So, you’ve heard of gimbals and you’re intrigued. You want to get one and create some top-notch videos for your vlog, or channel! That’s great. But before that, you should know exactly what is a gimbal? How can it improve your videography game?

Well, a gimbal is a tool used by videographers to stabilize their cameras and produce smooth footage, even in shaky conditions. It has features like following subjects automatically, controlling the angle, and saving settings. 

But gimbals come in different types and shapes for separate devices.

So, keep reading as I’ll break down everything you need to know about gimbals, along with the pros and cons. I’ll also help you choose the right gimbal for your needs and provide tips for getting the most out of it.

The Key Ideas

• Gimbals: Using motors and sensors, gimbals prevent camera shaking. It results in smooth, professional-looking videos, even when you’re moving or filming in challenging conditions.
• Types of gimbals: Handheld gimbals are portable and versatile, ideal for various cameras. On the other hand, wearable gimbals allow hands-free filming, perfect for action-packed shots.
• Benefits of using gimbals: They provide sleek movement, are easy to use, and can replace other gear like dollies and sliders. Some even offer smart tracking and built-in lights or microphones for added convenience.
• Choosing the right gimbal: Consider your budget, camera compatibility, video style, and the features you need. Think about the gimbal’s weight, battery life, and durability based on where and how often you’ll use it.

What is a Gimbal?

A gimbal is a tool that keeps your camera still using advanced sensors and motors to stop your camera from shaking. Thus, your videos look smooth, even if you’re moving around or using a drone.

Plus, gimbals come in different sizes and can hold small phones to big cameras. They help you make videos without a big tripod. Besides, many gimbals have features like controls for angles and presets for special effects like time-lapse videos.

Experts predict that the camera gimbal market will grow steadily, reaching a value of $722.3 million by the year 2034. This growth is expected to average 6.8% per year.

A gimbal is a great choice if you want to make videos that don’t shake and look good.

Different Types of Camera Gimbals

There are different kinds of camera gimbals, each good for different ways of shooting. Let’s briefly take a look at them —

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Handheld Gimbals

I love handheld gimbals! They’re super versatile, letting me shoot from all kinds of angles. Plus, they’re lightweight, so I can take them anywhere.

The best part? They keep my camera steady, so my videos look smooth and professional. Whether I’m using a tiny action cam or a big DSLR, there’s a gimbal out there for me.

Wearable Gimbals

They’re perfect for filming action shots or when I need my hands free. It feels amazing how I can just strap them on and go, without worrying about holding my camera.

You can really get some epic moments in challenging environments with them. A wearable gimbal is a must-have if you’re an adventurer or love to document your life on the go.

Drone Gimbals

A drone gimbal is a tool that allows you to capture steady aerial videos, even in windy weather. It uses 3-axis stabilization, sensors such as IMUs, and software to cancel out the drone’s motion, including tilting, rolling, and spinning.

The biggest advantage is that you can get broad landscape views, dramatic introductions, or track fast-moving objects without any camera shake. Whether I’m filming, taking photos, or conducting surveys, a gimbal is a must-have for keeping things stable in the air.

How to Choose the Right Gimbal for You

Choosing the right gimbal for your needs is easy once you know what to look for. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a great gimbal can make your videos look amazing.

Here’s how to find the best one for you :

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to spend. Gimbals come in a wide range of prices, so having a budget helps you narrow down your choices.
• Check Your Camera: Make sure the gimbal is compatible with your camera’s weight and size. It’s important to ensure smooth shots without putting too much strain on the gimbal.
• Think About Your Videos: What kind of videos do you want to make? Are you filming vlogs, action sports, or movies? Different gimbals are better for different types of videos.
• Compare Features and Brands: Look at the features of different gimbals. Some gimbals have more stabilization modes, stronger motors, and are easier to use than others.
• Consider Weight and Compatibility: Make sure the gimbal can handle the weight of your camera. If it’s too heavy, it might not work as well.
• Kind of Shots: Some gimbals are better for certain types of shots. Think about the movements and effects you want to achieve.
• Usage Frequency: If you’re going to use your gimbal a lot, you’ll want one that is durable and has a long battery life.
• Filming Location: If you’re going to be filming outdoors or in harsh conditions, you’ll need a gimbal that is rugged and weatherproof.
• Connectivity Options: Check how the gimbal connects to your camera or phone. Some models offer both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which provide more flexibility for controlling the gimbal.

How Does a Gimbal Work?

A camera gimbal works by allowing the camera to rotate along three axes —

• Pitch: Up and down movement
• Roll: Side-to-side tilting
• Yaw: Rotational movement

In fact, modern gimbals use brushless motors to keep cameras steady. These motors can quickly adjust the camera’s position based on information from sensors like the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

Moreover, the IMU detects movement and sends this data to a microprocessor. Finally, it makes small adjustments to your camera, keeping it level and smooth.

How to Use a Gimbal?

Here’s a quick rundown on how to properly use a gimbal to achieve those cinematic, professional-looking shots.

• Balance the gimbal properly
• Select the right mode
• Move smoothly using heel-to-toe walk
• Be mindful of tight shots
• Practice manual controls
• Recalibrate for every lens change
• Use in combination with sliders

What are the Advantages of Using a Camera Gimbal?

A camera gimbal is essential for your videos. It makes your shots super balanced and still, even when you’re on the move. That means you can run, walk, or even dance while filming, and your footage will still look professional.

However, your device should be a good one, otherwise regardless of the gimbals you use you won’t get good results. That said, here are some advantages you’ll enjoy from using a gimbal camera.

