Choosing the best GoPro handheld gimbal is quite challenging with all the options available. Using a GoPro handheld gimbal will transform your videos into buttery smooth clips that your viewers will enjoy and share on social media. Nothing is more annoying than a shaky youtube video. Choosing the best gimbal for your GoPro camera can be difficult.
If you have a mirrorless camera, check out my article for the best gimbals for mirrorless cameras.
I hope you agree with me when I say:
"Creating silky smooth action videos has always been a challenge"
That is until now...
After researching online and spending many hours testing these GoPro stabilizer gimbals, I have shortlisted the best GoPro gimbals 2018 which you can buy right now from Amazon.
Related Topic: How to walk with a gimbal to create amazing videos
There is a lot of variety present for the 3-axis gimbal for GoPro Hero 6 market; most buyers get confused on what would be a good purchase for their money. There are so many brands for videography gimbals with amazing features that people often do hours of research before making their purchase. In the end, they do not buy anything, because they could not choose from the baffling product range.
See Also: Waterproof GoPro Gimbals
The market is filled with big names like EVO, Feiyu Tech, Lanparte, Zhiyun etc. Not only have buyers remained confused between these different brands but their confusion multiplies three folds when they find a plethora of different gimbals from one same brand. Making if very challenging when trying to select the best gopro handheld gimbal (go pro gimbal) for your situation. The EVO Shift gimbal is a low cost option for those that need a gimbal for your smartphone and action camera.
This product review is intended to serve as a guide for consumers to choose the best handheld gimbal for gopro that provides good value of money and meets your needs. If you have a DSLR camera you may interested in our review of the best dslr stabilizers.
Handheld GoPro Gimbal Review 2018
IMAGE | MAKE / MODEL | PRICE | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|---|---|
EVO GP-PRO | EVO GP-PRO 3-axis Handheld Gimbal | $$$ | |
EVO GP | EVO GP 3-axis Handheld Gimbal | $$$ | |
Feiyu Tech G4-QD | Feiyu Tech G4-QD Quick Dismantling 3-axis Gimbal | $$ | |
Feiyu Tech FY-WG | Feiyu Tech FY-WG 3-Axis Wearable Gimbal | $$ | |
Zhiyun Rider-M | Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable 3-axis Gimbal | $$$ | |
Feiyu Tech G4 | Feiyu Tech G4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal | $$ | |
Lanparte LA3D | Lanparte LA3D 3-axis Handheld Gimbal | $$ | |
Zhiyun Evolution | Zhiyun Z-1 Evolution 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal | $$$ |
GoPro Handheld Gimbal Review
Evo GP-PRO 3-axis GoPro Gimbal
"Best GoPro Handheld Gimbal 2018"
EVO GP-PRO 3 Axis GoPro Gimbal for Hero3, Hero4 or Hero5 Black, Garmin Virb Ultra30, Yi 4K+ - 1 Year USA Warranty
Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable GoPro Gimbal
"Best Wearable Gopro Gimbal 2018"
Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable 3-Axis Mini Portable Gimbal Stabilizer for GoPro Camera
EVO GP-PRO 3-Axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal
EVO GP-PRO 3 Axis GoPro Gimbal for Hero3, Hero4 or Hero5 Black, Garmin Virb Ultra30, Yi 4K+ - 1 Year USA Warranty
Product Name | EVO GP-PRO 3-axis Handheld GoPro Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro Hero 6, 5, 4, 3+, Session Cameras, YI Action Camera |
Battery Life | 5 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The EVO GP-PRO 3-axis handheld gimbal allows you to effortlessly shoot silky smooth video with your GoPro. EVO GP-PRO works with all Hero 3, Hero 3+ and Hero 4 model cameras and supports most GoPro camera accessories
The GP-PRO is truly Plug and Play ready to use out of the box without any complex setup or software.
Similar to the EVO GP all you need to do is lay down the gimbal and power it on. After 10 seconds it will be ready to be used.
