Gimbal in photography has proved to be one of the best inventions in the field of photography and videography.
Most people don’t know what a gimbal is so first let me tell you what it is.
To put it simply a gimbal is a device that allows you to capture stabilized, smooth footage from your camera while moving.
It is a compact camera stabilizer, which is assisted by computer algorithms to keep the footage clean of unwanted shakiness.
This device has proved to be a revolution in the filmmaking industry. A gimbal can be operated by only one cameraman.
They are built with a camera mount and motion detectors within them to sense any unwanted movement.
If it detects any movement, the gimbal uses an algorithm to control its pivots and counteract it as it happens, hence the smooth footage.
Some people might think that it may not be able to tell the difference between the intentional pan or any unwanted camera movement.
But this is not true gimbals are sophisticated enough to tell the difference between both and capture the best result.
The movement of the gimbal is surprisingly quiet due to its brushless motion which is considered one of its best qualities.
The working of a gimbal is quite easy the camera tilts forward as you make a camera move.
The gimbal’s motion sensor transfers the movement data to the computer. The computer then sends back an algorithm for the arm.
This algorithm tells it how much counter-movement it needs to keep the footage from shaking.
This makes the camera stay stable and results in the clearest of the footage.
Gimbal Guru: A Comprehensive Review of the Best Gimbals
There are large variety of gimbals in the market for both smartphones as well for DSLRs.
In this article, you will find a few of the best choices for photography and videography listed.
First, let us talk about some best smartphone gimbals…
DJI OSMO Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI OSMO Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer is one of the best-known gimbals in the world of videography.
It has top-notch features in terms of the gimbals which allow it to produce the smoothest footage among all the other gimbals.
this product is travel-friendly as well as lightweight which makes it easier for on-the-go creators to get smooth footage.
It even has a new Quick Launch feature, enabling instant access to the DJI Mimo App which makes it the fastest in the matter of initiating videos.
You just have to Unfold and magnetically snap-in.
The DJI Mimo app pops up as soon as you snap your smartphone to the gimbal, just tap open and you will be ready to shoot.
The OSMO Mobile 6 also has a 3-axis stabilization which allows it to have extra stability.
This feature compensates for unwanted movements and catches the moment with cinematic smoothness.
If some movement is left by the 3-axis stabilization it has the active tracking 5.0 which covers up any movement that is left.
The Active Track 5.0 feature allows you to follow the subjects smoothly and keep them in the center of the frame. it can even capture them as they turn to the side or even spin around.
With all these advanced features there are no cons of the DJI OSMO Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer but one that is in the price range.
It is considered to be a more refined Osmo Mobile 5 and hence it does not justify the extra price.
There is also a sidewheel present which allows it to have responsive and quite smooth zooming capabilities.
DJI OSMO Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal
The DJI Gimbal is considered one of the best in the industry.
This gimbal is Portable, Foldable, and magnetically quick you can easily take this with you on any of your adventures, it doesn’t even occupy much space.
You can quite easily snap in and out with ease with the magnetic clamp to capture the second you want to shoot.
This has many advanced features like Upgraded Active Track 5.0 which makes capturing any movement much easier and fun.
This active tracking 5.0 feature allows you to track your subject at further distances, and keep your subject in frame even if they are on the move.
You can shoot any movement like shooting a goal or spinning around using this feature.
This gimbal allows you to switch effortlessly between horizontal and vertical shooting whether it is for theatre purposes or for posting content on social media.
It comes with a convenient status panel that allows you to check battery level, system indicator status, gimbal mode, Tilt Lock, FPV, and Spin Shot mode.
This status panel allows you to work more efficiently than before and get better shots.
It even elevates the quality of your shots with 3-axis stabilization and with the next-gen control algorithm in it. It even supports one-tap AI-powered editing.
The above mentioned are all the pros of this gimbal now let’s see some of its cons.
Well, there is only one of them that has been seen till now that is its foldable design compromises its mechanical range of movement slightly, meaning it can’t pan or tilt quite as far as some of the other gimbals.
Amazon Basics Mini Gimbal for Smartphone
This is one of the Amazon basics gimbals that is a 3-in-one device that can used as a selfie stick, phone tripod, or 1-axis gimbal stabiliser.
The 3-in-one feature allows it to be used indoors or outdoors.
It even comes with a Bluetooth remote which can be operated from a distance of 10 m.
This gimbal does not require the download of special apps or software you just need to turn on the switch to enable the stabilizer mode.
It has adjustable angles which allow you to seamlessly switch from horizontal to vertical or vice versa.
This is possible due to the bracket of the tripod.
This Amazon basics gimbal uses auto-balance technology to ensure the phone remains stable to give you blur-free outputs. It has an anti-shake 1-axis stabilizer.
The built-in foldable legs of this gimbal can extend up to the length of 75 cm and the foldable length is 19.5 cm.