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Dynamic and Smoother

A gimbal lets me get smooth shots even when I’m moving around. When I used to shoot handheld, my footage often ended up shaky. However, with a gimbal, I can walk or even jog without worrying about that.

It makes a big difference in making my videos look more polished.

Multi-Use

What I love about gimbals is that they can replace bigger gear like sliders or cranes. I can get creative shots, like a time-lapse or speed ramp, without having to carry a bunch of extra stuff.

Plus, it works with different cameras, from DSLRs to my phone, as long as I have the right mount.

Handling Uneven Surfaces

Gimbals really shine when I’m shooting in tricky places. Whether I’m going upstairs or shooting on a bumpy path, I don’t have to set up tracks or worry about flat ground. It’s made outdoor shoots so much easier.

Saving Time and Money

Using a gimbal has saved me both time and money. Instead of bringing in a whole team or renting big gear like cranes, I can manage smooth shots by myself.

It’s quick to set up! So, you don’t need as many people or equipment, which keeps things simple and affordable.

Flexible for Creative Shooting

Gimbals give me a lot of freedom in how I shoot. I can do longer takes, follow the action, and adjust on the fly. This is great when I’m working with actors who need to move naturally.

Plus, it helps me find the best angles without being stuck on a rigid path.

Easy to Use and Stable

Using modern gimbals is so easy. Take the WEEBILL 3, for example. It’s so stable that even when I’m running around or using a long lens, my video remains smooth.

And the best part? Little bumps and shakes don’t even show up on camera.

Plus, gimbals often have lights and microphones built in, which means I don’t need to carry around as much extra gear.

Smart Tracking 

Some gimbals can automatically follow the person you’re filming, thanks to the SmartFollow feature.

In that case, you don’t need anyone else to help with the film. It can automatically track you or your subject, keeping everything in focus. As you move around, it smoothly adjusts the camera’s angle, whether you’re walking, running, or just changing position.

What are the Cons of Using a Gimbal?

Gimbals are good at keeping your camera still and are cheaper than Steadicams. However, they have some problems —

• They need power. You need to make sure you have extra batteries or ways to charge them if you’re filming far from a power outlet.
• They need to be adjusted. If you use more than one camera, you’ll need to change the settings on your gimbal each time.
• They can be tiring. Using a gimbal for a long time can make your arms and hands sore, like playing a video game for too long.
• They take time to learn. Gimbals aren’t easy to use right away. You’ll need to practice to get good at using them.

Difference Between Gimbal and Stabilizer

Most of the time, people get confused between a stabilizer and a gimbal. So I thought I would give you a brief idea about the difference between a gimbal and stabilizer.

Features	Gimbal	Stabilizer
Technology	Utilizes advanced motorized technology	Uses a simple mechanical design
Power	Requires batteries to operate	No power is needed, fully manual
Stabilization	Automated motion correction	The user manually balances the camera
Ease of Use	Simple to balance, user-friendly	Can be tricky to balance
Best For	Smooth, cinematic footage	General stabilization
Portability	Compact, but may need extra gear	Lightweight and no extra accessories
Cost	More expensive due to the tech	More affordable, budget-friendly

What Kinds of Movements Can a Gimbal Correct?

A gimbal helps keep things steady, just like a spinning top. Now, imagine holding your phone and —

• If you move your phone from side to side, that’s called panning.
• If you tilt your phone up or down, that’s called tilting.
• If you turn your phone from portrait to landscape, that’s called rolling.

Everything in the world can move in these three ways. A gimbal helps stop these movements, making videos look smoother and steadier.

How many Axis Do Gimbals Have?

There are two types of gimbals:

• 3-axis: A 3-axis gimbal can move in all three directions: side to side, up and down, and around. It gives you a lot of control and makes your videos smoother.
• 2-axis: A 2-axis gimbal can only move up and down and around. These are good for taking still photos or making videos that don’t change much.

If you want to make videos that look professional, a 3-axis gimbal is the best choice. This is likely why the market for 3-axis gimbal stabilizers is expected to grow significantly between 2023 and 2031.

Final Words

So, what is a gimbal? In a nutshell, it’s a device that makes your videos look smoother and steadier. It allows you to capture stunning footage, even when you’re on the move.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, a gimbal can be a valuable tool for your videography journey. You need to understand the different types, benefits, and factors to consider when choosing one. Thus, you can make an informed decision.

So, why not give a gimbal a try? You might be surprised at how much it can enhance your videos.

FAQs

What is a gimbal lock?

A gimbal lock is when two of the gimbal’s axes line up, which limits the camera’s ability to move freely in one direction. Imagine tilting your camera 90 degrees on a 3-axis gimbal. The yaw (left and right) and roll (tilt) axes become parallel, so they both try to do the same thing.

What is a gimbal on a drone?

A gimbal on a drone helps keep the camera steady, no matter how the drone moves. Based on the same gyroscopic principle used in autopilots, the gimbal ensures the camera remains stable, even when the drone tilts or turns.

Is it worth buying a gimbal?

A gimbal is worth it if you want smooth, professional-looking footage. Handheld shots can add tension and grit, but a gimbal keeps your video smooth. It’s great for panning shots and slow motion (HRF). Make sure your gimbal fits your camera and other stuff you use.

Do gimbals fit all cameras?

Not all gimbals fit every camera. It’s important to check the product page to ensure compatibility with your specific camera model. Also, be mindful of accessories like battery packs or microphones, as some gimbals might block vital camera ports.

Is gimbal good for photos?

A gimbal is great for capturing smooth, steady shots in video. However, it can also help with photos by reducing shake and allowing for more precise framing. While mainly used for video, it can improve the quality of still images in dynamic shooting conditions.

What is a Gimbal? Everything You Need to Know