Request for Proposal:

Amateur Travel Vlogger Camera Stabilization

February 19, 2017

 1

Abstract:
Amateur Travel Vlogger Camera Stabilization

This Request for Proposal defines an opportunity to improve the lived experience of
amateur travel vloggers1 through the development of an improved camera stabilization system.
To make this opportunity more concrete and the validation process more practical , the scope of
the community has been narrowed to include only the key stakeholder, a University of Toronto
student named Jason. However, Jason is representative of amateur travel vloggers and
responding team may choose to address the wider community with their recommendation.
The videos created by travel vloggers like Jason often include shots taken while the
videographer is in motion [1] as well as still shots taken using a tripod. Jason often films for
long periods of time, during which he must carry the camera and any other equipment.
This community, represented by Jason, has particular requirements not simultaneously
met by existing solutions. In particular, no camera stabilizer combines support for heavy DSLR
cameras2 with the features of an adjustable-leg tripod in a lightweight, inexpensive package.

The high level objectives of the product are:

Improved video quality
Usability for travel vloggers
Appropriateness for amateur vloggers
Versatility of the design

Designs meeting these objectives would

improve the overall quality of Jasons videos and
facilitate a variety of shots that were previously
inaccessible because of lack of stabilization.
A design that addresses this problem would also
be useful to other vloggers who create similar videos,
and would allow them to focus more on the content of their videos rather than being concerned
with stabilization.

Abstract References:
[1]"GeeKart ", YouTube, 2017. [Online]. Available:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxONhRDg5XUxM8r7s57OXww. (Jasons YouTube Channel)

1
The term amateur travel vlogger will be used to describe a person who creates vlogs as a hobby (rather
than a career), and moves around while they film as opposed to vloggers that shoot in studios only.
2
In this report, DSLR also includes mirrorless interchangeable lense cameras, such as Jasons Sony a6300.
 2

Request for Proposal

Amateur Travel Vlogger Camera Stabilization

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction....3
2.0 Background Information
2.1 Description of Vlogging..3
2.2 Description of the Community: Amateur Travel Vloggers.3
2.3 Key Values of this Community...4
2.4 Terminology & Information about Cameras...4
3.0 Engineering Opportunity..5

4.0 Stakeholders
4.1 Direct Stakeholders5
4.2 Indirect Stakeholders..6
5.0 Requirements Model.6
5.1 High Level Objectives
5.2 Detailed Objectives
6.0 Reference Designs
6.1 Description of Design Space
6.2 Existing Solutions
7.0 Conclusion

8.0 Bibliography

APPENDIX A: Record of RFP Revisions

APPENDIX B: Field Notes
APPENDIX C: Communication with other vloggers
APPENDIX D: Embedded Reference List
APPENDIX E: Metadiscussion of Decisions made in this RFP
APPENDIX F: Video Stabilization Metrics
APPENDIX G: Collected Community Data Table
APPENDIX H: Table of Metrics, Constraints, and Criteria
APPENDIX I: Analysis of a Vlog by Jason
APPENDIX J: Stakeholder Contact Information
 3

1.0 Introduction
Amateur travel vloggers are filmmakers who take videos while moving around, edit them, then post them
online (e.g. YouTube) for public consumption. This process is accomplished using relatively inexpensive
equipment (average: $1600) [Appendix G]. We met with Jason, a member of this community [1], and
observed him as he filmed while asking questions about his experience [Appendix B]. In addition, we
conducted an email survey with members from an online vlogger community [Appendix C].

Through our interactions with Jason and other vloggers, as well as additional research, we realized that
there is an opportunity to enhance video stabilization in order to improve the overall quality of the content
created by Jason, and similar vloggers. The vloggers that we communicated with expressed interest in
this project [Appendix C] and we therefore believe that this opportunity has the potential to improve the
lived experience of not only Jason, but other members of the community of amateur travel vloggers.
Although their general need for a stabilizer is the same, some of them demanded specific functionalities in
the product [Appendix C]. To give this opportunity a more concrete bound and to make the validation
process more practical, we have chosen Jason as the key stakeholder and developed the objectives and
requirements based on his needs. However, many of these are shared by other vloggers, and the
responding team may choose to address the wider travel vlogging community with their recommendation.

2.0 Background Information

2.1 Description of Vlogging
There are three primary categories of vlogs [2]:
1. Studio: The vlogger sits in front of the camera and talks, usually in a studio/indoor setting.
2. Travel: The vlogger goes out and records his/her exploration
3. Documentary Style: includes interviews (ie, a combination of types 1 & 2)
This RFP focuses on Travel vloggers, whose needs combine extreme portability, stabilization while
walking around, and tripods for occasional still photography or artistic shots.

2.2 Description of the Community: Amateur Travel Vloggers

Amateur travel vlogger: people who create vlogs as a hobby (rather than a career), and move around
while they film as opposed to vloggers that shoot in studios only.

For the purposes of this RFP, the community is restricted to include only Jason - an amateur travel
vlogger who is also a student at the University of Toronto. Jason is reasonably considered as a
representative of the larger community. We have conducted external research with other vloggers to
confirm that Jasons problems do not only affect him [Appendix C]. However, the complex nature of this
opportunity means that some aspects of the problem do not apply to everyone in the community. To
permit more concrete requirements and validation possibilities, the opportunity is restricted to design a
solution specifically for Jason.
 4

The key stakeholder, Jason, creates travel vlogs (Type 2 in Section 2.1). Travel vlogs tend to consist of a
variety of different shots, each of which has unique challenges. Jason films using a digital camera,
mounted on a tripod.

By observing Jason and watching other vloggers videos, we categorize the most common shots as
follows: [Appendix B 11, Appendix I]
Forward looking shots while walking around
Backward looking shots of vloggers face (selfie) while talking, and sometimes while walking
Still shots that require a tripod
The current setup Jason and many other vloggers [Appendix C] use (DSLR on tripod) is ideal for still
shots. However, for shots where the vlogger needs to walk around, the current setup fails to achieve an
adequate level of stability [Appendix B 6c, 7a][Appendix I 2.2]. The setup also restricts some artistic
possibilities due to lack of stabilization. For example, Jason tried to take a tracking shot of a light fixture
while circling around it, but he could not make it sufficiently stable [Appendix B 18].

Vloggers often film for an entire day, so a lightweight setup is essential for comfort [Appendix B 6f].

2.3 Key Values of this Community:

1. Quality of the Videos
Vloggers pride in their videos drives the desire for better equipment that allows them to take
more professional (i.e. less shaky) shots. [Appendix B 6c, I 3].
2. Cost
Amateur vloggers create videos as a hobby, so they have a limited budget.
3. Usability
The solution should be easily used by the vloggers.
a. Weight
Travel vloggers need to move around a lot holding their equipment. Hence the weight of
the equipment is concerning [see 1328 in Appendix B].
b. Incorporate the functionality of hands-free stabilization (e.g. tripod)
Travel vloggers use tripods extensively when taking stationary shots
c. Compatibility with Cameras
The equipment needs to be compatible with the cameras commonly used by travel
vloggers (e.g. DSLR).

2.4 Terminology & Information about Cameras

DSLR A type of camera commonly used by vloggers. Characterized by a large sensor and
removable lenses, it can take high-quality video in a modest price and form factor.
Throughout this report, we use this term inclusively to denote all cameras larger
than P&S with removable lenses, including mirrorless cameras such as Jasons
Sony a6300. This camera weighs 0.650 kg [3], and serves as the reference for this class.
They weight 0.5 kg on average [4]/
 5

P&S Point and Shoot (Compact) cameras are lighter and cheaper than DSLRs. They shoot
worse video,, and do not have removable lenses. Also used by vloggers.

GoPro A small popular video camera often used in situations where durability is required

Smartphone The camera integrated into a smartphone. Often has high resolution, but packaging
constraints limit overall quality especially in low light.

Tripod A stable, three-legged mounting platform for cameras. Where tripods are mentioned in
the requirements, an equivalent device may be substituted at the discretion of the
Responding Team.

Stability The absence of shaking or jitter in video.

3.0 Engineering Opportunity

The opportunity is to develop an improved video camera stabilization system suitable for amateur
travel vloggers.