EVO GP-Pro Handheld Gimbal for GoPro has always been a leading brand in the gimbal stabilizer market. Their previous gimbals saw a great share of success and EVO went further to introduce the innovative EVO GP-Pro Go Pro Handheld Gimbal in January 2016. The EVO GP-Pro is one of the most revolutionizing photography and videography gimbal stabilizers of 2016.
It actually had photographers mesmerized with its sleek and light-weighing design and a precise stabilizing quality that would lead to any of its frequent users forgetting the bumpy video experience while they had a professional, high-resolution camera in their hands. The product is packed with versatile features and is also extremely easy to use.
The EVO GP-PRO features an upgraded 4-way thumb stick to allow for more refined feathering control of the gimbal's pan, tilt and roll axes. This feature alone allows you to have expanded flexibility and control for compact shooting scenarios or for getting unique angles on your subject.
EVO GP-PRO 3 Axis Gimbal GoPro Stabilizer for Hero4, Hero5 or Hero6 Black & Virb Ultra 30 Action Cameras - 1 Year US Warranty | Includes: EVO GP-PRO + GS-75 Tripod
Design
The first look of this astonishing product is awesome and there are no other precise words to describe it. The attraction of the product is arresting to the eye, from the packaging to the product and its use. The package has a smooth, cream color with the EVO Gimbals' logo at the top.
Inside the package, you are provided with a quick guide to EVO GP-Pro, enclosed in a re-useable and re-sealable plastic zipper storage box. This product is so easy to use (in fact, it's surprisingly easy than many other gimbal stabilizers in the market), they have included a guide so that you do not destroy the device while exploring it.
Beneath the guide are all the components of the EVO GP-Pro 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for GoPro: the handheld gimbal stabilizer, two batteries, two thumb screws, battery extension tube and more you will discover when you open the package. All components are packaged in classy fashion.
Moving on to the most important thing, the EVO GP-Pro 3-Axis gopro handheld gimbal stabilizer is all black and built with aircraft-grade aluminum. If you listen closely, the material speaks, durable'. Although the handheld gadget is strongly built, it weighs so light that one does not have to worry about an arm ache while using it.
Modes
- Headings Follow Mode
- Heading Lock Mode
- Heading & Pitch Follow Mode
- Inverted Mode
Additional Features
The EVO GP-PRO 3-Axis GoPro Gimbal supports GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+ and Hero 4 cameras for photography. It has 4 different shooting modes: Heading Follow, Heading Lock, Heading and Pitch Follow and Inverted.
One of the most iconic features of the EVO GP-Pro 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for GoPro is that it runs on the simple plug and play. There is no software configuration required, neither does any tuning need to be done. You simply take it outside of the box, place the GoPro camera in the gimbal and there you go on to capture unnaturally stable photos and videos. This convenience is like a blessing from the skies or a gift from the Higher Authority.
Moreover, the EVO GP-PRO 3-Axis GoPro Gimbal has an integrated 3.5 mm AN output port to connect it with an external monitor while filming with the handheld gimbal and the camera.
EVO GP-PRO 3 Axis GoPro Gimbal for Hero3, Hero4 or Hero5 Black, Garmin Virb Ultra30, Yi 4K+ - 1 Year USA Warranty. What's included in the Box
Performance and Quality
Now, quality is the most important factor with every product and especially with the gimbal stabilizers because any problem could lead to a drastic video or picture. Sometimes, the noise of gimbal disturbs the audio of recorded video while at the other times, this results from the inefficient control of the gimbal to keep the camera at the right place at the right moment for the right picture.
However, not to worry! EVO GP-PRO does not bother you with any of this. In fact it has a 4-way thumb stick which allows for feathery' control over the camera in all the three axes: Pan, Tilt and Roll.
Moreover, there is hardly any rotating sound produced by the device hence it does not disturb the video. With all of that, the EVO GP-PRO is pretty cool and the results that it produces are really alluring while being all the while, professional.
