In the age of Instagram, youtube, and Facebook, most people want to share a little bit of their life with others. A camera is the best way to show your life, such as record an unforgettable travel, friend’s wedding, the first time your kid’s started to walk and etc. In spite of sorts of cameras, we have to face an existed age-old shooting problem；shaking. Shaky shots can definitely impact the artistic value and whole video quality. The slightest jitter may convert a footage to no use. But thanks to the advent of technology improvement and photography support device, you have the chance to get more stable and steady videos. If you are trying to make stable video footage, then a handheld gimbal is the way to go.
A gimbal stabilizer can eliminate shaky footage. When using the gimbal stabilizer, we can get more stable and high-quality video. Gimbals do more than just allows you to take stable footage. When choosing a gimbal for your smartphone or GoPro, here are some factors to be considered.
1. Gyros Stabilization
When shopping a gimbal, stabilization is the most crucial factor. Two type of gimbal is available：two-axis gimbal and three-axis gimbal. Saying a 3-axis gimbal is better, like saying a car is better than a motorcycle simply because it has more wheels. Two-axis gimbals only can stabilize your pitch and roll axis, and three-axis gimbals can also keep your Pan axis stable. When using a two-axis gimbal, jittery of horizontal movement is more obvious due to the lack of stabilization in the yaw 3 axis. The price of two-axis stabilizers are generally more cheap, but 3-axis stabilizers enable to reduce moving footage vibration.
2. Batteries life
There are two ways to charge the gimbal batteries. Some models are configurated with standard alkaline batteries. Users have to be change it regularly. Gimbals are powered by rechargeable Lithium Polymer or Lithium batteries. Generally, battery life can last from 2 to 6 hours.
3. Body Weight
Most gimbals are featured with light weight, not more than a few pounds, but even a little bit weight increase can let you get suffering if you have no choice but to hold it up for certain periods of time. Actually, the lighter the stabilizer is the better. But ensure that you’re not giving up performance just for a more lightweight stabilizer.
4. Assistant App
Most smartphone gimbals are designed to use in combination with functional App. This App enables you to have more cooperation between the gimbal and smartphone camera. After connecting your phone to gimbals via Bluetooth, the gimbal can control your smartphone camera more flexible. Performance of App is different in the various operating system. In general conditions, App works well on IOS operating system.
There is a wide-range of handheld stabilizers and supports on the market. Which one best fits your needs and your budget? Let's check out some of the choices.
1. Dobot Rigiet
Dobot Rigiet is a cheap 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer for smartphone and GoPro. It has three precision motors which control roll, pitch, and yaw, which allow you to take smooth and silk video in different angles. Phones up to iPhone ‘Plus’ size and most of GoPro will fit in the clamp.
You can also connect GoPro to the gimbal with an appropriate mount – one is provided in the Rigiet bundle for free. You can use the lower switch to select a shooting mode. Pushing it upwards switches between the front and rear cameras. Panorama and motion time-lapse are the highlight point of Dobot Rigiet. Motion time-lapse is relatively hard to set up, you can set the interval time and number of shots between each position. Dobot Rigiet is a really easy-to-use handheld gimbal, plus at a reasonable price, don’t miss it!
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 2 Handheld Stabilizer
Osmo Mobile 2 Handheld Stabilizer was launched by DJI not long ago. The powerful features of the DJI handheld gimbal take your smart phone camera to a next level. Different styles of time-lapse filming excite potential customers quiet a lot. The Osmo 2 lets you feel the passage of time like never before, with time-lapse, motion lapse and hyper-lapse. In addition, you can also take slow-motion photography, manipulate zooming controller and assemble magnificent panoramic photo.
3. Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
When we plan to purchase gimbal for smartphone or GoPro, we always want to know, which is the best handheld gimbal stabilizer. Zhiyun Smooth-Q Handheld 3-axis Stabilizer is integrated with a lot of powerful features. It’s sleek, lightweight design elevate your filmmaking experience. The Zhiyu Smooth-Q can be paired with phones with screen sizes up to six inches and weighing 7.7 ounces. Its built-in micro USB port allows you to charge the phone while taking a shot. The aided app has a lot of filming features, such as zooming control, face tracking, panoramic shooting and time-lapse shooting mode. Generally speaking, the ultra-light, agile and powerful gimbal stabilizer won't let you down.