Although various mechanisms for video stabilization exist, none fully satisfy the particular combination
of values and requirements. Of particular concern are: price, portability, and versatility, which, when
combined with the need for tripod functionality, define a unique design space and present an interesting
opportunity to improve the lives of travel vloggers by developing an improved stabilization system.

4.0 Stakeholders
4.1 Direct Stakeholders
Jason
Jason is the primary stakeholder of this opportunity, and will be the end user of the product. He is
a representative of the amatuer travel vlogger community, making vlogs as a hobby. Like many
other members in this community, he works independently throughout the process of video
production. As explained in the background section, Jason values the quality of his videos,
concerns about the cost, and demands the end product to be usable for him and similar members
in the community. From our observation and conversation with him, we developed the objectives
and requirements specifically for him for validation purposes. He is a student at UofT and has
been highly responsive to our followup questions on WeChat.

Vlogger Community & Film Communities

Vlogger Community
After first meeting with Jason, we interviewed 6 more vloggers [Appendix C] to see if his
problem is prevalent in the vlogger community. From their replies, we see that amateur
travel vloggers are more concerned with stabilization than professionals who have access
to expensive equipment. Most of the amateur vloggers said that better stabilization can
significantly improve the quality of videos, but few of them had used a stabilizer before
 6

due to either usability or price [Appendix C]. Their general description of an ideal
stabilizer matches that of Jasons, yet some of them demanded a product that specifically
caters to their needs (such as in car, POV etc.). For this reason, we focused on Jasons
needs when developing requirements, while trying to cater to as many vloggers as
possible.
Film Community
Wider (professional/amateur) video-making related communities are potential users of
the improved camera stabilizer.

Audience
Watching better videos would be more pleasing to the audience. Their views and feedback also
influence video producers, as well as indirect stakeholders such as video platforms and
advertisers.

4.2 Indirect Stakeholders

Camera industry
The existing models of camera restrict the scope of our design in terms of compatibility. Our
design has to be compatible with existing cameras in terms of weight, size, tripod mount, etc. In
addition, our design might compete with existing camera accessory manufacturers.

YouTube & Advertisers

Better videos attract more views and generate more revenue.

5.0 Requirements Model

 7

5.1 High Level Objectives

Appropriate for Amateur Travel Vloggers

The proposed solution should be relevant to the primary stakeholder Jason, who can serve as a
representative for the broader community of amateur travel vloggers. The defining needs of this group
are:
Equipment minimalism (Portability)
Affordability
Versatility (ability to take different types of shots)
Camera Compatibility

We found that these are Jasons key objectives (related to his key values [section 2.3]) and that these
needs are generally shared throughout the amateur vlogger community [Appendix C]. All these objectives
enable vloggers to enhance the quality of their videos, which is Jasons most important value and
objective as a vlogger, so it is important that responding teams account for these key values in any
potential solution.

Usablilty
The solution should be designed specifically for use by Jason, but as a representative of the
amateur travel vlogger community, it is apparent that a solution that is usable for Jason would be usable
 8

for other members of the amateur vlogger community. Some considerations related to usability of a video
stabilization device designed for travel vloggers are ergonomics and portability.

Video Quality
A solution should improve overall video quality of the vloggers content. In order to do this
successfully the solution must allow the user to make videos that are less shaky than their current videos.
The most important related detailed objectives are:
Video stability: a more stable video improves the overall quality of the video
Ergonomics: an ergonomic design allows the user to operate the camera comfortably for long
periods of time, which means that the user will not be limited in the amount of time that they can
film continuously which could contribute to higher quality videos
Variety of shot types: enabling a wider variety of shot types contributes to the video quality.

Versatility
The solution should allow the vloggers to accomplish different commonly used shots. In addition,
the size and ease of assembly of the solution need to be suitable for vloggers to carry and utilize in
various locations (portability). The solution should be compatible with various models of camera
commonly used by vloggers.

5.2 Detailed Objectives

The detailed objectives are aimed at mechanical or hybrid designs, as per section 6.1. Responding
teams creating software solutions are responsible for determining which specific detailed objectives and
metrics are applicable to their design candidates.
DO 1: Video Stability
This is the defining goal of the project. The solution should substantially improve video stability
under multiple different scenarios, as per DO 4 (Shot Type Gamut). In particular it should improve
backwards facing video, which is currently unacceptable [Appendix I 2.2], as well as forward facing
video. It would be desirable to design the product so that it can work in more scenarios, though this is
completely optional.

Defining a metric for video stability is particularly difficult, but also critical to the project. We propose
several metrics in Appendix F; determining which is most suitable based on practical concerns and the
nature of the solution under evaluation is the responsibility of the Responding Team.

Metric: As per Appendix F

Constraint:As per Appendix F
Criteria:More stability is preferred.

DO 2: Ergonomics
Full-Day Usability
 9

Carrying heavy camera equipment can cause fatigue depending on the weight, posture, and
method of support. Jason says thattravel vloggers care about weight, and with this setup, [Sony a6300
+ tripod] my arm will be [somewhat] tired [after a day of filming] [Appendix B6f]. Jason generally goes
on outings where he films for anywhere from two hours (in our interview) to an evening (~5
hours)[Appendix I 1] to a whole day [Appendix B 6f]. Other vloggers may film for more or less time, but
we have chosen 1 day (8 hours) of filming as the benchmark responding teams should aspire to.

Human Endurance
If the design is too taxing, the user may become too fatigued to continue filming before the
intended conclusion of the vlog.

Metric: OCRA Method for Detailed Risk Assessment [3]. This assessment evaluate the risk of high
frequency handling of lightweight objects using a series of parameters (e.g. duration, posture of handling
etc).
Criteria/Constraint: The result of risk evaluation should have a score of no more than 2.2 (no risk zone).
Responding team can decide the specific criteria based on given background information and research

Alternative Metric: the period of operating/carrying the product before Jason3 gets tired
Suggested Criteria/Constraint: more than 8 hours

Technical Endurance
The solution should be able to operate for a minimum of 90 minutes. This is approximately the
battery life of his camera [Appendix B25]. If batteries are used, the endurance is measured from a single
full charge, unless they are easily replaced, in which case the cost, weight, and replacement time for
spares must be considered. If solutions do not use batteries and cannot operate indefinitely, responding
teams are responsible for modifying the metrics as appropriate. If the solution can operate indefinitely
then this requirement is not applicable.

Metrics:
1. Continuous operational time from full charge to depletion (minutes).
2. Total maintenance time per 5 hour film session
a. E.g.: For swappable batteries: (time per battery replacement) * (number battery replacements required)
Constraints:
1. Operational time should be > 90. Provisions for easily replaceable batteries should be made if
operational time < 300 minutes (5 hours). [Appendix I 1]
2. Maintenance time suggested to not exceed that required by his camera (30 s * (300 min / 90 min))
= 100 s. [Appendix B 25]
Criteria:
1. Greater continuous operational time is prefered
2. Less maintenance time is preferred.

3
The alternative metric is based on Jason because all the requirements are designed for him, the key stakeholder.
 10

Operational Independence
Many vloggers, such as Jason or Steven [Appendix C] film alone, meaning that they must be able
to operate their equipment independently, often simultaneously performing for the camera and navigating
obstacles such as doors.

Metric: Score on matrix below

Score 1 2 3 4 5

Description Both hands Both hands Operates One hand Completely

required at all recommended; one-handed recommended; hands-free
times can operate can operate
one-handed hands-free

Justification Cannot even Can open Free hand Can perform Full freedom
open doors doors available in complex tasks of movement
general: can requiring both at all times.
gesticulate hands without
while talking stopping
video, but
retains some
manual
control.

Example Manually-flown Conventional Jasons current Shoulder Pad Fully

Drone Steadi-cam setup Support [4] autonomous
drone.
Constraint: Must score at least 2 (Jason opened several doors during our interview).
Criteria: Higher score is preferred.

