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Zhiyun gimbals buying guide

5 tips for buying a gimbal

Reading Time: 5 minutes - July 5, 2019 - by Jonas Junk All photographers who have ever tried out the video mode on their camera will have noticed that natural video recordings are not that easy. Gimbals make smooth camera movements accessible to filmmakers who don't have a heavy rail system at their disposal. The market for stabilization systems for video cameras has grown considerably in recent years and the choice is huge. In this article, we'll give you 5 tips for buying a gimbal so that your next video project is guaranteed to be smooth.

Who needs a gimbal?

Basically, gimbals were developed for videographers who want to create hand-held camera movements. If you don't use a tripod and film spontaneously from your hand, micro-shaking occurs and the video looks unnatural because the eye is not used to these jerks. When using a tripod for filming, this is of course no problem at all, but moving camera shots are in many ways more interesting and captivating. Gimbals are used when moving but stable video recordings are to be made, but the filmmaker wants to do without heavy video rails and dolly systems. The gimbal market has grown enormously in recent times, as the technology used has become cheaper and moving images are developing faster than ever. Producing a steady video image is now easier than ever before and more and more photographers are discovering the video sector for themselves. But photographers can also benefit from a gimbal. We'll show you exactly how a gimbal can help you take impressive photos in a moment.

What do I need to consider when buying a gimbal?

1. Is the gimbal suitable for my camera?

The most important factor for the purchase decision is the question of load capacity and construction. If you consider the load capacity, you can already look for the right gimbal class. In principle, it makes sense not to fully utilize the load capacity of the gimbal so that there is still some leeway. It is also important to ensure that the camera can be mounted on the gimbal at the center of gravity. Many new gimbals have a quick-release plate with which the camera can be moved in one axis, but there are also gimbals where this leeway is very small. The combination Alpha 6000 with a G-Master 24-70mm lens, for example, is extremely front-heavy, so the camera has to be balanced very far back. Small gimbals can have problems with this, even though the load capacity has not been exceeded. Another problem can occur if the lens diameter is larger than the height of the camera, because in this case the combination cannot be screwed onto a long quick-release plate. This can be remedied with an accessory that raises the camera and makes it possible to mount unequal combinations. Handling and feel Similar to buying a camera, there are also differences in handling and feel when buying a gimbal. While lightweight gimbals are often made of plastic, metal components are often chosen for larger gimbals. On the one hand, this makes the gimbal feel more solid and of higher quality, but it also increases the weight. A low weight should be one of the main requirements for the new stabilization system, as the weight is underestimated by many filmmakers. It is also very helpful if the camera is freely accessible or has a quick-release plate, so you can react quickly if the battery is empty or the memory card is full without having to disassemble the setup first.

2. Which gimbal is the right one for my area of application

Gimbals are available in a wide variety of designs for all kinds of camera systems. Some cameras are even permanently installed with a gimbal. There are differences in the design of gimbals. One-handed gimbals are currently in vogue, as they are very flexible to use and take up significantly less space than conventional two-handed gimbals, even when traveling. Larger gimbals that require two hands for operation also have advantages, such as greater comfort with heavy cameras and more options for attaching accessories, such as an external monitor. In addition, camera movements can be controlled much more precisely and the weight of the gimbal is better distributed over both arms. The weight of the gimbal should also not be underestimated, as it not only has to be held, but also moved overhead or in low positions in different shooting situations. A certain level of physical fitness is definitely recommended, especially with heavy gimbals.

3. Connection to the camera

Some gimbals can establish a connection to the camera so that certain functions, such as start/stop recording, can be controlled via buttons on the gimbal. With the Zhiyun Crane 3 Lab, for example, the camera's exposure settings can also be changed on the gimbal. Many gimbals also have a follow focus function on board so that the focus can be controlled manually on the gimbal. These functions are often not available for all camera models. Please inform yourself thoroughly before purchasing whether the gimbal has the desired connectivity to your camera and make sure that all connection cables are included in the scope of delivery. When comparing prices between manufacturers, pay attention to which accessories are included and which cost extra.

4. Dependence on the mobile device

Many gimbals can establish a connection to a smartphone and can be programmed via this. This is of course practical, but it is important to note which settings can also be made manually on the gimbal itself. For example, it should definitely be possible to switch the mode from Follow to Lock on the gimbal itself. The motor power setting and firmware updates can of course be carried out via the smartphone. If you do not have a current smartphone, you should also check to what extent the settings can also be controlled via the PC. Basically, it can be said that the range of functions increases significantly with the use of a smartphone, but the connection is sometimes complicated and definitely prolongs the recording. In a situation where things need to be done quickly, everything should be set up ready.

Which accessories are needed?

The options for attaching accessories to a gimbal have increased rapidly. Probably the most important accessory is already included with many current gimbals. A table tripod. Gimbals often have the disadvantage that they are difficult to set down. This is particularly annoying in longer shooting situations, as a gimbal quickly becomes heavy. So make sure that the gimbal can be set down properly. The gimbals from Zhiyun, but also others, offer the option of attaching the device to a tripod. The tripod thread is best used to attach a monopod and create exciting jib/crane shots. If you want to switch quickly between table tripod and monopod, a quick coupling system such as the Zhiyun TransMount Quick Setup Kit is recommended. This allows accessories to be changed in a flash. Other useful accessories include smartphone mounts, monitors, thumb controllers, external remote controls, follow focus systems and many more. The question always arises as to which parts support your own workflow. Although an external monitor enlarges the camera image, it is often heavy, another power guzzler, and many filmmakers prefer to use the camera display as it points in the direction of shooting.

Our conclusion

It is difficult to say which is the best gimbal on the market, as it depends heavily on usage habits. Generally speaking, larger gimbals achieve better results and a higher load capacity. Examples of applications include filimg weddings, image films and larger productions. Smaller gimbals, on the other hand, have the advantage that they are compact and can be used when traveling, for example, as they are easy to stow away in a backpack. Although gimbals make filming easier, they are no guarantee for the next blockbuster. Therefore, as in photography, practice makes perfect and the technology behind it is only the tool that best supports your own workflow.


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