We’ve all seen amateur videos that are shaky and unstable videos that do not have stability. And if you ask anybody how they felt about such videos, a vast majority wouldn’t like to watch them again. So what is the secret to creating stable and professional looking videos? Does one have to be a professional to know how to hold a camera really? Apparently not. With the introduction of Gimbal stabilizers, you can walk and run all you want while recording and still get professional looking videos.
In this write-up, we will cover Gimbal stabilizers on some of the best lists that you can count on to deliver as well as outlining some of the things to consider before getting one.
Zhiyun Crane 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Easy control and quick set up for the best shoots
This stabilizer is compatible with almost all video lenses and DSLRs. Setting it up is easy thanks to its craft latch design and controlling it is seamless via the touch control system and mobile app.
Best Gimbal Stabilizers 2021 To Buy
In the light of all that, here is a countdown of the best Gimbal stabilizers for DSLR cameras that most amateur and professional video and photo enthusiasts will love for their stability.
9. Hohem Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
Price: Affordable
Special features: All in one compatibility, multiple working modes, object tracking, face tracking, zoom & focus, online calibration, customizable settings, 3600 mAh battery.
Weight: 1.2 lbs.
Dimensions: 14.8 x 6.8 x 2.5 in
Best for: Professionals and Beginners.
Come first in our list, The Hohem Gimbal is one of the best stabilizer that highly recommended by experts in the industry. It is compatible with digital and action cameras making it ideal for beginners and professionals looking to capture the best shots. It comes with multiple working modes and as such, you are assured of the best conditions to take amazing photos and videos that everyone will enjoy. Operating the Hohem Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is also very easy thanks to the control buttons on the device and the smartphone app for android and iPhone users.
Customizing the settings can be done online and this allows you to make the necessary adjustments even when you are not close to the stabilizer. At just 1.2 pounds, this stabilizer is light in weight and this makes transporting, handling, and setting it up very easy. It comes with a 3600 mAh battery that packs enough power for all your shooting needs.
- Durable quality makes the device long lasting
- Online settings adjustment thanks to the mobile app
- Compatible with most cameras
- Some users complain the balancing is not perfect
8. Neewer Carbon Fiber 24″/60cm Handheld Stabilizer
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Carbon fiber structure, quick release plate, extendable feature.
Weight: 4.55 pounds
Dimensions: 47.2 x 171.3 x 88.6 inches.
Best for: Beginner and medium level users.
This Neewer Gimbal stabilizer is designed using a high quality carbon fiber material which makes it both light and durable. Versatility and flexibility is something that has been given much attention with the design of this Gimbal stabilizer. It is capable of taking high and low angle shots under high precision, thanks to the unique axis and bearing system it has.
The maximum recommended payload for this stabilizer is 6.6 pounds. This stabilizer is ideal for use by beginners and mid-level users who want to use it for their video cameras, video capable DSLR cameras and DVs.
- It is light but sturdy.
- The grip is good and using the stabilizer is easy.
- Not the best DSLR camera Gimbal for professionals.
7. Glidecam XR-PRO Handheld Video Camera Stabilizer
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Camera Mounting Platform, Adjustable center post, Inertial control base.
Weight: 7.72 pounds.
Dimensions: 9.1 x 3.9 x 19.7 inches.
Best for: Professionals.
Glidecam XR-PRO is a high quality handheld video camera stabilizer that is designed with the sole purpose of stabilizing images on DSLR cameras. Adjusting sensitivity is one crucial aspect that one needs to get good image stabilization and this camera stabilizer is spot on when it comes to that, thanks to its adjustable convergence and 3 -axis precision system.
The unique adjustable inertia control base platform gives users versatility and flexibility to make the necessary adjustments to get the best possible shots. It takes some getting used to, but after that, everything else becomes a breeze.
- Solidly built to last long.
- Multiple adjustment and controls help to achieve excellent stability.
- Balancing it isn’t easy and takes some learning curve.
6. SUTEFOTO S40 Handheld Stabilizer Steadicam
Price: Very affordable.
Special features: Quick balancing feature, Aluminum construction, 6 removable weights.
Weight: 4.85 pounds.
Dimensions: 12.4 x 9 x 4.6 inches.
Best for: Beginners.
SUTEFOTO S40 Handheld Stabilizer Steadicam is a good quality Gimbal designed for beginners and amateurs who are just getting started or want to have fun shooting videos wherever they go. The stabilizer offers quick 360° multi-directional balancing functionality which is excellent for people who shoot videos while walking. It is easy to assemble and operate which is what every beginner would want.
