Making videos is becoming a routine activity for us today. And, it is my favored way of sharing and preserving my life's moments. Also, the cameras available in the market are getting better and better. Many inbuilt tools like Optical Stabilization, try to help you to get a fluid frame video. But it is a very tough task to do. Still, I cannot avoid all the jitters during filming. But it is getting easy with many camera accessories.
Moreover, innovative camera accessories have brought a new life into the art of filming. Such as a Gimbal, which is a pivoted support for the cameras. And, a large variety of Gimbals are available for several types of cameras. Thus, this is a guide to help you to pick the best GoPro Gimbal for yourself. So, I will only focus on GoPro Gimbals.
Why should we choose a GoPro?
By the way, GoPro is the name of a company. However, it has become synonymous with compact action cameras. A GoPro is a compact and sturdy camera in a cuboid shape. And, these are my first choice for making videos outside. Due to its simplicity and small size, handling of a GoPro can be a challenge. As for people like me trying to avoid camera shakes during motion is difficult. Plus, due to the small size of GoPro, adding extra parts into the camera for fluid video is impossible. That is where Gimbal can be a pretty useful device to have. And, I think these cameras are perfect for shooting action videos. Being small and light means that I can mount them at any place and position. And believe me, their ability to shoot high-quality videos will amaze you.
What would the Gimbal supported us?
Whether I use my camera, I want the quality of my video to be the best. Regardless of the video quality, most of the videos get ruined due to the handling of the cameras. In most cases, we all have that one friend who cannot hold a camera still.
Thus, I choose to pair my camera with a Gimbal. A Gimbal is a handheld device that stabilizes the camera. As a result, the recorded footage becomes smooth and has high quality. The purpose of Gimbal is to separate your camera from the vibrations and sudden moves. Especially in case of an outdoor setting, a sudden shock may ruin your flawlessly filmed video. For instance, who wants to see a shaky video with lots of annoying noises, no one. Therefore, whether you are a professional or a hobby video maker, Gimbal is a valuable accessory for you.
Who can use a Gimbal?
As I mentioned before, Gimbal is an asset for both amateur and pro filmmakers. Especially adventure sports athletes, as it is not easy to capture their fast-paced actions. Moreover, having a camera crew to shoot their movements is expensive and a tedious task. So, most athletes choose to record their works by themselves. Due to the rise of GoPro and Gimbals, this has become easy for them. For sure, a Gimbal is a powerful camera tool as a handheld device. A blend of GoPro and Gimbal can produce an incredibly mesmerizing video.
Anyways, this does not mean that the only a qualified pro can use a Gimbal. It is a popular device among amateur filmmakers also. For instance, we consume a large amount of video content on the internet every day. As a result, the demand for newly added content online is rising rapidly. Hence, it is becoming an occupation for life for a lot of people on the internet. Thus, many people are choosing video making as a career. Therefore, there is a rise in demand for Gimbals.
How to choose a Gimbal?
If you are thinking of getting a Gimbal, it can become an impossible task. Due to many options and varieties available for Gimbals in the market. Hence as an amateur video creator, I focused on a few key factors for my purchases. So, I advise you to keep these few points in mind to make the right choice.
- Weight: The combined weight of the camera and Gimbal should be comfortable for you. If the equipment becomes too heavy for you, surely it will be an endless nuisance. Therefore, you will not be able to use it for long durations.
- Battery life: Most Gimbals have sensors, motors, and small electronic circuit inside them. That helps it to do all its functions. Besides, Gimbals often serve as an extra battery pack for your camera. As a result, they can charge your camera when Gimbal connects with it. Thus, you do not want to have a dead Gimbal in the middle of its use.
- Price: I suggest planning your budget wisely. Usually, Gimbals have either servo or brushless motors. Also, brushless motors are costlier than servo motors. Thus, the kind of parts used will affect their costs. Not to mention, the slight disparity in their performance also.
- Axis: Usually Gimbals are free to move in either 2 - axis or 3 - axis. But there is a limit up to which it can rotate about each axis. The Tilt, Pan, and Roll modes depend on the motion along these axes. So, do not forget to check this small detail about your Gimbal.
