1sb2l]

What lens can i use for 6400, sigma 16mm, sigma 30mm any lens ??

[@KevinRossRN]

What are you mostly filming?

[@user-vu8er1sb2l]

@@KevinRossRN people around me, hiking place and some street photo

[@KevinRossRN]

If you’re not vlogging then you wouldn’t necessarily need a wide angle lens and the 30mm would work. Just keep in mind that the lens or the camera body isn’t stabilized.

[@namjitharavind]

While taking stills without ibis how it will be. Can we take without shake?

[@KevinRossRN]

Longer focal lengths without a stabilized lens or IBIS will be more challenging. Shorter focal lengths will be easier to obtain a better image.

[@Zunidrap]

Yes, I have the a6400 with the sigma 30mm 1.4 and don't need stabilization. As long as the shutter speed is fast, stabilization is completely irrelevant.

[@KevinRossRN]

Great to have you dropping by with your experience. 👍

[@Zunidrap]

@@KevinRossRN You too. Thanks for these amazing tips!

[@KevinRossRN]

Always happy to help 👍

[@Puttugamer]

can i get more videos about 6500 also

[@KevinRossRN]

That's definitely something I need to pivot back to because I do still use the a6500 and need to give it some love on the channel.

[@Puttugamer]

Yes definitely........ Keep Your Good work ONNNN.....!! Gbu

[@KevinRossRN]

@@Puttugamer Many thanks 🙏 and you keep doing those things that matter 👊

[@uditbalyan]

which software do you use for post shoot stabilization ?

[@KevinRossRN]

I edit with FCPX, so the built in stabilization.

[@RealJamieWorley]

What about taking photos?

[@KevinRossRN]

As far as the stabilization is concerned?

[@RealJamieWorley]

@@KevinRossRN Yes.

[@RealJamieWorley]

@@KevinRossRN I'm taking my family to Hawaii at the end of June and am afraid I'm going to screw up our photos, lol. I'm a beginner and just need to make sure I get quality photos b/c we may not go back to Hawaii. I need to make this count.

[@KevinRossRN]

Totally understand. Are you using this same camera and lens?

[@RealJamieWorley]

@@KevinRossRN I’m currently using a Tamron 18-300, which has stabilization.

[@vitali2127]

Such a bummer that I got this camera after watching many reviews and primarily wanted to use it for vlogging. The results are nauseating. Really upset about that, because most of tips wouldn’t work for vloggin

[@KevinRossRN]

Have you tried it with a stabilized lens?

[@taylor1212eminem]

It appears the audience doesn't find this impressive, just seems like standard post stabilization

[@KevinRossRN]

They don’t? 🤔 Guess I’ll have to work on my steady hand.

[@InvertLogic]

pay almost double the price of G85 and get no IBIS. wow Sony!

[@KevinRossRN]

Panasonic does lead in stabilization. I'll give you that, but I did go in knowing that this doesn't have IBIS because I wanted the auto focus and not to mention I'm already in the ecosystem.

[@InvertLogic]

@@KevinRossRN Yes you are right. that AF on Sony is so smooth and accurate that you ignore everything else. I also want to get one of A6400 for as a video camera but I am confused which lens to pick as I am not in the ecosystem. what lens will you recommend in the 24-150 range of Focal length? here I can get get Body only so I think i can invest in better lens.

[@KevinRossRN]

Have you looked at the 18-105 for video? Not sure what you’re filming, but I love this lens for video and it has OSS.

[@Solaricusml]

or you can just buy a gimbal and practice. that low pose looks like you are doing some wierd things

[@KevinRossRN]

If you have a gimbal, then this would certainly open up many options for you. So yes.

[@filmingluxuryproperties4070]

The best way to get smooth footage on the a6400 is to sell it. I’m hauling around a crane 2 looking like a total jackass over doer. Don’t be me. Sell it. You made a mistake.

[@KevinRossRN]

And if you're not staying with the 6400, have you thought about what your next investment is... Also, what are you currently filming?

[@uditbalyan]

Is it that bad? I am prepping to buy this with 18-135 kit lens. Guide me here ?

[@KevinRossRN]

What are you mostly filming?

[@uditbalyan]

New to this field, how ever i would film travel and life moments plus portrait pics. not vlogging

[@KevinRossRN]

The 18-135 is a stabilized lens, so this will help. Have you looked the 6600? Or is the price more reasonable for the 6400 where you are?

[@awaissindhu1114]

Buy a gimbal instead of watching this video

[@KevinRossRN]

Exactly. We all want a gimbal, right?