DSLR video and phone footage demands good stabilization to bring out sharp quality. Having a good gimbal can give you a variety of different smooth shots.
If you want to start shooting great videos for YouTube that people can connect with, you need to start using one of the best camera stabilizers to give your videos an edge.
Whether you’re a YouTuber, cinematographer or filmmaker trying to get the most dynamic shots, this guide is for you.
Here’s what you need to know about camera stabilizers.
A camera stabilizer is in the form of a mountable rig that can eliminate unwanted movement while maintaining smooth footage while shooting. Camera stabilizers are often equipped with the best gimbals to prevent shaky footage. Some of them may be electronically powered to allow for precise adjustments to be made.
There are different types of camera stabilizers:
- Handheld Stabilizers
These stabilizers don’t utilize a vest or a 3-Axis gimbal to promote stability and are usually budget-friendly options that rely on the operator.
- 3-Axis Gimbal
Such stabilizers make adjustments automatically on the basis of gravity so that you get stable footage. Adjustments may be made using motorized options, but these require a lot of charge time and batteries.
- Vest Stabilizer System (Easy Rig)
Such stabilizers combine springs, a vest attachment, multi-axis gimbal, iso-elastic arms, and weighted sled.
Why are these the 5 Best Gimbals for Filmmakers and YouTubers?
Camera stabilizers come in different sizes, weights, prices, features, and are equipped with different manual controls. They may be compatible with many cameras, including smartphone cameras, camcorders, DSLRs, and action cameras.
I compared many of the popular gimbals on the market today. Based on ease of use, payload, shooting/tracking features and price, these were my findings.
Other than this, Andrew Johnston at Gimbalinsider.com has also published many guides on gimbals. You can also check out some of the Best Gimbals for DSLR Cameras on market here.
Here are some of the best DSLR gimbals you want to be shooting your videos with in 2022.
Best Gimbals and Stabilizers for DSLRS /Mirrorless Cameras in 2022
BEST GIMBAL FOR DSLRS IN 2022
DJI Ronin S
✅ 12 hrs battery life
✅ 360 pov mode/SPORT MODE
✅ RAVEN EYE tracking
✅ 8 lb payload
The DJI Ronin S is one of the best camera stabilizers out right now. can help you create stable videos using DSLR and mirrorless cameras and is designed in a single-handed form.
It offers a battery life of 12 hours and maximum operating speed of 75 kph. All 3 axes of the stabilizer have SmoothTrack, and an easy switch from upright to underslung mode is possible without any gimbal manipulation obstruction.
There’s also a new sport mode which makes it possible to capture fast scenes in an instant. With a detachable, modular design, you can take it with you on your travels.
Auto-Tune on the gimbal offers torque control, and the Focus Wheel of the Ronin S can put a better focus on your subject.
The Ronin S has several automated features in the DJI Ronin app, which can help you develop creative professional footage and realize your video’s potential. There are many power outlets and 12V DC power is supplied via the USB-C port and 2×8-pin connectors.
The Ronin S stabilizers advanced features, diverse applications, long battery life, and convenience of use make it a camera stabilizer definitely worth using. That’s why we choose it as our Editor’s Pick.
Zhiyun Weebill Lab (Best for Compact Cameras on YouTube)
The Zhiyun Weebill Lab can be held upright or underslung via mounting the tripod. The latch on each axis makes balancing easier, and it’s perfect to carry with you and shoot footage anywhere.
It offers wireless image transmission that supports framing and parameter control and real-time monitor. Real-time parameter and live preview settings make it possible for you to shoot from any angle with ease. Additionally, the ViaTouch Control System also enables you to control details through a phone screen.
Although lightweight, it can handle payloads of up to 3 kg and is compatible with most mirrorless cameras and lens combos.
Two 18650 batteries can allow for continuous filming for 12 hours. The PhoneGo mode helps to accurately capture sport scenes and follow speedy scenes while retaining precision.
There are also advanced features supported through ZY PLAY like panorama, long exposure timelapse, focus timelapse, and motion timelapse.
Other good options are the Zhiyun Crane Plus for lighter DSLR rigs and Zhiyun Crane 3 for heavier set-ups.
Best Gimbals For Mobile Phones in 2022
DJI Osmo (Most Portable)
The DJI Osmo is a super lightweight and discrete stabilizer that makes your phone footage incredibly steady. The DJI Osmo has a 15 hour battery life with an ergonomic grip, so you can virtually be shooting all day. The gimbal has 3 featured shooting modes (panorama, timelapse, slow motion) which allows you to manipulate your footage and depending on what kind of scene you want to shoot.
Another awesome feature of this gimbal is Story Mode. This allows you to share your moments with ease directly through an app. Simply capture your desired footage, plug it into story mode and it will automatically add motion, music and other effects. It will give you a quick and beautiful result that you can share instantly!