- Calibration: Make sure your Gimbal has an easy calibration method. I am sure you would not like to have complicated steps to calibrate your Gimbal, every time you want to do that.
- Longevity: Consider the future use of your Gimbal also. The market for cameras is changing at a great pace. So, prefer a Gimbal which has adaptability with other cameras. Also, it should have good build quality.
How does Gimbal work?
However, it is hard to fit optical stabilization tools in the small size of a GoPro. So, Gimbals steadily focus the camera at a point in space.
Gimbal is an electro-mechanical system which softens the jerks to the camera. After calibration, the inbuilt sensors keep the camera isolated from the sudden shakes. Even if the physical interaction with the Gimbal grows unsteady, the sensors emit a signal in real-time. The processor unit receives the signals of any change from these sensors. And, it neutralizes them with motorized movements of the axes. Plus, it is withal able to provide manual control to you. That is, with the onboard control panel, you can command the moves of the Gimbal. Including, it gives you the precise control of the actions of the camera. As a result, the camera turns becomes very fluid.
Naturally, the market is full of hundreds of types of Gimbals. And, the correct choice of Gimbal is necessary for your video making experience. Here, I am listing those GoPro Gimbals which I found most relevant. And, along with the links to where you can find them. Hopefully, this will help you to decide.
The Best Gimbals for GoPro
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 • 4000mAh Battery. • 3-Axis Full 640-Degrees motion. • Object Tracking. |
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It is a 3-axis stabilizer Gimbal for action cameras. And, I was blown away by its stunning performance. It can hold the camera stable and isolated from jarring. Therefore, it can record incredibly stable footage. The Gimbal has a sturdy and durable build. Also, it has matt black finish on its Aluminum body. Hence, it can outlast your camera even after rigorous use.
The Gimbals comes with two way charging cable. So, you can plug one end to your camera and other to the Gimbal. Thus, you can charge your camera. Plus, I found it very convenient to use. Even if you are a novice, you will get reliable results with this Gimbal. I press the golden color button to turn it on. Note that the Gimbal has multiple operating modes. The first mode is the stabilization mode. So, I press and hold the joystick to select this mode. Next, I press the joystick one time for Pan and Tilt mode. Further, I press the joystick twice to select the inverted axis mode. In this mode, I can hold the Gimbal upside down to get close to the ground shots. You can get more information about the different modes from its manual.
As a result, I can record videos while walking or running. Besides, you can take it with you on hikes, trips, etc. In short, it fits for all outdoor activities.
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The GoPro launched Karma Grip as the official 3-axis Gimbal for their action cameras. Though, there are many thirty party Gimbals available for GoPros. Still, the design is explicitly for GoPro cameras. Hence, the Gimbal needs no calibration for the cameras. So, I can mount the camera on the Gimbal, and I am ready to go. Besides, the Grip fits on the Karma drone. This may add an extra feature desirable for drone users. Although, you need to buy the Karma drone separately. Plus, the Gimbal has many other optional accessories to choose.
I can control the camera directly from the Gimbal. As I turn on the Gimbal, the camera will likewise turn on. Plus, I can start and stop filming by using Gimbal. I can plug it to the computer and transfer files from the camera as well. It is additionally charging both the camera and the Gimbal battery. So, there is no need to detach the camera at all. And, the device is always ready for you.
Moreover, this Gimbal has two modes. The first mode holds the camera Tilt stable, while in another mode the camera Pan tracks your activity. And, the mode button activates these modes. Besides, it still has a modifier button. When I press and hold it, the Gimbal will Tilt, and Pan follows my actions.
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The Hohem 3-axis Gimbal has an entry-level price with pro-grade features. And, the Gimbal plus fits a variety of action cameras. And, I think it is a good contender versus high-end Gimbals. As the built quality of the Gimbal is excellent. Together with, the screw bracket holds the camera firmly, moreover, the fitted camera will not fall off. There are two mounting spots on the Gimbal. One at the bottom and other on the side. So, I can set up the gimbal on the included tripod and add more accessories to it. Now the Gimbal is entirely made of Plastic. Plus, it has a rubber coating on the handgrip for having a better grasp on it. Along, you get a portable box with purchase.
