Software-based Image Stabilizer?

[Gil T Pleasure]

I am transferring a camcorder footage to DVD, but it's very shaky (ie, tripod wasn't used and the shooter didn't have the most steadiest of hands) and would like to "stabilize" it a bit beforehand. Is there a software that does what I need? I read about a plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro that will do just that, but are there cheaper alternatives?

Thanks!

[Gees]

Do you use virtualdub? There's a "deshake" filter that works well.

[dphirschler]

Can you provide a link to that filter? I could not find it through Google search.


Darryl

[Gees]

http://home.bip.net/gunnart/video/Deshaker.zip

there you go. :c)

[cplevel42]

I was looking for a deshaker too.

Thanks Gees!

[Gees]

Anytime! :c) If you play with it enough, it can have some AMAZING results.

Kept a car in the foreground of a wedding video from rocking like a boat! :cD

And totally free. Can't top that!

[SaSi]

I downloaded the filter and gave it a try.

It took me a few minutes to realize that you have to go through it twice. You first configure the filter as Pass 1 and Save the AVI, and then you configure the filter as Pass 2 and run Save As AVI once more.

The second run produces the final, unshaken footage.

Tried it with two minutes of a Camcorder movie. The camera was shaking to the extent that the video was unwatchable.

The good news is that it does wonders. Even with the default settings (which by the way I don't understand. Any text or read me file to explain the various settings?)

The funny news is : The movie had a date stamped to the bottom right of each frame. While deshaker stabilizes the movie, the date shakes all over the place .

The bad news is that I got totally unsynced video and audio. Actually, I see video become much slower than it originally was. Am I doing something wrong here?

[Gees]

Well, I really can't take you through it step-by-step. :c) There should have been an html help file included in the zip.

As for time/date stamps - yes - that would cause a problem. Maybe only rectifiable by using a logo removal filter beforehand. :c*

Luckily, I did not have to deal with that.

[Gees]

BTW - it's true that it's a 2 step process, but you do not need to save the avi in the first step. You need only preview it through once from start to finish uninterrupted.

The first step "writes" an instruction file to be used in the final step.

[Gil T Pleasure]

Thanks Gees, I'll give it a try.

[Gees]

You're welcome. Let me/us know how it worked for you, will you? :c)

[Gil T Pleasure]

Wow, that was fast!!

Anyways, I sure will. Since I'm working with MPG2 files, I would need to convert them first to AVI in order to use VirtualDub. Is there a program that works directly with MPG2 files?

If not, I guess I can't be too picky :P

[Baldrick]

Wow, that was fast!!

Anyways, I sure will. Since I'm working with MPG2 files, I would need to convert them first to AVI in order to use VirtualDub. Is there a program that works directly with MPG2 files?

If not, I guess I can't be too picky :P

Use virtualdubmod or virtualdub-mpeg2

[Gees]

Baldrick's still the fastest. :c)

[unclebud]

Is there a way to get Direct show DV footage into Vdub. I can't get ver 1.3, 1.4 or 1.5.4 to accept it. Vdub says it only works with VFW files. I'm running Win2k on an AMD Athelon box.

[Gees]

uncle - you should probably start a new thread for that question. I don't imagine many would find it here under the current topic heading. :c)

I'd answer, but I don't know that one.

[unclebud]

Thanks, I will

[Gees]

Well done. :c)

[Gil T Pleasure]

Thanks Baldick/Gees/everyone. Haven't had time to work on the project (been too busy lately), but I will keep you informed. I'm sure I will be coming back here for more questions.