Best Gimbals for Stable Video Footage

Keyword: Gimbals

Photo by Reneé Thompson on Unsplash

For anyone serious about videography, achieving smooth, shake-free footage is essential. Gimbals are indispensable tools that stabilize the camera, compensating for movements and allowing filmmakers to capture professional-looking shots even on the go. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best gimbals available today, their unique features, and how to choose one that suits your needs, whether you’re a smartphone videographer, DSLR user, or a full-scale cinematographer.

What is a Gimbal, and Why Do You Need One?

A gimbal is a pivoted support that enables a camera to remain level by isolating it from any unintended movement. They use advanced motors and sensors to stabilize the camera on three axes: pitch, roll, and yaw. With a gimbal, you can achieve cinematic shots while walking, running, or even when filming from a moving vehicle. Unlike traditional stabilizers, electronic gimbals actively adjust to your movements, giving you much greater stability.

Choosing the Right Gimbal

Selecting the right gimbal depends on the type of camera you’re using, the kind of shots you want to capture, and, of course, your budget. Here are the top considerations when choosing a gimbal:

• Payload Capacity: Gimbals are designed to hold a certain weight. Some are built for smartphones and mirrorless cameras, while others support the weight of larger DSLR or cinema cameras. Always check your camera’s weight with its heaviest lens attached to ensure compatibility.
• Battery Life: Gimbals rely on battery power, especially for extended shoots. For professionals, look for models with 10-12 hours of battery life.
• Portability: If you travel or shoot on location often, consider the gimbal’s weight and foldability. Some models are designed to be compact and easy to transport, while others are larger and more robust for professional use.
• Features: Some gimbals come with built-in tracking, time-lapse, and panorama modes, allowing you to get creative with your shots. Higher-end gimbals often feature customizable controls, making it easier to adjust stabilization, speed, and sensitivity.

Top Gimbals for Different Camera Types

1. DJI Ronin-S (Best for DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras)

The DJI Ronin-S is a powerful gimbal designed for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, with a weight capacity of up to 3.6 kg (8 lbs). It’s built with a single-hand grip, allowing you to hold your camera in multiple orientations. The Ronin-S features a focus wheel for precise adjustments and an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours.

• Why it’s great: The Ronin-S is known for its responsive and smooth operation, ideal for creating professional-quality footage.
• Considerations: It’s slightly bulkier than other gimbals, so it’s best for filmmakers who don’t need ultra-portable equipment. DJI Ronin-S (Official site).

2. Zhiyun Crane 3S (Best for Heavy DSLRs and Cinema Cameras)

For users with large DSLRs or cinema cameras, the Zhiyun Crane 3S is a heavy-duty gimbal with an impressive payload capacity of up to 6.5 kg (14.3 lbs). It has a modular design, allowing you to customize the handle and grip, and it also supports a wireless image transmission system, which is great for remote monitoring.

• Why it’s great: With a strong motor and various grip options, the Crane 3S is an excellent choice for professional productions.
• Considerations: It’s heavier and requires more setup, making it less suitable for on-the-go filming. Zhiyun Crane 3S (Official site).

3. Moza AirCross 2 (Best for Mirrorless Cameras)

The Moza AirCross 2 is ideal for mirrorless cameras, with a payload capacity of 3.2 kg (7 lbs) and a lightweight build. It offers multiple shooting modes, such as time-lapse and inception mode, which rotates the camera for a 360-degree effect. The Moza AirCross 2 is also equipped with a smart wheel for easy adjustments on the fly.

• Why it’s great: Its lightweight design makes it highly portable, and it’s packed with creative features that are perfect for vloggers and videographers.
• Considerations: It has a slightly shorter battery life than some of its competitors, lasting around 12 hours. Moza AirCross 2 (Official site).

4. DJI OM 5 (Best for Smartphones)

If you’re looking to enhance smartphone footage, the DJI OM 5 is an excellent choice. This compact, foldable gimbal is designed specifically for mobile phones and has a built-in extension rod, allowing you to achieve wider angles and better framing. The DJI OM 5 also offers ActiveTrack 4.0, which automatically follows subjects as they move.

• Why it’s great: Lightweight, portable, and affordable, making it perfect for vloggers and mobile filmmakers.
• Considerations: It’s only compatible with smartphones and won’t work with cameras. DJI OM 5 (Official site).

5. FeiyuTech AK2000C (Best Budget Option)

For those on a budget, the FeiyuTech AK2000C provides excellent stabilization at a lower price. It supports cameras up to 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs) and offers various shooting modes like time-lapse and inception. Despite its affordability, it has a sleek touchscreen that allows you to control settings and switch modes easily.

• Why it’s great: It’s one of the best value gimbals, delivering stability and versatility without a high price tag.
• Considerations: It’s not designed for heavier cameras, so it’s best for light DSLRs and mirrorless systems. FeiyuTech AK2000C (Official site).

Additional Considerations for Gimbals

• Accessories: Many gimbals offer additional accessories, such as focus motors, phone holders, and external power supplies. These can enhance your filming experience, especially if you’re doing intricate shots that require high precision.
• Software Integration: Some gimbals come with companion apps, allowing for firmware updates and expanded control over stabilization settings. Apps like DJI’s Ronin app or Zhiyun’s ZY Play app provide useful features, including advanced tracking and camera parameter control.
• Customer Support and Warranty: Investing in a quality gimbal often means paying for reliable support and warranty services. Brands like DJI and Zhiyun offer robust support networks, which can be crucial if you encounter issues during a project.

Conclusion

Gimbals are an invaluable tool for achieving smooth, professional-quality footage. Whether you’re filming with a smartphone, mirrorless camera, or heavy cinema setup, there’s a gimbal designed to meet your needs and budget. From the versatile DJI Ronin-S to the compact DJI OM 5, each gimbal has unique features that make it suited for specific filming styles. By choosing a gimbal that aligns with your camera setup and shooting needs, you can elevate your videography and capture stunning, cinematic shots.