DO 3: Shot Type Gamut

During our interview, Jason used the following types of shots which must be permitted by the design:
1. Forward looking shots while walking around
2. Backward looking shots of vloggers face while talking, and sometimes while walking (selfie)
3. Still shots that require a tripod
Additionally one vlogger that we contacted mentioned that stabilization for
vehicle POV video would be desirable [Appendix C], and Jason himself often
takes long vertical pans [Appendix I 3]. Responding teams may additionally
address this or other use cases, and are responsible for developing appropriate
requirements.

Forward shots
Jason currently achieves adequate stability on forward shots by holding
the tripod with both hands, braced against the torso [Fig. 1]. [Appendix I 2.1]
 11

Backward shots:
When filming himself, Jason needs to extend his arm to ensure
that his face does not take up too much space in the frame. This
introduces extra shaking, making it extremely difficult for him to talk,
walk, and film at the same time [Fig. 2]. [Appendix I 2.2]

Tripod shots:
Jason uses his tripod not only as a handle,
but also to support the camera on occasion
while taking photos or video [Fig. 3]. Since most existing solutions
do not provide such functionality, stabilizers are practically mutually
incompatible with tripods on account of the additional weight, complexity,
and switching time associated with having two separate pieces of equipment.
[Appendix I 2.3]

Other:
- Vehicle mounted POV [Appendix C: ORO]
- Long vertical pans [Appendix I: 3]

Metric: the set of possible shot types

Constraint: the set must include all three types of shot mentioned above
Criteria: the more possible shots (i.e. greater versatility) the better

DO 4: Portability
Jason and other travel vloggers need to move around a lot with their filming equipments. The
camera stabilizer designed needs to be easily carried, assembled or disassembled if applicable. Key
considerations are:
a. Weight (see also DO 2: Ergonomics)
b. Transportability
c. Assembly and disassembly
Weight
The idea is to lose as much weight as possible - Maiku Wong (vlogger) [Appendix C: 1].
Travel vloggers need to hold the equipments for a long time when filming. However, handling of low
loads at high frequency causes fatigue and even potential health risks as suggested by ISO 11228-3:2007
Ergonomics - Manual handling - Part 3: Handling of low loads at high frequency [3].

Metric: weight of the design in kilograms (kg), OCRA score

Constraints: According to the standard, the weight of the full setup (along with other factors mentioned in
DO 2: Ergonomics) for travel vloggers should score no more than 2.2 when evaluated using OCRA
assessment.
Criteria: Lower weight is preferred.
 12

Transportability
Transportability is of key importance because the work of travel vloggers generally involves
travelling. The size of the design should enable the user to carry or fit the design easily into containers for
carrying. If folding or disassembly are required, their costs should be assessed in the following section. .

Metric: Maximum dimension of the design in its travelling configuration in meters (cm)
Constraint: Jasons current setup can fit in his backpack. Ideally, the new system should as well.
Criteria: Smaller size of the equipment in its travelling configuration is preferred

Assembly / Disassembly
Assembly is the process of preparing the system for use from its travel configuration; disassembly
is the reverse. The process should be as easy as possible, minimizing the time and tools required.
Metrics:
1. Assembly time measured from travel configuration to fully operational in seconds(s)
2. Whether extra tools are required for setting up the stabilizer
Constraints:
1. Assembly time should be less than 120s4.
2. Should require no tools
Criteria:
1. Less assembly time is preferred.
2. Fewer tools required is preferred.

DO 5: Camera Compatibility
5/6 of the vloggers we contacted used a DSLR [Appendix C], some in combination with other
camera types. Given the relative paucity of DSLR stabilizers compared to smartphone and even Compact
systems [A], this RFP focuses on a stabilizer capable of supporting a DSLR. For mechanical systems, we
identified three considerations for DSLR compatibility: weight capacity, weight distribution, and tripod
mounting system. Responding teams are responsible for identifying and dealing with any other features of
their design which impact compatibility with DSLRs. Designs should use the vloggers existing camera
on account of the substantial prior investment (~$1000+) [Appendix G] that most vloggers have already
spent on their cameras and lenses. Considering the limited budget (~$200) of the project, it is highly
unlikely that an internal camera would provide superior overall video quality. If the design does
incorporate an internal camera, it is the responsibility of the responding team to develop appropriate
requirements to evaluate it.

Weight Capacity
Metric: weight capacity, measured by the weight (kg) of the heaviest camera that can be safely mounted
to the device without compromising functionality.
Constraint: Must be at least 0.7 kg (Jasons current setup [5]).
Criteria: More weight capacity is preferred.

4
120s is the approximate time required for Jason to set up his current gear
 13

Weight Distribution
The system should support the weight of the camera even if the camera weight is off-center. Furthermore,
configurability should be provided to support multiple different lense / camera configurations.

Metric:
a. Variety of lens and camera configurations the system can be configured to.
b. Maximum moment while maintaining functionality as measured relative to the axis of the
mounting bolt (N m)
Constraint:
- Must support Jasons Sony a6300 with lens. (metric b: value to be determined through testing)
- Should support other common configurations (metric b)
Criteria:
- More flexibility with respect to weight distribution is preferred (Metric a)

Tripod Mounting
Tripod mounting is standardized by ISO 1222:2010 [7] which most cameras follow. Adapters to other
standards are available. The optional locking pin is not required.

Metric:
- Compliance with ISO 1222:2010 [7]
Constraint:
- Must comply

DO 6: Affordability
We conducted market research as part of a survey of community members [Appendix C], and
found that the self-reported demand dropped off rapidly between $100 and $200. Although higher budgets
often allow more advanced solutions, we caution responding teams to not exceed the limits suggested by
the stakeholders, as solutions that (partially) address the opportunity become available as the price
exceeds $250. In particular the DJI OSMO combines a DSLR-comparable camera with a lightweight
hybrid stabilizer system, but costs upwards of $600.
Metric: Estimated per-unit cost for a production run of 1000 units (CAD)
Constraint: Should be <$200
Criteria: Lower is preferred (no preference if price <$1005)

5
None of the vloggers interviewed expressed interest in purchasing our product only at a price below $100.
FrankieandEmily gave the lowest price of interest ($49 - 99), while Maiku seemed uninterested at any
price. Therefore further reductions below $100 would result in, at best, a marginal market size increase.
 14

The above graph represents the data collected from our survey [Appendix C]. The bars represent the
number of people willing to pay for the stabilizer within a price range. By connecting the midpoints, we
see a steep drop at $200. Market share is lost most quickly in that reason, therefore we reason that this is
the highest acceptable price for an affordable stabilizer for vloggers. Also, none of the vloggers expressed
interest in purchasing our product only at a price below $100. Therefore, we set the constraint to be
<$200, and the criteria to be less is prefered if price >$100 (no preference if price <$100).

6.0 Reference Designs

6.1 Description of Design Space
Existing solutions broadly fall into three categories (see sec. 6.2 for examples):
1. Purely mechanical (e.g. steadi-cam and derivatives)
The existing mechanical stabilizers use gimbals6 and weights to make the camera less susceptible
to shaking. Most of them require calibration to balance the camera every time the camera is
mounted. This type of stabilizer adds considerable weight to the setup and mounting is
time-consuming. In addition, none of them offers functionality as a tripod. These factors
combined make existing mechanical stabilizers unsuitable for vlogging.

6
a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis
 15

2. Electronic and Software hybrid (e.g. active gyro, OSMO, etc)

This newly emerged type of stabilizer is the modern alternative to purely mechanical stabilizers.
They combine software algorithm with gimbels to minimize shaking of the camera. While most
of them are light and do not require calibration, they are costly and are less flexible than
mechanical stabilizers (i.e. compatibility).

3. Purely software (e.g. video stabilization in editing software)

Software stabilization is a post production method used after a footage is filmed. It is a
remedial measure that aims to minimize the shaking of a footage by using software algorithm
on a computer. The algorithm does not work well when there are many moving objects in the
footage, and it can only reduce stabilization to a certain degree. It is less reliable and footage of
rapid movement may not produce favourable results.

The conceptual variety of reference designs suggests an open problem, and the fact that none address the
problem adequately indicates an unsolved problem. The specificity of the requirements (Cheap, portable,
tripod hybrid) suggest that the problem is not unsolvable.The mechanical nature of some reference
designs suggests that mechanical design is a possibility, something that all Praxis teams can attempt. But
hybrid electronic, or even software solutions are also possible.

