Buyer's Guide to Gimbal: How to Choose | Which to Pick?

Gimbals are essential for any video creator or photographer, allowing the user to capture smooth, stable shots. With the growing popularity of gimbals, the selection of products on the market has increased significantly.

With so many gimbals available, knowing the best can take time and effort. This buyer's guide will give you all the information you need to decide which gimbal is right for you.

What is a Gimbal, and What for?

A gimbal is a device that uses motors and counterweights to keep a camera, or other device mounted on it stable and level. This allows the user to capture smooth, stable shots without needing a tripod or other stabilizing equipment. Gimbals are often used to capture video and photography when a tripod is impractical or impossible, such as when filming on a moving vehicle or in a dynamic environment.

The primary function of a gimbal is to keep the object mounted to its level and steady in the face of external forces, such as wind and vibration. The gimbal typically consists of multiple rotational axes which can move independently. This allows the gimbal to isolate the motion of the object it is carrying and maintain a level orientation.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Gimbals can also orient a camera or other object in a particular direction. This is done by adjusting the rotation of the gimbal's axes to point the camera in the desired direction. This allows for precise control of the camera's field of view.

In addition, gimbals can also be used to provide dampening against sudden impacts. This is done by allowing the gimbal to absorb the sudden shock and prevent it from being transferred to the object it carries. This is especially useful in applications such as drones, where sudden impacts can cause damage to delicate equipment.

Features to Consider When Choosing Your Camera Gimbal

There are several factors to consider when choosing a camera gimbal:

1. Payload Capacity

The payload capacity of a gimbal refers to the weight of the camera and lens it can support. Make sure to choose a gimbal that can handle the weight of your camera and lens combination.

2. Battery Life

The battery life of a gimbal can be an important consideration, especially if you plan to use it for long shoots. Look for gimbals with long battery life or easily swap in a fresh battery.

3. Stability

The main function of a gimbal is to stabilize your camera, so it's important to consider its level of stabilization. Look for gimbals that offer three-axis stabilization for smooth, stable footage.

Photo by Kim Becker on Unsplash

4. Size and Weight

If you plan to take your gimbal on the go, consider the size and weight of the unit. Look for compact and lightweight gimbals that are easy to transport.

5. Compatibility

Ensure that the gimbal is compatible with your camera and lens. Some gimbals may only work with certain models or brands.

6. Price

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a gimbal. Gimbals are available at a wide range of price points, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Best DSLR Gimbal

1. DJI Ronin-SC

Image Credit: amazon.com

The DJI Ronin-SC is a handheld gimbal designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It features three-axis stabilization, which helps to smooth out any camera movements and eliminate shakes, ensuring that your footage remains stable and professional-looking.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 11 hours
• Weight: 2.43 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.66 x8.66 x2.95 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 3.1kgs

Pros

• A well-built product.
• Considered to be for experts
• Carry the majority of payloads.
• 3-axis locks simplify setup.

Cons

• Costly
• Restoring the case was challenging.

2. DJI RS 2

Image Credit: amazon.com

The DJI Ronin-SC is a compact, lightweight gimbal designed with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is capable of supporting cameras weighing up to 12.79 lbs.

The RS 2 has a waterproof carry case with separate sections for the various gimbal pieces and important accessories.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 12 hours
• Weight: 2.87 lbs
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 13.3 x 10.9 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight:12.79 lbs

Pros

• It is simple to use
• Much more durable than the previous model
• Capable of locking arms

Cons

• The friction between the tilt arm and the tilt arm is absurd
• The zippers on the case are exceedingly difficult to zip and unzip

3. MOZA Aircross 2 Gimbal

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Moza AirCross 2 Gimbal is an innovative and revolutionary DSLR gimbal that provides unparalleled stability and smoothness to your photos and videos. It features advanced three-axis stabilization, a lightweight and ergonomic design, high-end features, and intuitive control.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 12 hours
• Weight:2.41 lbs
• Dimensions:18.11 x 10.24 x 7.09 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight:7.05 lbs

Pros

• Simple mode switch for vertical and horizontal
• Able to hold heavy cameras
• Exceptional battery life

Cons

• There is no battery-level display
• If not tightened all the way, the screw under the quick-release plate tends to loosen

4. Zhiyun Weebill S

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Zhiyun Weebill S is considered one of the best DSLR gimbals due to its excellent stabilization performance, intuitive controls, and durable build quality. The robust construction and intuitive controls make the Weebill S an excellent choice for professional filmmakers and photographers.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 12 to 14 hours
• Weight: 2.04lbs
• Dimensions:7.48 x 5.51 x 11.73 inches

Pros

• Support for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras
• Excellent size and weight
• It has a consistent Stabilization

Cons

• Adjusting the balance is difficult
• The button layout is confusing

5. DJI RSC 2

Image Credit: amazon.com

The DJI RSC 2 is compatible with various DSLR cameras, including the popular Canon and Nikon models. The RSC 2 has a foldable design and is lightweight and easy to transport. Its battery life is up to 14 hours, making it a great choice for extended shooting sessions.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 14 hours
• Weight: 2.65 pounds
• Dimension: 13 x 10.8 x 4 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 4.2kgs

