Best Gimbals for DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras

The model with the Mini prefix is actually a smaller version of the top DJI RS 3 and DJI RS 3 Pro Steadicams. It relies on the same advanced 3rd generation RS Stabilization algorithms, but weighs an order of magnitude less (795 g).

The DJI gimbal can carry setups weighing up to 2 kg. That is, it will easily handle the vast majority of mirrorless cameras. The model is claimed to support stabilization with a retractable zoom lens without additional balancing. The camera is balanced on the steadicam platform once, but certain difficulties may arise during the initial adjustment of the center of gravity. A step-by-step tutorial on how to do this correctly can be found in the official video instructions on YouTube.

Steadicam control is tied to a 1.4-inch color touch screen. The "M" key on the handle is responsible for switching stabilization modes, the multifunctional wheel is used to change the ISO, aperture, focus and other settings of the installed camera, and a separate button is provided for releasing the camera shutter (with a wireless Bluetooth connection to the camera). The proprietary NATO port is used to connect holders, lighting and other accessories.

The design of the compact Mini gimbal includes two special plates. One is a two-layer quick-release plate for shooting from high angles, the second is the upper one with a curved guide that prevents rotation and weakening of the camera fixation. The model supports three main operating modes: PF (semi-following the object of shooting with horizontal camera movements), PTF (tilt and rotation axes follow the movement of the handle), FPV (all three axes are active). A virtual joystick and additional intelligent modes become available from the Ronin mobile application : time-lapse, tracking, panorama. In addition, through the mobile program, you can configure the transmission of commands from controllers for Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox.

The compact and lightweight Zhiyun Crane M3S gimbal is convenient for vlogging and everyday shooting. And both on a camera and on a smartphone or action camera.

The stabilizing platform of the Steadicam is designed for a load of up to 1 kg. That is, it can take on board almost any mirrorless camera, but with a compact lens. Long-focus optics weigh a lot, and the gimbal may not have enough arm length to balance it. The model supports full-fledged 3-axis stabilization technology with locks on each axis, which help maintain the balance of the installed equipment.

The Zhiyun Crane M3S has several modes of operation of the stabilizer. The most popular and in-demand is the tracked panning PF. In it, the tilt and roll axes are locked, and smooth turns of the camera are carried out horizontally while maintaining the horizon. In the all-axis locking mode, the camera maintains its position regardless of where the steadycam is turned. The model also has portrait, follow and spectacular video transition modes.

The gimbal is controlled by buttons, wheels, a joystick and a color touch OLED screen with a diagonal size of 1.22 ". Mobile devices can be easily connected to the gimbal via Bluetooth. But that's not all. After all, one of the main "features" of the model is a built-in LED spotlight with a brightness of up to 1000 lm and adjustable color temperature (in the range from 2700 K to 5500 K). Color filters can be installed on the LED light source. This is done using magnets.

On average, the Steadicam stays "afloat" for about 7.5 hours of filming. To extend its battery life, you can set up power supply from a power bank. As for the smartphones and action cameras mentioned at the beginning, mobile phones are installed on the stabilizing platform via an adapter with clamps, and action cameras are simply screwed onto a 1/4-inch mount.

FeiYu Tech Scorp is a three-axis stabilizer for photo and video equipment weighing up to 2.5 kg. The steadicam's own weight is 1.2 kg.

The gimbal has five preset tracking modes: horizontal, horizontal/vertical, horizontal/vertical/tilt, all-axis lock, rotation. Additionally, auto-panning, interval shooting, and a sports mode for dynamic scenes are provided. You can switch between them directly from the gimbal control panel or from a connected smartphone.

The model's handle has a built-in OLED touch screen, a scroll wheel, and several buttons for quick access to popular functions. The virtual joystick is available in the above-mentioned version of use together with a mobile phone, for which the proprietary FeiYu Scorp application will serve. The gimbal is powered by a 2500 mAh battery with support for an accelerated 18-watt charging procedure. A full "charge" of the battery is enough for about 8 hours of shooting.

The camera on the steadicam platform is balanced without any extra difficulties. The fact is that when balancing each specific axis, you can lock the other two. Finally, the model will please you with a rich factory package - it comes with a waterproof storage bag, lens holders and control cables for cameras of popular brands.

Manfrotto tripods have gained wide popularity among professional photographers and videographers. And recently the company has been producing gimbals for cameras. One of these is the advanced model 300XM.

The Steadicam has a modular design. The head of the device is made of metal and through a standard slot with a 3/8" thread it can be installed on studio stands, sliders, monopods, various poles (for example, the branded "fishing rod" Manfrotto Gimboom). The model is supplied with a removable control handle, which is equipped with a built-in gyroscope and works as a wireless remote control. For this, the motors and handle are equipped with their own batteries.

A color touch screen is integrated into the handle of the gimbal. It also has physical buttons for quick access to popular functions and a motorized wheel. The latter can be responsible for controlling the position of the camera along one of the axes, electronic focus and exposure of compatible cameras. All the settings of the steadicam can also be controlled from a smartphone - via the Manfrotto Gimbal 300XM mobile application.

The model can withstand heavy loads of up to 3.4 kg. It weighs quite a bit - about 2 kg. Automatic stabilization modes include tracked panning (PF), locking modes (Lock), tracking (PTF), first-person view (FPV), and portrait shooting. Finally, the Steadicam has independent axis locking. The gimbal confidently handles heavy setups, and its functionality will be the envy of many similar models.

For serious video content shooting, it is worth taking a closer look at the DJI RS 4 gimbal. There are few innovations in it (compared to the third edition of the model), but all the innovations are aimed at maximum ease of use of the stabilizer.

The Steadicam now has a redesigned plate that enables quick switching from landscape to portrait orientation. This will come in handy for shooting "shorts" - vertical-format videos for popular social networks. The system of automatic axis locking has been upgraded, the model also has a function for locking the touch OLED screen and a "rocker" for switching joystick modes (gimbal control / zoom) has debuted.

The device supports full 3-axis stabilization technology, which implies rotations, tilts and rolls at a speed of up to 360 degrees/sec. The main modes of the gimbal are represented by different tracking options (PTF, PF, FPV), auxiliary ones are used for shooting time-lapses and auto panoramas. The steadycam is powered by a battery in the handle, its charge lasts up to 12 hours. An additional battery handle BG70 is optionally offered for the model, allowing you to increase the autonomy indicators to 29.5 hours. It can also be used to power the installed camera and related accessories.

The electric drives and gimbals of the stabilization system are designed for a load of up to 3 kg. And the RSA communication port will come in handy for connecting accessories. The model in question is offered in a basic configuration, and in the Combo version the gimbal comes with a transport case, an additional handle and a Focus Pro Motor autofocus drive.