Despite being an entry-level camera stabilizer, it actually has a highly functional stabilization system which allows users to do low an high angle shooting. Anyone looking for a good beginner-friendly stabilizer that is good for use on lightweight cameras such as GoPro cameras will love this one.
- It is very affordable
- The stabilizer is very easy to use.
- Cannot be used for professional work.
5. The Official ROXANT PRO Video Camera stabilizer
Price: Very affordable.
Special features: Low Profile Comfort Handle, no-slip grip, unique Pro style stabilization.
Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 13.4 x 2.2 x 8.1 inches.
Best for: Beginners and mid-level professionals.
Ranking top among all the rest is this Roxant Pro stabilizer which boasts a high customer rating than any other in the market. almost everything that you would expect from a Gimbal stabilizer is possible with this lightweight device. whether you want to use it on a Point and Shoot, DSLRs, Video Cameras, GoPros, Smartphone camera, this stabilizer has got you covered.
It is an excellent choice for amateurs and mid-level pros who are looking for a solid, lightweight and highly functional camera stabilizer without spending too much. You can use it anywhere from skating, outdoors, on stairs, walking, and pretty much anywhere. Surprisingly, there are some professionals who would also swear by the stabilization functionality of this Gimbal stabilizer. It’s just that good.
- It comes with a high customer satisfaction rating.
- The stabilizer is lightweight but solid and sturdy.
- Highly reliable and effective.
- Would be better if it could hold bigger professional DSLR cameras.
4. FeiyuTech AK2000 3-Axis Camera Stabilizer
Price: Fairly priced
Special features: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connection mode, easy balance adjustment, beveled angle design, smart touch panel, auto rotation, follow mode, LCD touch screen.
Weight: 6.25 lbs.
Dimensions: 18.4 x 12.4 x 4.6 in.
Best for: Professionals and beginners.
The FeiyuTech AK2000 is one of the best gimbal stabilizers for DSLR that you can get if you want to capture images and videos of the best quality. It comes with a smart touch panel that makes it easy to control the stabilizer so as to ensure that the camera is in the best condition to capture amazing shots. It uses high-precision software algorithms and a modified gimbal plate that is compatible with normal DSLR cameras and motionless cameras like the Canon 5D.
A magic ring is located to the side of the stabilizer that comes in handy when you need to control the motor’s rotation to get the best camera alignment. It also comes with a quick release plate that you will use to position the camera when taking photos or videos. This stabilizer has a beveled angle design and this way, it will not obstruct you when shooting.
- Its beveled angle design prevents obstruction during shooting
- Quick release plates that make it easy to mount the camera for shooting
- Smart control panel that makes it easy to control the stabilizer and adjust the settings
- Minor performance issues reported.
3. DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Price: Affordable
Special features: 12 hours run time, high capacity battery, multiple camera compatibility, 8 pounds load capacity, easy to use, simple set up.
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 12 x 6.0 x 14 in
Best for: Beginners and mid-level professionals.
This is another stabilizer that comes highly recommended by experts in the industry. It is compatible with digital and action cameras making it ideal for beginners and mid-level professionals looking to capture the best shots. It comes with multiple working modes and as such, you are assured of the best conditions to take amazing photos and videos that everyone will enjoy. Operating DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is also very easy thanks to the control buttons on the device and the smartphone app for android and iPhone users.
Customizing the settings can be done online and this allows you to make the necessary adjustments even when you are not close to the stabilizer. At just 6.5 pounds, this stabilizer is light in weight and this makes transporting, handling, and setting it up very easy. It comes with a 2400 mAh battery that packs enough power for all your shooting needs.
- Durable quality makes the device long lasting
- Online settings adjustment thanks to the mobile app
- Compatible with most cameras
- Some users complain the balancing is not perfect.
2. MOZA Air 2 Gimbal Stabilizer
Price: High price tag
Special features: 3 axis, lightweight, auto tuning and manual positioning, hexahedral calibration, Moza Assistant app, iFOCUS, 8 operation modes, 16 hours run time, lens control system.
Weight: 3.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.4 x 18.5 in
Best for: Professionals and Beginners.
Stability is one of the key factors that you need to consider if you want to capture top quality videos and the MOZA Air 2 Gimbal Stabilizer is what you need to make this possible. Made of industry grade aluminum material, this stabilizer is light in weight and this will make it easy for you to take it with you to different venues when shooting. It comes with a mobile application assistant that makes it easy for you to change the camera alignment for your shot.
The app also serves as the remote control that you need to make necessary adjustments even when you are far from the stabilizer. The devices quick release system offers one-step balancing and this allows you to position your camera perfectly for those perfect shots. It eliminates the need of trying to get the right center of gravity and this makes using the stabilizer easy and straight forward. This gimbal has a run time of 16 hours which comes in handy for those long videos and vlogs that you have to do.
