When it comes to video stabilization, there are basically two different approaches, with the main difference being where the stabilization happens. It can be done directly in-camera (or in-lens, or both), electronically or mechanically, or it can be done in post-production. When stabilizing recorded material in post-production, the basic workflow is to analyze the image, guess which motion is unwanted, and then compensate for it. Another (better) way to stabilize in post-production is to use gyro data so that the computer knows how the camera was moving and which movement would therefore be undesirable.

Two examples of existing popular software that can use gyro data to stabilize footage are ReelSteady, which became owned by GoPro, and Catalyst Browse, which only works with compatible Sony cameras that provide gyro data. Apart from these two, there is an open source tool called Gyroflow which recently got a new update.

The latest version of the software at this time is: v1.5.2
Gyroflow website: Link to site
Latest version download: https://gyroflow.xyz/download

Photo: Gyroflow open source stabilization software. Source: Gyroflow / Adrian Eddy

Gyroflow open source video stabilization tool
Gyroflow is an open source post-processing video stabilization software based on recorded motion data. Using precise lens calibrations, rolling shutter correction, and tunable stabilization algorithms (including horizon leveling), the app can produce physical gimbal-like stabilization with no or minimal weight influence. It also works regardless of lighting conditions or moving objects.

Especially suitable for FPV video recording

With supported cameras that record gyro data (see below), no additional hardware is required. Interestingly, a small camera with gyro data (like a GoPro) can even be used as a recorder for any other camera. It just needs to be rolled up and of course attached to the desired camera. That sounds really interesting to me!

Some highlights of the new update to v1.0.0

  • Easy no-sync stabilization for GoPro Hero8 and newer, even with Hypersmooth enabled (this is currently not possible with ReelSteady GO)
  • Support for up to 16-bit 4:4:4 frames to preserve image data for production footage (direct lossless YUV rendering - no RGB conversion)
  • GPU and hardware acceleration for real-time playback and fast rendering
  • Added support for gyro data from Sony cameras in addition to previous motion data sources (GoPro, Insta360, Runcam, Drone Blackbox, etc.)
  • Rolling Shutter fix for very shaky shots and improved stabilization algorithms
    modern multilingual user interface
  • Built-in cross-platform support, including Apple Silicon and Linux

The application offers a real-time preview, parameter settings and all calculations, as well as a visual display of smoothed quaternions. It also has adaptive zoom (dynamic cropping) which should give better options than ReelSteady. Gyroflow is based on a telemetry analyzer that supports all gyro sources out of the box.

Some other Gyroflow features include:

  • Gyroscope low pass filter, random rotation (tilt, pitch, yaw angles) and orientation
  • Multiple methods of integrating gyroscopes
  • Supports variable frame rate videos, all calculations are done on the timeline
  • x264, x265, ProRes and PNG outputs, with x264 and x265 fully GPU accelerated
  • Automatic lens calibration process
  • Automatic lens profile database updates
  • Built-in lens profiles for GoPro HERO 6, 8, 9 and 10 in all shooting modes

Supported gyro sources:

  • GoPro (HERO 5 and up)
  • Sony (a1, a7c, a7r IV, a7 IV, a7s III, a9 II, FX3, FX6, FX9, RX0 II, RX100 VII, ZV1, ZV-E10)
  • Insta360 (OneR, SMO 4k, GO2)
  • Betaflight blackbox (CSV and binary)
  • Mobile Applications: Sensor Logger, G-Field Recorder, Gyro
  • Runcam CSV (Runcam 5 Orange, iFlight GOCam GR)
  • WitMotion (WT901SDCL binary and *.txt)

Gyroflow demonstration video:

 

Price and availability
Unlike ReelSteady, the Gyroflow app is open source and available to download for free. However, you can donate to its creators (via PayPal or Patreon) to support the project. For general support, discussion, and user feedback, the Gyroflow community, including developers, is active on this Discord server. The good news is that the app runs on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS (including Apple Silicon machines).