You set up your 360-degree camera, ready to capture an incredible panoramic shot. The landscape is perfect. The lighting is just right. 

But when you review the footage, it’s a shaky, distorted mess. The horizon tilts unnaturally, and the motion feels anything but immersive.

Stabilization makes or breaks a 360-degree video. Viewers expect a seamless, floating perspective, but traditional stabilization methods don’t always work. 

Tripods limit movement. Handheld shots amplify shakes. Even gimbals—widely used for regular cameras—don’t always deliver clean results for 360-degree video.

So, can a gimbal fix the problem? Or does it introduce new challenges? More importantly, what’s the best way to get steady, professional-looking footage?

By the end of this article, you’ll know whether a gimbal works for 360-degree video, how it affects footage, and what alternative stabilization methods can give you better results.

Understanding 360-Degree Video and Its Unique Challenges

▶️ How 360-Degree Cameras Capture Footage

Unlike standard cameras, which record a fixed frame, 360-degree cameras capture everything in all directions at once. 

Most models use two or more wide-angle lenses that stitch together overlapping footage, creating an immersive, interactive view.

Because viewers can look around freely in post-production or VR, camera movement affects the entire experience. 

Even minor shakes feel exaggerated when someone watches the video in a headset or scrolls around on a phone.

▶️ Why Stabilization Matters

Shaky footage makes viewers feel disconnected—or worse, motion sick. 

A stable shot keeps the horizon steady and movements smooth, creating an experience that feels natural and immersive. 

But traditional stabilization methods don’t always work the way they do with regular cameras.

▶️ Common Problems in 360-Degree Video Stabilization

  • Shaky Footage – Handheld shots pick up even the smallest vibrations, making movements feel exaggerated.
  • Horizon Drifting – If the camera tilts unpredictably, the horizon won’t stay level, which looks disorienting.
  • Warping Effects – Some stabilization methods interfere with stitching, creating unnatural distortions.
  • Unnatural Camera Movements – Gimbals and stabilizers designed for regular cameras may not move in ways that feel natural for 360-degree viewing.

Fixing these issues requires the right tools and techniques. A gimbal might help, but it’s not always the best solution. 

The next section breaks down whether a gimbal works for 360-degree video and what to use instead.

Do Gimbals Work for 360-Degree Video?

Capturing stable footage with a 360-degree camera presents unique challenges. Traditional cameras rely on gimbals to counteract unwanted movement, but with a 360-degree camera, stabilization works differently. 

Before attaching a 360-degree camera to a gimbal, you need to know how gimbals function, what issues they might create, and when they actually improve footage.

✅ How Gimbals Stabilize Traditional Cameras

Gimbals use electric motors and sensors to keep a camera steady while in motion. A 3-axis gimbal stabilizes along three directions:

  • Tilt (up/down) – Keeps the horizon level even when moving vertically.
  • Roll (side-to-side tilt) – Prevents unnatural leaning or sideways motion.
  • Pan (left/right turning motion) – Helps keep the camera fixed on a subject.

A 2-axis gimbal, on the other hand, only stabilizes tilt and roll. It does not correct for unwanted panning movements. 

Most videographers use 3-axis gimbals because they provide smoother shots, especially when filming handheld or moving quickly.

For standard cameras, a gimbal removes unwanted shakes, jitters, and sudden jerks, making movement look fluid. However, when filming in 360 degrees, the equation changes.

✅ Why Gimbals Can Be Tricky for 360-Degree Cameras

A 360-degree camera records everything around it—including the gimbal itself. That leads to several problems:

  • Gimbal Appears in the Shot – Unlike traditional cameras, which capture a fixed frame, a 360-degree camera sees all angles. A bulky gimbal arm or motorized stabilizer will be visible, breaking the immersive experience.
  • Stitching Issues – Most 360-degree cameras use dual lenses to capture footage from all directions and then merge (or “stitch”) them together. If the gimbal sits too close to the camera body, it interferes with this process, leaving visible seams or distortions in the final video.
  • Unwanted Artifacts – Some gimbals introduce subtle vibrations, micro-jitters, or unwanted movement corrections that built-in 360-degree stabilization struggles to correct. Instead of smoother footage, you might end up with warping effects or unnatural shifts.

Despite these challenges, there are ways to use a gimbal with a 360-degree camera—if done correctly.

✅ When a Gimbal Can Help with 360-Degree Video

While many 360-degree cameras have built-in stabilization, a gimbal can still improve footage under certain conditions:

  • Slow-moving cinematic shots – If you’re filming controlled movements, a gimbal can add an extra layer of steadiness.
  • Overhead or inverted mounting – Some gimbals allow for mounting above or below the camera, keeping the bulk of the device out of the frame.
  • Paired with an invisible selfie stick – Some gimbals, when used with an extendable pole, can keep the stabilizer hidden while still providing smooth movement.
  • Mounted on a vehicle or drone – When vibrations from a car, bike, or drone interfere with built-in stabilization, a properly mounted gimbal can help.

Best Gimbals for 360-Degree Cameras

If you decide to use a gimbal for your 360-degree footage, you need one that minimizes visibility while supporting smooth movement.

