FCPX built in stabilization mode question

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FCPX built in stabilization mode question

Hi all. I have some stop motion footage that occasionally has a accidental little camera movement. All shots were taken on a tripod but occasionally the operator (me) just barely nudged the tripod and the shot shifted slightly, just like a few degrees or something.

I've tried both built in stabilization modes in FCPX, and they improve it, but mainly they just smooth the transition. Is there a way to force either mode to just zoom in a touch and stabilize that way, rather than smooth the transition? Neither mode seems to do this, and "tripod mode" which I imagine might do this, is grayed out for some reason.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Geoff

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 26, 2025 10:27 AM

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Answer 1

fox_m

Level 6

13,232 points

Apr 26, 2025 9:15 PM in response to geofffromdowney

Ok - manual stabilization is not the way to go for this type of video.

Try this:

Stabilization: Automatic and set the Scale Smooth to 3 (or slightly greater). Leave the Translation and Rotation Smooths at 1.5.

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Answer 2

Apr 26, 2025 7:54 PM in response to fox_m

Sure thing fox -

Here's a good example - the second clip has some unintentional camera moves. I suppose I could crop and align each frame, but it seems like there ought to be a better way, in 2025 lol.

In this project, when FCPX determines that tripod mode is workable, and I enable it, it always looks great. Neither IntertiaCam (without tripod) or smoothCam look as good as inertiaCam with tripod mode enabled.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bmujrs6xo6et3htfr3zgy/I-m-Fine-Lego-Hotiz-24fps_camera_shake_ex.mov?rlkey=r7gg1as8wieyw7l93wrv8ehyg&st=rhmzvb39&dl=0

Thanks

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Answer 3

fox_m

Level 6

13,232 points

Apr 26, 2025 4:31 PM in response to geofffromdowney

A manual stabilizer may be able to fix the footage. Can you provide a short clip of the problem area?

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FCPX built in stabilization mode question

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