6.2 Existing Solutions
References Designs Features
STEADICAM Cost: $1,195.00 USD ($1,564.91
SOLO Arm CAD)[8]
and Vest Kit Total weight: 7.7 lbs
[8] Can support cameras that weigh
4 to 15 pounds
ReelSteady Stabilization Cost: $399 [9]
Software [9] Software-based solution
Allows the user to customize the
stabilization settings
Steadicam Smoothee [10] Cost: approximately $90 [10]
Weight: 1.65 lbs [10]
Compatible with smartphones
and GoPro Hero cameras
(depending on the mount)
Automatic Image Stabilization The device would detect the
Device[11] relative movements of camera
and the sensed image signal. The
position of the lens would be
shifted to offset the image shake
resulting from the relative
movements
16
Why it fails to address the
opportunity
- Jasons entire camera setup
costs $2000, and this solution
costs more than half, which is
unreasonable
- Does not function as a tripod
- ReelSteady is an add-on to
Premier Pro (video editing
software). The cost, on top of
Premier Pro itself, is too high.
- This software attempts to
stabilize footage after the shots
have already been taken, so it
may not be possible to fix
certain shots, and the user would
not know until later
- Not compatible with DSLRs
- Does not function as a tripod
- Does not function as a tripod

Extendable Camera Support and
Stabilization Apparatus[12]
Handheld or vehicle-mounted
platform stabilization system
[13]
Camera Stabilizer [14]
17
These devices are typically - Does not function as a tripod
comprised of a camera - cost concerning
equipment support system with a
three-axis gimbal at its centre of
gravity. These devices isolate
the camera from unwanted
movements of walking, running
and etc. Common examples of
such devices: product under the
trademark Steadicam
This design comprises gyro - Does not function as a tripod
sensors and each of them is
rigidly fixed at a corresponding
pivot axis, thereby isolating the
sensor from the effects of
motion about the other pivot
axes.
This design allows the user to - Does not function as a tripod
stabilize the camera by holding
the elbow closer to the torso,
and thereby provide a more
stable grip.
 18

Camera Stabilizer [15] This design comprises three - Does not function as a tripod
peripheral masses that are
maintained in relatively widely
separated positions by a frame.
Therefore the camera stabilizer
has a relatively high angular
moment of inertia in all
directions and hence reduces the
unwanted camera movement in
all direction.

DJI OSMO [16] This product uses electric - Too expensive (approximately
powered 3-axis gimbal to $800)
stabilize a built-in camera. - Not compatible with other
cameras

THE DIY DESIGN [17] DIY mechanical camera
stabilizer made from materials
readily available. Inclusion of
this stabilizer validates that this
opportunity is potentially
solvable for Praxis II design
teams.
- operates on the same principle
as other mechanical stabilizers:
adds considerable amount of
weight
- does not function as a tripod

SMOOVIE [18] Uses a magnetic gimbal to
enable smooth shots. User
extends a counterweight to
balance the GoPro or
smartphone.
CAME-H4 [19] -Adjustable gimbal
-minimum height after folding is
around 29cm
-weight is 680g
MATLAB script [20] -stabilizes a video that was taken
from a shaky platform
(post-production)
19
- Not compatible with DSLRs
- Does not act as a tripod.
-nearly addresses the
opportunity, but not quite - the
tripod legs arent extensible.
- Also is too expensive
Algorithm only works for small
object moving across stationary
background; fails for common
vlogger use cases such as
backwards facing video, where
 20

it is desired to keep the face

stable against a moving
background. More advanced
techniques such as modelling,
then correcting for the cameras
true trajectory are required.

7.0 Conclusion
This report details the engineering opportunity of designing an improved video stabilization
system for amateur travel vloggers. Unique needs such as affordability, portability, and versatility define
specific and unique requirements. The lived experience of the key stakeholder, Jason, and the broader
community of amateur travel vloggers would be improved by such a design because it would help
improve the overall quality of the videos by enabling enhanced stabilization. Various members of the
community are excited about this opportunity and Jason is eager to engage with student engineers and
provide validation for potential solutions. This opportunity would enable engineering students to engage
with an artistic community in order to improve the overall quality of videos and thereby allow Jason, and
other vloggers to focus on the content of their videos rather than the quality of the video itself.

8.0 Bibliography
[1]"GeeKart ", YouTube, 2017. [Online]. Available:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxONhRDg5XUxM8r7s57OXww. (Jasons YouTube Channel)

[2]"Vlogging - Vlogging 101: Types of Vlogs.", Dwidget-brotherhood-army.993330.n3.nabble.com,

2017. [Online]. Available:
http://dwidget-brotherhood-army.993330.n3.nabble.com/Vlogging-101-Types-of-Vlogs-td2550151.html.
[Accessed: 12- Feb- 2017].

[3]ISO 11228-3:2007 Ergonomics - Manual handling - Part 3: Handling of low loads at high frequency,
1st ed. British Standard / International Organization for Standardization, 2007, pp. 9-12.
 21

[4] " Shoulder Pad Support 5KG for Camcorder DV Video - Tomtop.com", Tomtop.com, 2017. [Online].
Available: http://www.tomtop.com/shoulder-rigs-for-dlsr-dv-324/p-d779.html. [Accessed: 17- Feb-
2017].

[A]"Amazon.com: Stabilizers - Professional Video Accessories: Electronics", Amazon.com, 2017.

[Online]. Available:
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Video-Stabilizers/b?ie=UTF8&node=196573011.

[5]"Sony a6300 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens Kit", Best Buy Canada, 2017. [Online].
Available:http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/sony-sony-a6300-mirrorless-camera-with-16-50mm-oss-
lens-kit-ilce6300l-b/10409568.aspx. [Accessed: 12- Feb- 2017].
S. of C. Ltd, "Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS," Sony, 2017. [Online]. Available:
http://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/camera-lenses/sel1670z#product_details_default. [Accessed: Feb. 12,
2017].

[6]"How to Select Digital Camera", Benmlee.com, 2017. [Online]. Available:

http://benmlee.com/Digital_Camera/Lens_Weight_Compare.htm. [Accessed: 12- Feb- 2017].

[7]ISO 1222:2010 Photography - Tripod connections, 1st ed. British Standard / International
Organization for Standardization, 2010, pp. 1-5.

[6]"Steadicam SOLO Arm and Vest Kit", 2017. [Online]. Available:

http://www.tiffen.com/userimages2/Steadicam/dhi-TTC%20Solo%20Arm%20%26%20Vest%20Box%20
Label%20v1.9.pdf. [Accessed: 05- Feb- 2017].

[7]"SOLO Price List", 2017. [Online]. Available:

http://tiffen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/SOLO-Price-List-2016.pdf. [Accessed: 05- Feb- 2017].

[8]"Steadicam SOLO Arm and Vest Kit", 2017. [Online]. Available:

http://www.tiffen.com/userimages2/Steadicam/dhi-TTC%20Solo%20Arm%20%26%20Vest%20
Box%20Label%20v1.9.pdf. [Accessed: 05- Feb- 2017].

[8]M. Sekine, M. Toyama, K. Noguchi, T. Nakajima and K. Takahashi, "Automatic image stabilization
device Abstract", US5107293A, 1992.

[9]"ReelSteady Details", ReelSteady, 2017. [Online]. Available:

https://www.reelsteady.com/pages/details. [Accessed: 19- Feb- 2017].

[10]"STEADICAM SMOOTHEE w/ UNIVERSAL MOUNT, NORTH AMERICA", Tiffen, 2017.

[Online]. Available:
http://store.tiffen.com/item/SMOOTHEE-UM-NA/SMOOTHEE-UNIVERSAL-MOUNT-/. [Accessed:
19- Feb- 2017].
 22

[11]M. Sekine, "Automatic image stabilization device", EP0358196 B1, 1997.

[12]G. Brown, "Extendable camera support and stabilization apparatus", US20120099851A1, 2012.

[13]A. Sidman, "Handheld or vehicle-mounted platform stabilization system", US20100079101A1, 2010.

[14]D. Monroe and R. Leland, "Camera Stabilizer", US 2011/0211164 A1, 2011.

