Camera stabilizers, or gimbals for most people, have been commonplace in high-end film and television productions for over 30 years, but only recently has the technology become popular with filmmakers and hobbyists alike. . Like so many other pieces of consumer technology, this is largely due to advances in sensor and motor design. This means these things are now smaller and, more importantly, more affordable than ever before, which means you can now get Hollywood-style action shots without rattling or hurting your bank balance. So what is a gimbal? Essentially, it is a tool to remove shake and stabilize video by detecting and neutralizing unwanted motion using advanced sensors and motors. Using basic technology developed by our ancestors in ancient Greece, a modern gimbal will keep a video recording device at a fixed point in inertial space, despite what the operator does with their arms. But gimbals go beyond simple video smoothing. They can also add an element of creativity to any project, allowing the user to mimic maneuvers only previously possible with the type of cranes, wagons and tracks found in Hollywood studios. Beautiful, eye-opening photos where the camera moves smoothly from behind an object to reveal the subject, as well as high-octane action chases and Christopher Nolan's "Vortex" shots can be easily achieved. content to the next level. Here are the six things to consider when buying your first gimbal, whether it's a camera or a phone.
1. What camera do you have?
The cardanas of hoy come in all forms and drums and are designed to adapt to a series of devices, intelligent telephones in su bolsillo or small cameras of action hasta equipments and configurations of cinema cameras. Unless you really take your video seriously, chances are you're leaning on the consumer side of the spectrum, so smaller smartphone gimbals, action cameras, and lighter mirrorless cameras should be the party point.
(Image credit: Zhiyun) With that being said, many of us have already invested in a DSLR for our photography. Modern DSLRs and their respective lenses can be heavy, which means something like the Zhiyun Crane 2S (above, $399 / £479 / AU$740), which was designed to handle a payload of up to 3,2kg, it might be the one if you're already an avid photographer looking to make the leap into moving images. Whatever the case, a general rule of thumb is that the higher the payload, the bigger and more expensive your gimbal will need to be.
(Image credit: DJI) But if you don't want to use your existing camera and need something very easy to set up, check out the DJI Pocket 2 ($349 / £339 / AU$599). It might have a relatively small sensor, making it only suitable for roll shooting in high-end productions, but it combines a small 3-axis gimbal with a tiny built-in 4K camera. There is also a holder for a smartphone on the side, allowing you to effectively use the phone as an external monitor and have full control over the action.
2. What functions do you need?
The most important feature of a gimbal is its stabilization and you can buy single, dual or three axis gimbals to help you achieve this. Single-axis gimbals can be useful if you just need to level the horizon (for example, on an FPV drone), but they don't really add a creative element to your production. Most camera or phone gimbals offer two or three axis stabilization. Dual-axis gimbals are cheaper and a bit smaller, but the lack of stabilization on one axis (usually the tilt axis) means it can be difficult to get consistently smooth results if, for example, you're shooting while walking. That's why most of the gimbals we recommend offer 3-axis stabilization. These smooth three-shot motions tend to offer additional features, such as auto-tracking, panning for time-lapse shots, and help with a series of highly stylized shots, such as vortexing (where the camera rolls efficiently) and fast panning. .
(Image credit: DJI) When it comes to other gimbal features, it's best to decide what you need to achieve your creative vision. If it's just to reduce some of the shakes that cause motion sickness in your footage, some of the most basic gimbals (even an unpowered mechanical gimbal) will be the best place to start. But if you want to remotely control the gimbal using your phone, you'll need one (like the Zhiyun Crane 2S or DJI RSC 2) that has Bluetooth connectivity. Similarly, if you want to adjust settings without using your phone, look for one that has an OLED display (like the DJI RSC2) or even a built-in touchscreen, which you can find on the Zhiyun Weebill 2.
