Being a vlogger and YouTuber can be challenging. Let’s say that you have the best camera money can buy, but you feel limited when it comes to moving around when shooting a video.
Shaky camera or is it shaky hands? No matter what it is, there is a solution to that, and it has to do with one crucial device called a Gimbal – Stabilizer that makes your camera steady and prevents camera movements.
Anyway, most vloggers still wonder what is the best gimbal for vlogging and YouTube videos?
Gimbals do come in different shapes, sizes, and even prices. We know it can sometimes be confusing to know which gimbal best suits you.
Besides, there are different gimbals for various functions, and not all gimbals are compactable with your digital, action, compact cameras or smartphones. Unlike human assumptions, not every budget-friendly gimbal is of low quality, and not every expensive gimbal is of high quality.
Sorry, are we confusing you even more?
The good news is that we are here to help you choose the best gimbal for vlogging and YouTube videos in the market. However, before we get into that, let us find out more about this interesting device.
Best Gimbals for Vlogging
Name | Weight | Max. Loadout | Perfect for | Check |
---|---|---|---|---|
2.04 lb / 900 g | 6 lb / 2.7 kg | DSLR | Price | |
2.4 lb / 1.08 kg | 2.1 lb / 0.95 kg | Universal | Price | |
1.05 lb / 0.48 kg | 0.6 lb / 0.3 kg | Smartphones | Price | |
1.16 lb / 0.53 kg | 0.88 lb / 0.4 kg | Point-and-Shoot | Price | |
0.75 lb / 0.34 g | 0.29 lb / 0.13 kg | Action cameras | Price |
1. Zhiyun Weebill S – Best Gimbal for DSLR
Named after Australia’s smallest bird, Weebill S is definitely one of the best gimbals for DSLR as well as Mirrorless cameras.
Weighing 2.04 pounds (900 g), this particular gimbal enables the vlogger to carry it anywhere since it takes up little space in a bag or backpack.
Created with an ergonomic sling design, the gimbal’s primary purpose is to stabilize the camera in the most compact way possible.
Known to give its users an option, just like the Weebill Lab, you have the choice to hold this gimbal with one hand or two. It all depends on how you configure the gimbal, therefore, giving you the option to hold it upright or use it in an underslung position.
As a 3-axis gimbal, there is more to it than the sling design and compact capabilities. It has an upgraded algorithm that provides high responsiveness and removes shakiness in fast movement.
Plus, it is possible to adjust the speed and various parameters of each axis directly through the dial on the handle itself. This definitely gives you better responsive and flexible control of the gimbal.
We can’t forget to mention the new motor being used on the gimbal. This particular motor is known to balance and stabilize some cameras and lens combinations such as Sony A7II and Canon 5D MK IV.
Additionally, there is an autotune function that enables the gimbal to set the correct motor power for any camera and lens combination you choose.
- Lightweight and sturdy design
- It has a motion sensor control
- Easy to use
- Convenient when moving around
- Long battery life
- Small LCD screen
- Button setup a little bit awkward
Zhiyun has truly done an exceptional job with the Weebill -S. First of all, the lightweight design and sling mode setup keeps your arms from getting tired while filming.
Secondly, the gimbal modes help keep the creativity in the video shots. Next, the gimbal has a great feature that can transition from high to low angles and vice versa so smoothly. All in all, the Weebill- S is there to provide an effortless shooting experience any vlogger can ask for.
2. Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer – Best Affordable Universal Gimbal for Vlogging
If you need an affordable universal gimbal, it’s time to stop looking any further and settle for Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer.
Guaranteed to take your shots to the next level, you can shoot smooth motion shots anywhere you like, inside the car, in tight spaces, stairs, or through crowds. What’s more, you can shoot amazing videos while walking, running, or even skating.
What about getting tired when shooting?
Don’t worry about that, weighing less than 2 pounds (900 g); you will be able to handle the gimbal for long hours.
Besides, the comfort grip is specifically designed to make sure you don’t tire easily. Moreover, the balanced no-shake stabilizer helps a great deal since it brings less shakiness and vibration, thus helping you shoot stable videos.
Note that, aside from smartphones, the stabilizer can support Point and Shoot, DSLRs, GoPros, Camcorders, and any other camera up to 2.1 pounds (950 g).
- Perfect for mirrorless cameras
- Easy to assemble
- The design is sturdy and strongly build
- Extremely easy to adjust and balance on the fly
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent performance
- It can’t support super large cameras
- It May be difficult for new beginners to balance
Overall, if you are only a beginner or an expert in vlogging, Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer is a great option for you.