I used this when I traveled through Asia and loved everything about it. It was so small that I could capture great footage even in areas that I needed to be more secretive. I thought that I would sacrifice some of the cinematic quality using a phone but the DJI Osmo saved me. I didn’t want to lug around a heavy setup, but fortunately, the phones quality matched with the smoothness of the gimbal made for some beautiful shots!
This is definitely one of the best gimbals for iPhones and Androids.
Zhiyun Smooth 4 (Best On-The-Go)
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is an awesome gimbal option, especially for Android users. The key benefits come with the ability to make beautiful looking shots with your phone. Some key modes allow you to get the ‘vertigo’ shot. Check out what that looks like here.
The Smooth 4 has about a 12h run time, whilst having a lightweight build with a strong motor. Carrying this gimbal around all day will be a breeze.
Additionally, this gimbal comes equipped with a focus + zoom wheel, which allows you to connect your phone and manually adjust your focus or zoom with an ergonomic wheel. It also has POV Orbital mode and Object Tracking. It supports smartphones with weights up to 7.4 oz, and up to 3.35″ in height.
I couldn’t agree more with Zhiyun’s choice to say this gimbal is ‘born for mobile filmmakers’. Though, I think the DJI Osmo has the edge on the build, portability and quality, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 allows for more dynamic shots.
Other Stabilizers for Phones and DSLR’s
Glidecam HD 4000
Now this may seem like an outdated piece of technology. Some of my first camera stabilized shots were on the Glidecam HD 4000. They were the most buttery smooth shots I’ve probably ever got!
The Glidecam HD 4000 is lightweight and can make panning, running, titling, or booming with your camera easy, without causing any instability. Stability is maintained regardless of whether you’re walking, running, or traveling through rugged terrain. A foam-cushioned handle grip makes it convenient and comfy to use.
There’s a camera mounting platform onto which you can attach as well as remove your camera. Vertical and horizontal balance can be adjusted according to your needs. There’s also a Dynamic Base Platform that can expand or contract, allowing you to adjust the rotational pan inertia of the system.
Don’t be fooled by the analog nature of this stabilizer. If you’re a filmmaker, you’ve definitely run into electronic failures and unexpected problems. This stabilizer has no electronic features. It just uses plain old science to stabilize. Therefore, the Glidecam HD 4000 is worthy of the most reliable.
Feiyu G6 Plus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer 3-in-1
This comes with the G6 Plus, a heavy-duty smartphone mount, and an action camera adapter. The G6 Plus can hold cameras up to 1.75 lb, which measure less than 2.75” in height. The solid and dense construction of the Feiyu G6 Plus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer 3-in-1 allows for heavy-duty recording work, while ensuring freedom of movement.
There are extension poles through ¼”-20 screw attachment to the stabilizer’s bottom, allowing for greater control. The heavy-duty smartphone mount supports phones that are 2.2 to 3.4” wide. The stabilizer weighs just 1.5 lbs and can be used on several modes such as panning, lock, follow, autorotation, and 180° rotation. It has 9 hours of battery life, and the battery can be recharged using a micro-USB port.
Why You Need A Camera Stabilizer
No matter how steady you try to keep your hand, shooting a video without the use of a camera stabilizer will negatively impact the quality of your video. You want sturdy footage no matter what the shooting or lighting condition is, and using a camera stabilizer will help you achieve the results you want.
If you’re trying to take a video without using a camera stabilizer, you may find that the video is jerky, which can be very distracting for your viewers. Camera stabilizers help to solve this problem by absorbing the minuscule, unintentional movements that are likely to happen when you’re shooting a video.
The numerous features and sizes of camera stabilizers mean that you get to choose from a variety of options for the next video you shoot and get the best results for your audience. A camera stabilizer performs numerous functions which support the need to use them:
- Support to cameras – stabilizers help to hold cameras of different sizes so that smooth, steady videos can be taken. The built-in units absorb movements unintentionally made when recording to create steady videos.
- Movement freedom – the best camera stabilizers allow you to make adjustments to the angle of a shot using a pivoting plate, sliding track, or adjustable post without being cumbersome or restricting free movement.
- Greater balance – sturdy bases on stabilizers with 1 or more legs or arm/shoulder rested harnesses for cameras help to promote balance while shooting your video.
Stabilizers do so much to support the weight of your other gear so that you can take jerk-free videos and don’t have to feel fatigued. In doing this, they manage to still remain lightweight to offer greater convenience and ensure your comfort as you record.
For an example of how a camera stabilizer can affect the quality of your videos, check out this YouTube video.
It’s a good comparison of footage without a stabilizer, footage with a stabilizer and footage edited with Premiere Pro’s Warp Stabilizer.
Warp Stabilizer generally does a good job, but won’t always save you!
Hopefully this article gave you some information on the best gimbals and best camera stabilizers. I have also written a guide on how to pick the right Vlogging camera for your needs and budget here.
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