Pros

• Video footage is stabilized
• Full-frame payloads are supported
• Battery life of 14 hours

Cons

• It takes practice to get the ideal equilibrium
• The battery cannot be changed

6. FeiyuTech SCORP-C

Image Credit: amazon.com

FeiyuTech SCORP-C is a high-end DSLR gimbal that offers superior stability for professional-level filmmaking. It has an integrated hanging handle that can easily adjust to fit a different camera and lens setups. Battery life is also excellent on the SCORP-C, allowing up to 13 hours of continuous use.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 10-13 hours
• Weight: 1.98lbs
• Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.91 x 1.97 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 5.51lbs

Pros

• Stabilization is easy
• There are few to no shaking movements
• Lightweight
• Simple to use

Cons

• It must be charged for at least 5 hours to have a reliable runtime
• Poor balancing

7. ZHIYUN Weebill 2

Image Credit: amazon.com

ZHIYUN Weebill 2 is a portable, versatile gimbal stabilizer explicitly designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is designed to provide smooth and stable footage, even in challenging conditions such as fast-moving or uneven terrain.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 9 hours
• Weight: 3.15 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.56 x 8.86 x 2.44 inches

Pros

• Motors are more powerful
• The screen is really simple to operate, and adjust the settings on
• There are locks on each axis, making it extremely simple to balance

Cons

• The battery is integrated and cannot be removed
• The battery does not last more than a day of shooting

Best GoPro Gimbal

8. FeiyuTech G6 Max

Image Credit: amazon.com

FeiyuTech G6 Max is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, with a built-in OLED display. The G6 Max also has an integrated battery, allowing up to eight hours of run time. It is built with physical motor locks that may be utilized to fix the three axes and maintain stability when balancing the gimbal.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 9 hours
• Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Dimensions: 11.81x 7.87 x 3.23 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 1.2 kg

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• It has a wide compatibility
• OLED status display for cameras
• The visual has no block

Cons

• The quality of the material is cheap
• The app doesn't work well

9. Zhiyun Crane M3

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Zhiyun Crane M3 is a powerful and reliable 3-axis gimbal stabilizer for GoPro cameras. It offers precise and smooth control of your GoPro camera for smooth, stabilized footage. The gimbal settings can be adjusted to fit your shooting style and the size of your GoPro camera.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• Weight: 1.00 lbs
• Dimensions: 11.02 x 2.95 x 6.18 inches

Pros

• The motor is extremely compact and powerful
• Very simple to use and little weight
• With careful tuning changes, the stability is superb

Cons

• It is costly

10. Hohem iSteady Pro 4

Image Credit: amazon.com

The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 power bank function may nearly quadruple the battery life of its action camera. Using the GoPro Bluetooth control module included inside this Gimbal, you may start/stop the movie with a single click.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 14 hours
• Weight: 150 grams
• Dimensions: 11.81 x 5.12 x 1.97 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 150 grams

Pros

• It's also less expensive than other, more adaptable gimbals
• It's simple to put on and has quick-start videos
• The image stabilization is flawless from every angle

Cons

• Gimbal folds less compactly than other rival versions.

Best Gimbals for iPhone

11. DJI OM 5

Image Credit: amazon.com

DJI OM 5 is one of the best gimbals for iPhone users. It is a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer that helps to smooth out your shaky and jerky footage while you record. It also has an integrated extension rod that lets you take photos with additional people or record videos from unorthodox new perspectives.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 6.4 hours
• Weight: 290 grams
• Dimensions:10.41 x 4.37 x 3.63 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 614 grams

Pros

• Compact, light, and adaptable
• Most phones provide exceptionally steady video
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Some advanced features are not supported by all Android phone
• Awkward folding arm

12. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Image Credit: amazon.com

Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a handheld smartphone gimbal designed to help you capture smooth, stable footage with your iPhone. It features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry wherever you go.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 12 hours
• Weight:1.10lbs
• Dimensions:4.84 x 4.13 x 12.91 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 7.41 ounces

Pros

• The battery has a reliable and long lifespan
• Excellent value for this functionality
• It's of excellent quality

Cons

• For beginners, setup and use are not user-friendly
• It isn't easy to switch between portrait and landscape modes

13. DJI Pocket 2

Image Credit: amazon.com

The DJI Pocket 2 is a small, portable gimbal designed specifically for smartphones, including the iPhone. It has several useful features that make it easy to use and control, such as a built-in microphone for recording audio, a tripod mount for added stability, and a range of shooting modes to choose from.

Specifications

• Number of Axis: 3 axis
• Battery Life: 140 mins
• Weight: 117 grams
• Dimensions: 4.91 x 1.5 x 1.18 inches
• Maximum Recommended Weight: 150 grams

Pros

• Excellent for recording travels
• It has a long-lasting battery
• Good audio and image stabilization in the pictures

Cons

• Poor user experience
• The slow-motion video is cropped

Conclusion

If you are looking for a gimbal to help you capture professional-looking footage for your next project, it is important to consider your needs and budget. Researching the different types of gimbals, their features, and the accessories they require can help you make the right choice. You can create stunning cinematic footage with the right gimbal to make your projects stand out.

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