Furthermore, to provide long hours of use, EVO GP-PRO is packed with an extended battery life of 5 hours and a cable for charging your GoPro camera.
Pros
- Built in USA
- Easy to use out of the box
- Built-in 1/4-20" threaded end cap for tripod mounting
- Integrated 3.5mm A/V output port for external monitor or recording
- Automatically calibrated in 10 seconds after power on
- Built-in power supply module allow for charging camera
- Excellent Warranty
Cons
- One of the more expensive compared to other gimbals
Summary
I would highly recommend buying the EVO GP-PRO over the EVO GP as it has a joystick for controlling the gimbal and also a 1/4"-20 female thread hole on the bottom to allow for mounting on a standard tripod. The EVO line of products are built in Oregon, USA giving the "Built in America" label.
EVO GP 3-Axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal
EVO GP 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal for GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+, Hero 4, CNC Alloy Construction, USA 1 Year Warranty
Product Name | EVO GP 3-axis Handheld GoPro Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro Hero 6, 5, 4, 3+, Session Cameras, YI Action Camera |
Battery Life | 5 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The EVO GP 3-axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal is the best overall gimbal for GoPro on the market.
Shooting pro-quality, cinematic like footage with your Hero3, Hero3+ or Hero4 Camera is extremely easy.
Once you get the hang of using a gimbal, your creative juices will begin to flow. There are endless possibilities available once you start using a handheld gopro gimbal.
Compatibility
The EVO GP works with all GoPro Hero3, Hero3+ Hero4 and Hero5 model cameras and supports most GoPro accessories such as the LCD backpack as well as the battery backpack.
EVO GP is 'plug & play" ready to use out of the box without any complex setup or software. There are several shooting modes that you can choose from allowing you to get ultra creative with your shots.
Modes
- Headings Follow Mode
- Heading Lock Mode
- Heading & Pitch Follow Mode
- Inverted Mode
Durability
As with most other handheld stabilizer gimbals it is made using a lightweight aluminum frame. Unlike other gimbals on the market the EVO GP achieves incredible stabilization performance and accuracy through high quality, high definition position encoders coupled with high torque triple wound motors. Allowing for stable shots in extreme situations.
The stabilization motors are also strong enough to attach various GoPro accessories such as the Battery Backpack and the HDMI cable for an external viewpoint.
Calibration
You will find 3 buttons on the handheld stick that control the 4 modes as well as tilt, pan, roll function and setup options.
It is very easy to calibrate the EVO GP handheld gimbal for gopro. All you need to do is lay it down, power on and about 10 seconds later, its ready to be used.
Be sure to power on and calibrate before using in an unstable environment such as a boat, car, plane. Be sure to calibrate and put the EVO GP handheld gimbal in standby mode by pressing the middle button.
There is also a manual process for calibration that requires 7 steps to perform. Not really needed unless you are having issues with horizontal fade.
The one feature missing is the ability to mount the stabilizer gimbal to a tripod using a 1/4"-20 female threaded hole. You can purchase an optional bracket that mounts on the side of the handle to mount to a standard painters extension. Upgrade to the EVO GP-PRO if this is a requirement.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Easy to use out of the box
- Automatic calibration in 10 seconds after power-on
- Built-in power supply module to charge your camera
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Can't be used for smart phones
- Doesn't work with tripod mounts
Summary
EVO GP Gimbal is well-built with all the features of more expensive models at a fraction of the cost. I'd recommend the EVO GP-PRO if you can afford it. All EVO Gimbals are built in Oregon, USA, giving them the "Built in America" title.
