Steadicams and gimbals are indispensable for vloggers, travelers and anyone who loves to shoot on the move and beyond.
In our article, you will find out what types of Steadicams and gimbals are, and which one is better to choose for your device.
What is a Steadicam
Today, a huge number of various devices are used to create high-quality video content. One of the most important devices for filming in motion is a Steadicam (gimbal), a device that smoothes out shaking and vibrations during video shooting.
Thanks to them, today you can shoot high-quality and smooth videos even on a smartphone. And modern models have much more functions in their arsenal than just stabilization.
Types of Steadicams
Electronic Steadicams-Gimbals
These types of Steadicams sensors are responsible for stabilizing the camera, and mini-motors bring it to the desired position. Electronic steadicams often have a higher price than mechanical, and also require recharging and waterproofing. However, it is much easier to set up and operate and is ideal for beginners.
Mechanical Steadicam
This type of Steadicam balances the camera using mechanical counterweights. Using this kind of Steadicam requires some experience. The advantages include the price, lack of batteries, and resistance to wet conditions.
How to Choose a Gimbal
Pay attention to the following options when choosing:
Weight. Naturally, the heavier your shooting equipment, the more durable your gimbal needs to be. If you want a portable stabilizer, then you need to choose a lightweight model. You are unlikely to be able to hold a heavy Steadicam in one hand for long, especially if you are a vlogger-traveler. Typically, the weight of gimbals for a smartphone is 450 grams. For DSLR cameras, heavier models of gimbals are needed.
Also, you might want to use additional accessories in the future – lighting, a microphone, for example. The weight of the additional elements that you plan to attach to your gimbal should also be considered when purchasing.
For example, usually, the maximum load for a gimbal for an action camera is 1-2 kg.
Waterproofing. If you are planning an extreme shoot, your gimbal should have a high level of protection from moisture, dust, etc. The level of protection is indicated by the marking IPXX, where XX is two digits. The first indicates the degree of protection against foreign objects, sand, and dust. The second is the degree of waterproofing of the hull. The larger the numbers, the more protected the Steadicam is.
The number of stabilization axes and range of rotation. The number of axes indicates in which directions the Steadicam will move the camera. Three-axis equipment is considered the most optimal. In turn, the rotation range is the angle by which the camera is rotated.
Maximum controllable speed. This parameter specifies how fast the gimbal will move the camera, in every mobile shooting condition, etc.
Battery power. Some models can be recharged while working. However, if you plan to shoot in an environment where it is difficult to recharge, it is better to get a gimbal with a powerful battery.
Display. The presence of the display will greatly simplify the work with the settings. You will track shooting modes, battery level, and more in real-time.
Shooting modes. Built-in modes can save you a lot of time. You will not be able to interrupt the shooting process to manually make adjustments to the settings. The set of functions of a gimbal depends on what kind of artistic task you set for yourself.
Now you know about the key points when choosing a gimbal, and below you can check out the optimal models for creating a cool video.
Smartphones gimbal
These are the lightest and most stable for mobiles. They are fastened in the form of a “clip”, which are adjusted to the size of your smartphone. If you want to improve the quality of your videos or even perfect them, consider purchasing an on-camera light and microphone. In this case, you need to choose a gimbal with additional connectors for this.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3
It has many advantages: With 3-axis stabilization that effectively reduces shaky footage, Osmo Mobile 3 delivers super-smooth, stabilized images. The lightweight, ultra-responsive design reacts to your movements in real-time, allowing you to focus more on the moment.
Design. The sleek foldable design allows Osmo Mobile 3 to be taken anywhere. Portable, lightweight (405 grams), and incredibly comfortable to slip into your backpack for your next adventure. Standby mode allows you to use your smartphone while the gimbal is folded.
Templates. Story Mode provides several templates that transform your footage in seconds, automatically adding motion, music, and other effects for great results.
Share. After customizing your video with a variety of music templates, transition effects, and filters, you can easily share your work on social media and video platforms.
Convenience. Osmo Mobile 3 can shoot from any angle using the M button and trigger. Explore handy features such as the Quick Roll that lets you switch from portrait to landscape mode.
Broad control. Enable most operations with one hand thanks to the joystick, intuitive key combinations, and access to the Quick Menu.
For a complete filmmaking experience, use the Osmo Mobile 3 with the DJI Mimo app. Complete with helpful tutorials, handy templates, and smart modes, DJI Mimo lets you explore more features.
Sports Mode has been redesigned with fully optimized algorithms that allow Osmo Mobile 3 to easily capture action-packed action.
Snoppa ATOM
Snoppa ATOM is very convenient for one-handed operation. You can scale the picture, use the joystick, switch between modes, start and stop video recording from the handle. The smartphone app will expand the functions: face tracking, slow motion and static timelapse. If your smartphone has a contactless charging module, Snoppa ATOM allows you to recharge it while shooting.
- 360-degree rotating head
- Supports GoPro camera
- Long working time (24 hours)
- 3 tracking modes
- Ability to connect an external microphone
- One-touch switching between vertical/horizontal mode
- Tracking subject and face. If you’re streaming live, Atom is constantly following you so you star in every shot!
