Stabilizing an event using Vegas Pro 11

[Steve Rhoden]

If you want the best in Video stabilization, getting a
copy of the plugin, Prodad Mercalli 2, is the way to go.
Any form of stabilization will result in the reduction of
picture quality.

Steve Rhoden
(Cow Leader)
Film Editor & Compositor.
Filmex Creative Media.
https://www.facebook.com/FilmexCreativeMedia
1-876-832-4956

[John Rofrano]

[Michael Denford] “I want to stabilize my video events. From what I read, I need to change the Pixel format from 32 bit to 8 bit. This is unfortunate, as this results in the video looking a little ‘smokier’ (sorry for the newbie terminology).”

You could stabilize your video in a separate project that uses 8 bit pixel format and then render that and include in your main project.

BTW, You should not be using 32 bit pixel format unless you have a specific need for it, like you’re working with 10-bit YUV video or when using xvYCC/x.v.Color media. Otherwise you should be using 8 bit (that’s why it’s the default)

[Michael Denford] “Also, is there a way to stabilize a portion of the video file in the trimmer? When i apply the Stabilizer to a 1 second TEST event (from a 35 second AVCHD file), it took 7 mins to complete.”

Open your video file in the trimmer, sepect the area you want to stabalize and create a Sub Clip. Then find the sub clip in your Project Media and apply stabilize to that.

[Michael Denford] “Would there be a solution that will enable me to stabilize the 1 second clip, without the reduction in picture quality?”

No. As Steve pointed out, all stabilization requires a reduction in resolution and therefore a reduction in quality. The only solution that retains full quality is called a Tripod. 😉

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Nigel O’neill]

[John Rofrano] “As Steve pointed out, all stabilization requires a reduction in resolution and therefore a reduction in quality. The only solution that retains full quality is called a Tripod. ;-)”

Sony has new cameras on the market using a balanced optical steadyshot mechanism. I bought one (Sony PJ760) and don’t regret it. I shot an ice skating event with it standing up and the footage looks as though it was shot on a tripod, and I was also getting close ups and fast panning shots. I also used it for a graduation formal event with kids arriving in their fancy vehicles, and with a LED camera light, the footage turned out great.

It’s not quite up to Steadicam standards, but it is pretty close and a helluva lot cheaper and does not require special training or preparation other than flicking the screen open and hitting record. The HVR-NX30P also has this technology.

[John Rofrano]

[Nigel O'Neill] “Sony has new cameras on the market using a balanced optical steadyshot mechanism. I bought one (Sony PJ760) and don’t regret it”

Wow! I just watched a review on CNET and they actually showed the lens moving within the camera housing to steady the shot. That is insanely impressive!!!

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Nigel O’neill]

You can get some nice ‘floaty’ tracking shots. I once did a loop around a bride and it looked great. Small camera, but packs a punch.

[John Rofrano]

[Nigel O'Neill] “You can get some nice ‘floaty’ tracking shots. I once did a loop around a bride and it looked great. Small camera, but packs a punch.”

I’ll bet. I’ve done that using a monopod as a counter weight but I’m sure that camera would do a smoother job. Nice!

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Michael Denford]

Thankyou John and Steve for this info. You guys are a terrific help (as usual). Sorry for the belated reply. For some silly reason, my email settings moved all my notifications to Junk.

[John Rofrano]

You’re welcome Michael. Glad we could help.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Michael Denford]

Hi John,
I created the sub clip from the trimmer, then attempted to stabilize the subclip from the project media. However, it didn’t work. I tried using the media Fx, and video fx. No luck. Did i miss anything?

[John Rofrano]

[Michael Denford] “I created the sub clip from the trimmer, then attempted to stabilize the subclip from the project media. However, it didn’t work. I tried using the media Fx, and video fx. No luck. Did i miss anything?”

No you didn’t miss anything. First you make a subclip, then you apply Sony Stabilize as a Media FX to that subclip. Then drop the subclip on the timeline and it should be stabilized.

Try emptying out your temp folder (found under Options | Preferences) and see if that makes a difference.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com