With the development of technology, we see that the latest cameras get smaller and lighter. But these designs do not fulfill the problem of ergonomics. For better-quality filmmaking, it is necessary to focus on the smooth movement of the camera. With a shabby motion, the film will surely turn into nothing but a disaster. With the help of this article, you will be able to figure out many of the best 3 axis handheld gimbal choice which will help you in stabilizing your camera. After you have complete knowledge of the choices, you will no longer require any in-camera optical, electronic or post-production stabilization.
There are generally three types of gimbals. Let’s get introduce with these three:
Gimbals for GoPro and other small cameras
Small cameras such as GoPro are the best choices for on the go filmmaking. If you are one among them who uses GoPro, then you will surely know that it is a huge challenge to get a stable quality video. This is harder while you are capturing the first-person view or even shooting from a moving car or truck. The best handle gimbal will not just help you in attaining smooth shots but it will also help in getting useful footage that will improve the video later on.
A three-axis gimbal is best for the GoPro series rather than using two axis gimbal. The two-axis gimbal stabilizes the horizon and even tilts the camera. On the other hand, the 3 axis gimbal adds panning stability and even improves the left to right motion. This motion of the camera will provide a cinematic shooting effect. The handheld gimbals are the most commonly used gimbals.
Gimbals for small and large DSLR cameras
Both the mirror and mirrorless cameras have become popular nowadays for the purpose of shooting videos. The changeable lenses, compact size, and improved sensor design help with the issue of mobility as well as high-quality imaging. You will be able to find a number of gimbals in the market for DSLR cameras. Some of the gimbals designed for a specific type of cameras but mostly the DSLR cameras are adjustable. The improvement in the stabilization technology of the large gimbals has evolved in the last couple of years. From single IMU sensors based stabilization to the combination of blending position encoders.
Smartphone gimbals
Smartphone gimbal has recently arrived in the market to stabilize your Android and iPhones. The smartphone gimbal is new to the customers and this has proven to be the biggest hits for a number of facilities. It is easy to capture, edit and share videos. The Steadyfone3 is a smartphone gimbal that not only handles your phone. But can even be used for stabilizing the GoPro camera as well. The smartphone gimbal helps in providing cinematic effects to the footage that you shoot. These gimbals are portable and can even be used for professional purposes. It can create remarkable shots by aspiring filmmakers.
By analyzing all the factors, we have chosen the best three Camera stabilizers for you. Go through one by one and choose the best fit for you.
1. The OFFICIAL ROXANT PRO video camera stabilizer for GoPro, Smartphone, Canon, Nikon
Roxant Pro video camera stabilizer would come handy while you are using a camera which is not more than 2.1 lbs.
This is a great device for those who do not love to carry extra weight while traveling. It’s extremely light weight and smooth. The building quality of this device is so good that you will feel solid in the hand while working with this.
Many customers express their dissatisfaction with this stabilizer as it did not work for them. In most of the cases, those cameras weighted more than 2.1 lbs. So, once again, it won’t work well if your camera weights more than 2.1 lbs.
2. YI Gimbal 3-Axis Handheld Stabilizer for Yi Lite, 4K, 4K+, and other Action Cameras
This handheld camera stabilizer can be considered as the best 3 axis gimbal. It has a high-precision sensor along with a brushless motor. As the name says, it offers three operating modes. And this what makes this video camera stabilizer more unique. These modes are Pan mode, lock mode, and pan/tilt mode. This handheld gimbal head gives you continuous service up to 4.5 hours without creating any hindrance. As two lithium-ion batteries have been included with this stabilizer.
Now, let’s have a look at some disadvantages which we should share with you. Some consumers complained that the design of this stabilizer blocks the view of the screen. So, you have to analyze the fact whether this gimbal head will be compatible with your camera device or not.
If it fits your camera than a great experience is waiting for you
3. EVO Gimbals EVO SS 3 Axis Wearable Gimbal for GoPro Hero3, Hero4 or Hero5
This DSLR camera stabilizer can be mounted to any ¼ tripod mount. You can pair this gimbal with the GoPro mounts as well. You can control the gimbal via your iPhone or Android phones with the help of its Bluetooth feature. Though the calibration process may give you some hard times; once it is fixed, it will be smoother.
EVO Gimbals only ship their products in the US as per our last update. So, if you live any part of the world but the US, it won’t be that easy for you to get this 3-axis gimbal.
4. SUTEFOTO S40 Handheld Stabilizer Pro Version for Camera
Let us introduce you with a cheap handheld stabilizer. If your budget is really tight then it may come handy. Though for the professional videographers it is not recommended. For catching some private moments smoothly, it will serve you well.
Why is it recommended for personal usage?
Because it is light weighted and the design is so simple that you can carry this gimbal with you anywhere you want so easily. The assembling process of this cheap camera stabilizer is also facile. One can easily assemble this gimbal.
Though the balancing instruction is not described well in the manual. You can learn it with the help of YouTube. This stabilizer is a little bit difficult to control, but once you learn all the tricks to get the best output out of it, you will become a fan of this.
This mini handheld stabilizer has a bidirectional base plate which allows the user to adjust to any angle. So, it’s a charm, if you like to shoot videos from different angles.
