Get Higher Quality in Your Videos Using Camera Stabilizers (Gimbal)

What's a gimbal?

Let's start by defining what a gimbal is. This accessory is a motorized platform that is controlled by a board with several sensors. They are generally accelerometers and a magnetic compass that are responsible for keeping an object stabilized at all times so that when the user is recording videos, their shots will come out sharp and with a professional end result.

Today there are many types of gimbal of different sizes and formats. This is mainly due to the fact that there are some models that are designed to be used with a mobile, while others are to be used with drones or cameras. In this article we will focus on gimbals for cameras.

Things to consider

Something to take into account when buying a stabilizer for your camera is its size and weight, as they are designed to be used with a maximum weight. So the ideal is to find a stabilizer that can support the weight of your camera.

The limit angle of each type of movement is also something that we have to keep in mind. The movements we are referring to are panorama, rotation, and tilt. The larger the angles, the more possibilities we will have when maneuvering with the camera. Another important detail is the maximum movement speed that the stabilizer supports. This speed is measured in angle per second.

In your search, also check if the gimbal you are interested in has different working modes, since they will offer you a lot of freedom and creativity. Normally, the gimbal would have some modes of use. Generally they are usually vertical and horizontal use modes as well as a lock mode. The lock mode makes the camera point at all times to a fixed point even if we move the gimbal. Another mode that many models have is the follow mode. Thanks to this mode, the camera will follow the movement of our hand and will correct the turns. Other models have some specific modes to reverse the camera and take ground-level shots or 360-degree panoramas.

Finally, as with any electronic device, autonomy plays a determining role. A gimbal needs power for the motor and the various electronic systems to work. Therefore, it is important that we pay special attention to the autonomy it offers. 

Recommendations

1. DJI RONIN – S

Designed for mirrorless and SLR cameras, the Ronin-S combines advanced stabilization, precise control and manual focus control with a compact exterior suitable for one-handed operation.

With the Ronin-S you can work smoothly. It is simple to install, and its AutoTune allows you to automatically adjust the optimal stabilizer settings. Powerful motors actively stabilize your shot even when shooting from mobile platforms at speeds of up to 75 km / h. In addition, the frame of this gimbal elevates the position of the camera on the axis of rotation, so the integrated screen of the camera is always in view.

SmoothTrack technology allows you to transition from motion to camera angle with one hand. You can set two favorite settings for Smoothtrack and switch between them with one click. Plus, the Ronin-S's new Sport mode improves SmoothTrack's response time so it can follow every move.

To harness your full potential as a filmmaker, Ronin-S includes a set of automated features that allow you to produce even more creative professional videos (panorama, timelapse, moving timelapse, track).

It has an autonomy of 12 hours.

2. ZIHYUNG CRANE M2

The Crane M2 offers great compatibility with multiple devices, such as compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, smartphones and sports cameras. It is one of the most interesting video stabilizers for small cameras due to its dimensions and performance. It offers six video modes or creative modes among which are Pan Follow, Full, Full Range POV, Vortex, Go and the three basic of any gimbal.

It has a very practical design. It has a quick release system with which it is possible to mount and dismount the camera just by pressing the lock button. Plus, just by pressing the slider on the side of the handle, you can zoom in / out to seamlessly capture images from a distance. It also features a unique locking latch and pin design to prevent axles from shifting during travel. By simply folding and locking the arms, the CRANE-M2 fits perfectly in your backpack or even your pocket. 

It has a maximum autonomy of 7 hours.

3. Zhiyun Crane 3 Lab Gimbal

The Zhiyun Crane 3 can support a total load of 4,500 grams, making the Crane 3 LAB a powerful stabilizer capable of handling virtually all video setups.

Its design takes a new direction by adding a secondary handle where most of the manual controls and batteries are located. This allows the main handle to be shorter than previous versions of the Crane gimbal, allowing you to get closer to the ground to shoot from low angles. The secondary handle provides a smooth transition to and from low mode, because no repositioning of the handles is required.

The gimbal is compatible with two optional focus and zoom motors, both controllable from the secondary handle and via the app. Also, you can send 1080p video from your camera over Wi-Fi to a mobile device running the app.

The Crane 3 LAB contains locks on each axis so that you can balance the axles one at a time (you must release the latches before using the gimbal). Finally, it should be mentioned that it has three high-capacity 18650 batteries (2,600 mAh) that guarantee  7.5 hours of long operating time.

4. Zhiyun Weebill S + Follow Focus

WEEBILL-S easily controls conventional cameras with top-notch performance. Thanks to its lightweight and practical body and its unique Sling mode, WEEBILL-S offers an unparalleled effortless recording experience. With an updated algorithm and more powerful motors, a smart ViaTouch 2.0 system, and an ultra-low latency HD image transmission module, WEEBILL-S further pushes the limits of film production.

It has a transmission module called TransMount, responsible for sending the video signal at 1080p and 30fps to the monitor at a maximum distance of 100 meters with LUT, false color, focus peaking and zebra pattern. In addition, it is possible to add up to three different devices to the stabilizer: a smartphone, a tablet and a professional monitor.

The complete pack also offers a set of extras that allows you to control the focus of the camera with any lens thanks to a motor and gear system that is placed in the focus ring of the lens.

It has autonomy of 14 hours of continuous use.

5. Zhiyun Crane 3S

Crane 3S goes one step further because it is the most flexible, robust and complete solution for demanding filmmakers. The new SUPER engines can move equipment weighing up to 6.5 kilos. The range of possible camera configurations is immense: from SLR bodies like a Canon EOS-1D X to film cameras like REDs.

It has an axis of rotation that can be extended using a part supplied as standard or  it can be removed to continue using the Crane 3S in its most compact form. On the other hand, the connection of its detachable handle is compatible with a multitude of tools, such as EasySling or SmartSling, to facilitate the handling of the gimbal in an intuitive and ergonomic way.

The rotation arm (the one closest to the camera) is tilted 55 degrees, eliminating any visual obstruction from the scene. This arrangement provides more space for the camera and makes using more bulky equipment possible.

Crane 3S is compatible with TransMount wireless transmitting and receiving modules, which allow control of the equipment from up to three devices.

Regarding its autonomy, Crane 3S is prepared to operate for up to 12 hours and a maximum of 18 with the TransMount PowerPlus Battery Pack (supplied separately or with the 3S Pro).