What to Look For in a Gimbal for 360-Degree Video

  1. Weight Capacity – Your gimbal needs to handle the weight of your 360-degree camera without overloading the motors.
  2. Compact Design – A bulky gimbal arm will show up in the shot. Choose one with a slim or minimal frame to reduce obstruction.
  3. 360-Camera Compatibility – Some gimbals work better with specific 360-degree cameras due to mounting options and software integration.
  • Insta360 Flow – A lightweight, AI-powered stabilizer that works well with Insta360 cameras. Its compact design helps keep it out of the frame.
  • FeiyuTech G6 Max – A versatile, small gimbal that supports 360-degree cameras while providing smooth movement.
  • Zhiyun Crane M3 – A high-quality gimbal with powerful motors and flexible mounting options. Works best for certain 360-degree filming setups.

Alternative Stabilization Methods for 360-Degree Video

Stabilization makes or breaks a 360-degree video. A shaky shot ruins immersion, while smooth motion keeps viewers engaged. If a gimbal isn’t the right fit, other methods can still get the job done.

1. In-Camera Stabilization: Let the Tech Do the Work

Modern 360-degree cameras come with built-in stabilization that corrects shakes in real time. Cameras like the GoPro MAX and Insta360 X3 use internal gyroscopes and advanced software to level the horizon and smooth out unwanted motion.

  • GoPro MAX: Uses HyperSmooth stabilization, reducing jitters during movement. Great for action shots like biking, running, or handheld walking.
  • Insta360 X3: Features FlowState stabilization, which relies on 6-axis gyroscopes to maintain balance, even in fast-paced scenes.

When to Rely on In-Camera Stabilization:

✅ Works well for handheld shots and chest mounts.
✅ Best for slow to moderate movement.
❌ Struggles with extreme vibrations (e.g., high-speed vehicles, rough terrain).

2. Software-Based Stabilization: Fix It in Post

If your footage still looks shaky, software stabilization can clean it up. Editing tools analyze the motion in a clip and adjust frames to smooth out inconsistencies.

Top Tools for 360 Video Stabilization:

  • Insta360 Studio – Uses AI to detect camera motion and apply corrections automatically. Best for Insta360 cameras.
  • Adobe Premiere Pro (Warp Stabilizer) – Ideal for general stabilization but may introduce warping in 360-degree footage.
  • DaVinci Resolve (Stabilization Tool) – Provides fine control over motion smoothing with keyframe adjustments.

Pro Tip:

When using Warp Stabilizer, set “Method” to Position, Scale, Rotation for subtle corrections. Avoid “Perspective” or “Subspace Warp”, as they can distort 360-degree footage.

3. Tripods, Monopods, and Steadicams: Stability Without Electronics

A gimbal isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, a well-placed support system does the job.

  • Tripods: Keep the camera completely still. Best for static shots like time-lapses or interviews.
  • Monopods: Offer flexibility while keeping movement smooth. Works well for walking shots when paired with proper technique.
  • Steadicams: Use counterweights to absorb movement. Good for cinematic tracking shots but requires practice.

What Works Best?

✅ Tripod – Best for stationary shots.
✅ Monopod + Walking Technique – Great for controlled movement.
✅ Steadicam – Effective for long takes but takes skill to master.

How to Get Smooth 360-Degree Footage Without a Gimbal

If you’re shooting handheld, movement control matters more than gear. The way you hold and move the camera can make all the difference.

1. Proper Mounting Techniques

  • Use an invisible selfie stick: Avoid holding the camera directly. A long, thin monopod keeps hands out of the frame and improves balance.
  • Mount on a helmet or chest rig: Keeps shots level while maintaining a first-person perspective.
  • Use counterweights: Attach small weights to the bottom of a monopod for added stability.

2. Best Shooting Practices

  • Walk with bent knees: Absorbs shock and prevents bouncy footage.
  • Move slowly and deliberately: Sudden jerks cause warping in 360-degree video.
  • Keep both hands steady: If handheld, grip the monopod firmly with two hands for better control.

3. Editing Tricks to Fix Minor Shakes

  • Stabilize in post: Apply stabilization in Insta360 Studio or Premiere Pro.
  • Reframe shots smartly: If a section is too shaky, crop and reframe in editing to focus on the best angles.
  • Use motion blur: A slight blur smooths over rapid shakes without distorting the scene.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

▶️ – Related Topic: Best Gimbals for Drones

▶️ – Related Topic: What Is a Gimbal?

▶️ – Related Topic: Glidecam vs Gimbal

Conclusion

A gimbal can improve stability in high-motion shots, but it’s not always necessary for 360-degree videos. If your camera has strong built-in stabilization, software may be enough. 

However, for action-heavy filming or unpredictable movements, a gimbal provides better real-time control. The key is to mount it correctly to avoid warping and keep it out of the shot. 

If the gimbal interferes with the frame, switching to software stabilization might be the better choice. 

Testing both methods will help you find the best approach for your shooting style. Experiment with different setups and see what works best for your videos.