If you're into videography, you know the value of a stable video recording.
Because unless you're after the effect of a shaky, docu-style film, professionally done camera work requires a smooth clip.
With so many options on the market, which one is right for you?
Here are the best phone and camera gimbals available today.
If you're making videos with an action or compact camera, and you're planning to upgrade to a mirrorless or DSLR camera in the future, the Zhiyun Crane Plus is a solid camera gimbal. Its broad working payload range of 350g/0.77lbs to 2.5kg/5.5lbs allows you to use it even as you get heavier gear.
The Zhiyun Crane Plus supports the most popular Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony camera models. It will thus most likely be compatible with the gear you have and the equipment you plan to acquire in the future. It even includes Sony and Panasonic cables in the box, so you can use it as soon as it arrives.
The gimbal itself has 360-degree freedom of movement in all axes. This gives you a lot of creative leeway in filming. The two 26,500mAh batteries in the box allow you to shoot all day long. These fast-charging batteries fill up in three hours, so your shooting potential is limitless.
- Valid payload range from 350g/0.77lbs to 2,500g/5.5lbs
- Supports a wide variety of Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony cameras
- 360-degree tilting, rolling, and panning angle range
- Brand: Zhiyun
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: SLR Camera
- Maximum Payload: 2,500g/5.5lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Comes with cables for Sony and Panasonic
- MotionMemory saves camera movement
- Includes two 26,500mAh batteries for up 36 hours of use
- Uses a micro-USB cable for charging
The Moza Mini-P is a compact gimbal that's no larger than a paperback novel when folded. Despite that, it has a 900-gram/1.9-pound capacity, allowing you to use it with smartphones, action cameras, and smaller mirrorless cameras.
It has an ergonomic button layout, with a trigger button at the front of the gimbal, allowing easy one-handed camera operation. You can also seamlessly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting modes. This lets you use it for both filming and blogging naturally.
You can also use whatever gear you have with this gimbal straight out of the box. Since it comes with both a camera and a smartphone mount, you don't have to purchase extra accessories just to make it work with what you have.
- Includes a camera and a smartphone mount in the box
- Features multiple modes, including inception mode, FPV modes, and sport gear mode
- Switches quickly between horizontal and vertical shooting modes
- Brand: MOZA
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Mirrorless Camera
- Maximum Payload: 900g/1.9lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Compact when folded
- Ergonomic button layout for one-hand use
- Works with smartphones, action cameras, compact cameras, and light mirrorless cameras
- Tilt and roll range limited to 330 degrees
Even if you're on a budget, it doesn't mean that you can't get a reliable camera gimbal. The Hohem iSteady Multi will let you record stable video on up to 32 different camera models and most smartphones. Its 400-gram/0.9-pound payload capacity will let you use up to light mirrorless cameras for recording.
It also has an eight-hour battery life and features two-way charging. That way, if your smartphone or camera runs low on power, you can use the gimbal to recharge it while recording.
You can quickly switch modes between stable and sport, allowing you to change your recording style while you're filming. This feature lets you switch between filming static objects and dynamically moving characters without having to fiddle in the gimbal's settings.
- Works with the latest smartphones, action cameras, and compact cameras
- Features 600-degree inception mode for unique clips
- Two-way charging allows the gimbal to recharge your camera during filming
- Brand: hohem
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Mirrorless Camera
- Maximum Payload: 400g/0.9lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Eight-hour battery life
- Quickly switch from stable to sport mode
- Supports 32 camera models and most smartphones
- Limited payload
This light and portable gimbal weighs only 1.1lbs, yet it can support devices up to 1.5lbs. You can therefore shoot for longer with less effort. It also has a quick-release button, allowing you to mount and dismount your camera easily. This makes for easy storage once you're done shooting.
The gimbal comes with locking pins and latches, thus ensuring that its motors won't be forced when you store it. And when you're ready to use it again, it has a Memory Lock function and a scale mark. You could then replace the camera in its exact previous position, eliminating the need to balance it before every use.
It also connects to your camera via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, thus letting you control your gear wirelessly via the gimbal. And if you the ZY Play app, the Crane M2 will automatically pair with your camera when restarted, saving you time and letting you shoot instantly.
