Alright, let’s cut to it! You’ve got a gimbal, you hit record, and… something feels off. It’s smooth, yeah, but it’s kinda lifeless. You’re not sure if it’s you or the tool. Been there, and that’s when I learnt how to film with a gimbal. And today, you’ll too!

Now, balance your gimbal first, plan each shot, walk with control, follow rule of thirds, and apply filming shots like reveal, orbit, parallax, etc. Also, use accessories like ND filters and a monitor. Remember, avoid over-editing, poor exposure, and still shots work.

So here’s what we’re gonna walk through together —

Key Findings

  1. To film with a gimbal balance the gimbal, plan your shot path, walk heel-to-toe, use the rule of thirds, and mix wide to close shots for story flow.
  2. Use a suitable gimbal (DJI RS4, Weebill S), lightweight lenses (16–35mm), and key add-ons like ND filters, monitor, and quick-release plates.
  3. Apply ninja walk, reveal, orbit, parallax, and lock-off shots to add motion, depth, and emotion, but keep it purposeful.

What Does a Gimbal Do for Video?

A gimbal gives your camera steady, floating motion by using 3-axis stabilization (tilt, pan, and roll) to cancel out the natural shake of handheld shots. 

Instead of distracting wobbles, you get that polished, gliding motion you see in cinematic films. Gimbals come in different types —

Inside are small brushless motors that adjust in real-time. Add in the handle design and payload capacity, and you’ve got one of the most powerful tools a solo shooter can carry.

How to Film With a Gimbal For Beginners

Let me show you how you can bring that filmy feeling into your gimbal shots even if you’re just learning how to film with a gimbal on iPhone.

Step 1: Balance Your Gimbal

If I had to point to the single most important setup step that saves your footage and your nerves, it’s this one. Balancing the gimbal properly makes everything else work. 

When you’re setting up, make sure your camera is already geared up the way you’ll shoot. It could be filters, monitor, audio, etc The balance changes with even minor additions.

You might need 10 minutes to balance your gimbal, but it’ll save hours of frustration later. 

Step 3: Plan Your Shot

After many errors, I realized that unplanned shots look messy. In fact, post-production won’t save poorly planned footage.

That’s why I always pre-plan the path. Just a quick mental sketch helps —

Step 3: Move Like the Shot Depends On It

You might think that the motors of a gimbal would handle everything. Wrong. Your movement still plays a massive role in how smooth the footage looks.

Here’s what helped me improve fast —

Step 4: Move With or Past

There’s a big difference between moving with your subject and moving past them. If you walk behind or beside them, it feels like you’re part of their world. 

But if you glide by them, say in an orbit or side pass, it creates distance. That can be emotional, stylistic, or just practical.

I use “moving with” to stay close and grounded. At the same time, I use “moving past” when I want a moment to feel epic or reflective. 

Step 5: Rule of Thirds 

When I started, I used to center everything. It felt “safe,” but also kind of flat. What made a real difference was using the rule of thirds. Think of your screen as a grid of nine equal boxes. 

If you place your subject along the intersecting lines, it adds tension and energy, especially when you’re moving.

So, instead of tracking directly behind someone, glide with them while keeping them off-center. The movement feels more natural, and your shot gains depth without needing fancy gear.

Step 6: Zoom In On Emotion

Start wide. Give your viewer room to let them see where they are. Then, like pulling them into a story, move to mid-shots and close-ups. That progression builds interest and creates flow.

I like using the gimbal to bridge these transitions. It could be a slow walk-in that shifts from a wide living room shot to a tighter focus on a single item, like a photo or face. That rhythm makes your edit smoother and your story more watchable.

Recommended Gear for Gimbal Filming

When I first started chasing cinematic motion in my videos, I thought the gimbal itself would be enough. It wasn’t. If you’re aiming to shoot clean, you’ll need the right setup from the start. 

Start with a Gimbal That Makes Sense for You

If you’re new to gimbals, don’t overcomplicate it. I’d recommend sticking with dependable picks like the DJI RS4, Zhiyun Weebill S, or RS4 Mini. They’re strong out of the box, but also intuitive. 

In fact, the RS4 can handle heavier rigs and mirrorless bodies with accessories. At the same time, the Weebill S or Mini versions keep your setup compact and easier on your arms, especially if you’re vlogging or running solo shoots.

