---
name: "video_stabilization"
description: "Choose and combine video stabilization methods: IBIS, OIS, electronic IS, gimbals, and post-production tools (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Warp Stabilizer, Gyroflow). Use when someone asks how to get smooth footage, whether to use a gimbal, how to fix shaky footage in post, or how in-camera and post stabilization interact."
metadata: { "includeInPrompt": true }
---

# Video Stabilization

## Purpose
Pick the right stabilization method for a shot and combine methods without them fighting each other. Covers in-camera options (IBIS, OIS, EIS), gimbals, and post tools (Resolve, Warp Stabilizer, Gyroflow). The core idea: stabilization layers stack well only when each layer does a different job.

## Workflow
1. **Identify the shot type.** Static handheld, walking, running, tracking move, tripod-locked, or action/POV. The movement determines the winner.
2. **Pick the primary method** from the decision table below.
3. **Set the camera for the stack.** Turn off any stabilization that duplicates the primary method or fights it (EIS off when planning a Gyroflow pass; in-body/lens IS off on a tripod; usually off on a gimbal, tested per body).
4. **Leave headroom for post.** Frame wider than the final composition and shoot a higher resolution than delivery (4K for a 1080p deliverable), because every post stabilizer crops.
5. **Fix in post only what remains.** Use post tools for accidents and final smoothing, not as a replacement for a gimbal.

### Decision table: when each method wins

| Situation | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Static handheld shot (interview, B-roll) | IBIS, or IBIS + OIS together | Kills hand micro-shake with no crop and no extra gear |
| Vlogging, walk-and-talk | IBIS + OIS + EIS (Active mode), or a gimbal | Footstep bounce is low-frequency; IBIS alone usually cannot tame it |
| Walking or tracking shot, cinematic moves | Gimbal | Only a gimbal handles large deliberate movement smoothly |
| Running, action, POV | Gimbal (mirrorless) or Gyroflow-friendly action cam | Running is a hard jolt; IBIS sensor travel cannot absorb it |
| Tripod-locked or slider | Stabilization OFF | Any IS system will fight the locked frame and can introduce drift |
| Shaky footage already shot | Gyroflow if gyro data exists, else Resolve/Premiere stabilizer | Gyro data beats pixel tracking; no data means tracker-based tools |
| Drone/FPV | Gyroflow on raw gyro footage | In-camera EIS crops; gyro pass gives a cleaner result with tunable smoothing |

### Combination rules
- **IBIS + OIS:** leave both on. Modern bodies coordinate them (Dual IS) and the result is better than either alone.
- **IBIS + gimbal:** test your body, but the common rule is IBIS off on a gimbal. The gimbal handles gross movement and a running IBIS loop can fight it or add jitter on pans and tilts. One documented exception: Fujifilm's X-H1 guidance kept IBIS on with a gimbal because IBIS kills high-frequency vibration while the gimbal handles low-frequency. Verify on your own footage before a paid shoot.
- **EIS + post stabilization:** turn in-camera digital IS off when you plan a Gyroflow or Resolve pass. Two reframers stacked create warp and wobble artifacts. Exception: turn EIS off specifically to preserve gyro data. On DJI cameras, Gyroflow only works when in-camera stabilization is disabled and FOV is set to Wide.
- **Post on top of IBIS/OIS:** fine. Physical stabilization does not reframe the image, so a tracker-based stabilizer sees clean input.
- **Pans and intentional moves:** consider disabling all stabilization. IS systems assume every body movement is unwanted, so a planned pan reads as error. This is where pans look like they start late or rubber-band. A gimbal or tripod handles intentional moves better.

## Output Contract
Given a shot description and available gear, return:
- The recommended primary method and why it fits the shot.
- Exact camera settings for the stack (which IS features on/off, EIS mode, resolution and framing headroom).
- Which post tool to use for cleanup, with the one or two settings that matter (e.g. Resolve mode choice, Gyroflow smoothing).
- Anything the user should test before the shoot (IBIS on/off on their gimbal, EIS + post artifact check).

## Operating Rules
1. Never promise post can rescue unusably shaky footage. Badly shaken footage stabilized in post gets heavy crops and artifacts. The fix is always better acquisition.
2. Every post stabilizer crops. If the user framed tight, say so and adjust expectations before touching settings.
3. Prefer free tools: DaVinci Resolve's stabilizer is free and Gyroflow is open source. Recommend paid options only when the free route cannot do the job.
4. In Resolve, start with Perspective or Similarity; use Translation only for minor handheld drift. Camera Lock makes footage look tripod-locked but crops hard.
5. Gyroflow requires matching gyro data: native (GoPro, Sony, DJI with the right settings) or a phone logger app synced to the clip. No gyro data, no Gyroflow; use Resolve or Warp Stabilizer instead.
6. Style: plain sentences, no filler. Name the method, name the setting, say why.

See [references/combos.md](references/combos.md) for worked scenarios and [references/gyroflow_checklist.md](references/gyroflow_checklist.md) for the Gyroflow setup checklist.