Feiyu Tech G4-QD Quick Dismantling 3-axis GoPro Gimbal
Feiyu Tech G4-QD Quick Dismantling 3-Axis Gimbal for GoPro Hero3, 3+ 4 and similar shaped action cameras
Product Name | Feiyu Tech G4-Quick Dismantling 3-axis Gimbal for GoPro |
Compatibility | GoPro Hero 6, 5, 4, 3+, Session Cameras, YI Action Camera |
Battery Life | 4 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The Feiyu Tech G4-Quick Dismantling 3-axis Gimbal for GoPro is an upgraded version of the Feiyu Tech G4. The biggest difference is the way the camera is held.
Feiyu G4-QD uses the standard screw mount while the Feiyu G4 QD uses a new designed adjustable spring mount. You can use this Gimbal for Yi and GoPro cameras.
Two batteries are required to run the Feiyu Tech G4-QD but four batteries are included with the camera so you can charge a set while the other set is in use.
The power button is located at the bottom of the gimbal so there is no option to use a tripod. There is an optional extender tube that can be added to the bottom of the gimbal.
You will need to turn on the gimbal before you attach the extender tube as the power button would not be available.
Modes
Panning Mode:
Camera is permitted to pan left or right. Vertical tilts or rolls are restricted
Panning/Tilting Mode:
Camera is permitted to pan left or right and tilt up and down. Rolls are restricted
Full-Axis-Lock Mode:
Camera stays in its current orientation. All panning, tilting and rolls are restricted.
Inverted Mode:
Allows you to flip the gimbal orientation upside down and shoot in angles that was once thought impossible.
I found it challenging to insert my GoPro Hero4 camera. Prefer the normal screw mount that all other handheld gimbals use.
Pros
- Easy to use out of the box
- Automatic calibration
- Compatible with optional remote control
Cons
- Difficult to insert camera using spring mount
- Unable to adjust roll without the optional remote control
- Need to power on gimbal prior to attaching optional extender tube
Summary
The Feiyu Tech G4-GD one button control make it easy to use but lacks features of being able to adjust tilt, pan or roll without purchasing the optional remote control. My recommendation is to get a handheld stabilizer gimbal that you can control tilt, pan and roll on the fly.
Feiyu Tech FY-WG 3-Axis Wearable Gimbal
Feiyu Tech FY-WG 3-Axis Wearable Gimbal Stabilizer for Gopro HERO 4, 3+ and 3
Product Name | Feiyu Tech WG 3-axis wearable Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro 3, 3+, 4, 5 & 6, Action Cameras |
Battery Life | 3 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The Feiyu Tech WG 3-axis wearable Gimbal is a sleek gopro gimbal in a wearable form factor for action cameras.
It is lightweight, yet feature-rich, and capable of capturing immersive and fully stabilized footages.
Calibration is done like most other gimbals, insert you GoPro camera and place on a flat stable surface. Turn on with the single button and wait a few seconds.
It is now ready to be used. Since it only has a single button, you can only use the tilt, pan and roll if it is connected to the optional wired remote.
Edit your caption text hereFeiyu Tech FY-WG 3-Axis Wearable Gimbal Stabilizer for Gopro HERO 4, 3+ and 3. What's in the Box
Firmware updates can only be performed by a Windows PC. Macs are not support at this time. Since I'm a Mac user, I had to use a friends PC to update the firmware.
Mounting
The Feiyu Tech WG is designed with extensibility in mind. A GoPro T-Clamp adapter is packaged with every gimbal. Users can attach the gimbal to any accessories supporting the GoPro three-prong mount.
The gimbal body also contains two 1/4"-20 tripod mounts, allowing the gimbal to be mounted in different orientations to all universal tripod screw mount accessories (including helmets, bikes, selfie sticks and other accessories)
Pros
- Can be mounted directly using any gopro t-clamp or 1/4"-20
- Easy to use out of the box
- Automatic calibration
- Compatible with optional wired remote control
Cons
- Requires the optional remote to control tilt, pan and roll on the fly
- No external power source for camera
Summary
An excellent solution for capturing videos where a handheld gimbal would not work. You can connect using any GoPro T-clamp or 1/4"-20 female thread connector to mount the Feiyu WG Wearble Gimbal.
Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable 3-axis GoPro Gimbal
Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable 3-Axis Mini Portable Gimbal Stabilizer for GoPro Camera
Product Name | Zhiyun Rider M 3-axis Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro 3, 3+, 4, 5 & 6, Action Cameras |
Battery Life | 4 - 8 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The Zhiyun Rider M 3-axis Gimbal is the best wearable gopro gimbal available. It is extremely small and portable and has numerous mounting options using the 1/4"-20 and a GoPro adapter which is included.
One of the best features this gopro stabilizer gimbalhas is the bluetooth wireless remote controller. You can control it from up to 10 meters away, either by the using a smart phone app or the optional bluetooth remote. I prefer using the bluetooth remote.
Zhiyun Rider-M, with a streamlined yet simple design, has a net weight of only 175g.
Though smaller in size, Zhiyun Rider-M delivers a powerful performance with quicker startup times.
As with other gimbals, it is not waterproof and doesn’t support Gopro with a protective case.
Modes
Following Mode:
Pitch and roll axis is locked, pan axis rotates following the gimbal pedestal
Locking Mode:
Three Axis (pan, pitch and roll) are all locked
Pan and Pitch Following Mode:
Pan and pitch following mode:
roll axis is locked, pitch and pan axis rotate following gimbal pedestal
Selfie Mode:
Quickly rotates 180 degrees to either face the subject, or show what the subject is viewing
Mount
The gimbal don’t feature a GoPro mount, you need a 1/4″-20 thread to GoPro adapter to use your GoPro mounts.
Remote Control Feature
Zhiyun Rider-M is the first stabilizer that support APP or Bluetooth remote control. You can remote control it with the bluetooth remote or wireless smartphone app-
With the built-in wireless control module, you can remote control the Zhiyun Rider-M or upgrade firmware by connecting remote controller or APP.
Pros
- Easy to use out of the box
- Supports smart phone app
- Optional bluetooth remote control
- Built-in power source for camera
- Small & lightweight
Cons
- Price is higher than most gimbals
Summary
If you are looking for the BEST Wearable Gimbal for GoPro, I would most definitely recommend the Zhiyun Rider-M Wearable 3-axis Gimbal.
Feiyu Tech G4 3-Axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal
Feiyu Tech FY-G4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for GoPro Hero4/3+/3
Product Name | Feiyu Tech G4 Handheld Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro 3, 3+, 4, 5 & 6, Action Cameras |
Battery Life | 4 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
As the successor to the G3 series, the Feiyu Tech G4 Handheld Gimbal incorporates state-of-the-art 3 axis stabilization technology into a finely constructed body made with aircraft-grade aluminum and brushless motors.
The Feiyu Tech G4 is the perfect tool for videographers demanding high quality stabilized footage.
The one-button control makes it easy to use the gimbal with only one hand.
The power button is located at the bottom of the gimbal so there is no option to use a tripod. There is an optional extender tube that can be added to the bottom of the gimbal.
You will need to turn on the gimbal before you attach the extender tube as the power button would not be available.
If you want to control tilt, pan or roll on the fly you will need to connect the optional wired remote. I'd recommend a gimbal with more than one button control if you plan any stationary filming while panning.
Modes
Panning Mode:
Camera is permitted to pan left or right. Vertical tilts or rolls are restricted
Panning & Tilting Mode:
Camera is permitted to pan left or right and tilt up and down. Rolls are restricted
Full Axis Lock Mode:
Camera stays in its current orientation. All panning, tilting and rolls are restricted.
Inverted Mode:
Allows you to flip the gimbal orientation upside down and shoot in angles that was once thought impossible.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Easy to use
- Automatic calibration
Cons
- Gimbal must be powered on before attaching extender tube
Summary
The Feiyu Tech G4 3-axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal is a good stabilizer gimbal but is missing features since is only has one button for control. I'd recommend getting a GoPro gimbal where you can control tilt, pan and roll on the fly.