- Shoot at night With the Snoppa app, the Atom app can take long exposure photos and shoot in the dark with high brightness and low noise.
DJI Osmo Pocket
As DJI’s smallest 3-axis pocket camera, the compact and smart DJI Osmo Pocket gimbal lets you share your life anywhere, anytime in seconds.
Performance. The DJI Osmo Pocket captures images in stunning detail with a 1 / 2.3-inch sensor, 80 FOV, and f / 2.0 aperture. It can also shoot 4K / 60fps video at 100Mbps and 12MP images with 1.55μm pixels for video sharing every time.
Universal Port. Osmo Pocket includes a Universal Port — This multi-functional expansion interface connects Osmo Pocket to your smartphone, as well as an ever-growing range of accessories that allow you to shoot movies any way you want.
Intellectual functions – ActiveTrack, Motionlapse and Panorama.
Cooling system. Osmo Pocket uses fanless passive cooling to ensure durability and consistent performance.
MIMO. The app lets you create your fantasies for free with editing tools, templates and community access to share content.
Advanced settings. Osmo Pocket enhances your photography experience with automatic features and full customization. Powerful image processing capabilities also allow you to capture RAW photos and D-Cinelike videos, and provide more options for post-processing.
Action camera gimbal
Such a stabilizer will become an assistant when streaming, creating sports and travel content. As a rule, a gimbal for an action camera has a high level of dust and moisture protection. Such equipment is used in the most extreme conditions, which means that its moving parts should not fail if splashed or sand gets in.
FeiyuTech G6MAX
The perfect vlogger assistant.
Performance. New and improved magnetic brushless motors can increase performance by 50%, making the gimbal compatible with mirrorless cameras, smartphones, sports cameras and compact cameras. The G6 Max can carry up to 1.2kg, allowing for more cameras and lenses to be combined.
The multifunctional “Magic Focus Ring” has been updated to 2.0, and its sensitivity has been increased by 25%. It supports zoom/focus control, 3-axis rotation, and adjustment of parameters such as ISO, WB, and exposure values.
Equipped with a low power consumption OLED screen, the screen area is increased by 200% compared to the G6 Plus, which more intuitively displays the gimbal and camera parameters, current operating mode, power consumption and Bluetooth connection, etc.
The G6 Max comes with 9 functional modes to suit the needs of any professional videography and daily recording, allowing you to shoot like a pro. Without using the app, it can be operated with one hand, and professional shooting can be simplified.
Aerospace aluminium alloy with lightweight and no loss of texture. The arched design of the handle follows the ergonomic principle. Flexible silicone on both sides makes the grip more comfortable and economical.
Waterproofing technology that can protect it from splashes and dust. Thus, Keeping up with the photographer in various difficult shooting conditions.
WiFi and cable connection to the camera for a more free and convenient shooting control. Steadicam can manage photos, videography, zoom, and focus. It is also possible to adjust parameters such as ISO, WB, exposure and shooting modes.
9 hours – work on a full charge. At the same time, the G6 Max supports reverse charging to supply power to the camera and other devices so you can shoot for as long as you need to.
Camera gimbal
This stabilizer is designed for equipment – larger, complete with heavy accessories. Versatile models fit most DSLR and mirrorless cameras. A specific mount can narrow down the list of cameras that fit it. But the grip with the camera will be much more reliable. If you work with expensive equipment and want to secure it, Then this type of gimbal is perfect for this specifically.
Zhiyun Weebill-S
Zhiyun Weebill-S does an excellent job with popular mirrorless and SLR cameras and lenses. The lightweight body and unique gimbal mode make shooting with the WEEBILL-S very easy. With an updated algorithm, more powerful motors, ViaTouch 2.0 Intelligent System, and incredibly low latency HD imaging engine to take your video to the next level.
Compatibility. Thanks to an updated high precision algorithm and new WEEBILL-S motors, we were able to increase the motor force by 300% and improve response speed by 50%. Simply mount the camera to the WEEBILL-S and the gimbal will automatically adjust the motor force based on the weight of the device.
Speed. Enhanced 8th Generation Instune Algorithm delivers fast responsiveness and reduced camera shake when shooting on the move. You can also quickly adjust the speed and other parameters of each axis using the dial on the gimbal handle, giving you full control over the shooting process.
ViaTouch system turns your smartphone into a professional monitor and multifunctional remote control.
SmartFollow 2.0 system allows you to accurately track the subject in the frame, even without attaching the smartphone to the camera or stabilizer. Using the ViaTouch 2.0 system, you can quickly connect the gimbal to your camera and smartphone and transfer images in HD. You can also adjust in real-time camera parameters such as tracking speed, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and more.
Image receiver TransMount. Using a receiver and image transmitter, you can connect up to three devices to the stabilizer, including not only smartphones and iPads, but also professional monitors. * Accessory sold separately.
The battery charge lasts for 14 hours, (the ability to connect to the WEEBILL-S camera and charge it while shooting).
Video camera gimble
This is a much larger gimbal with a vest and viewfinder. This kind of equipment isn’t cheap and isn’t necessary unless you’re planning on getting into filmmaking.
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