Few things are as difficult to watch, or as nauseating to experience, as shaky camera work. Home videos of vacations and family events are notorious for this, and that is why they get taped but never watched. The difference between steady and shaky footage has nothing to do with the camcorder and everything to do with the videographer. The following list of five essential skills will improve any video if applied during the shoot.

One: Hold the camera with both hands! Some people try and pull off operating the camera with just one hand. I believe the manufacturers are doing you a favor by freeing up a hand, not so you can use it to eat a candy bar, but so you can use it to steady the camera. Two hands are always better than one. It sounds obvious and simple, yet every time I go to record a public event I always see folks holding the camcorder with just one hand. If you want professional results, hold the camera with both hands! Your audience will thank you, maybe not verbally, but they will appreciate your effort.