You press the record on your tablet, ready to capture a cinematic shot. But as you move, the footage turns shaky, making it unusable.
A gimbal could fix that—but can it handle the size and weight of a tablet?
More content creators, videographers, and mobile filmmakers now use tablets for shooting video. The large screen makes framing easier, and some models have cameras that rival smartphones.
But keeping shots steady with a handheld tablet is nearly impossible. That’s where a gimbal comes in.
Not all gimbals support tablets out of the box. Most are built for smartphones, and their clamps aren’t wide enough. Some struggle to balance the extra weight.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right setup, you can stabilize tablet footage and get professional-looking shots.
This article covers:
✅ Whether a gimbal can support a tablet
✅ How to mount and balance a tablet on a gimbal
✅ Best gimbals and accessories for tablets
✅ Tips for getting stable, high-quality footage
If you want smoother video from your tablet, keep reading. You’ll learn how to set up a gimbal, what challenges to expect, and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
Can a Gimbal Support a Tablet?
Most Gimbals Focus on Smartphones and Cameras
Most handheld gimbals are built with smartphones and compact cameras in mind. They prioritize portability, quick balancing, and lightweight setups. Tablets, however, add a new layer of complexity due to their larger size and weight.
If you’re planning to mount a tablet on a gimbal, you need to check three key factors: weight capacity, mounting system, and balance calibration.
1. Weight Capacity – Can the Gimbal Handle a Tablet?
Gimbals have strict payload limits. Most smartphone gimbals support devices weighing 200–300 grams, while many tablets weigh 400 grams or more. If a gimbal’s motors struggle to handle the extra weight, you’ll get shaky footage, rapid battery drain, or complete motor failure.
What You Can Do:
- Check the gimbal’s official weight limit before attaching a tablet.
- Use a counterweight system to reduce motor strain.
- Consider professional-grade gimbals with higher payload capacities, such as Zhiyun Crane or DJI Ronin models.
2. Mounting System – Does It Have an Adjustable Clamp or Need an Adapter?
Most gimbals come with a built-in clamp designed for smartphones, not tablets. Even larger clamps may not securely grip wider devices. Some gimbals offer universal adapters or third-party brackets to accommodate tablets, but you need to check compatibility.
What You Can Do:
- Look for tablet-specific gimbals or adjustable mounts that fit your device.
- If using an adapter, pick one with a strong grip and anti-slip padding to avoid accidental drops.
- Avoid DIY solutions that could damage your gimbal or tablet.
3. Balance and Calibration – The Challenge with Larger Devices
Tablets shift the center of gravity due to their wider and heavier build. If a gimbal isn’t properly balanced, motors will work harder, leading to overheating or shutdowns. Balancing a tablet takes more effort than balancing a phone.
What You Can Do:
- Balance the tablet manually before turning on the gimbal. Tilt and adjust until it holds position naturally.
- Use a counterweight if needed. Some gimbals let you attach small weights to help with balance.
- Fine-tune motor power in the gimbal app. Higher torque settings can help stabilize a heavier load.
Choosing the Right Gimbal for a Tablet
Not all gimbals can handle the size and weight of a tablet. Some models are built specifically for larger devices, while others require adapters to fit. Picking the right one makes all the difference in stability and ease of use.
Tablet-Specific Gimbals vs. Smartphone Gimbals with Adapters
Most gimbals are designed for smartphones, but some models can support tablets either natively or with an adapter. Here’s how they compare:
Gimbals Built for Tablets
If you want a hassle-free setup, go with a gimbal that natively supports tablets. These models offer a wider clamp, stronger motors, and better balance for larger screens. However, they’re bulkier and cost more than smartphone gimbals.
✔ Best for: Filmmakers and content creators who primarily shoot on tablets.
❌ Downside: Fewer options available compared to smartphone gimbals.
Using a Smartphone Gimbal with an Adapter
Many smartphone gimbals can hold a tablet with the right adapter. A universal tablet clamp expands the mounting area, but weight becomes a concern. If the gimbal’s motors aren’t strong enough, the device may struggle to stabilize.
