A shaky image is  the hallmark of inferior moviemaking.

That’s why Hyperlapse—a free app!—is a cinematic game changer for mobile moviemakers. While this software developed by Instagram is promoted as a time-lapse solution, more exciting is the fact that the app allows you to get professionally smooth handheld shots. You don’t need a steadycam. You don’t need a dolly. You don’t need years of camera experience.

Some of the possible uses of Hyperlapse stabilization:

• tracking after a character who’s moving away from the camera
• shooting from a car, plane, or drone
• capturing a breaking news story
• documenting a sport or other action event

Wired magazine says that using this app—currently available only for the iPhone and iPad—is the equivalent of having $15,000 of professional equipment. See for yourself by looking at the sample footage in the Wired review.

We’re testing Hyperlapse ourselves and will report the results in a few weeks. If you are experimenting with the app, we’d love to hear your results, including test shots that you take. Write us at info@mobilemoviemaking.com