You're a professional filmmaker who needs to stabilize your camera. What are the best gimbals to use?

1 Types of gimbals

When choosing a gimbal for your camera, you should be aware of the different types available. Handheld gimbals are the most common and ideal for small and medium-sized cameras, such as DSLRs. They offer flexibility and mobility, but can be tiring and cumbersome to carry around for long periods of time. Vest and arm gimbals are designed for large and heavy cameras, such as cinema cameras or camcorders. They are more stable and comfortable than handheld gimbals, but also more expensive and complex. Drone gimbals are perfect for aerial shots, as they can capture stunning views and angles. They are lightweight and compact, but very dependent on the quality and performance of the drone, as well as external factors like wind or weather.

2 Features of gimbals

When purchasing a gimbal, the second thing to consider is the features of the device. Depending on its functionality, performance, and compatibility, the most important features are the axis, payload, battery life, and controls. The axis refers to the number of directions the gimbal can rotate and stabilize your camera - two-axis gimbals are cheaper but have less range of motion than three-axis gimbals. Payload is the maximum weight the gimbal can support and balance - it’s important to make sure your camera and lens are within its capacity. Battery life is how long the power supply lasts - some have removable rechargeable batteries while others have built-in ones. And controls refer to how you adjust and operate the gimbal - some have manual controls while others have automatic or intelligent ones. It’s essential to check these features and functions before buying a gimbal, as well as test it with your camera and lens before using it.

3 Best gimbals to use

When choosing a gimbal, you should consider your budget, preferences, and goals. For low-budget filmmakers, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a great option. It is a handheld gimbal that works with smartphones and action cameras. It has a three-axis stabilization system, a 12-hour battery life, and a control panel with a zoom wheel and mode switch. It also has an app that offers time-lapse, slow-motion, and vertigo effects. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 costs around $100 and weighs around 500 grams. If you're looking for something more compact and portable, the DJI Osmo Pocket could be the right choice. This gimbal has a built-in camera and small screen with three-axis stabilization system, 140-minute battery life, control button, and touch screen. The app offers panorama, motion-lapse, and face-tracking features. The DJI Osmo Pocket costs around $350 and weighs around 120 grams. For professional filmmakers who need a high-end and versatile gimbal, the Freefly Movi Pro is the perfect choice. It is a vest and arm gimbal that works with cinema cameras and camcorders. It has a three-axis stabilization system, 6-hour battery life, control ring, handle, and dedicated app that offers time-lapse, mimic, and majestic modes. The Freefly Movi Pro costs around $6,500 and weighs around 5.5 kilograms.

4 Here’s what else to consider

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