✔ Best for: Those who already own a smartphone gimbal and want a budget-friendly way to mount a tablet.
❌ Downside: Balancing the extra weight takes more effort, and some gimbals may not perform well under the load.
Key Features to Look for
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Check |
| Payload Capacity | Determines if the gimbal can support your tablet’s weight without overloading the motors. | – Compare your tablet’s weight with the gimbal’s max payload. – Look for high-torque motors. – Avoid models that barely meet the weight requirement. |
| Clamp Adjustability | Ensures the tablet fits securely in the gimbal’s mount. | – Check the clamp’s width range. – Consider universal adapters if needed. – Avoid clamps that are too tight or too loose. |
| Motor Strength | Affects how well the gimbal stabilizes larger screens. Weak motors lead to shaky footage. | – Test if the gimbal holds its position under light pressure. – Look for brushless motors with high torque. – Avoid gimbals designed for small smartphones. |
| Battery Life | Heavier devices drain power faster, reducing shooting time. | – Choose a gimbal with a 2500mAh battery or higher. – Use a power bank for longer shoots. – Disable unnecessary features to extend battery life. |
How to Mount and Balance a Tablet on a Gimbal
A gimbal can stabilize your tablet while filming, but only if you set it up correctly. A poorly balanced setup can strain the motors, drain the battery faster, or cause shaky footage. Follow these steps to mount and balance your tablet properly.
Step 1: Pick a Gimbal That Can Hold a Tablet or Use an Adapter
Not all gimbals can handle a tablet’s size and weight. Check the gimbal’s weight capacity before mounting your device. If the clamp isn’t wide enough, get a universal tablet adapter. Look for one with a secure grip to prevent wobbling.
Tip: Some smartphone gimbals, like the DJI OM series, work with tablets when paired with an adapter. Just make sure the motors can handle the extra load.
Step 2: Clamp the Tablet Without Blocking the Camera
Position the tablet in the gimbal’s clamp so the camera remains unobstructed. Adjust the grip to keep the device secure without pressing any buttons.
If the clamp applies too much pressure, use rubber spacers or padding to prevent scratches.
Quick Fix: If the clamp feels loose, tighten it slightly until the tablet stays in place. Avoid over-tightening, as it could damage the screen or frame.
Step 3: Adjust the Balance Before Powering On
Balancing the tablet before turning on the gimbal reduces motor strain and prevents unnecessary vibrations.
To check the balance, tilt the tablet slightly and see if it stays level. If it leans to one side, shift it in the clamp until it remains steady.
Try This: If the tablet keeps tilting, reposition it in small increments. A well-balanced device stays in place without the motors fighting to keep it level.
Step 4: Use Counterweights If the Gimbal Struggles
A tablet’s size can throw off the gimbal’s balance. If the motors feel weak or struggle to hold position, add counterweights to even out the load. Some gimbals have built-in mounting points for weights, while others require adhesive or clamp-on solutions.
Pro Tip: Start with a small counterweight and increase gradually. Too much weight can overload the motors, leading to overheating or battery drain.
Step 5: Calibrate the Gimbal for Better Stability
Once the tablet is balanced, run a calibration to fine-tune the gimbal’s response.
Most gimbal apps have a calibration option to adjust motor power, tilt sensitivity, and horizon leveling. Skipping this step can lead to drifting or shaky movement.
Quick Setup: Open the gimbal’s app, find the calibration menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. Keep the gimbal on a flat surface during calibration for accurate results.
Filming Tips for Smooth Tablet Video with a Gimbal
A gimbal keeps your tablet steady, but your technique makes all the difference. The right settings, movements, and accessories will separate amateur-looking footage from professional-quality shots. Follow these steps to get smooth, cinematic results.
✅ Adjust Motor Power for a Heavier Tablet
A tablet adds more weight than a smartphone, and that can strain the gimbal’s motors. Open the gimbal’s companion app and adjust the motor strength.
