If you are into videography, you might have heard of gimbals as a way to stabilize your shots and create smooth, cinematic movements. But what exactly are gimbals? And what are some of the pros and cons of using them for your videos? This article will explore these questions and help you decide if a gimbal is the right tool for you.
A gimbal is a device that uses motors and sensors to counteract the movements of your camera and keep it level and steady. It can be mounted on a tripod, slider, drone, or handheld. Depending on the model, you can control the angle and direction of your camera with a joystick, remote, or an app. Gimbals can support different types of cameras, from smartphones and action cameras to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
One main reason to use a gimbal is to improve the quality and stability of your videos. A gimbal can eliminate shaky footage, unwanted vibrations, and jitters that can ruin your shots and make viewers dizzy. A gimbal can also help you create dynamic and creative movements, such as tilts, pans, orbits, and tracking shots, that can enhance your storytelling and visual style. A gimbal can also allow you to shoot in different situations and environments, such as on uneven terrain, in low light, or in windy conditions.
Fundamentally, a gimbal is a tool that helps put a camera in motion while maintaining a steady, smooth shot. It is a modern substitute for a dolly or a Steadicam. They can be used in combination with other film production tools like drones, jibs and even steadicams and dollies. The function of the gimbal is to maintain a fixed position on the pan, tilt and roll axes, and modern gimbals are often equipped with the ability adjust those axes via remote control. As such they can be substituted for pan/tilt heads too. Perhaps the most common use of a gimbal is to make handheld shots very stable, allowing for camera movement that exhibits the smoothness associated with dolly shots and steadicams and accordingly adds "production value."
I am a steadicam operator and I prefer this platform to other gimbals because it puts me in total control of the camera. I take input from the cast, Director, and director of photography, but once my 2nd hits the slate, its my time to perform. The steadicam allows me to pan, tilt, boom, crash, pull back etc. It is a dance with the equipment, the talent, and the set. When the director yells cut, i go back to my stand and regroup to go again, always collaborating with others to improve upon the last take. When I hear “Moving On!” I know that I have achieved everyone’s collaborative vision.
Using a gimbal can bring numerous advantages to your videos, such as making them look more professional and polished due to reduced camera shake. Furthermore, it can bring more flexibility and versatility, allowing you to switch between modes and angles, as well as adjust the speed and direction of the camera. Additionally, it can increase your creativity by enabling you to experiment with perspectives and transitions, thus capturing more details and emotions in scenes. Finally, it can save time and money since you do not need to use other stabilization tools or edit the footage in post-production.
Using a gimbal can have several drawbacks, such as being expensive and bulky. Gimbals can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and require extra batteries, chargers, and accessories. Additionally, they can add weight and size to your camera setup, making it harder to carry and store. Some gimbals can be complicated and time-consuming to use, as they require calibration, balancing, and fine-tuning before each use. They can also have technical issues such as glitches, errors, or overheating that can affect their performance and reliability. Finally, some gimbals can be limiting and distracting as they restrict your movement and range of motion, making it difficult to adjust your focus, zoom, or aperture. They can also draw attention and interfere with your subject or environment if you are shooting in public or crowded places.
Before buying a gimbal, you should consider several factors that can influence your decision. It's important to think about your budget, type of camera, and the purpose of your videos. You should compare prices and features of different models and brands, as well as check the compatibility and payload of the gimbal. Make sure it can support the weight and size of your camera and lens. Consider the effects and movements you want to achieve, frequency and duration of shoots, and locations and conditions you shoot in.
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Something else I’ve found helpful are the features & modes different gimbals offer. Some modes may include autofocus and follow a subject, “parallax mode”, “vortex mode” etc. Also, be sure to checkout the compatible accessories for the specific gimbal you’re looking to purchase and compare which ones you may benefit from.