[15]D. Slater, "Camera stabilizer", US5243370A, 1993.

[16]DJI OSMO, Store.dji.com, 2017. [Online]. Available:

http://store.dji.com/product/osmo-plus?gclid=Cj0KEQiAuJXFBRDirIGnpZLE-N4BEiQAqV0KGqrss62-j
MTqR-WqQFMe5kLZnJAchCiRHcG85N_zSJgaAgMB8P8HAQ. [Accessed: 17- Feb- 2017].

[17]D. Selakovich, Killer Camera Rigs That You Can Build, 3rd ed. ScienceDirect, 2010, pp. 119-157.

[18]"Smoovie - Super steady video for your smartphone and GoPro.", Kickstarter, 2017. [Online].
Available:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smoovie/smoovie-super-steady-video-for-your-smartphone-and.

[19]C. Cameras, "CAME-H4 Carbon Fiber Stabilizer Suitable for DSLR Cameras", CAME-TV, 2017.
[Online]. Available:
https://www.came-tv.com/products/came-h4-carbon-fiber-stabilizer-suitable-for-dslr-cameras.

[20]"Video Stabilization Using Point Feature Matching", Mathworks.com, 2017. [Online]. Available:
https://www.mathworks.com/help/vision/examples/video-stabilization-using-point-feature-matching.html.
[Accessed: 19- Feb- 2017].

APPENDIX A: Record of RFP Revisions

Draft -> 1.0

1. Changed section 2.4 (Terminology) into a chart format for readability.
2. Added Market Price: Price Sensitivity for clarity (DO6).
3. Incorporated photos from field notes in DO3.
4. Added Appendix C to demonstrate that a solution could potentially help a broader community
than just Jason
1.0 -> 1.1
1. Reworded constraints sentence in Introduction for clarity and brevity, and to discuss the critical
lack of existing tripod functionality.
2. Added terminology for Tripod
3. Completed last sentence of section 2.1
 23

4. Reworded section 2.2 for clarity

5. Fixed indentation in abstract for consistency with rest of document (spaces -> tabs)
6. Condensed High level objectives sentence in Abstract
7. Reordered High Level objectives and added Versatility for consistency with rest of document.
8. Added item 3 to Appendix E
9. Added Weight Capacity constraint based on Jasons camera (minimum) and heavier DSLRs
(recommended)
10. Rescoped Weight Distribution to address Jasons camera specifically
11. Renamed Appendix G to Appendix I
12. Added Appendix G: Collected Community Data Table, which presents community data we
gathered in a tabular form for analysis and reference.
13. Added Appendix H: Table of Metrics, Constraints and Criteria to serve as a handy reference for
responding teams.
14. Changed definition of shot type gamut to make the technical term clear as it is used in a
metaphorical context.
15. Finished descriptive sentence in Section 5.2
16. Edited sentence after objectives list for brevity in Abstract
17. Added definition of DSLR to abstract as footnote. More brief form of that given in Terminology

1.1 -> 1.2

1. Added units to weight capacity metric, corrected constraints to considerations.
2. Added footnotes for technical terms.
3. Added metric for weight in DO 4: Portability (same as for DO 2: Ergonomics
4. Started Appendix H (Metrics Table). Completion pending finalized metrics.
5. New description for Market Price Sensitivity Chart
6. Corrected misc. grammar / spelling errors as well as minor wording changes and improved
justification throughout noticed during Fishbowl activity.
7. Renamed Appendix I to J to make room for new Appendix I: Analysis of a vlog by Jason.
8. Made changes to DO 2: Ergonomics - Full-Day Usability to incorporate quotes from Jason from
Field Notes.
9. Same place: added heading Human Endurance, with brief description.
10. Same place: Rewrote Technical Endurance to make it better reflect the Field Notes. Added a
second metric to assess battery replacement time, with justified and appropriate constraints.
11. Copied new metric into table
12. Removed paragraph in 2.4 because information is now covered by table
13. Added definition of Stability in 2.4
14. Changed last sentence of introduction to explicitly address the possibility of responding teams
developing designs that address the needs of other travel vloggers as well as just Jason.
15. Added a clause addressing the tripod requirement in section 3.0; rewrote last sentence.
16. Added references to Appendix I in sections 2.3, 2.2, 5.2 DO 1, DO 3
17. Added the nature of the solution under evaluation to DO 1, to better summarize Appendix F
18. Added Long vertical pans to Other in DO 3. Added (i.e. greater versatility) to criteria.
 24

19. Added OCRA score as metric under DO 4: Portability: Weight because that is what the constraint
was measuring.
20. Removed option for responding teams to not use the vloggers camera without violating a
should constraint. (DO 5: Camera Compatibility)
21. Slight edit of weight capacity metric for clarity and brevity.
22. Removed second constraint on weight capacity (Ideally at least 2 kg) because it could mislead
the design process as it is significantly higher than most cameras used, and the criteria (more
weight capacity is preferred) serves the same function.
23. Reordered metric, constraint, criteria for consistency (DO 6)
24.

APPENDIX B: Field Notes

INTERVIEW WITH VLOGGER: JASON
DATE: 2017-01-28

1300 Approach meeting at appointed meeting time

1328 Jason Arrived
1. Discussed Plan:
a. Walk around engineering buildings at U of T
b. Filming the whole time
c. We observe, ask questions
d. His setup that he brought was not full setup
2. Replaced the microphone (was covered in a fuzzy muffler thing) with a handle on top of the
camera, then put it back on.
3. I picked up the setup; it was about 3 kg?
4. It took 5 seconds to start filming
5. Usually just hold it with one hand to open door, etc.
6. He holds the camera by the (folded) tripod.
a. This way he can point the camera at himself while talking.
b. He cant see the screen while doing this
c. Because the camera is so far away from his body, if he does this while walking, the
shaking is unacceptable
d. Has to hold it far from his body so that his face is not huge
i. He cant afford / doesnt want a wide angle lens
e. When not filming, he holds the camera by his side by the top handle (not tripod)
i. This is very comfortable (in contrast to holding it at arms length by the tripod!
f. Steadicam no good (because of weight concerns - he often films for a whole day)
i. Travel vloggers care about weight
ii. With this setup, my arm will be tired [but not too tired, after a day of filming]
1343 Entered Sandford Fleming
7. Has to hold it with both arms, elbows pressed tight against body to mitigate shaking
Went to SF library
a. If, say extending over something, or looking at self, it shakes badly
 25

8. Running shot, extremely bad

9. Whole body is moving
10. Standing still is best
a. Or slowly walking; the faster walking / running, the worse shaking
11. Takes a variety of different shots e.g.:
a. Looking ahead, steady, most stable
b. Look at feet (on stairs)
i. Why?
c. Looking back at self
12. His lens is 17 mm not 35 mm
Went to BA, Common Room
13. Took 2 still photos of the stairs
14. Interested in knowing about cool places, suggests MB
15. Balcony (BA, 7F?) was locked but took photos anyway
16. Did lots of very slow, vertical pans
17. Want a [something] shot of light but it shakes way too much when moving [so cant get a good
moving shot]
18. Took another shot of light on ceiling, keeping camera pointed at same light while backing up.
a. See. Not smooth enough
Went to Koffler
19. Took picture of atrium ceiling
20. Staff told us to leave because we were filming without permission
Went to Robarts
21. Took a whole bunch of shots of the ceiling.
22. Took a shot of himself going up the escalator (using the tripod)
23. Battery life is also pretty bad - ~90 min. Its at 50% right now, @1457
24. Also overheats when shooting 4K, but I dont really use it a lot when travelling
Went to stacks
25. Replaced battery from spare (he keeps ~5 spare batteries in his backpack)
a. Process took ~30 seconds
b. Occurred at 1518
Went back to Hart House at 1524

APPENDIX C: Communication with other vloggers

Other Vloggers (and possibly wider videographic community)

Online (wechat) Interview with Steven Sun (the second vlogger):

1. Vlogging is a hobby
2. Cameras include: point&shoot, gopro, DSLR
3. Tripod, Gorrilapod, smartphone tripod, gopro family (kit?)
 26

4. Never used stabilizer

5. Video quality does suffer from shaking (walking, running). Often cannot include footage from
running due to excessive shaking.
6. When talking, often forgets one hand is holding the camera and moves his hand, which introduces
shaking.
7. Very interested in/excited about a stabilizer that doubles as a tripod.
8. Total investment in filming equipment: $500 (total value is $2000, got all the other gears from
other people).
9. Would like to pay <$300 for a portable stabilizer with tripod functionality

Emails from vloggers:

Original email:
My name is Daniel Zhai and I am a first year engineering student at University of
Toronto. I'm a part time youtuber doing piano covers
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7nVzekgtkvl7KO7eOQCXw) and novel
analysis (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotpm4-xfbfo40l1YGR5Hng).