Even if for any beginner it might be a bit difficult to balance, it’s still easy to learn if you give it a chance. Aside from that, it has been accepted well within the digital community, therefore, making it a great addition to your camera accessories.
3. Hohem Gimbal Stabilizer – Best Gimbal for Phone Vlogging
Have you been longing to improve your videos and picture quality on your smartphone camera?
Hohem 3-axis Gimbal stabilizer won’t disappoint you. The gimbal will make your shooting sessions unforgettable since it eliminates shaky videos and pictures.
First and foremost, the gimbal is about 11.75 inches long and weighs 480 grams (1.05 pounds) without the phone attached to it. Made from a combination of different parts, the handle has a power button that works as a video recorder/stop button – super comfortable.
That’s not all; there are other buttons on the handle, such as the zoom slider button, mode button, and joystick button.
The joystick button is meant to move the phone holder up, down, left and right, while the two LEDs at the top of the handle show the status of Bluetooth and the gimbal mode.
Note that, on the side of the handle, there are battery status LEDs while the backside holds a trigger that centers the phone when pressed.
Secondly, it has a long-lasting 4000mAh battery capacity that can be used to charge your camera, microphone as well as iPhone even when shooting.
This is made possible by a micro USB-A port on the side of the handle. To top it all, the gimbal also enables you to rotate the phone at 360o when shooting videos; therefore, making sure you get every angle.
To be honest, we were amazed by this gimbal!
- Supports camera control
- Super easy to set up and use
- Controls are right under your thumb
- Does not produce any motor noise
- Has a comfortable and easy to use ergonomic handle
- Budget-friendly
- Works perfectly with almost all smartphones
- The USB charging cord is a bit short
As we said earlier, you won’t be disappointed with Hohem 3-Axis. The design is great since the handle is comfortable and easy to hold for hours.
What’s more important is that the motor doesn't make any noise, ensuring your footage doesn’t get ruined by any unnecessary noise. All in all, it is the best tripod that we have tested for smartphones.
4. Hohem iSteady Multi – TOP Gimbal for Point and Shoot Cameras
Another incredible and first-rate gimbal from Hohem offers everything that is needed for point and shoot cameras.
Made with heavy-duty aluminum, the gimbal is compatible with not only point-and-shoot but also smartphones and action, especially GoPros and mirrorless cameras.
The good news is that due to its more massive frame, this type of gimbal offers excellent balance for your camera without needing any additional counterweights.
Amazingly, the iSteady offers 360o rotation in roll, pitch, and pan, enabling you to film from almost any angle. You can achieve this using a five-way joystick or Bluetooth 4.0, which you connect to an independent app on your smartphone.
This application lets you control the gimbal remotely from your phone or adjust the video settings. Most noteworthy, the Hohem gimbal app has other features like Zoom & Focus, Face and Object Tracking, Panorama Mode as well as Motion Timelapse.
For instance, the Face and Object Tracking feature comes in handy when you want specifically focus on a particular person or object. As the subject you have selected moves, the camera automatically follows to keep them in the shot. Cool, right!
When we look at the battery capacity, the gimbal runs on a 3600mAh rechargeable battery, which can be used non-stop for 8 hours. There is a micro-USB port that allows camera charging while in use.
More interestingly, the gimbal has 2 screws holes that are ready to attach any photo accessories such as a tripod.
- It is easy to assemble
- Has a joystick for correcting and adjusting motion
- Solid image stabilization
- Compatible with almost all action, digital cameras and smartphones
- Decent battery life
- Basic software
- The app isn’t flawless
Hohem iSteady is an impressive gimbal since it can be used in different devices such as digital and action cameras as well as smartphones.
Note that the most compatible ones for digital cameras are the Sony RX100 series, Panasonic DMC-LX10, and Canon G series. For the action cameras, the GoPro Hero series Sony X3000, Sony RX0, YI CAM, and SJCAM while smartphones are all iPhone versions and Android smartphones.
Overall, everything about this gimbal is perfect, but the app could have a better user experience in general.
5. Feiyu G6 3-Axis – Best Gimbal for GoPro and Action Cameras Vlogging
Great at using action cameras, especially GoPro, Feiyu G6 also work well with smartphones (if you are interested). One of the most famous brands in the industry, the Feiyu G6 boasts some cool features.
