What gimbal or video stabilizer to buy

In a recently published article we talked about what a gimbal is and what is its usefulness. You can do it in our article on What is a Gimba l ? Where you can find out more about what this device consists of. Thanks to an accessory like the gimbal we can record better videos, either with our smartphone or with a camera.

Index of contents

What to buy Gimbal: Tips and recommended models

Gimbal or video stabilizers have become a very useful accessory and are gaining much popularity. For those who record videos professionally, it is the perfect way to give your videos a more professional finish. No matter what movements you make, thanks to this device the video will always be stable. In addition to gaining depth.

There may be some of you who are thinking of buying a gimbal. Therefore, it is important to consider a number of aspects before buying one. In this way, we are very clear about what type of gimbal is best for us based on our needs and the use we are going to make. Thus, we know for sure that we are going to buy the right product for us.

What must be considered?

Here we leave you with the aspects that must be taken into account when buying a video stabilizer. We will divide it into several sections, with the main details that we have to consider at all times.

Gimbal type

First of all you have to know a little more about the types of gimbal that are available on the market. If we look for a very cheap model, we can find some options on the market. Although these models usually work in a mechanical way using sensors like the gyroscope. This causes the gimbal to absorb the sudden movements that are made. Something that nobody wants, so these types of models are not what we are looking for.

What we want to achieve is that our videos are of higher quality. So we need a better video stabilizer, which incorporates an electronic part. Most of these models are based on three stabilization axes and each of them is controlled by a motor. In this case, the different sensors generate a signal with any movement of each axis. The information is analyzed by the processor, which is in charge of sending orders to the motors to keep the system stabilized or to reduce vibrations or sudden movements. In all kinds of conditions.

Without a doubt, these types of stabilizers are an ideal option. They give us the guarantee of keeping the camera or smartphone stable at all times, so we can do all kinds of movements. So that the person who records can experiment with a multitude of styles or ways of recording. Therefore we need a stable gimbal and it is not mechanical.

Smartphone size and weight

Most stabilizers on the market can be easily adapted to any screen size. But, it is better to be cautious and check the diagonal and the maximum dimensions that it allows us. This may be essential for users with a large smartphone (phablet). Since they can find a somewhat more limited offer.

In addition, stabilization systems are also intended to be used with a maximum weight. So we must take into account the weight of the smartphone or camera with which we are going to use this gimbal. No matter the device with which we are going to take videos, the ideal is that the stabilizer can support the weight of our camera or drone. In this way we know that it will also support the weight of our smartphone without problems.

Number of axles and motor type

Most gimbal on the market have two or three axes. It is recommended that the one we are going to buy has three stabilization axes. It is an aspect in which we must be demanding and not give up anything. Regarding the motors, it is recommended that they be brushless motors. The processor is better not lower than 32 bit.

Limit angles

The limit angles of each type of movement is something that we have to keep in mind. These angles can refer to the controllable margin or the movement section that the gimbal is capable of stabilizing. The movements we are referring to are panoramic, roll and tilt. In many cases these angles are indicated in the total angles or in the working range.

What interests us is that they are as large as possible. This means that we will have more possibilities. So the older they are, the more possibilities. Another important detail to take into account is the maximum movement speed that the stabilizer supports. This speed is measured at an angle per second.

Building

Ideally, the gimbal can be disassembled so that we can transport it in a compact and very comfortable way at all times. The material is also something important, both for the quality of the product itself and for its weight. You have to check what material it is made of, as it can cause the weight to be much higher in some cases, which makes it not so comfortable to use. Having a carrying case is ideal, and it will make things easier for us.

Finally, another detail that we should not miss is checking if it has a standard tripod connection. This is something that can cause the possibilities of the gimbal to be many more. So if you have this option, much better.

Controls

If the stabilizer has integrated controls, it will allow us to control everything without having to touch our smartphone. So we can shoot or zoom without using the phone. Something that can be very comfortable. We also have the joystick, which will allow us to carry out robotic movements on some models (generally more expensive). At the same time it will continue to stabilize.

Another thing that may be interesting to check is if the manufacturer of the gimbal has an application. If yes, in most cases it can be used to configure the stabilizer options. So we configure them in a way that is more comfortable for us and we also have the possibility of adding some additional functions such as object and face tracking. Or add some manual controls. In short, a multitude of options. So it can be something that is extremely useful to us.

There are some models that allow us to configure the joystick with ease to our liking. Others have a remote control, so that we can perform movements using a tripod. Think about which of these options suits you or interests you the most when choosing a gimbal.

Calibration

A very important aspect is the calibration after changing devices. Currently most models are ready to be used directly. So you only have to place your smartphone on it directly. In some models it is possible because they have self-calibration. Others have software designed to fulfill this function.