5. FeiyuTech G5 3-Axis Stabilized Handheld Gimbal
This good looking stabilizer is a gem for the GoPro user. It is easy to operate, especially with the little joystick which is located top of that. You can control the movement of the camera and the gimbal at the same time with the help of that. The function button allows you to switch modes within a few seconds.The FeiyuTech has put a lot of afford in this gimbal to make it a stronger competitive on this brutal market. They have included all the latest technology in this gimbal. The main feature of this gimbal which makes it unique from others is its waterproof feature. It’s the world’s first waterproof action camera gimbal.
Considering its cost you can say, it is one of the best GoPro gimbals that are available on the market.
6. DJI Phone Camera Gimbal OSMO MOBILE
If you are looking for a cool Camera Gimbal for you, then this would be a nice choice. OSMO Gimbal turns your smartphone into a motion camera. Sometimes, it is really hard to understand whether the video was shot from a DSLR or Smartphone; it is that smooth. Some newbie cinematographers, who can’t afford a DSLR camera, use this Stabilizer with their smartphone to shoot professional videos. Those who are willing to set their career on YouTube by uploading daily Vlog can use this gimbal both as vlogging camera stick and stabilizer.
Some customers do face some problems with Bluetooth and battery. But the satisfactory part is, if you contact their customer service, then they will properly take care of your problem.
7. MOZA Air 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Camera Stabilizer
It’s a top-notch gimbal, and most of the time favorable to wedding videographers and music video makers. You can rotate your camera by it all over the 360 degrees on all 3- axis.
The notable thing is that Moza air gimbal supports cameras up to 7 lbs. the most amazing feature of this stabilizer is its thumb controller. By the help of a joystick which is located in the dual handgrip set, one can control the camera’s record functions and mimic mode.
Is not it cool?
This is not only a one-man show but also a second operator can have control over the camera and gimbal.
You would love the fact that they provide a strong carry case along with this camera stabilizer gimbal. You can keep all the equipment in the case after finishing your work. Within this price range, no other company will provide you a carry case like this one.
8. DJI Ronin-M 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
It is one of the top-selling handheld DSLR stabilizers on the market. As it’s a DJI product, you can certainly expect a lot of quality features from it. DJI Ronin M is the lighter version of the previous one. It is made such a way that it will be more compatible with the heavier cameras than the previous version.
The responsive balancing capability and Upgraded Autotune stability have added a new dimension to this 3-axis gimbal. With the help of ATS (Autotune stability) feature, you can tune the stabilization of your camera without even using any additional tools. The detachable top handlebars of this gimbal can be easily twisted off so that one can shoot from various angles at his will. This feature has made it easier to be packed and unpacked. The frame is made of magnesium. So, you do not need to think about the durability. The battery will serve you up to six hours. This is pretty enough for a professional videographer.
Though this is not as powerful as the original Ronin, it would be a great experience for you to use it. If you want to consider the performance, you have to consider the price.
9. Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
Let’s have a look at another gimbal which is specialized for the smartphone. This is a 3 axis gimbal stabilizer as well. From iPhone X to iPhone 4, it would be compatible with each and every iPhone and Android phones.
But there is a thing that needs to be mentioned. Gopro adapter will not be provided with this gimbal. You have to spend some extra cash to get this adapter if you are a GoPro user. You should not use a phone case while using this gimbal. For a better and smooth experience, you have to use the phone without the case.
Three powerful brushless motors are used by this gimbal to cover all around 360 degrees. You can rotate your smartphone at your will to get a better view. There is a joystick along with the stabilizer. You can control the shooting angle by touching this sensitive joystick.
If you want to know the cons of this product then we must mention that this one is a bit pricey. Other than that there is no issue is complained about by the customers.
10. Zhiyun Crane 2 Follow Focus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
Zhiyun Crane 2 is the updated version of Zhiun crane. The company has decreased its price a bit as well. At the same time, they have increased the features as well as the quality. This Mirrorless camera gimbal is generally compatible with Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras which have been released after 2008.
The most significant feature of this mirrorless camera gimbal is its battery run time.
It’s about eighteen hours!
Yes, you read it right! You can even charge to the camera in the real-time even when your camera is without batteries. This product’s weight is a great advantage as it does not put that much pressure on your hand.
By using a mobile app you can control this gimbal easily via your smartphone. As some customers complained that app, the company has taken initiatives to fix the bugs in no time.
Choosing a system
After choosing a stabilization rig, the first most important task you need to perform is to adjust the camera. The camera must be adjusted in the front to back and side to side so that you can attain a perfect and smooth shot. This adjustment will even help in controlling the camera.
Therefore, fixing it in a proper way is the most important task at the beginning. The best DSLR stabilizer will even provide you with the facility to trim it. On the other hand, the other DSLR stabilizer will help in adding and adjusting the weight. You should always pay keen attention to vertical balance adjustment; this is a very crucial part. Bear in mind that the gimbal rig must be slightly bottom heavy so that the camera remains upright.
Each manufacturer has their recommendation about how to use the gimbal rig. It is best advised to use DSLR stabilizer as per the advice at the beginning. Later the changes that you need to make can be changed as per the shot will demand you to do. No matter what system you have chosen for yourself, it is most important to spend time on it and practice well to get better results with your shots. Something else that you must consider, is the weight of your camera.
The heavier the camera is, the more tired you will become holding it. But the even lighter camera is not without problems. Luckily the heavier cameras have mass and inertia that will help you to get better shots. The disadvantage of the lighter camera is that it becomes very hard to stabilize in a proper way. The breath control even becomes important while it comes to the lightweight camera. Most of the times when you are dealing with the lightweight camera the possibilities are that your shots will be ruined.