Only Android 4.44 or later, iOS 5.1 or later Phone size: 60-95mm Battery: CR1632（400mAh) are compatible with this gimbal which can be seen as a con by some people.
Another one of the cons of this gimbal is the 1-axis stabilizer. This does not have as much stabilization in the shots as compared to the 3-axis one.
The 1-axis stabilizer doesn’t correct the unwanted movements on the other axis resulting in a less stable voltage.
Another drawback of this gimbal is that many users have reported it to have not-so-good make.
It is reported that many screws come loose while using the gimbal which proves to be unsatisfactory during shooting.
DJI OM 5-Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI OM 5 (Osmo Mobile 5) offers a lot of features that make the process of filmmaking easier and more fun.
There are many features like 3-axis stabilization, built-in extension rod, Active Track 4.0, magnetic clamp, and ring holder like the gimbals mentioned above.
This gimbal has many other features that are more on the advanced side such as the spin shot mode, dynamic zoom, Timelapse, Motion lapse, Hyperlapse Mode, Story Mode, and many more.
The spinshot mode allows the gimbal to rotate the phone while filming which helps create a unique spinning effect to your work.
All these modes present in the DJI OM 5 (Osmo Mobile 5) are what makes it one of the best ones in the market for smartphones.
As it offers so many advanced features it is more on the expensive side which is considered as a con as there are many gimbals with many similar features and in the reasonable range.
Another con of DJI OM 5 (Osmo Mobile 5) is its magnetic attachment which might come in handy but it does not work well with smartphones with heavier or irregular backs.
It has a decent battery life but the continuous use of all the features may drain the battery faster.
This can prove to disrupt your workflow. These are just some minor cons that need to be mentioned.
DIGITEK® (DSG 007F) 3 Axis Handheld Steady Gimbal
The DIGITEK® (DSG 007F) like many other options mentioned in the list above offers a 3-axis stabilization which gives it the stability to capture smooth and shake-free footage.
It offers versatility as well and it comes with multiple shooting modes such as the pan follow, lock, and many more.
All these modes allow it to cater to almost all the requirements of a photographer or a videographer.
This gimbal like many others present in the market is designed with easy-to-use controls and buttons.
Some of them possibly even have a companion app for enhanced functionality.
The app can help you by showing various features and tricks that can be used with the gimbal.
But as there are so many modes and features it may have a learning curve for beginners. This may prove to be a con.
Another drawback of this gimbal is that it is on the expensive side and hence cannot be affordable for everyone, especially beginners.
Firmware updates can also prove to be one of the cons.
Like all technology gimbals also require firmware updates from time to time, if the updates are not installed from time to time it can lead to glitches.
Sometimes you will also notice a decrease in the optimal performance of the gimbal and hence the quality of the footage.
IZI GO-X 3-Axis Smartphone Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The IZI GO-X 3-Axis Smartphone Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is the next-generation 3-axis ultra-stabilization made in Italy.
which can help you to step into the world of seamless photography and videography.
Using this gimbal you can experience the magic of stable footage which allows you to focus on your art rather than the clarity of the footage.
It is considered the first-ever gimbal which is designed with a magnetic wireless charging pad to power your smartphone all the time.
This gimbal even offers a super OLED Display for battery indicator and gimbal modes.
It even has 3 Section Brightness to brighten up your videography with a 3-level LED fill light for the back camera and vlogging.
This 3-level LED feature allows you to shoot in the night as well as in any dark light scenario.
It even has many different smart AI modes, a focus switch, and even a zoom control which allows you to shoot your videos.
This gimbal has so many features which makes for a bit of a learning curve before knowing all the features.
such as FaceTrack, Trajectory Delay, Long Exposure, Time Lapse, Slow Motion, Panorama, Hitchcock, Shot Guide Moves, and Expert Mode properly.
The learning curve differs from individual to individual for some it can be fast and for some, it may take a bit of time.
Best DSLR cameras Gimbals
Now that we have talked about the gimbals for smartphones let’s talk about some for DSLR cameras.
DJI RSC – Lightweight and Compact, Superior Stabilization
The DJI RSC – Lightweight and Compact, with Superior Stabilization is the best gimbal known in the market for DSLR cameras.
It is a lightweight, foldable, compact gimbal and even has an active track 3.0, 3-axis mirrorless powerful stabilizer which are some of the basic features of a gimbal.
This even comes with a titan stabilization algorithm which provides it with a stronger motor performance and ensures that shots are steady, even in action-packed scenarios.
This gimbal offers an unlimited pan axis for continuous movement, freeing the camera for more ambitious shots, options like infinite 360-degree roll allow filmmakers to achieve unique shots.
It has a Ronin-SC that supports a wide range of cameras and lenses while meeting strict performance standards, and cinematic shots.
It is considered to be the first choice of gimbals for cameras but there are some drawbacks to it as well.