Right now for my engineering project (you can read about it in the attachment, though it's
completely optional), I am trying to design some filming hardware tailored for vloggers
and youtubers, and would like to hear from aspiring youtubers like you for advise.

It'd be very kind of you to take a couple minutes and answer the following questions:
1. What filming equipment are you currently using (cameras, tripods, microphones,
stabilizers etc)?
2. Have you used stabilizers before (for filming while walking/running)?
3. Are you satisfied with the quality of your videos in terms of "shakiness"/stability(for
footage shot while moving)?
4. Would you say that you can produce higher quality (more artistic/professional)
videos/vlogs if you are able to shoot steady videos while running/walking/moving?
5. If there existed a portable, light stabilizer that doubles as a tripod, would you be
interested in trying it? If so, how much would you pay for it?
6. How much have you invested in filming equipment?

Thank you in advance for your input, and I'm looking forward to your future videos!
Replies:
1. Maiku Wong (https://www.youtube.com/maikutravels)
 27

Hello Daniel,

Your questions are running on the assumption that there is a need for a stabilizer for vloggers.

There are also two fields in the filmmaking world.

One that get the cleanest shots as possible for that super professional look,
The other is the documentary style where shaky footage is acceptable.
It really depends on what look im after.

The reason why some footage is shaky is actually because Im partially doing it on purpose. The
psychological impact of having shaky footage is that the content seems more authentic, real, hence
increasing value of what the context of the information im attempting to portray. The vlogging style
invokes a sense of familiarity, where you can imagine you mom pulling out her iPhone and filming things
to capture memories. Its the same when you notice sometimes shots are not in focus. Sometimes i prefer
the candid moments. Sometimes, that means my camera does a shitty job recording it. But its all in a sense
of authenticity and realism of content.

Technically I could simply turn on stabilization with post production editing to smooth everything out, but
Ive made the continuous decision not to.

Equipment Future.
The lines are going to be blurred very soon since the abilities (Sony A7S Series camera) high-end cameras
five axis digital stabilization is coming down to the lowest tier DSLR.
Canon 77D / Rebel T7i is expected to have built 5axis stabilization in combination to be used in
combination with the Image stabilization in the lens, and dual focus pixel auto focus.
GoPRO Hero 5 also has built in digital stabilization that works pretty well.

Youll find a lot of the vloggers have actually solved the problem of having shaky cam.
Casey Neistat uses his boosted board in long transition scene between destinations.
Louis Cole has a penny board, but youll find his A7S system has already suppressed most of the shaky
footage from his vlogs.
Many vloggers also use the Joby Goilliapod for extra stabilization if needed. it is also used as a tool to to
further the distance between the subject and camera.

I hope that helps.

Ill answer the questions you have in order below.

1) I use the Joby Gorilliapod Focus everyday as my main tool for stabilization and tripod. I have a Canon
80D as well as a Canon T6S.
Audio: VideoMic Pro and Videomic Micro.

2) Yes, but they take too long to set up. Weight gimbal system (HD 2000 Glidecam) are counter intuitive
for a travel content creator.
The idea is to lose as much weight as possible. Digital gimbal systems require a lot of power, which is also
not ideal when travelling.
 28

3) More or less yes. Post production stabilization in FCPX and Adobe Premiere Pro can handle the most
shaky footage these days.

4) No. Its a simple question of preparation versus spontaneous action. If I wanted to produce high quality
scenic professional vlogs similar, I would just adjust the equipment Im using to more professional gear.
(Tripod, Sliders, Glide cams) Alternatively my Phantom drone can capture steady sweeping footage pretty
easily if needed.

5) I have one, its the Joby Gorilliapod Focus. Paid approximately $150 for mine.

6) $10000-15000 worth of Camera equipment. Most of it I dont use unless professional jobs require it.

So I guess the real question is. Can you build a prototype that weighs less and can be more versatile than
the Joby Gorilliapod while holding a professional DSLR camera. (Canon 5D)

I hope his information helps. Thanks for watching my films!

Good luck on your studies, and your future endeavours.

2.ORO (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04SEgewznBsuXJSiATA6IA)

Hello Daniel,

What you're making sounds incredible! I wish you the best luck and I hope one day I can utilize your product!

1. At ORO, we utilize a primary camera, tripod, a dashcam for in-car videos and a gopro.

2. We use an in-camera stabilizer, but need something to stabilize the gopro footage.

3. no not currently.

4. Absolutely. We conduct POV drives in vehicles, where stabilizing would be fantastic.

5. I would love to try a tripod stabilizer. As far as what i would pay, upwards of $150.

6. Personally i have invested $70 but my partner invested around $450

Best of luck!

3. Paul Riley (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfMoieYoDiyUfxmsYlaT8BA/about)

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for reaching out, to be honest, we are fairly new into producing our vlogs, and the equipment we use is
evolving.

Like most YouTubers we have discovered, both personally, and watching the content produced by others that, as
well as trying to capture interesting content the following three technical aspects are as important.
 29

1. Resolution and frame rate, we endeavor to film all out content in 1080p60 as we have seen, particularly in
vlogs, the screen tearing effects that lower refresh rates seem susceptible to.
2. Sound quality, this is an area that we are still battling with, though future Occasional vlogs will be recorded
with directional microphones, it an effort to improve the sound quality in our videos.
3. STABILITY... This is a big one, and we have tried a number of solutions. We are not quite in the position
where we can justify $300-$400 on a handheld gimbal, though I do keep coming back to this possibly being the
only real solution.

As stated at the beginning of this email, the equipment that we use has gone through a number of iterations and
breaking them down below hopefully will help you in your research.

Initial setup (and what most of the Occasional Vlog has been filmed on)
Camera - Xiaomi Yi Action Camera (not the 4K versions)
- This camera was originally chosen, not only for it's price, but the fact that it used the Sony EXMOR sensor.
Tripod - various cheap GorillaPod knock-offs.
Microphone - the built-in mic.
Stabilizer - what little stability the tripod's provided us with, and if it's really bad warp stabilization via the
editing software.
Editing software - Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Daily vlog setup

Camera - Canon Powershot G7x mark 2, primarily brought because it seems to be one of the two most popular
point and shoot cameras used by vloggers (other being the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100), and of course the flip up
"selfie" screen.
Tripod - as above.
Microphone - as above.
Stabilizer - as above.
Editing software - as above.

Recent Occasional Vlog setup (from the start of the "A Winter's Walk" series of videos)
Camera - Google Pixel XL (with video stabilization switched on)
Stabilizer - Smoovie
Editing software - as above + After Effects CC

Going forward future videos recorded using the Pixel XL will also use the Rode VideoMicro microphone.

As mentioned previously, the "A Winter's Walk" series of videos is a new avenue for the channel, and is my
attempt at more artistic videos, it's a start and it's by no means perfect. Like a lot of YouTubers I would love to be
able to achieve even just a fraction of the quality of videos that the likes of Casey Neistat and Sawyer Hartman
produce, and any affordable equipment that might help is something I would be very interested in looking into.

As for price, I have to be able to justify the expense, currently, we have 210 subs, and I make no money from the
channel, under those circumstances, $100-$150 is as deep as my pockets can go. If however interest in the
channel did increase, the price of a decent affordable 3-axis gimbal becomes much more reasonable.

I hope this feedback is of use and would be very interested in hearing about the product that you produce.

Good luck.

Paul
 30

Occasional Vlog

4.FRANKIEandEMILY (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdspm7CwiX1zvhXX1dHTiA)
OK Danie, here are the answers to your questions!