3 Establish a budget
It might sound great to run with the DJI Ronin 2 (above), but you'll be billed € 8,399 / € 6,499 / AU € 10,999 for this model. In contrast, something like the DJI OM 4 costs just € 149 / € 139 / AU € 239 and works with most modern smartphones. Using just this kit and the power of your iPhone's incredible video capabilities, it is possible to capture epic images on a much tighter budget.
(Image credit: DJI) Similarly, the Zhiyun Crane-M2 is built for beginners and costs just $199 / £199 / AU$269, but it's compatible with a number of cameras, from lightweight mirrorless models to smartphones and cameras. With multiple gimbal modes, it's easy to achieve various professional and creative shots with minimal knowledge and minimal setup time. For beginners, this price stage is a good place to start, whether you need a gimbal for your phone or camera.
4. Think about size and weight
Like cameras, gimbals come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and weights. Look to the more professional side of the market and they will likely involve large rigs that need to be held with both hands and require a carrying case for transport. Also keep in mind that a gimbal requires batteries to power the electric motor and sensors, so they can add bulk to your kit bag.
(Image credit: Avenir) Models like the DJI RSC 2, the Zhiyun Weebill-S or Crane range, and the Manfrotto MVG460 are designed to fold flat enough to fit in a backpack (preferably one with secure compartments). You'll also find that the handles and bases unscrew from the main body to further reduce the size. Mini gimbals for smartphones and action cameras are much smaller and can be easily folded up and stored in a small backpack, bag, or even a deep pocket. Zhiyun's extremely smart Smooth-Q3 smartphone gimbal, for example, is small, measuring just 45 x 154 x 180mm when folded and weighing 340g, but it does have a built-in flash and built-in app. professional quality shots.
5. Consider the installation time
One of the trickiest things about owning a gimbal, especially those designed for mirrorless cameras and larger DSLRs, is the setup. You can't just open the box, plug in a camera, and start filming, as they require careful balancing to ensure that the motors aren't overloaded or burned out prematurely.
(Image credit: Avenir) Sure, there are apps (like the DJI one above) and video tutorials to help you out, but it still takes time and a lot of patience to get it right. Entry-level units for smartphones and action cameras tend to be much simpler, as it's usually a matter of quick setup and balancing, then leaving them for future use. The more complex the gimbal, the more likely you'll have to make small adjustments every time you head out, so this is something to keep in mind. That said, if quick setup is a priority, look for a model, like the Zhiyun Crane 2S or DJI RSC 2, that has locking mechanisms for each axis, so you can balance each one at the same time.
(Image credit: Zhiyun) Modern gimbals also have many built-in modes to achieve various shooting effects, and these too take time to master. Differentiating between a Pan Follow mode and a POV mode, for example, will determine which axis remains locked and ultimately how the camera behaves. After all, a modern three-axis gimbal will support pan, tilt, and roll functionality, usually with a mode to prioritize one or two. The aforementioned Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 smartphone gimbal (above) uses a support app to take most of the hard work out of getting great photos, as users can interact with the smartphone screen, lock and track subjects and even zoom in and out of the phone's camera (depending on model) using a toggle switch on the side.
6. How long do you need to photograph?
Anything with electric motors and sensors will require a power source and usually comes in the form of rechargeable batteries. More professional gimbals, such as those for mirrorless cameras and heavier DSLRs, will often use removable battery units, so those shooting longer professional shoots can keep spare sets and swap them out if necessary. Conventional models, such as action cameras and smartphones, tend to use built-in rechargeable batteries, which are smaller and have a shorter life. Plus, you'll need to plug it into a power outlet to charge.
(Image credit: DJI) That being said, the DJI RSC 2 range and Zhiyun's Crane range offer a 12-14 hour battery life. Take this with a pinch of salt if you use a lot of features for long periods of time, but they are designed to last through long sessions without letting operators down. It's also worth noting that some of the more professional models can also power the camera and other accessories via their built-in batteries, giving added peace of mind that your camcorder won't suddenly die in the middle of shooting. Today's best DJI OM 4 deals