Lanparte LA3D 3-axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal
Product Name | Lanparte LA3D Handheld Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro 3, 3+, 4, 5 & 6, Action Cameras |
Battery Life | 4 - 8 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The Lanparte LA3D Handheld Gimbal can be used in many situations with the detachable handgrip. Lanparte LA3D is one of the most advanced and flexible usable gimbals you can buy right now.
I love the ability to use the head detached with the extension cord using a chest mount while riding my mountain bike.
Lanparte LA3D has got an power port for your GoPro camera, so you can charge your camera while using the Lanparte LA3D 3-axis Handheld Gimbal.
Detachable Handle
The rubberized handgrip can be detached from the gimbal allows you to mount the gimbal on a tripod or any GoPro mount.
Modes
Following Mode
Semi Following Mode
Locking Mode
Inverted Mode
Pros
- Excellent price
- Easy to use
- Removable hand grip
- External power source for camera
Cons
- Wired connection between gimbal and handle may fail
- Wireless connection would be nice feature
Summary
The Lanparte LA3D GoPro Handheld Gimbal is a hybrid handheld gimbal with the detachable handgrip. Provides more flexibility and giving you the best of both worlds.
Zhiyun Z-1 Evolution 3-Axis GoPro Handheld Gimbal
Zhiyun Evolution 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+, Hero 4, CNC Aluminum Alloy Construction, 1-Year USA Warranty
Product Name | Zhiyun Z1-Evolution Handheld GoPro Gimbal |
Compatibility | GoPro 3, 3+, 4, 5 & 6, Action Cameras |
Battery Life | 4-5 hours |
Product Review Rating | |
Amazon Reviews |
The Zhiyun Z1-Evolution is an innovative and reliable 3-axis stabilizing gimbal designed for GoPro Hero4 cameras.
The unit is weighted nicely and has a robust build using lightweight aluminum alloy. The three brushless motors produce strong torque and smooth rotation.
With the 1/4"-20 screw thread at the bottom, the Evolution can be matched with multiple filming accessories, i.e. tripod, extension rod or any GoPro mount using an adapter.
With a 3.5mm AV output port on the side of the handle, just plug a viewfinder and you can catch real-time image.
Batteries
Zhiyun Z-1 Evolution is the first gimbal ever compatible with two types of batteries: using 18350 batteries to make the gimbal small and exquisite or 18650 batteries to get 12H run-time.
The extended tube provides extended run-times. 18650 batteries are readily available and allow you to charge your GoPro Hero4 camera while using the gimbal.
Controls
The four-way joystick control is smooth and simple to use, feels comfortable, and is very responsive. Controlling the gimbal is extremely easy with the joystick as it is more intuitive.
ZhiYun Z1-Evolution 3 connectors
- micro USB for calibration and firmware upgrade
- 4 wire GoPro AV-In and battery charging
- 3.5mm AV out plug
Modes
Pan following mode: (heading mode) this is the default operation mode when the gimbal is powered ON. The pitch and roll are locked. Pan rotates smoothly following the grip. Pushing the stick up or down can be adjusted the pitch angle. For example this way you can film higher buildings or tall trees
Locking mode: Pan, Pitch and Roll are all locked. This is the most appropriate mode for filming static subjects. Push the joystick to right or left to adjust the pan angle in order to make some cool 360 degree panorama videos.
Pan and Pitch following mode: Roll is looked and Pan and Pitch rotate smoothly following the grip. Push the joystick to right or left to adjust the roll angle.
Invert mode: this is actually not a configuration mode. It means that you can use the gimbal reversely upside-down. It works together with all the above mentioned modes.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Power source for camera
- 4-way joystick control
- Supports 18350 & 18650 batteries
- Extended battery life (up to 12hrs)
Cons
- Cost more than most gimbals
- No remote control option
Summary
The Zhiyun Z-1 Evolution GoPro Handheld Gimbal is a highly recommended handheld gimbal with all the features a professional would require to make outstanding videos.