1. What filming equipment are you currently using (cameras, tripods, microphones, stabilizers etc)?

Canon T3i, iPhone 6SPlus, GoPro Hero4, Standard Tripod for large camera, Insignia Mobile Photo
Kit (Mini Tripod, accessories).

2. Have you used stabilizers before (for filming while walking/running)?

No, but I really want one that is affordable.

3. Are you satisfied with the quality of your videos in terms of "shakiness"/stability(for footage shot while
moving)?

Somewhat. With the GoPro, it's pretty brutal not to have a steady-cam/stabilizer. Looked into some
gimbals that could be used with it but all seemed overly priced.

4. Would you say that you can produce higher quality (more artistic/professional) videos/vlogs if you are able to
shoot steady videos while running/walking/moving?

Yes I could...similar to drone footage, having a stabilized high quality image immediately screams high
production quality. This means that instantly the content will be more visually appealing, and help add a
boost to the actual content that should carry the true weight to the audience.

5. If there existed a portable, light stabilizer that doubles as a tripod, would you be interested in trying it? If so,
how much would you pay for it?

Yes absolutely. Ideally a mass produced product could retail for $49-99 price point. A lot of variables
that go into price points though. Having a stabilizer that doubles as a tripod would be awesome. A tripod
(in/of itself) is like a stabilizer on steady surfaces...having one built in would add a great layer of quality on
shaky surfaces. Mostly I see it being a valuable tool due to its versatility and ease of transfer/set
up/maneuverability. I'm thinking a Gorilla Pod tripod + Stabilizer. I would absolutely love to try / test this
out for you.

6. How much have you invested in filming equipment?

Budget is tight, but around $1,500.

5. EVpic productions (https://www.youtube.com/user/EVpicPro)

Hi Daniel,

It's a pleasure hearing from a fellow YouTuber and Canadian. To answer your questions please
find the answers below:

1. What filming equipment are you currently using (cameras, tripods, microphones,
 31

stabilizers etc)?
Our production group uses a variety of equipment; many in which we dont own.
However we do own the following:
-Canon Rebel T3i
-Canon 7D
-Directional RODE video mic Go with Rycote suspension
-Lav Mic
-2 tripods (Velbon and Soligor)
-2 softbox lights
-Tungsten Quartz Imager (light)
-and other creative means

Equipment we dont currently own but occasionally use:

-Glide Gear vests
-GoPros
-Sliders
-and other equipment when accessible

2. Have you used stabilizers before (for filming while walking/running)?

We dont film many running/walking scenes in our Short Films; we dont usually have the
manpower to do such footage since currently our regular production crew is 1-2 people.
When we do have walking scenes, it would be in Video Logs; in which case we dont use fancy
film equipment.

3. Are you satisfied with the quality of your videos in terms of "shakiness"/stability(for
footage shot while moving)?
When filming walking/running scenes with the required manpower and proper equipment(glide
gear & or Shoulder mounts); yes we are quite happy with the stability. Many times with a follow
run scene the shaking works to our advantage.

4. Would you say that you can produce higher quality (more artistic/professional)
videos/vlogs if you are able to shoot steady videos while running/walking/moving?
If the equipment was regularly available that we dont personally own, then yes we would be able
to shoot/film good quality videos. However we find most of our unsatisfactory clips to be due to
poor lighting in our short films.
As for Vlogs, if it was a more portable stabilizer we'd be ecstatic if it was more stable.

5. If there existed a portable, light stabilizer that doubles as a tripod, would you be
interested in trying it? If so, how much would you pay for it?
Yes, we would love to be able to try a piece of equipment that has dual purpose. With limited
manpower the dual purpose tripod would be extremely useful.
In terms of cost, it will depend on the quality and durability it will range. But currently the most I
personally able to spend on it is probably $400.
 32

6. How much have you invested in filming equipment?

Over a couple thousand on lighting, tripods, camera, lenses, audio and software. We are slowly
expanding on our personal stock of film equipment.

We look forward hearing more from you on YouTube and hope you'll continue watching our
videos.

Best of luck in your studies in Engineering at UofT,

Sarah Tam
Producer & Director of EVpic Productions

Summary of email correspondence:

Maiku:
Two fields in film making: clean shots for professional look, cinematic verite.
If there is shaky footage, then it was on purpose (for psychological impact, authenticity, realism).
[comment: for Maiku, the stabilization equipment is near at hand, and he can afford it since he makes
money from his videos (and he gets to choose whether to use it or not), whereas for other vloggers they
either cant afford it or couldnt find a good one in ideal price range.]
He has decided not to use post production editing software (for unknown reasons).
His main point: A lot of vlogger have actually solved the problem [comment: this is only his
opinion. He did not verify with the original content creator. This assumption is based on his own
standard].
Mechanical stabilizers: take too long to set-up, counter-intuitive for a travel content creator.
The idea is to lose as much weight as possible.
Digital gimbal systems: require a lot of power, not ideal when travelling.
More or less satisfied with his videos in terms of steadiness.
For him, more professional looking videos can be made by using professional gears. [comment:
most vloggers would like to achieve similar effects using less professional equipment]
Basic view: our work is useless.

ORO:
From equipment, we see that ORO is less professional.
Would like to have stabilization for gopro.
Extremely excited about the stabilizer.
Showed enthusiasm in trying out product, and would like to purchase one.
 33

Better stabilization would absolutely improve their video quality.

Paul Riley:
New into vlogging.
Stability is an important technical aspect in improving their video quality. Tried a number of
solutions. Not quite in the position where we can justify $300-$400 on a handheld gimbal.
Equipment is cheap and has many knockoff products.
Again, stabilization definitely improves the video quality.
Very interested in affordable equipment that might help.

FRANKIEandEMILY:
Never used a stabilizer but would want an affordable one.
With the GoPro, its pretty brutal not to have a stabilizer. The gimbals are overly priced.
Having a stabilized high quality image immediately screams high production quality
The content will be more visually appealing, and help add a boost to the actual content
Would absolutely try a portable product that doubles as a tripod.
Frank sees it being a valuable tool due to its versatility and ease of transfer/set
up/maneuverability.
Would absolutely love to try/test this out.

APPENDIX D: Embedded Reference List

[1]Jasons YouTube Channel
 34

[2] Types of Vlogs:

[3] IOS11228-3 OCRA Risk Evaluation

35
36
37
 38

[4]Shoulder Pad Support

 39

[A] Shows a selection of products on Amazon.com in the category of Video Stabilizers

[5] Physical Features of Jasons camera (Sony A6300) and lens (Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm)
 40

[6] Average weight of DSLR cameras

[7] ISO1222 Standard for tripod connection

41
 42

[8] Steadicam Solo Arm and Vest Kit

 43

[9] ReelSteady software

[10]Steadicam Smoothee
 44

[11]Automatic image stabilization device EP0358196 B1

[12]Extendable camera support and stabilization apparatus US20120099851A1

[13]Handheld or vehicle-mounted platform stabilization system US20100079101A1

 45

[14]Camera Stabilizer US 2011/0211164 A1

[15]Camera stabilizer US5243370A

 46

[16]DJI Osmo

[17]DIY Camera Stabilizer

47
 48

[18]Smoovie

[19]CAME-H4 Reference design

[20]Matlab stabilization
49
 50

APPENDIX E: Metadiscussion of Decisions made in this RFP

Most individual edits are supported with justification in Appendix A
1. All units are metric
2. Requirements model: connections between stakeholders, high-level objectives and detailed
objectives are presented in a tree format to communicate the nonlinear nature of the
connections.
3. Metrics, criteria, and constraints are presented inline with their corresponding detailed objectives,
in order to allow improved logical flow, and to discuss complexities in prose.
4. Tabular format for Metrics, Constraints, and Criteria is provided to serve as a ready reference for
responding teams in Appendix G.
 51

APPENDIX F: Video Stabilization Metrics

Development of appropriate metrics for video stability is critical for evaluating proposed designs,
as minimizing shaking is the primary goal of the project. However, quantitatively measuring stability is
non-trivial, and although numerous metrics have been proposed in the literature, they are all deficient,
with some being impractical, and others only suited to measuring certain types of solution. We present
our research on metrics here, but ultimately, the appropriate metric will depend not only on the type of
solution but also practical considerations and available resources, and it is therefore the responsibility of
the Responding Team to select one or more metrics to judge their designs.

