What is a Gimbal: (What is a Camera Gimbal Used for?)

Last updated on June 24th, 2023

Gimbal! You might hear the word! It seems a bit funny, yet it is an essential accessory for video creators & filmmakers. So what is a gimbal?

Do you want to know from top to bottom about a gimbal? How is it work for video capturing? How beginners can use it?

If so! you have come to the right place.

Whether you’re a regular videographer or filmmaker, probably you’ve used a gimbal. If you’re a novice in videography, it will make your shooting easier and more startling. 

We will illustrate everything about the gimbal and suggest a few factors for aspiring videographers to consider for buying.

End of the writing! We hope you will get all the information regarding a gimbal you need to know.

So, Let’s drive in!

What is a Gimbal?

Typically, Gimbal is a tool that is used as a camera stabilizer. Which helps to capture smooth and shake-free footage while moving.

A gimbal has a motor and intelligent sensors to stable your camera. It means it will assist you to record silky-smooth video even in fast-motion circumstances.    

Meanwhile, a gimbal allows you to rotate the camera smoothly and track every subject efficiently.

Technically, a gimbal is operated by one person. It can be a handheld or wearable gimbal. 

• Handheld: It is used for vlogging, natural scenarios, or everyday life recording. You can manage it with a single hand.
• Wearable gimbal: It is used for bike riding or hiking, cycling, etc. And you can attach a wearable gimbal on a helmet, bike, chest mount, and selfie stick.

Types of Gimbal:

Usually, two types of gimbals are most familiar, 

1. Two-axis: A 2-axis gimbal has two axes only- pitch (left & right) and roll (front & back). It hasn’t a yaw (up & down) axis.

Indeed, the 2-axis gimbal is intended to eliminate pitch and roll. It helps to take still photos and videos, as it doesn’t allow for horizontal movements.

2. Three-axis: A 3-axis gimbal can be rotated in all three motions up/down, left/right, and forwards/backward.

Actually, a three-axis is a bit more technically complex than two axes, yet it is not hard to manage. The only difference between two axis and three axis is up\down movement.

How Does a Gimbal Work?

Already, we have conveyed what is gimbal. Here in this part, you will see how a gimbal actually works.

Well, a gimbal is designed with advanced algorithms. Which eliminates shakiness, and cringe from a video even in any environment.

As the gimbal uses a motor and sensor to record smooth footage. A gimbal is incorporated with a special function called inertial measurement units (IMUs). 

It is a sensor that detects movement and sends data to a computer, making a faster calculation to determine how much counter-movement a gimbal needs to make. 

However, you don’t need to be an expert to operate a gimbal. It is handy and comfortable for capturing any exciting moments.

Usually, a gimbal includes moving pivots along a camera mount with brushless motors. These motors make fit the arms for keeping the camera steady while filming.

In addition, It has the basic system of pitch, yaw, and roll. With these systems, You can easily adjust shot angles and track any object.

What is a Gimbal Lock?

The word “lock” seems to be restrained. Nevertheless, the “gimbal lock” implies- in a three-dimensional, loss of one degree of freedom. 

So it means the gimbal lock does not lock the axis, It locks the action of the gyro for driving willingly in all three axes.

Let it be clear, the gimbal has three axis yaw (up/down), pitch (left/right), and roll (front/back). When you rotate the pitch 90 degrees it aligns the roll axis along with the yaw axis and the gyro will act like they are one.

It can be described simply as when any rotation from an individual axis happens, one axis may overlap with another. Therefore, causing a loss of deg of freedom in a three dimensional.

How Can Beginners Use a Gimbal?

It is not too much hard to use a gimbal. Gimbal uses is quite easy for those who have a selfie stick or have basic knowledge about selfie stick.

The main purpose of using a gimbal is to capture smooth and shake-free video. So you have to pay attention to the balance of your camera before starting shots.

Also, notice battery life and ensure it’s fully charged. It is too much worse a gimbal turns off in the middle of a shot.

Here have something to notice as a beginner:

1. Zooming: 

The essential advice for beginners is while filming or capturing footage avoid zooming too much. It might spoil the beauty of your footage.