- Features locking pins and latches to secure gimbal when stored
- Connects to camera via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Memory lock and scale mark allows you to skip balancing on the same camera with every use
- Brand: Zhiyun
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Mirrorless Camera
- Maximum Payload: 720g/1.5lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Lightweight at only 1.1lbs
- Unlimited 360-degree panning range
- Quick-release button for easy camera mount and dismount
- Phone and action camera mounts not included
The FeiyuTech G6 Plus is a versatile gimbal that gives you accurate control over your camera accessories. It features a multifunction dial that allows for precise control of zoom, focus, and other functions. You can also find standard one-quarter-inch threaded mounts on its side and bottom for attaching additional accessories.
This gimbal can endure extended shooting periods with its 12-hour battery life. It also has splashproof protection, allowing you to use it in light rain. So even if the weather isn't as perfect as you expect it to be, you can keep on recording.
Its maximum payload of 798g or 1.76lbs ensures you can use it to mount up to small mirrorless cameras. It also comes with a low-power OLD display screen, allowing you to check the gimbal's status without needing to open an app on your smartphone.
- Multifunction magic ring allows precise control of zoom, follow focus, and more
- Integrated low-power OLED display to show status
- With standard 1/4" threaded mounts on the side and bottom for attaching accessories
- Brand: FeiyuTech
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Mirrorless Camera
- Maximum Payload: 798g/1.76lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Splash-proof protection to protect against light rain
- Limited 260-degree tilt range
If you need a compact and stable shooting platform for shooting dynamic video, the FeiyuTech WG2X will cover your needs. It's a small stabilizer designed for action cameras that you can mount on your helmet, chest strap, or even your arm.
It features an unlimited 360-degree pan and tilt movement, allowing you to shoot different angles as you're moving about. It's also splashproof and will protect against misty and drizzly weather, so you don't have to stop filming even in light rain.
For additional control, you can use the downloadable Feiyu ON app. It works with both iOS and Android, so no matter what smartphone you're using, you can capture the clips you need.
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7, and 8
- Downloadable Feiyu ON app on iOS and Android for control
- Built-in 2.5-hour battery
- Brand: FeiyuTech
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Action Camera
- Maximum Payload: 135g/0.3lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Splash-proof for misty and drizzly weather
- Unlimited 360-degree pan and tilt
- Small and compact, easily mountable almost anywhere
- Limited 70-degree angle roll movement
The FeiyuTech G6 Max supports cameras up to 1.2kg or 2.6lbs in weight. It also comes with an included smartphone and action camera adapter right out of the box. So whether you're shooting with your phone or your mirrorless camera, you can use this device to stabilize both. It features a quick-release mount, allowing you to switch devices easily. So even if your camera runs out of juice during a shoot, you can quickly switch to your phone.
The gimbal itself also has a nine-hour battery life, allowing you to shoot for as long as you need. And in case you need to charge the gimbal, it accepts any widely available USB Type-C charger.
The FeiyuTech G6 Max axis lock when you store it, ensuring it won't get damaged when in your pocket. The gimbal is crafted from metal, thus making it more durable than its plastic counterparts. Furthermore, it's also IPX4 splashproof, so you can keep on using it even under inclement weather.
- Comes with an upgraded focus ring with better sensitivity
- Built-in axis lock for easier storage
- Included smartphone and action camera adapter
- Brand: FeiyuTech
- Selfie Stick: No
- Class: Mirrorless Camera
- Maximum Payload: 1,200g/2.6lbs
- Smooth Motion: Yes
- Bluetooth: Yes
- IPX4 splashproof
- With quick-release camera mount
- Built-in nine-hour battery with a USB Type-C charging port
- Limited 280-degree tilt movement
FAQ
Q: Are Camera Gimbals Worth It?
If you're a professional videographer, a camera gimbal is definitely worth it if you're shooting handheld video. You'll find this device most helpful if you're shooting a lot of active and dynamic videos. But if you prefer shooting static scenes on a tripod, then a gimbal may not be the option for you.
The decision to buy a camera gimbal still varies from person to person. You have first to figure out what you really need and look at your circumstances before making any purchases.
Q: Can You Use a Gimbal Without an App?
Typically, yes. Most gimbals come with a joystick and a trigger, allowing you to control your camera and its movement straight from the gimbal handle. However, it's still wise to download its companion app so that you can maximize its capabilities.
Q: Is It OK to Move a Camera on a Gimbal Manually?
You can do this a few times, but it's not recommended. If you move your camera with the gimbal engaged, you might get the gimbal overload warning. And if this happens frequently, you get the risk of damaging your gimbal's motors.
If you're not using your gimbal, it's best to keep your camera off it. That way, you lessen the risk of damaging it.