After consulting with Mindy Thuna (Head, Engineering and Computer Science Library), we
searched the literature for metrics for measuring video stability. Measuring shaking is surprisingly
difficult, mainly because, given an accurate measurement of shaking, it would usually be possible to
reconstruct the stabilized video. We present several approaches for measuring shaking
 52

APPENDIX G: Collected Community Data Table

The following is a summary of all communication with vloggers, and their answers to various questions.
Vlogger Camera (type) Stability Used a Status Stability Wants Total Pay
an issue stabilizer Quo ok = quality our budget how
(art/pro) product much

Jason Sony a6300 Yes No No Yes Yes 2000 ?

(DSLR)

Steven (DSLR, Yes No No ? Yes 500 + <300

GoPro, P&S) 1500

Maiku Canon 80D, Not Yes More No Not 10000- 0?

T6S (DSLR) really or less really 15000

ORO Primary Yes No No Yes Yes 70 + 150

camera, 450
dashcam,
GoPro
(DSLR?)

Paul Xiaomi Yi, Yes No No Yes Yes ? 100 -

Canon 150
Powershot G7x
mark 2
(Compact),
Pixel XL
(Smartphone)

Frankiea Canon Yes No Kinda Yes Yes 1500 49 -

ndEmily Powershot G7x 99
mark 2
(DSLR)

EVpic Canon Rebel Yes (for Yes More ? Yes 1000-2 400
productio T3i vlogs) or less 000
ns Canon 7D

Fraction / DSLR: 5/6 6/7 2/7 2-3/6 4/5 6/7 $3800, $100-
mean $16007 150

7
Excluding Maiku Wong, a clear outlier, professional, not particularly interested in the opportunity, and thus a poor
representative of the larger amateur travel vlogger community.
 53

APPENDIX H: Table of Metrics, Constraints, and Criteria

Detailed Objective Metrics Constraints Criteria

1.Video Stability As per Appendix F As per Appendix F More stability is

preferred

2.1 Full-Day OCRA Method for The result of risk The result of risk
Usability - Human Detailed Risk evaluation should evaluation should
Endurance Assessment have a score of no have a score of no
more than 2.2 (no more than 2.2 (no
Alternative: the risk zone). risk zone).
period of Responding team Responding team
operating/carrying can decide based on can decide based on
the product before given background given background
Jason gets tired information and information and
research research

Suggested Suggested
Alternative Criteria: Alternative Criteria:
more than 8 hours more than 8 hours

2.2 Technical Continuous Should be > 90. Greater endurance

Endurance Operational time Provisions for is preferred
from full charge to easily replaceable
depletion (minutes) batteries if < 300

Total maintenance Suggested to not Less maintenance is

time over 300 min exceed 100 s preferred.

2.3 Operational Number of hands Must score at least Higher score is

Independence occupied using 2 preferred.
product (refer to
table on page 9)

3.Shot Type Gamut The set of possible The set must The more possible
shots include {forward, shots the better
backward, tripod}

4.1 Weight

4.2 Transportability
 54

4.3 1.Assembly time 1.Assembly time 1.Less assembly

Assembly/Disassem measured from should be less than time is preferred.
bly travel configuration 120 s. 2.Fewer tools
to fully operational 2.Should not require required is
(s) specialized preferred.
2.Number of tools assembly tools. 3.Common tools are
required for preferred.
assembly
3.Specialization of
tools required for
assembly

5.1 Weight Weight capacity, At least 0.7 kg More weight

Capacity measured by the (Jasons current capacity is preferred
heaviest camera that setup [3]). Ideally at
can be safely least 2 kg for a
mounted to the range of cameras
device while the
device continues to
function as
intended.

5.2 Weight a.Variety of lens Must support More flexibility

Distribution and camera Jasons Sony a6300 with respect to
configurations the with lens. weight distribution
system can be is preferred
configured to. (Z)
b.Maximum
moment while
maintaining
functionality as
measured relative to
the axis of the
mounting bolt (N
m)

5.3 Tripod Compliance with Must comply

Mounting ISO 1222:2010
 55

6. Affordability Estimated per-unit Should be <$200 Lower is preferred

cost for a (no preference if
production run of price <$100)
1000 units (CAD)
 56

APPENDIX I: Analysis of a Vlog by Jason

In our interview with Jason, we were able to observe his filming process from his perspective. To
supplement our interview, we analyzed one of his published vlogs to gain perspective as the audience.
This corroborated our earlier findings, with the same sorts of shots being present. Furthermore, shots from
the video can serve as illustrative examples of the shots he takes and the problems he encounters, and also
as a reference for certain requirements in the RFP.

The video we analyze is SHANGHAI TOWER8 which was the featured video
Jasons channel home page [A], and thus likely representative of both his values and his usual style. In
this video he takes the subway to the Shanghai Tower, then observes an astounding view from the top. All
of the features we discuss about Jasons vlogs can be found in this video.

1. Time.
Although only 5 minutes long, the filming takes place over several hours. It begins at 5:33:29 PM
[B], around sunset [C]. as can be seen in the video [D]. The video concludes much later at night,
most likely at 2200h given the text at 4m, 21s [E]. This is 4.5 hours of filming, for which not only
must the camera and equipment remain operational, but also be continuously carried by Jason.
Since Jason mentioned that even his current setup tires him somewhat, solutions must carefully
consider issues of weight and fatigue.
2. Shot types.
Jason uses, among others, the three types of shot discussed in this report, among others:
1. Forward facing shots
A good example of this occurs at 0:10, in a metro station [F]. The fast-motion effect
causes the lack of stability to be especially pronounced
2. Backward facing shots.
A good example occurs at 3:28[G]. This technique frames the video as a conversation
with the viewer. Note that he gesticulates with the hand not operating the tripod. The
effect, however, is severely hampered by the extreme shaking, apparent even in the still
image as noticeable motion blur. It is shots like these that require stabilization the most.
3. Tripod shots
A good example occurs at 0:34 [H], where a tripod was used to stabilize the images of an
electronic billboard.
Also of note are his frequent use of panning, often in combination with shots of the sky or ceiling,
something we also noticed during our interview [Appendix B 16, 19, 21], such as at 0:44 and
elsewhere. This imposes a design constraint of its own, as some designs may not be able to handle
extreme, smooth vertical pans.
3. In general, note the emphasis on art and beauty, with stunning imagery unfortunately spoilt by
shaky footage.

8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqbcPQLEVTs
 57

Appendix I References. These need to get merged with the main references. Letters are used instead of
numbers to allow changing the numbers later as they are merged into the main reference list. They also
need to be put into IEEE format.

[A] GeeKarts main home page. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxONhRDg5XUxM8r7s57OXww

[B] SHANGHAI TOWER (t = 2s) https://youtu.be/dqbcPQLEVTs?t=2s

 58

[C] Sunset shanghai nov 8 2016 - Google Search

https://www.google.com/search?q=sunset+shanghai+nov+8+2016&oq=sunset+shanghai+nov+8+2016&a
qs=chrome..69i57.6725j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[D] SHANGHAI TOWER (t = 21s) https://youtu.be/dqbcPQLEVTs?t=21s

 59

[E] SHANGHAI TOWER (t = 4 min, 21 s) https://youtu.be/dqbcPQLEVTs?t=4m21s

[F] SHANGHAI TOWER (t = 10 s) https://youtu.be/dqbcPQLEVTs?t=10s

 60

[G] SHANGHAI TOWER (t = 3 min, 28s) https://youtu.be/dqbcPQLEVTs?t=3m28ss

 61

APPENDIX J: Stakeholder Contact Information

Jason:
Email: jasonzhang1358@gmail.com
Phone: 613-770-0826
Maiku:
Email: maiku@vaycaytv.com
ORO:
Email: gino.dorazio.sa@gmail.com
Paul Riley:
Email: occasionalvlog@gmail.com
FrankandEmily:
Email: frankieandem@gmail.com
Ling Tam:
Email: EVpic.Pro@live.com