GoPro Gimbal Buyers Guide 2018
2-axis vs 3-axis — How to Pick the Right Camera Gimbal
Gimbals are some of the most popular GoPro camera accessories, and with good reason. A gimbal uses a 3-axis system to hold a camera in place and thus helps in image stabilization during active shoots. With this in mind, how does a 3-axis gimbal work?
What is a 3-axis gimbal?
The term gimbal is used to define an adjustable camera built to keep a device level, stabilized or from vibrating. In order to adjust a camera in position, a 3-axis gimbal makes use of brush-less motors, which are both powerful and durable. 3-axis describes the different motions a camera can be stabilized, that is, left and right, up and down, and front and back; otherwise referred to as tilt, pan and roll.
How does a 3-axis gimbal work?
The modern 3-axis camera gimbal (gopro gimble) bundles most of the same technologies that electronic gadgets such as smartphones, gaming controllers and even drone controlling systems do.
Handheld 3-axis gimbals offer a vibration and shake free, camera shooting experience.
Gimbals use a function known as Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to translate commands made by a camera operator, into movement responses while utilizing its three different brushless motors to level the camera.
Utilizing a number of powerful electronics, sensors and motors, a gimbal is able to pinpoint any sudden and unwanted motions, and instantly cancels them out. This means that the camera is protected from any jolts, as it just remains floating in the air.
Most of the computing power that a 3-axis gimbal needs to execute its actions is usually housed in a circuit board known as the controller. Here you'll find an internal software installed by the manufacturer and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) which contain the structures that create a level. MEMS respond to movement commands, by sending electrical impulses translating the exact force and direction.
The controller ensures that the 3 brush-less motors keep the camera stabilized by sending commands numerous times per second. These commands are what keep the camera level and the gimbal itself vibration free.
Besides handheld shooting, gimbals can be the best alternatives for mounting on cars, where camera mounts such as tripods, would not be suitable due to sudden movements that may occur.
Shooting using a 3-axis gimbal
3-axis gimbals usually come with different types of handlebars. These include:
Side extended handlebars - allow comfortable both-hand operation of the gimbal. Great for mid-level angled shooting.
Inverted handlebars - handlebars below the camera, allowing you to shoot at eye-level.
Top handle - enables one-hand operation and low-ground shooting.
When shopping for a gopro gimbal (gopro gimble), you will inevitably reach a stage where you have to decide on what type of camera gimbal to choose from. GoPro camera gimbal systems typically come with 2-axis or 3-axis brushless gimbals and which type of gimbal you choose depends on what you plan to use it for.
A 3-axis gimbal is not necessarily better than a 2-axis gimbal. Saying a 3-axis gimbal is better is like saying a car is better than a motorcycle simply because it has more wheels. Both 3-axis and 2-axis gimbals have their own pros and cons.
3-axis gimbals outperform 2-axis gimbals
3-axis gimbals (gimble) generally provide better video stability than 2-axis gimbals. This is because 3-axis gimbals stabilizes your video on all 3 axis (yaw, pitch and roll) while 2-axis gimbals stabilizes only on the pitch and roll axis. Jello, or jittery horizontal movement, is more obvious in videos taken using a 2-axis gimbal due to the lack of stabilization in the yaw axis.
3-axis gimbals are able to greatly reduce and sometimes completely eliminate jello due to a third motor that helps absorb unwanted movement in the yaw axis.
Disadvantages of 3-axis gimbals
However, 3-axis gimbals are heavier and more expensive than their 2-axis counterparts. They also draw more battery power due to having more motors. To illustrate this point, Walkera’s G-3D gimbal (3-axis) is about 48g heavier and costs roughly $50 more than its 2-axis sibling.