2. Use a Gimbal for Appropriate Circumstances:

You don’t need to use a gimbal for every shot. Sometimes a tripod is best for still shots like while interviewing a person. If you hold a gimbal and take an interview, it could embarrass you and the interviewer.

On the other hand, while capturing moving scenery you need to use a gimbal. Suppose you want to show how much your dog runs fast, here you definitely need a gimbal for a smooth shot.

3. Choose a quality gimbal:

You can take footage with any kind of gimbal but quality gimbals make your footage more astonishing. Also, you have to prioritize your purpose. As a beginner, you could spend 100 bucks initially. 

4. Track the subject properly:

Round your subject to capture the ultimate shot, and notice the subject they are in your frame. You can track your subject effortlessly with a gimbal.

How to Choose the Right Gimbal?

Here is a few tips to follow to choose the right gimbal for your camera:

1. Compatibility:

Firstly, we talk about the compatibility of a gimbal. You have to keep in mind which gimbal you going to buy and whether it is compatible with your device.

Although most of the gimbals are compatible with multiple devices, some of them are specially designed for only one device. A smartphone gimbal only works with a phone, you can’t use it with a camera.

Meanwhile, some camera gimbals also support smartphones but don’t support all smartphone models. 

You also notice payload capacity. While buying a gimbal pay attention and check whether it is compatible with a large DSLR and action camera or not.

If it supports mirrorless cameras only, it would be hard to maintain large or heavy DSLR cameras and action cameras.

However, give priority to your purpose first. Why you would buy a gimbal and how will use it? 

2. Budget

Budget is a primary consideration for a novice videographer or vlogger. Whether you start vlogging or use it as a hobby, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. 

Some smartphone gimbals start at less than 40$ to 120$. If you want to buy a versatile one, you have to spend above 300$. 

If you have a long time plan and want a premium gimbal that supports DSLR or mirrorless camera then be ready to shell out 500$

In addition, while shopping, look at reviews to see if there have any better options.

3. Two-axis or Three-axis

As we mentioned before, the main distinction between the two-axis and three-axis is the yaw (up & down) motion. 

Two-axis can’t move up/down. If you initially need one for a studio or to capture stable scenery, you can choose it. It is a little bit less expensive than the comparatively three-axis.

Whereas, a three-axis gimbal is able to capture horizontal shots. Whether you want to use a gimbal when you’re riding or running, take a three-axis which is more comfortable for fast-motion shooting.

We endorse that if you have a budget choose a three-axis gimbal. It lets you capture exciting moments smoothly from any angle.

4. Battery life 

The battery life & type considerations are quite important for any videographer. Whether you like to travel or shoot for a long time, find out one which gives you a long-life battery lasting. 

Also, check the battery types, is it use AA or AAA size both are stander. And check the charging system, if you are a busy videographer choose one which allows fast charging.

5. Versatility

If you want to be shot in several locations where you might need light or other accessories like a microphone, a versatile gimbal is suitable for you. 

A versatile gimbal is compatible with multiple devices and allows you to attach camera accessories like a tripod, light, gimbal vest, and so on.

6. Quality

Also, you should consider the quality of your gimbal. You might see various material gimbals on the market. 

Some of them are made of plastic, and some of them are made of aluminum. An aluminum gimbal is stronger and more durable.

Aluminum gimbals are more expensive than other materials gimbals. As a beginner, you won’t need a more expensive gimbal. Nevertheless, choose a gimbal that gives proper stability.

What are the Best Gimbal in 2023

Is it worth having a gimbal? The cost of a gimbal is not cheap. If you want to take your videography next level, you should have one. Yet you have to consider something according to your purpose & budget.

Also, you might ask which gimbal is the best for me. Relax, we also pick top-notch gimbals on the market.

Have a look at the list!

1. DJI OM 5

Key Specification:

• Brand: DJI
• Material: Aluminum
• Item Weight: 290 Grams
• Dimensions: 10.41 x 4.37 x 3.63 inches

First, we talk about smartphone gimbal. DJI OM 5 is the best gimbal for iPhone and Android. If you are a beginner or want to capture your everyday life with a smartphone, you need a gimbal.

You can record videos without a gimbal but they might blur or be shaky. Where a gimbal ensures shake-free video in any situation.