Pair It with the Right Lens

Your lens makes or breaks how the footage feels on a gimbal. You’ll want to go for lightweight, wide, and stabilized. 

A 16-35mm is a go-to for interiors, real estate, or travel content. Meanwhile, a 24-70mm offers flexibility, and if you’re confident, try a 35mm or 50mm for a tighter, more cinematic look. 

Personally, I’ve learned to avoid heavy glass unless necessary; it ruins balance and wears you down fast.

Don’t Skip These Accessories

These are the tools that quietly save your shoot, every time —

Top 10 Filming Styles with a Gimbal 

Here’s how to shoot like a pro without looking like you’re trying too hard.

  1. The “Ninja Walk”: Perfect for run-and-gun vloggers or documentary shooters who need smooth walking shots without setting up tripods or sliders.
  2. Reveal Shots: Great for travel vloggers, real estate creators, or storytellers looking to introduce locations or characters engagingly.
  3. Orbiting a Subject: Ideal for fashion reels, interview setups, or product showcases where you want dynamic energy without cutting away.
  4. Parallax Shots: Use this when filming cinematic b-roll or location introductions where you want to impress with depth and motion.
  5. Slider, Crane, and Dolly Imitation: Best for creators with limited gear who still want that pro-level motion in intros, transitions, or reveals.
  6. Lock-Off Shots: Excellent for emotional moments, talking head segments, or capturing subtle action that benefits from minimal camera movement.
  7. POV Mode & Dutch Tilts: Use this for stylized content, energetic montages, or experimental edit, ideal for music videos or suspense sequences.
  8. Follow Shots: Perfect for vlogs, fitness videos, or narrative scenes where viewers are meant to feel like they’re tagging along.
  9. Push-In / Pull-Out: Ideal for highlighting emotional moments, building suspense, or creating smooth intros and outros.
  10. Underslung & Low-Angle Shots: Best for action footage, sports content, or dramatic storytelling where ground-level shots amplify presence and power.

Treading Topic in the Market :

Common Beginner Mistakes with Gimbals (And How to Fix Them)

Here are a few things that most beginners get wrong and that’s especially when or if you don’t know how to use a gimbal. However, I’m going to show you how you can fix them early.

1. Letting the Gimbal Do All the Work

You might think that your gimbal can make every shot “interesting.” With that thought, you move constantly, thinking smooth motion equals great footage. Well, it doesn’t. In fact, it gets repetitive, and viewers feel disconnected.

Fix: Ask yourself, What does this movement add? Sometimes, holding still says more. Try locking your gimbal or using it like a tripod for a moment of calm in your edit. 

2. Ignoring Composition and Exposure

Remember, smooth movement can’t save poor framing or bad exposure. In early shoots, I was so focused on stabilization that I missed overexposed windows and crooked lines.

Fix: Don’t lose sight of the basics. Turn on focus peaking. Watch your zebra patterns. Use grid lines. Every time you hit record, make sure your frame and lighting are working with your movement.

3. Over-editing with Fancy Transitions

It’s tempting to throw in speed ramps, whip pans, and zooms because you saw them in a YouTube tutorial. I’ve been guilty of stacking too many effects just to “spice things up.” The result? A jittery mess.

Fix: Use transitions sparingly, only when they improve emotion or timing. Often, a clean, well-placed cut is more appealing than a dozen effects. 

Final Words

So here’s where we land: learning how to film with a gimbal is about using the right movement at the right time. I’ve seen how tempting it is to glide through every scene, but sometimes, less really is more. 

When your gimbal work is intentional and supports the story, that’s when it clicks. If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s this: variety is key. Mix in handheld shots. Use your tripod.

So, now it’s your turn. Go shoot. Try things. Refine. 

FAQs

What is the best way to use a gimbal for video?

Use a gimbal when you want smooth, stable movement that supports your story, like walk-throughs or reveals. Avoid overusing it. Plus, plan your shots, move with purpose, and know when a tripod or handheld might do it better.

What types of shots can I do with a gimbal?

You can pull off tracking shots, push-ins, pull-backs, orbitals, low-angle moves, crane-style lifts, and even smooth lock-offs. Just don’t overdo the motion as it’ll distract your viewers, rather use the gimbal to improve.

Can I film with a gimbal in public places legally?

Yes, if you’re not blocking people, using big rigs, or breaking traffic flow. However, check local laws first. A gimbal alone is rarely a problem, but permits may be needed for commercial shoots.