Helipal.com has an excellent video that demonstrates the differences between the DJI H3-2D (2-axis) and H3-3D (3-axis) gimbals. Both gimbals had GoPros installed and were attached to two different Phantom quadcopters which were attached to a larger hexacopter.
The hexacopter was then flown in different flying conditions to show the differences in video quality from the two gimbals. These are the benefits of using a gopro gimbal.
For Filmmakers and Aerial Photographers
If you plan to do professional aerial photography, you will definitely want to go for a 3-axis gimbal. Despite its weight and cost penalty, a 3-axis gimbal produces far better video than a 2-axis gimbal.
Video stability is crucial when producing documentaries or Hollywood-grade films which is why 3-axis gimbals are the favorite choice of professional aerial photographers. Using 3-axis gimbals will result in shorter flight times so to solve this problem, simply bring along extra batteries when you go out flying.
For even more impressive video stabilization, pair a camera that has built-in stabilization with a 3-axis gimbal. Any video shake that has not been eliminated by the camera gimbal is taken care of by the camera’s own video stabilizer.
Besides providing better video stability, 3-axis gimbals are excellent if you have a separate operator for your camera. When flying with two operators, two radio transmitters are used — one for piloting the drone and the other strictly for controlling the camera.
With a 3-axis gimbal, the camera operator can freely pan the camera without having the pilot to pan the drone. This cannot be done when a 2-axis gimbal is used which requires the pilot to pan the drone in order to move the camera angle along the yaw axis.
2-axis gimbals performance
It is also important to note that 2-axis gimbals can perform as well as their 3-axis counterparts when it comes to taking still images. The only thing that really sets these two gimbals apart are videos. So if you focus strictly on taking still images from the air and hardly do any videos, a 2-axis gimbal will do just fine especially when you have a tight budget.
Filming Activities That Would Benefit Using a GoPro Stabilizer Gimbal
The film industry is changing daily because of the advancement in technology. With technology filming activities have gone hi-tech. With the aid of a pivoted hand-held support known as gimbals, rotation of shots on just a single axis has been made easier.
The introduction of GoPro Gimbals (gopro gimble) has brought a significant improvement in cinematography by creating buttery smooth videos. This makes film-making easier because there are many filming activities that have been improved by using gopro gimbals.
1. Cinematography
This is one of the most important filming activities during the production process, and it is the film activity that has benefited most. GoPro gimbals have made the shooting easier by providing the following.
· Unique POV Shots
This is one of the most obvious uses. Since a filmmaker has to be creative in the shots, you can get close to impossible shots that are unique to your production, and also those that your ordinary DSLR camera cannot do.
· Underwater Coverage
It is expensive to purchase a waterproof housing case for big video cameras. They are also bulky and would give the camera operator a hard time in setting up the camera underwater. GoPro gimbals (gopro gimbles) have provided a solution to that if you use it with a waterproof mount and glass. This is magnificent for low budget filmmakers.
· Camera Flexibility
Unique shots are gotten by flexible cameras. With the aid of a gopro gimbal, you can get very flexible shots because you can to play around with your camera angles and movements. It also has the capability of going where any other camera cannot; an example is taking shots under your car bonnet as the car is moving and also camera rolls.
2. Editing
At the post-production stage, editors can still fell the effect of a gopro gimbal (gopro gimble). This is because their editing work will be made easy. They easily cut to unique shots saving them the breath of adding after effects. This has helped in making films more believable. GoPro gimbals also provide excellent time lapse shots without being controlled; hence editors can use them if they need to add such footage.
3. Research and Scouting
During the pre-production stage, research and scouting for locations have to be done. This is always the driving force for other production activities to start. Gimbals can be mounted on cameras and drones to help in hunting for locations. You are able to send a drone to a particular location to do the scouting, which means you will save time and money.
GoPro stabilizer gimbals (gopro gimble) have made filming better and easier. It has not only made work in the production process easy but also in the pre-production and post-production stages.