On the front, I see the control panel for the Gimbal. Now, if I press the power button one time, LED on the sides will show the battery status.
There is a separate mode button as well. And, I see the various clicks needed for the mode toggle on the Gimbal. So, I do not need to remember them. Plus, a unique switch button will allow me to lock the Gimbal at any moment. Further, the joystick will allow me to control the Gimbal's actions. Also, there is a Hohem mobile app to interact with the Gimbal remotely.
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4. Feiyu G6 3-Axis Handheld Splash Proof Gimbal Stabilizer
In my opinion, FeiyuTech G6 is surely a premium Gimbal. As the build quality of the Gimbal is very high. It has an Aluminum body with rubber on the grip. That makes the Gimbal very soft to hold. And, I find the screw clamp of the Gimbal suitable to fit a wide variety of GoPros. Furthermore, it is easy to fix the camera to the Gimbal. Now it has a large battery inside the handgrip. So, its span of use has extended. Along with, I can use the Gimbal battery to charge your camera. Besides, it is a splash-proof Gimbal. So, it can resist a certain amount of water. Plus, it comes in a nice travel case with padding.
Next, I turn on the Gimbal with the power button. After the Gimbal is on the same button acts as a mode button. I can switch between Pan track and Lock mode by pressing it once. I can conjointly enter in Lock mode with a press and hold of trigger button in the front. Also, there is a rocker button to Tilt the camera at any moment. And, when I press the mode button three times, it enters selfie mode. Next, I press the trigger button twice to return to the prior position. Plus, the joystick gives me added motion control on the axes. Besides the FeiyuTech app, withal gives me a remote control on the Gimbal. Also, the Gimbal has an angled horizontal axis. Thus, it does not block the view of the camera screen.
Moreover, you can connect your camera with the Gimbal via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Then I can use the start/stop record button on the Gimbal. Plus, the OLED screen will show the current mode, battery status information, etc. The manual has all the information about specific settings in detail.
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5. Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal
I think Smooth 4 is probably the most advanced Gimbal on this list. If you take one look at this Gimbal, you'll say that it is incredible. And, this Gimbal has all the features that you can imagine. Besides, despite its big size, the Gimbal is light to feel. Besides, it has a spring-loaded holding mechanism for the camera. So, it can hold GoPros and smartphones of all sizes. And, I do not need any special adapters for them. Plus, the holds have Rubber padding. So, the camera cannot slip during the filming.
Then, I find a lock screw on one of the arms of the Gimbal. As a result, this screw helps to alter the center of gravity according to the camera weight. Hence, the Gimbal adjusted to any camera, that I can put into it. Plus, the gimbal comes with a sturdy plastic tripod. And, it fixes with the Gimbal at the bottom.
Next, as I turn on the Gimbal, it can auto-calibrate itself. Moreover, I can connect it with my camera via Bluetooth. At the first look at the controls, you can see a lot of buttons. Don't worry, as it is simple to control as I used them. And, all the buttons have their uses displayed on them. So, you do not need to remember them. Now the dials and most other features are accessible through its app for smartphones. But for GoPro, you can use its Pan and track mode. Again, there is a mode lock button, which will lock the camera in Pan mode.
Note: Need a GoPro plate to use with it.
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In conclusion
There is no single winner on this list. Certainly, the Gimbal that fits for your needs is the best. So, it depends on what kind of Gimbal you want for yourself. In my opinion, if you are looking for a budget Gimbal, then the Hohem Gimbal is the better choice. In the case of expensive and high-performance Gimbal, I think the Feiyu Tech G6 Gimbal is most suitable. Besides, some people are looking for the most flexibility in a Gimbal for their GoPros. In that case, you can choose GoPro Karma Gimbal.
Anyhow, as I said before, any Gimbal will surely increase the quality of the recorded videos. So, I can positively suggest any of the above Gimbal for a better filming experience. Hopefully, you will find the Gimbal that works best for you.
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