Increase the power setting so the motors compensate for the extra load. If the gimbal feels sluggish or struggles to hold position, tweak the balance manually before fine-tuning in the app.
✅ Move Slowly to Prevent Shaky Footage
Fast or jerky motions will throw off the gimbal’s stabilization. Walk with controlled, steady steps. Keep your elbows slightly bent and use your whole body to move the camera rather than just your hands.
Think of it like holding a full glass of water—smooth, deliberate movements will keep your shots steady.
✅ Use the Right Gimbal Mode for the Scene
Gimbals come with different stabilization modes. Pick the right one for the type of shot you want:
- Follow Mode – The camera moves with your hand motions, great for tracking shots.
- Lock Mode – Keeps the camera fixed on a subject, perfect for interviews or static shots.
- FPV Mode – Mimics natural handheld motion for dynamic, immersive footage.
Test different modes before shooting to see which one matches your filming style.
✅ Use a Video App for More Control
Built-in camera apps lack manual settings. Install a professional video app like FiLMiC Pro to control focus, exposure, and frame rate.
Adjust the shutter speed to match your frame rate (e.g., 1/50s for 24fps) for natural motion blur. Lock focus and exposure to avoid shifts while filming.
✅ Improve Audio with an External Microphone
Tablets pick up a lot of background noise. An external microphone gives you clear, focused audio. Clip-on lavalier mics work well for interviews, while shotgun mics capture directional sound for vlogs or cinematic shoots.
Connect a mic with a USB-C or lightning adapter if your tablet doesn’t have a headphone jack.
Common Challenges and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
| Gimbal struggles to balance the weight | The tablet is too heavy or off-center, causing instability. | ✅ Attach counterweights to balance the load. ✅ Adjust the tablet’s position in the mount before turning on the gimbal. ✅ Use a lightweight adapter with better weight distribution. |
| Motors overheat or battery drains fast | The gimbal works too hard to stabilize the tablet, consuming more power. | ✅ Balance the tablet properly to reduce motor strain. ✅ Lower motor strength in the gimbal app settings. ✅ Disable unnecessary stabilization features. ✅ Use a power bank for extended battery life. |
| Tablet shakes or wobbles | Loose mounting or incorrect settings cause instability. | ✅ Tighten the clamp to secure the tablet. ✅ Check for loose screws on the mount or adapter. ✅ Increase follow speed in gimbal settings. ✅ Shoot at a lower frame rate (24 or 30 fps) to reduce micro-movements. |
| Limited mobility due to tablet size | The bulkier setup makes handling difficult. | ✅ Attach an extension handle for better grip and control. ✅ Hold the gimbal lower to reduce hand strain. ✅ Use a gimbal vest or shoulder rig for extra support. ✅ Plan movements in advance to avoid sudden adjustments. |
▶️ – Related Topic: Gimbal for Sony RX100
▶️ – Related Topic: What Is a Gimbal Mount
▶️ – Related Topic: Best Gimbal for BMPCC 4K
Conclusion
A gimbal can work with a tablet, but you need the right setup. Standard gimbals support smartphones and cameras, so you may need an adapter or a model built for heavier devices.
If the gimbal struggles with balance, add counterweights or adjust motor strength in the settings. Skipping this step puts unnecessary strain on the motors and shortens battery life.
Your filming technique matters just as much as the equipment. A gimbal helps stabilize your footage, but it won’t fix shaky hands or poor movement.
Keep your motions slow and intentional. Use different gimbal modes to match your shot, and pair your setup with apps that offer better manual control.
If your tablet feels too bulky to handle, try an extension grip for better balance. An external microphone can also improve audio quality since tablet mics tend to pick up background noise.
Now it’s your turn. Try filming with a gimbal-mounted tablet and share your experience in the comments. If you’re looking for more filming tricks, check out our smartphone filmmaking guides for expert tips on mobile video production.