That is an amazing improvement. Is it just metal on metal or do you have any rubber in there?

Ron and John

Have you tried this exercise with a fixed shutter speed of less than 1/48, to see if it is a rolling shutter issue?

Andrew (whose PAL HV20 is arriving on Monday morning...)

http://stores.ebay.com/LCD4Video_LCD...QQfsubZ3733573

These may be a little larger than you were looking for, but I'm definitely considering one!

As I said earlier, it works like a charm with my old Sony that's even lighter than the HV20. :)

Here's a raw m2t clip from the HV20 showing my wobbly problem: http://files.filefront.com/7340999
It's all full wide-angle and the camera is on my home made stabilizer in this clip.

Personally I think it's best to leave the OIS turned off. Even in the manual they tell you if you're using a tripod to turn it off. Plus, if you're trying to emulate the film look by using either 24P or 25P, you don't want OIS running anyway. Real film cameras don't have OIS. It can't be trusted.

Any wobbly effects would be the rolling shutter. It's annoying, but for the price of the camera I can deal with it. Just plan your shots carefully and avoid any quick movements. Stablizers definitely help and I'd suggest using one or even a tripod/monopod whenever possible. Shooting handheld like a tourist, you'll probably only end up with less than 15% of footage that looks half decent.

Ron, by the look of that I'd say there's definitely something wrong with your camera. If you've got the camera on your steadycam, then it looks like there's a spring between the two. Take it back.

For comparison here's my HV20 + $14 steady cam around the house clip I posted in the other thread.. 25P, but at 1/25 shutter speed - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=L2G1OPED

it's all metal on metal except for the plexi, i've got a couple of rubber washers between the plexi and the bracket, so i can tighten the camera bolt...

ron, i agree with glenn, it looks like a bad ois sensor, or an element out of whack.

That later DIY glidecam video looked nice. It helps to have nice house. 8-) Any Figrig (DIY or genuine Manfrotto) users have sample video? I'm still doing the finishing touches on mine so I'd like to compare.

Test fit of the PVC figrig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84946364@N00/477769830/

Had to chuckle a little here ...

OIS and "rocking" in the same sentence ... is that a little contradictory ;)

OK, have a HV20 in hand - used my rig, smooth as silk (or it "rocks" <VBG>). still have to shake it down some more, but I'd say if your video is bouncing around there may be a defect in your particular cam...

Dave

That wobbling looks like a rolling shutter issue. All of these hdv-cmos-cameras seem to be influenced by it.