Autonomy

As with any electronic device, autonomy plays a determining role. A gimbal needs power for the motor and the different electronic systems to work. Therefore, in each model that we go to consult it is important that we pay special attention to the autonomy that it offers. There may be more than notable differences between some models.

The most common is that we find stabilizers that have an integrated battery and that is directly rechargeable. In some models we have the option of adding batteries for those situations in which the battery cannot be charged, but we need to record for a long time. There are some models that have a removable or interchangeable battery, although they are the least. In addition, another detail to take into account is that in general, the gimbal is capable of feeding the smartphone or the camera while we are using it. So the power consumption by the stabilizer can be significantly higher.

Working modes

Stabilization does not mean that we are going to keep the phone fixed at all times. Ideally, we can carry out natural, vibration-free movements. For this reason, work modes offer us a lot of freedom and creativity. The most normal thing is that the gimbal has some modes of use. Generally they are usually vertical and horizontal modes of use as well as a blocking mode.

The lock mode makes the camera point at all times to a fixed point even if we move the gimbal. Another mode that many models have is the tracking mode. Thanks to this mode, the camera will follow the movement of our hand and will correct the turns. Other models have some specific ways to invert the camera and take shots at ground level or take 360 degree panoramas.

Generally, each model usually specifies the modes it has. As far as we can know beforehand. We will have to take into account the use we plan to make of the gimbal to determine if we need some additional working modes or not.

accessories

Finally, we have to think about the possible need or desire to use accessories. If our idea is to carry out the recording of videos in a professional way, we may have to use accessories. Take a look at the available accessories (extenders, adapters for action cameras, tripods…) that both the manufacturer and other brands offer.

Again, the use you plan to give your gimbal is what will determine if you need to buy some accessories or not. It may happen that there are some stores that during promotions or festivities (Christmas, Black Friday…) offer some models with an accessory. So if you are thinking of adding accessories, it may be a good time.

Recommended Gimbal Models

Once we have taken all the previous aspects into account, it is time to talk about concrete models. For this reason, we present below a selection of gimba l models that may be of interest to you. There are different types of models, also with different prices. So it is very likely that there is one that meets your needs and / or preferences.

What models are recommended? We tell you more about each one individually.

Zhiyun Smooth-C

This model is one of the best options we find in terms of quality / price ratio. It is one of the cheapest models that we can find, with a price of 164 euros currently. It allows us 360-degree panoramic movement. In addition, it includes two removable batteries that provide us with up to five hours of autonomy. This gimbal has a total of 3 axes, making it a good option to consider.

EVO SP-Pro

This gimbal for smartphones is one of the most complete options that we are going to find on the market. It offers us practically unlimited movement, with all the possibilities that this implies. It offers 360 panoramic degrees and up to 320 degrees in roll and tilt modes. This EVO model allows us to also use compact cameras. But, in the case of wanting to use one, it cannot weigh more than 650 grams.

The EVO gimbal also has its own application for iOS and Android. In this way we can configure the stabilizer to our liking. In addition to being able to control the phone without having to touch the screen. It is not currently available on Amazon Spain, although you can buy it on Amazon.com for $ 249.

Feiyu SPG Plus

This model is ideal if you are looking for the maximum possible stability. The Feiyu SPG Plus gimbal has a double grip and allows us to use smartphones up to 200 grams in weight. It is one of the easiest and most comfortable models to use. So it can be a very interesting option. It also works with GoPro cameras.

This video stabilizer has a total of three stabilization axes. In addition, it brings lock and track modes, in addition to normal work modes. So it is a good option for those users who already have a level and are looking to record at a professional level. Also noteworthy is the autonomy of this model, 8 hours. One of the highest we can find on the market. It is also one of the most expensive models. Its price currently stands at 366 euros.

LanParte HHG-01

This is one of the most versatile models that we can find available. It works with both smartphones and action cameras. Of course, in the case of very heavy smartphones this gimbal requires the use of counterweights. Something that can be annoying for some users. It has a removable battery and features a three-axis stabilization system.

This model is one of the cheapest we can find today, something always positive. It is priced at 189 euros, making it noticeably more accessible than others on this list. You can check more about this model here.

DJI Osmo Mobile

DJI is a brand that probably sounds to many of you. It is one of the main drone manufacturers on the market. They are also engaged in manufacturing video stabilizers. They have models for smartphone, drone or cameras. So it is a brand to consider if you are looking for a gimbal.

This model, the Osmo Mobile, as its name indicates, is exclusively for smartphones. It has four modes of use and a three-axis system. In addition to also having tracking technology. DJI provides us with its own application, thanks to which we can configure the gimbal. In addition to being able to stream or control the phone. The price of this model stands at 339 euros.

We hope that this article has a clearer idea about the essential aspects that we have to take into account when buying a gimbal. Also, that this list with some recommended models helps you learn more about the offer available in the market.