Built exceptionally well, the gimbal is also waterproof, but that’s not all there is to it. The 3-axis stabilization ensures the gimbal rotates smoothly, keeping your GoPro camera perfectly steady.
Other than that, there is a screw mount on the side for the mobile phone clip, which enables you to attach your phone. This will allow you to connect your GoPro with the phone to use it as a bigger screen for more precise framing.
Apart from that, you can still use the side screw to mount the gimbal, which is far more stable than using the bottom screw.
Another essential feature to look at is the battery life, which is not only 12 hours, but there is a small LED screen on the front of the handle.
The screen usually displays the current battery level, therefore, enabling you to know how long you have before the battery runs out.
- One of the best and leading GoPro gimbal on the market
- Has a waterproof feature
- Easy to use a joystick
- Fantastic battery life
- Incredible stabilization and smooth rotation
- Very comfortable smartphone holding
- Doesn’t work with DSLR cameras
- Can be a little noisy
Just like its predecessor, the Feiyu G6 has the same features as the G5 which are the joystick, the main function, setting button, trigger, shutter button, and horizontal adjustment.
The great part is that all the buttons work perfectly and there are easily controllable. Overall, the waterproof feature is ideal for vloggers who enjoy shooting outside activities.
What is Gimbal?
A gimbal is a camera stand that uses motors and sensors to stabilize your camera when moving around.
Known to allow you to move your camera easily in different ways, you get to capture incredible images from various angles without any fuss. Moreover, a gimbal is designed with sensing capabilities, as well as some moving pivots and a camera mount.
Made to be held with one hand or both, the gimbals are designed to be held near your chest or waist. Apart from automatically making the camera rotate, the gimbal can also be rotated too, if required.
Note that, being an extremely valuable device, a gimbal will assist the vloggers in having steady, blur-free footage, which will definitely raise video quality.
Before we wrap up, it’s essential to know that there are various gimbals in the market meant for different cameras as well as phones.
Gimbal vs. Tripod: What’s the Difference?
Technically a gimbal and tripod have one thing in common; they are both useful in stabilizing cameras.
Nonetheless, a gimbal is a handheld tool that can be easily carried anywhere. Also easy to use, the gimbal has sensing capabilities as well as moving pivots and camera mounts.
As for a tripod, it is a three-legged device simply designed to securely and steadily hold a camera. Great at solving any problem involving blurred photos, the tripod also allows vloggers to capture images and video footage using slow shutter speeds (long exposure), usually in night images.
Usually speaking, a gimbal is for filming run-n-gun type vlogs, like documentaries, sports events, and so on. Meanwhile, a tripod is more likely to shoot standard video blogs.
According to our editor’s opinion, a gimbal is more suitable for professionals when the tripod is perfect for everyone.
Both devices are super helpful and needed in everyone’s equipment, but which one you should use depends on your video idea.
Last but not least, some YouTubers also use a third stabilizer in their equipment – camera sliders.
2-Axis vs. 3-Axis Gimbals
While purchasing any type of gimbal, you are likely to come across either a 2-axis or 3-axis gimbal. Obviously, more superior than the 2-axis, 3-axis is also more expensive.
Starting with the 2-axis gimbal, it is usually used to steady a camera that is pitching in different ways, such as forward and backward, as well as rolling from one side to the other. However, it is not designed to steady any unwanted movements in the yaw axis.
On the other hand, the 3-axis gimbal rotates around all 3 axes, giving it a full range of motion. This is good for vloggers since they get to rotate the camera effectively, therefore, avoiding any shaky shots, which ensure maximum focus on the subject.
What’s more, the 3-axis gimbal is known to correct any unnecessary shake in the yaw axis, which results in more stable footage.
But wait a moment:
The 3-axis gimbal does have its downside. Apart from weighing slightly heavier than 2 -axis gimbal, the extra motor consumes more battery life.
Therefore, although a 3-axis gimbal is excellent when recording videos, the 2-axis can also be perfect for vloggers as long as you can naturally be able to control the camera from shaking more.
Summary
Well, that’s all we have today when it comes to gimbals. It’s true to say that almost all gimbals provide pretty good performance when it comes to stabilization.
Here’s the deal:
We have analyzed more than 20 various gimbals on the market and given you our favorite and leading ones.
As you have learned from the above – a good gimbal doesn’t have to break the bank. All you need is to be careful when choosing the best one and that’s why you must look at all the features to ensure you select the right gimbal for your camera or smartphone.