One of the cons is that though it is said to be versatile but still the gimbal is still not compatible with all camera and lens combinations.
This gimbal is said to be lightweight but when combined with a camera and a lens it can make it a bit heavier which is considered another drawback.
Feiyu SCORP C Official-Camera Stabilizer
The Feiyu SCORP C Official Camera Stabilizer has a very innovative design that can make filming more comfortable and fun as well.
The bevelled edges and smooth rounded ergonomics make it a perfect fit in your hand and make the shooting a bit easier.
You can have complete control of the lens from whichever angle you are filming thanks to the integrated gimbal handle arm.
The gimbal is complete with an integral folding aileron bracket and hence you can set it down anywhere without any tripod.
It has a magic knob ring which can control the camera focus and gimbal axis on different shooting scenes.
It also comes with different working modes, inception modes, selfie modes, portrait modes, timelapse, etc.
This like all the other gimbals mentioned in the list before has all the same cons such as the learning curve, the bulkiness, compatibility issues, and sometimes some firmware or software issues.
Agimbalgear DH10 Upgrade Gimbal Extension
This product is not a gimbal but an accessory for it. This gimbal extension pole is made up of carbon fibre which is pretty well known for its lightweight yet strong properties.
As it is made with carbon fibre it is light which is beneficial for a long time use without adding any weight to the gimbal setup.
It is extendable as well which means you don’t have to break your back leaning over in order to get low-angle shots.
The drawback of this extension pole lies in the design that holds it together.
The tube is connected to the 1/4-20 tripod mounts on both ends via just glue and a small Allen screw.
Over time these Allen screw and glue works loose and it starts to wiggle and play.
Hence it is safe to say that it is a beneficial tool but still, it is not perfect for everyone.
Hohem iSteady MT2 Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera
The Hohem iSteady MT2 Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera is one of the best and most advanced gimbals there are for cameras.
It has advanced features like Exclusive AI Tracker-Smart Tracking Master, Quick Install System Multi 4.0, and even iSteady 7.0 Anti-shake.
The Exclusive AI Tracker-Smart Tracking Master feature allows it to intelligently follow your movements and keeps you perfectly centered in the frame.
Not only this but this feature also allows you to control tracking modes, and customize composition with simple gestures.
With the Multi 4.0 quick installation system, simply remove the camera with the L-bracket, rotate it 90°, and attach it to the 3-axis gimbal to switch between landscape and portrait.
This gimbal is not limited by the devices whether you have a mirrorless, pocket camera, action camera, or smartphone, the all-in-one gimbal stabilizer has got you covered.
Zhi Yun Crane M3 Set 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun Crane M3 Combo Version 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless Cameras, Smart Phone and Action Camera
This gimbal has a compact body design and even has an optimized axis arm structure which helps you to deliver a better gripping.
and user experience which ultimately leads to a better photography experience.
It is safe to say this gimbal is portable yet professional with great compatibility.
this product also comes with dual-color-temperature lighting and professional audio solution which makes it stand out.
Questions TO Ask Before Picking the Best Gimbal
Some frequently asked questions about gimbal are answered below.
Why should we use a gimbal instead of the instead of image stabilizer in cameras and phones?
Many of today’s modern cameras and phones have built-in image stabilization features in them.
However, a gimbal offers a high degree of stabilization, especially during aggressive movements and actions.
How do 2-axis and 3-axis gimbals differ?
The main difference between a 2-axis and a 3-axis gimbal is that a 2-axis gimbal stabilizes the tilt.
and roll axis whereas a 3-axis gimbal stabilizes the tilt, roll, and pan axes which altogether offers more stabilization.
Does the gimbal make noise that the microphone picks up?
The high-quality gimbals are designed to operate smoothly and quietly.
Even though there is no need to do so it may be a good idea to keep an eye on the audio.
Conclusion
Today both the photography and videography fields have advanced quite a bit in a short period of time.
Gimbals are one of the many technological advancements in this field. They have proved to be an invaluable tool that brings technology and art together.
It is equipped with a series of motors and sensors that have made a transformation in the photography as well as the filmmaking industry.
The primary function of the gimbal is to provide perfect stabilization to the camera or a smartphone while shooting. This feature of the gimbal eliminates the challenge of shaky footage.
It has also taken away the use of cumbersome rigs and just the use of one piece of equipment for achieving stabilization in the shots.
In addition to providing stabilization, there are many other features in the gimbal which improve the quality of your content such as object tracking, automated panoramic shots, and motion time-lapses.
It is safe to say that gimbals are more than just stabilizers. They provide artists with a platform to help them bring their vision to life.
There are many gimbals present in the market that have a lot of advanced features which help an artist to create the most innovative and high-quality content.
Some of the best-known gimbals for both smartphones and cameras are listed in the above article. Hope you find it helpful…
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