Modern smartphones can produce high quality videos. However, if you wish for to make your YouTube, TikTok or home videos to look more professional look then you’ll require one additional accessory such as Gimbal.
Certain phones have OIS, AIS, EIS and other terms, however they are able to help stabilize hands shaking. Gimbals are designed to isolate your phone and camera – to permit users to enjoy smooth video even when you’re using.
It doesn’t matter if you’re running to use Gimbals are useful even in a stationary position because you can easily move left and right, and tilt your camera in a downward and upward direction. You’ll be amazed by what results you achieve even when you’re not spending more than $100 or PS100.
Most gimbals stabilize on three axes, commonly called pitch, roll , and yaw. In terms of photography tilt, roll, and pan. Many drones employ exactly the same gimbal, only reduced in size.
The most significant advantage of using a gimbal is that viewers will not feel nauseated while watching the videos you produce when you move around, compared to placing the phone with your hands and waving it around.
Apart from the device, it’s crucial to think about the companion app. Although you can utilize a gimbal using the camera app that comes with your phone and some physical buttons may work, you’ll require a companion app, like DJI Mimo for instance, if you would like to utilize all of the buttons, as well as the creative modes like making motion timelapses. The quality of apps can vary in addition to that of the equipment, and certain apps that are amazing, and others being utterly unusable to use.
If you are forced to use an app that isn’t up to par can be a nightmare this is why it’s important to read reviews like the ones below prior to making your decision.
Naturally, the hardware can differ, so you’ll need a gimbal that’s light that’s easy to use and has the entire set of buttons as well as controls within reach. Be sure to consider battery life, neither.
The good thing is the fact that costs have fallen substantially since phones gimbals first were introduced a few years ago and even the smallest budget it is likely to purchase a quality gimbal.
Which is the best phone gimbal?
It’s not surprising that the following list includes many DJI Osmo Mobile models, and also models from Zhiyun. These are the biggest names in the field of Gimbals, and they provide excellent apps that work together with the device.
While all of them are great options but your budget and preferences will determine which one is the best for you. Do you require an telescopic selfie stick? Do you need an magnetic mount that allows your phone to be easily detached and attached to the gimbal?
Discounts and sales during the season could influence your choices also, since they may bring models that you previously couldn’t afford to within your reach. You’ll see the most current prices below as well.
1. DJI Osmo Mobile SE – Best-value
Pros
Very compact
Great value
Cons
There is no Telescopic pole
It is not readily available in US
The DJI Osmo Mobile SE is a brand new model that’s an older version of the Osmo Mobile 4. But the display, joystick, and buttons of Osmo Mobile 6 and the joystick from Osmo Mobile 6 have been utilized, which means you’ll get some of the benefits for a less cost.
The display allows you to see what mode the gimbal operates in, at a glance and also the level of battery. The joystick is much more pleasant to use and, although there’s no telescopic pole , nor zoom/focus wheel (as is the case on Osmo Mobile 6), Osmo Mobile 6) the Osmo Mobile SE does have the most recent Active Track 5.0 that is more effective in locating subjects. It also comes with ShotGuides that will show you exactly how to achieve innovative effects.
Similar to the other DJI Gimbals this one, this one, too. Osmo Mobile SE makes it easy to capture smooth videos. The Mimo application is superior to what we’ve seen from other brands. However, it’s not available through the Google Play Store: you must purchase it through DJI’s site, which can be a not an easy task if you’re using the Android phone.
The tripod comes with a tabletop in the package so that you can operate it hands-free and capture stunning motionlapses.
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Most compact gimbal
Pros
Very mobile
Telescopic “selfie” stick
A useful zoom and focus wheel
Cons
There is no USB Port to power the the phone.
It isn’t possible to adjust the sensitivity of the zoom wheel
Price When Read Review: PS145
Its Osmo Mobile 6 is one of the lightest and smallest mobiles and this makes it the most appealing choice to a large number of users.
It’s much more costly than Osmo Mobile SE, but it comes with a built-in selfie stick and a dial located on the back that allows you to control the zoom and concentrate manually. It’s possible that you don’t need it feature, but it’s an excellent feature if you do.
Both gimbals allow the possibility of purchasing magnetic clamps with an integrated fill light, however, unlike Smooth Q3 above, these light doesn’t turn to face your object and the clamp is extremely expensive.
If price isn’t a obstacle the Osmo Mobile 6 is an excellent Gimbal. However, considering that how the Osmo Mobile SE is so lower in cost and comes with almost the same features, it’s difficult to recommend this model over the Osmo Mobile 6 over it.
3. Zhiyun Smooth Q3 – Top for selfie light with built-in
Pros
In-built LED light source for filling
Decent price
Cons
Inferior app
No selfie stick
Smooth Q3 Smooth Q3 is a blatant DJI copy, right down to the style of the warning stickers that are removable.
It also comes with one characteristic that DJI’s stabilizers did not have up until when the OM 5 was launched, which is. The LED light fill, which is useful in illuminating your face or subject in poor lighting conditions.
It’s a warm, white color and you’re unable to alter it however, you can select from three different levels of brightness and it can rotate like DJI’s that can only face you.
Overall, it’s a good gimbal with 3-axis stabilisation, decent battery life, and all for a reasonable cost. There’s only one issue: the ZY Cami application it’s not like DJI’s Mimo. You can however use your phone’s camera app in case you require the basic modes of video.
Although we haven’t yet reviewed it yet, the 2-axis Smooth X includes a built-in selfie stick, but it costs less that the Zhiyun Smooth Q3.
4. Joby Smart Stabilizer – Great for selfie sticks that have built-in selfie sticks
Pros
Built-in selfie stick
Affordable
Cons
Not the easiest to use
Price Reviewed: PS89.99
The Stabiliser from Joby isn’t as user easy like DJI’s Osmo Mobile SE. It will be using the manual often in order to understand the different modes and functions function. However, if you’re shooting video of your self for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and many other platforms and other platforms, the Joby Smart Stabilizer does a great job at a fair cost.
The feature that stands out comes from the built-in, telescopic “selfie stick’ that lets you to get further away from your phone. This can be useful when your phone does not have a wide-angle camera on the front like many phones do.
5. Zhiyun Crane M2S – Best for multiple devices
Pros
Can stabilise various devices
Good battery life
Cons
Balancing is a bit fiddly
Swapping devices isn’t seamless
Price Reviewed Review: PS259
Although it might not be more versatile than the marketing claims however, the Crane M2S can stabilise compact system cameras in addition to smartphones and GoPros (or any other cameras that are action-oriented).
However even with the new Quick Release 4 system, switching cameras isn’t always easy. If you’re looking to carry a stabiliser that can be used for many devices then the Crane M2S is one of the most effective choices.
In comparison to the M2, In comparison to the older M2, Crane M2S has a useful fill light that is 1000 lumens. It also supports rapid charging (in less than one hour from full) and can provide an up-to 10-hour battery longevity.
When we used the Pixel 6 to test it M2S, we had to balance the phone while switching between portrait and landscape shooting it was a hassle. The ZY Play application isn’t as user-friendly as DJI’s. Also, check that your camera is compatible before you purchase.