Overexposed images and underexposed images will both be difficult for the editing program to analyze and are more likely to result in errors or an undesirable outcome. Properly exposing your footage is also key for any shots that you hope to stabilize in post.

A shot with clearly defined edges will be easier to stabilize in post than a shot of something like a blank wall or a body of water that lacks easily definable spots for the editing software to track. To stabilize footage in post, the editing software needs to analyze each frame and identify certain data points to track their locations throughout the shot. If you don’t have any of these tools, you can still set yourself up for success in post by planning ahead and making smart decisions during the shoot that will make stabilizing easier and more effective. Use a tripod, gimbal, steadicam, or stabilizer on set to get the best results.

The best way to get smooth footage is to ensure the footage is shot smoothly on set.