4. Feiyu Tech G4-QD Quick Dismantling 3-Axis Gimbal for GoPro Hero Cameras
If you are a GoPro filmmaking enthusiast, then the Feiyu Tech G4-QD is an overturning GoPro stabilizer that will offer you some amazing frames. 4 batteries are provided in the packaging box, apply two per time and each pair allowing you to take a steady footage for quite a while. The Feiyu Tech G4-QD mounts GoPro easily and you do not require a steep learning how to assemble it. It is compatible with GoPro Hero3, 3+, 4 as well as other action cameras with the similar sizes.
5. Polaroid Handheld 3-Axis Electronic Gimbal Stabilizer for GoPro
This Polaroid gimbal is so easy to manipulate. Even you are green hands, you can use it to shoot steady and smooth footage in a short time. The all metal-construction design and lightweight body let you hold it up comfortably. The handheld gimbal comes with screws and amount, so you can use it to assemble GoPro Hero cameras without the additional stuff. If you are looking for a smaller handheld GoPro stabilizer at a reasonable price, then this grip is a good option.
6. Ikan FLY-X3-PLUS 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal
If you travel a lot and want to do something to record your experience, then a smartphone or GoPro gimbal stabilizer is suitable for you. Gimbal helps you get stable and smooth footage even in a harsh environment. Ikan FLY-X3-PLUS 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer allows you to hold your smartphone of different sizes. In combination with an innovative software, the 3 axis gimbal enables you effectively stabilize your smartphone to take a fluid video shoot.
7. LanParte HHG-01 3-Axis Motorized Handheld Gimbal
LanParte HHG-01 3-Axis Motorized Handheld Gimbal Active Stabilizer is compatible with many types of smartphone, it even can fit your old generation mobile devices. With the help of its advanced motors torque and 3-axis structure, the cameraman can film excellent stable and flowing video footage. Two styles of clamp attachments guarantee to fit any cell phone, no matter the and inches. Don’t worry about your overweight phones, two additional overweight allows you to use your phone more comfortably. The fully charged battery allows you to shoot for three hours nonstop. Plus, a one-year warranty is provided.
8. KumbaCam 3 Axis SmartPhone Stabilizer
KumbaCam 3 Axis SmartPhone Stabilizer is applied to shoot smooth and professional video using a phone. There are 3 shooting modes to ensure you to get the fantastic stable film wherever you are – pan follow mode, lock mode, tilt follow mode. The joystick allows you to film 360 rotation in lock mode. The entire handheld grip is extraordinarily simple to operate. Remote control via Bluetooth set your hands free, so you don’t have to hold the stick up and stay right beside it. This handheld smartphone stabilizer is really worthy of its price.
9. Zhiyun Z1-Smooth-C Multi-function 3 Axis Handheld Steady Gimbal
The Zhiyun Smooth-C is a affordable and popular 3-axis gimbal in the last few years. This ergonomic grip is compatible with any smartphone with under 7-inch screen. A power button and 4-way joystick allow you to get used to manipulating it at once. The stabilizer body is made of aluminum and it feels very firm. It is a not bad alternative for photography amateur who want to shoot flow and excellent videos like a pro smartphone.
10. Fotodiox Freeflight Moto 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The stabilizer handle is one of the most important features, that is often overlooked when purchasing a handheld stabilizer. After all, it is the part that you will get in touch with the most. In order to achieve high-quality video, especially long time shoot, a stick with a well done ergonomic design and comfortable material is very important. The Fotodiox Freeflight Moto 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is devoted to keeping your smartphone or GoPro from shakes and jitters. With its distinct design and straightforward operation. You can take this gimbal with you and get cinematic footage, combined with your phone.
