Best Gimbals for Cameras

The compact and lightweight Zhiyun Crane M3S gimbal is convenient for blogging and everyday shooting, whether using a camera, smartphone, or action camera.

The stabilizer plate of the gimbal is designed to support loads up to 1 kg. This means that it can handle almost any mirrorless camera, but with a compact lens. Telephoto lenses are quite heavy, and the gimbal may lack the arm length for their balance. The model supports full 3-axis stabilization technology with locks on each axis, which helps keep the installed equipment balanced.

Zhiyun Crane M3S offers several operation modes for stabilization. The most popular and in-demand is the PF mode, which locks tilt and roll axes while allowing smooth horizontal camera movements, maintaining the horizon. In the all-axis-lock mode, the camera retains its position regardless of the gimbal's movements. The model also features portrait, follow, and impressive video transition modes.

Gimbal operation is managed using buttons, wheels, a joystick, and a 1.22-inch diagonal color OLED touchscreen. Mobile devices can easily connect to the gimbal via Bluetooth. But that's not all. One of the main highlights of the model is the built-in LED spotlight with up to 1000 lumens of brightness and adjustable color temperature (from 2700K to 5500K). Color filters can be attached to the LED light source using magnets.

On average, the gimbal can "stay afloat" for about 7.5 hours of shooting. Its battery life can be extended by connecting a power bank. As for the mentioned smartphones and action cameras, mobiles can be installed on the stabilizing plate using a clamp adapter, while action cameras can be simply screwed to a 1/4-inch mount.

Despite its modest size and light weight (approximately 890g), this little device from DJI is designed to work with cameras weighing up to 2 kg. It also supports shooting with ordinary smartphones.

The mini-stabilizer is aimed at demanding users: bloggers and videographers who aren't ready to tolerate even the slightest shaking in the video footage. The smoothness of the image is ensured by the 4th generation RS Stabilization algorithms. Additionally, the model has a quick lock system for all three axes of the 2nd generation — the gimbal quickly folds with a single press of a button and just as quickly fits into a bag.

Camera operation can be controlled through the USB type C port or via Bluetooth wireless connection. Another distinctive feature of the model is a proprietary mechanism for swiftly switching from horizontal to vertical shooting. And through the Pogo Pin connector, the DJI RS QuickTrack module can be installed on the stabilizer, which is included in the Combo package.

The DJI RS 4 Mini is powered by a 3100 mAh battery, providing up to 13 hours of autonomous operation. The control options available to the user include buttons, a joystick, and a colorful touchscreen display. Finally, the proprietary NATO connector serves for mounting additional accessories: video lights, extra handles, etc.

FeiYu Tech Scorp is a three-axis stabilizer for photo and video equipment weighing up to 2.5 kg. The stabilizer itself weighs 1.2 kg.

The gimbal features five preset tracking modes: horizontal, horizontal/vertical, horizontal/vertical/tilt, lock on all axes, rotation. Additionally, it provides auto-panning, interval shooting, and sports mode for dynamic scenes. Switching between them is possible directly from the gimbal's control panel or a connected smartphone.

The handle of the model houses an OLED touchscreen, a scroll wheel, and several buttons for quick access to popular functions. A virtual joystick is available in the mentioned usage scenario along with a smartphone, supported by the FeiYu Scorp app. The gimbal is powered by a 2500 mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. A full battery charge lasts about 8 hours of shooting.

Balancing the camera on the stabilizer plate is straightforward. This is because when balancing each specific axis, the other two can be locked. Lastly, the model impresses with its rich factory package — it comes with a waterproof storage bag, lens holders, and control cables for cameras from popular brands.

Manfrotto tripods have gained enormous popularity among professional photographers and videographers. Recently, the company began producing camera gimbals. One such advanced model is the 300XM.

The gimbal has a modular design. The main component is made of metal and can be mounted on studio stands, sliders, monopods, and various poles (e.g., Manfrotto's proprietary “boom” Gimboom) through a standard 3/8" thread slot. The model comes with a removable control handle, which features a built-in gyroscope and works as a wireless remote control. To achieve this, the motors and handle are equipped with their own batteries.

The gimbal's handle integrates a colorful touchscreen. It also has physical buttons for quick access to popular functions and a motorized wheel. The latter can be used to control the camera's position along one axis, electronic focus, and exposure of compatible cameras. All stabilizer settings can also be managed via smartphone through the Manfrotto Gimbal 300XM app.

The model can support heavy loads up to 3.4 kg. The gimbal itself is hefty, weighing about 2 kg. Available automatic stabilization modes include follow pan (PF), lock modes, follow (PTF), first-person viewpoint (FPV), and portrait shooting. Additionally, the gimbal features independent axis locks. It confidently handles heavy setups, offering functionalities rivaling many similar models.

The DJI RS 4 Pro version is tailored for professional video production and working with heavy equipment setups. The gimbal's load capacity is up to 4.5 kg.

The gimbal features advanced 4th-generation image stabilization algorithms, whether for shooting on the go, running, or from a car on rough terrain. Especially convenient is the ability to switch operating modes on the fly (without additional accessories). The stabilizer can quickly change shooting positions from horizontal to vertical and back. Additionally, the model includes two motors for autofocus.

Compared to the basic DJI RS 4, this version offers increased carrying capacity, a more powerful battery for 13 hours of autonomy, and optional connection of the Focus Pro LiDAR rangefinder for object tracking using ActiveTrack Pro technology. The gimbal's body is made from lightweight and durable carbon fiber.

The model includes automatic axis locks for convenient transport and storage, and it locks the operation of the 1.8-inch touchscreen. As a pleasing bonus, the Pro modification has two RSA interfaces for connecting auxiliary accessories, such as the DJI R scroll wheel and the Ronin control handle.