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If you are interested in photography, it is likely that video is too (and vice versa), since they are two close disciplines that share a lot of theory . If so, it is very possible that you have already heard of gimbals .
Gimbals are stabilizers for recording video, which some time ago had quite prohibitive prices and were more oriented towards a professional profile, but today, they are much more popular and are at more affordable prices.
Surely, due in part to the revolution of Smartphones, drones and other cameras that increasingly allow video recording with good results, amateur users are increasingly encouraged by video. And it is to enter the world of video and the gimbal theme appears.
Do you want to know exactly what a gimbal is, what uses you can give it and some recommendations? You are in the right place because we will dedicate this entire article to solving your doubts .
WHAT IS A GIMBAL?
A gimbal is an external stabilizer for recording. This accessory allows us to correct vibrations and obtain smooth and fluid movements when we move the camera during a recording.
GIMBAL TYPES
Gimbals are mainly characterized by being manual or not and by the number of axes they have:
1. HANDHELD GIMBAL
These stabilizers can be mechanical or manual, the latter being cheaper, but also more difficult to use. They are mainly intended for DSLR or Mirrorless equipment, since they use the equipment's own weight to stabilize.
However, you can find them adaptable to most cameras, including smartphones and GoPro-type action cameras.
This type of stabilizers can be shoulder, one handle, or two. In the image you have an example of a model adaptable for smartphone, SLR or mirrorless camera and action camera.
2. ELECTRONIC GIMBAL
These types of stabilizers work with batteries, motors and smart sensors to stabilize the camera. They are the most efficient when it comes to stabilizing any type of camera, but they are also more expensive than manual ones.
3. GIMBAL ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF AXES
Depending on the number of axes your gimbal has, you will be able to make a series of movements or others. Those with three axes allow you to calibrate the image for the following movements:
- Tilt: Moves up and down.
- Panning (pan): Moves from right to left and vice versa.
- Rotation (roll): Calibrates the movement.
The two-axis ones calibrate only the horizontal axis (panning) and the vertical one (Tilt), but they are cheaper than the previous ones.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GIMBAL
When choosing a gimbal, I recommend that you take into account the following aspects:
- Budget: As for any type of equipment that you plan to acquire, we always recommend that you establish a maximum budget and that you do not move from it.
- Number of axes: The more axes, the more types of movement you can make in a stable way.
- Gimbal weight: The weight of the gimbal itself is something to take into account, since you have to add the weight of the camera itself, lenses and other accessories that you may need.
- Load capacity: As when choosing a tripod, it is important to know what is the maximum weight that the gimbal can carry. We always recommend that you figure out the heaviest combination in your team and add something else.
- Battery life: These types of stabilizers use up a lot of battery, so it is important to know what the maximum duration is, as well as what type of battery they use.
HOW TO CALIBRATE A GIMBAL?
Correctly calibrating a gimbal is very important. If you don't, the motors will constantly work to try to correct the destabilization, causing it to consume much more battery or even causing the motors to overheat, sometimes even damaging it.
To calibrate a gimbal you must take into account the following:
- Do it with the camera placed on top, with all the equipment that you are going to use, on the contrary, if you add or remove something, you will destabilize it again.
- Take the strap off the camera so it doesn't get caught.
- Calibrate axis by axis.
- Take your time.
Here is a video that explains how to calibrate a gimbal very clearly:
If you have calibrated correctly, the camera should hold up in all situations.
TRICK!!! If you always use the same equipment, you can make marks on the gimbal itself with the camera balanced, so that you can always start from an approximate point.
HOW TO USE A GIMBAL?
As we have already mentioned, depending on the number of axes your gimbal has, you can make a series of movements or others.
MODES OF A GIMBAL
A gimbal has different modes to work with, and these may vary from one model to another. The most common are:
- Follow or tracking mode: allows you to follow the protagonist both on the vertical and horizontal axis.
- Pan Follow or horizontal tracking mode : Follow the protagonist on the horizontal axis but not on the vertical.
- Lock or blocking mode: In this case, the gimbal remains in the same position, not correcting either vertically or horizontally.
The most complete gimbals, however, have other added stabilization modes that you can see in the following video in a very complete and explanatory way:
To use this type of stabilizers, it is very important to think beforehand about what movements we want to achieve in the recording and choose the best way to use it.
TOP BEST GIMBALS
Next, I leave you with some of the most recommended stabilizers for recording video. You will find options for GoPro (or similar), Smartphones and DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.