Our best pick for a smartphone gimbal is DJI OM 5 which is lightweight and versatile. It lets you have flawless selfies and smooth videos with a tremendous tracking system.

As you are a vlogger you can use it for any kind of shot. You can comfortably capture your pet videos from lower angles. And it is also perfect for live streaming, vlogging, and more. 

Meanwhile, it gives you a pro filming experience. It has a shot guide function that automatically recognizes your territory and suggests a perfect shot sequence.

You have to follow the instruction just, you would shoot like a pro even if you are a first-time user.

The next-generation algorithm ensures perfect tracking with precise stability even while moving fast. And it also gives you enough time to track your surrounding.

As you know that three-axis gimbal gives perfect stable always. Even DJM lets you add an external lens. And also ensure your smartphone security.

However, if you are looking for the best smartphone gimbal you can check it out!  Its compact and lightweight design is always comfortable for smooth video shooting.

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2. DJI RSC 2

Key Specification:

• Brand: DJI
• Material: Carbon fiber
• Item Weight: 1.3 Kilograms
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 13.3 x 10.9 inches

Now let’s talk about a camera gimbal stabilizer. DJI RSC 2 is the best gimbal for DSLR, Mirrorless. As you that DSLR or Mirrorless cameras need a high payload gimbal. 

Therefore, if you want to evade shakiness and cringe from your video, you definitely need a gimbal which able to take the highest weight.

The DJI 10Ib tested gimbal which is the highest-weight payload gimbal in the industry. The higher the payload of a gimbal, the more stable it will be.

Meanwhile, It is also a premium-quality gimbal made of carbon fiber. The design is pretty good and it will ensure the proper safety of your camera.

The innovative design adds an LCD screen which allows you to adjust parameters and use all other features quickly. And also can access ActiveTrack 3.0 with the touchscreen. 

In addition, this gimbal gives professional mounting options. You will control it from a distance by integrating RS with a car, jib, or slider.

However, this is also efficient in balancing between payloads. It is compatible with Manfrotto and Arce-Swiss standards. 

This gimbal is also compatible with most of the camera brands on the market. Compatible devices include Sony, Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic.

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3. INKEE Falcon Plus 

Key Specification:

• Brand: INKEE
• Material: Aluminum  
• Item Weight: 650 Grams
• Dimensions: 9.25 x 1.38 x 4.92 inches

Here we introduce you to an innovative versatile gimbal stabilizer. INKEE Falcon Plus is the best gimbal for GoPro, Osmo Action, and Insta360.

The Falcon Plus comes with a great design with versatile features. It gives you incredibly smooth footage in a fast-moving event. 

This gimbal is compatible with  GoPro Hero 11/10/9/8/7/6/5 and other action cameras. Its three-axis and brushless motor give more stability no matter where you shoot your video. 

You can comfortably capture sports or daily vlogs videos without any shakiness or blur. This gimbal guarantees you smooth footage always. 

Meanwhile, It has some helpful modes. You can control it remotely through a BT connection. It supports time-lapse which helps you to capture slow-motion video. And it also allows vertical/horizontal, and pan follow. 

In addition, this gimbal is able to make 3D fantasy HD videos. Like the “inception” help to create a fantasy rotation effect to your footage. Easy to make a wonderful video with a one-click shoot.

This gimbal includes a USB type-C charging cable and a 2500mAh capacity battery. And has a reverse charge system. It keeps you worry-free while traveling.

However, this gimbal’s innovative design and compact size are always easy to travel with. It also includes a carrying bag and a mini desktop tripod for more convenient carry and usage.

The falcon plus is always easy to assemble and disassemble by using the original screw. 

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Over To You!

At the end of the writing, we hope you have got all the essential information about the best gimbal stabilizer.

A gimbal stabilizer is a vital tool for videographers or vloggers. It can improve video quality tremendously.

Before purchasing the best gimbal stabilizer you have to know a bit about it! For first-time users, what is a gimbal? how does it work and how do choose the best gimbal are basic questions?

In this post, we have elaborated on everything already.

If you are an initial or hobby videographer then choose DJI OM 5. It is a specially designed smartphone.

And if you have a heavy-weight DSLR or Mirrorless camera you can check out DJI RSC 2!

Again we want to say give priority to your purpose then buy one!

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