- Long working hours perfect for long video shots
- Seamless operation via the app
- Light in weight and easy to carry around
- There are no instructions for using the app.
1. Zhiyun Crane 2 Follow Focus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: 3-Level Real Time Follow Focus, High-Speed MCU Parallel Control, OLED DISPLAY.
Weight: 10 pounds.
Dimensions: 23 x 12 x 6 inches.
Best for: Professionals.
Fully packed with advanced and unique features to aid in stabilization and focus, the Zhiyun Crane is among the most complete Gimbal stabilizers one can get. Besides its super-sturdy design, its precision and versatility is close to perfection with this device. It offers a tool-less balance adjustment which gets better with its use. This stabilizer offers more than just balancing as it gives users better shooting experience with its High-Speed MCU Parallel Control which speeds stabilization and focus.
This Gimbal stabilizer has a good battery life which can last for a continuous 18 hours. And although it is not the cheapest, it surely offers good value for every single cent spent.
- It is very flexible and reliable.
- The stabilization and focus it offers is top notch.
- It is bulkier and heavier than most in the market.
Choosing A Gimbal Stabilizer
Here are crucial aspects to keep in mind when looking for a Gimbal stabilizer to buy.
Weight
It is pretty obvious and straightforward to keep the weight factor in mind. Just like when you are buying a camera, it is important to understand that the heavier the Gimbal stabilizer you get, the more weight you have to carry. although most manufacturers of Gimbal stabilizers have managed to make ultra-lightweight stabilizers, there are still those that weigh up to 15 pounds. So, before you buy any Gimbal stabilizer online, make sure that you know the weight that you will be carrying including the camera itself. The lighter, the better.
Versatility
There isn’t much to explain when it comes to versatility because the main objective of having a Gimbal stabilizer is to bring convenience. They also ought to be designed to accommodate and be used on cameras of different sizes and offer users better ease when shooting in different angles and positions. A good Gimbal stabilizer should also let users easily make adjustments to make video recording anywhere with flexibility.
Balance & Adjustability
Another crucial factor to keep in mind when buying a Gimbal stabilizer is how easy it stabilizes and lets you adjust to use in different angles. Some Gimbal stabilizers are more stable than others depending on how they have been designed. Although this is something that you may have trouble finding out when shopping online, we’ve got you back on this. We’ve done all the hard work for you.
Battery Powered Vs. Manual
When it comes to choosing a Gimbal stabilizer, you will have the option of either buying one that is battery powered or one that is manually operated. The battery powered ones, which in most cases are pricier use brushless motors to help achieve stability when the user is in motion or shakes while recording. Battery powered ones tend to be better in terms of reliability and stability, although there are still some great manual ones out there.
Final Word!
If you are in the filmography and photography world, then you know that image stabilization is a big pain at times. Image stabilization using Gimbals and specialized Steadicams is crucial to get perfect shots. Listed above are some of the best Gimbal stabilizers for DSLR cameras which every film or photo enthusiast will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is A Gimbal Stabilizer?
A: A Gimbal stabilizer, otherwise called a camera stabilizing mount is an equipment used to hold a camera in a stable position to compensate and offer any unwanted camera movement when the user is in motion or when the camera shakes. This allows users, both amateur and professionals to get clearer shots that are stable and of better quality.
Q: How Do Gimbal Stabilizers Work?
A: Gimbal stabilizers are designed with at least one axis which helps to counter different angular movements. They are designed to flexibly rotate along this axis along concentric circles that are connected in perpendicular angles. There is also an advanced and more complex system using sensors and electronics in place. So when someone moves while holding the Gimbal, the object held on the Gimbal will not experience any motion interference, hence giving users the much-needed stability.
Q: Do You Need Image Stabilization?
A: Blurring that is associated with motion is common in filmography since shaking is an unavoidable human thing. To counter the shortcomings that one gets with their motion, Gimbal stabilizers does the magic of steadily allowing users to do what they want while maintaining unobstructed filming. So, if you care about your videos or photo footage and want nothing but the best shots, then you will have to invest in a Gimbal stabilizer.
Q: Why Are Gimbals So Expensive?
A: Gimbals aren’t as expensive as they used to be some years back. A while ago, Gimbals used to be prohibitively expensive, and many photographers and videographers had to part with over $1,000 at the least to get a good Gimbal stabilizer that they could rely on. However, with technological advancement and inventions, there is more to smile about as anyone can get Gimbal stabilizers for less than $100. Although there are still those high end ones that have more sophistication, there are cheap ones that offer great value and user experience.