ZHIYUN CRANE M2 GIMBAL
One of the most complete stabilizers at a very affordable price.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Supports a maximum weight of 720 g
- Compatible with action cameras
- Smartphones
- compact cameras
- Low Weight Mirrorless Cameras
- 7h autonomy (with a 2h charge)
- 6 operating modes
- OLED display
- Weight 500g
- Full specs here
- Price Price N/A
ZHIYUN CRANE 3S GIMBAL
A gimbal for SLR, mirrorless or large cinema equipment, since it supports very heavy equipment. This stabilizer is designed for professional use due to performance and price.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Supports a maximum weight of 6,500 g
- Compatible with large cameras
- 12h autonomy (with a 4h charge)
- Weight 4,400g
- joy stick
- direct feed
- modular arm
- Possibility of adding external battery
- TransMount wireless reception
- Full specs here
- List of compatible cameras
- Price €599.00
Here you can see it in action:
RONIN SC GIMBAL
A 3-axis stabilizer for SLR or mirrorless cameras with a total bottom weight of 2kg.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Compatible with SLR and mirrorless cameras
- Supports a maximum weight of 2,000 g
- Autonomy of 11h (with a charge of 2.5h)
- 1,100g weight
- Unimpeded rotation arm
- Unlimited spin axis
- focus control
- Full specs here
- Price €359.00
Next, I will leave you with some specific models for Smartphones, these gimbals are light, small and easy to transport.
If you are looking for a gimbal for Xiaomi , a gimbal for iPhone or any other brand, you should look at the maximum thickness and weight that the stabilizer accepts.
GIMBAL FOR MOBILE DJI OM5
A very compact and foldable 3-axis mobile gimbal.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Folding
- shutter control
- gesture control
- face tracking
- extendable arm
- magnetic design
- 292g weight
- 6.4h battery life (with a 1.5h charge)
- Available in 2 colors
- Full specs here
- Price N/A
ZHI YUN SMOOTH 5 SMARTPHONE GIMBAL
Another stabilizer for mobile with 3 axes and very complete specifications.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Maximum supported weight of 300 g
- 12h autonomy (with 3h charge)
- Weight 615g
- Highly compatible with most smartphones
- Focus and zoom control
- smart follow technology
- gesture control
- Full specs here
- Price €159.00
GIMBAL FOR SMARTPHONE HOHEM ISTEADY V2
A very compact, lightweight and foldable 3-axis stabilizer.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- gesture control
- Bluetooth connectivity
- AI Face Tracking
- 9h autonomy (2h charge)
- Weight 263g
- Available in two colors
- Full specs here
- Price €149.00
If what you are looking for is a Gimbal for GoPro type action cameras, here are some suggestions:
GIMBAL FOR GOPRO HOHEM ISTEADY PRO 4
A stabilizer compatible with most action cameras with a great value for money:
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Shutter control (for GoPro Hero 10,9,8,7,6,5)
- Waterproof
- 14h autonomy (with a charge of 3.5h)
- 360º rotation
- timelapse
- Weight 365g
- Compatible with GoPro and other action cameras
- To read the full specifications, click here
- Price €119.00
GIMBAL FOR GOPRO FEIYU TECH G5
A 3-axis Gimbal compatible with GoPro action cameras and others of similar size.
- 3-axis stabilizer
- Splash resistant
- 8h autonomy
- time lapse
- Weight 271 g without battery
- black color
- Full specs here
- Price €135.20
IS IT WORTH HAVING A GIMBAL?
If you really like to record on video beyond the typical home videos of walking around the house that we all do, if you want to give a professional touch to your recordings, or if you are interested in entering the world of video in a more professional way, then yes. , it is possible that in the long run you will need a gimbal to finish giving your videos that smoothness and play that is only possible with a stabilizer of this type.
If yours, on the other hand, are home videos with a smartphone that are not intended to go beyond a simple memory to send to your friends/parents/grandparents, you are not going to edit them or do much with them, then no, I don't think so that you are going to need one more accessory in your closet .
CAMERAS TO RECORD VIDEO
If before a stabilizer what you need are recommendations for good cameras to record video, do not miss our recommendations.
So far this immersion in the world of video stabilizers. I hope I have helped you to get to know them a little more .
It is true that they are not the cheapest accessories on the market, especially those intended for heavy equipment, but if yours is video, you will end up falling yes or yes. I hope that at that time, this article has been of great help to you.
