Can I use a gimbal with a GoPro?

Picture this: You just filmed a thrilling mountain biking session, an epic travel vlog, or an intense parkour run.

You review the footage, excited to see your masterpiece—only to find distracting jitter, unnatural shakes, and motion blur.

Shaky footage destroys immersion. It turns an otherwise amazing video into something that feels amateurish and unwatchable.

GoPro cameras come with Hypersmooth stabilization, but is that enough? Or do you need a gimbal for truly cinematic, professional-level footage?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using a gimbal with a GoPro, including:

✅ Why a gimbal improves GoPro footage
✅ How a gimbal works and why it’s better than digital stabilization
✅ Which gimbals work best for GoPros
✅ Step-by-step setup and pro shooting techniques
✅ Common gimbal problems and troubleshooting
✅ Advanced tips for buttery-smooth cinematic shots

If you want Hollywood-quality stabilization, read on—this guide has everything you need to know.

Do You Really Need a Gimbal for a GoPro?

Before spending money on a gimbal, you need to determine if it’s worth it for your shooting style.

When a Gimbal Makes a Huge Difference

🔹 You shoot high-speed action (running, biking, skiing, motorsports, etc.)
Digital stabilization struggles with sudden, intense movements. A gimbal provides mechanical correction, keeping your GoPro level even in extreme action.

🔹 You want cinematic motion (slow pans, tracking shots, dynamic angles)
A gimbal eliminates the robotic, digital feel of Hypersmooth and enables fluid, movie-like camera movements.

🔹 You film in low light
GoPro’s Hypersmooth stabilization doesn’t work well in dim conditions because it relies on frame interpolation. A gimbal provides real stabilization without degrading image quality.

🔹 You need stable, controlled handheld shots
Holding a GoPro for extended periods introduces handshake and micro jitters. A gimbal removes unwanted shake, making even handheld shots look professional.

When a Gimbal Might Not Be Necessary

❌ You only shoot first-person POV videos
If your GoPro is mounted to a helmet, chest, or handlebars, Hypersmooth already does a decent job stabilizing movement. A gimbal isn’t practical for body-mounted action shots.

❌ You shoot in extreme weather or underwater
Most gimbals aren’t waterproof. If you shoot in rain, snow, or underwater, a gimbal isn’t the best choice. Hypersmooth works better in these conditions.

❌ You prioritize travel-friendly, compact setups
Gimbals add weight and bulk. If you want to travel light, a gimbal may feel like an inconvenience.

How a Gimbal Works: The Science of Stabilization

A gimbal mechanically counteracts movement in real-time, keeping your GoPro steady on three axes:

Three-Axis Stabilization Explained

🔹 Tilt (Up/Down Motion) – When you walk or climb stairs, your camera naturally bobs up and down. A gimbal corrects this, keeping the camera level.

🔹 Roll (Side-to-Side Tilt) – If you’re running or moving over uneven terrain, your camera may tilt left or right. A gimbal prevents side wobbling.

🔹 Pan (Left/Right Swivel) – When you turn the camera quickly, footage often looks jerky. A gimbal smooths out panning for cinematic motion.

Why Gimbals Outperform Digital Stabilization

📌 Hypersmooth (Digital Stabilization)
✔ Works well for minor shakes
✖ Crops the image, reducing the field of view
✖ Struggles with extreme motion and low light

📌 Gimbal Stabilization (Mechanical)
✔ No cropping—keeps full image resolution
✔ Eliminates extreme motion shake
✔ Creates natural, cinematic motion

If you want the smoothest, most natural motion, a gimbal is the superior choice.

Best Gimbals for GoPro: Top Picks for 2024

With so many gimbals on the market, picking the right one for your GoPro can feel overwhelming. Some models work better for action-packed shooting, while others cater to cinematic movements. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best gimbals available today, categorized by performance, portability, budget, and compatibility.

1.  Best Overall: FeiyuTech G6 Max

If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight, and powerful gimbal for your GoPro, the FeiyuTech G6 Max stands out as the best all-around option.

Key Features:

✔ 360-degree rotation for smooth, fluid shots
✔ 9-hour battery life, ideal for long shooting sessions
✔ Splash-resistant design for light rain and outdoor use
✔ OLED touchscreen for easy mode switching

Best For:

• Content creators who need a compact yet high-performance gimbal
• Travelers who want stabilization without bulk
• Anyone who films sports, action, or handheld vlogs

With its strong motors and intuitive controls, the G6 Max is a fantastic choice for most GoPro users.

2. Best for Professionals: Zhiyun Crane M3

For those who want Hollywood-grade stabilization, the Zhiyun Crane M3 is an absolute powerhouse. Though originally designed for mirrorless cameras, it fully supports GoPros with an adapter.

Key Features:

✔ Superior 3-axis stabilization for high-speed action
✔ OLED touchscreen for fine-tuned settings
✔ Built-in fill light for better low-light shooting
✔ Supports external microphones & accessories

Best For:

• Professional filmmakers and serious videographers
• GoPro users who also shoot with other cameras
• Low-light or cinematic shooting styles

If you need the smoothest stabilization possible, this gimbal will elevate your footage to a whole new level.

3. Best Budget Option: Hohem iSteady Pro 4

Want a reliable gimbal without breaking the bank? The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 delivers strong stabilization at a fraction of the price of premium models.

Key Features:

✔ Affordable yet powerful stabilization
✔ IPX4 weather resistance for light rain
✔ 12-hour battery life—longest in its class
✔ Wireless GoPro controls for easy operation

Best For:

• Beginners looking for an entry-level gimbal
• Budget-conscious content creators
• Casual users who want stable footage without high costs

Despite its low price, it punches well above its weight class in terms of performance.

4. Best Official GoPro Gimbal: GoPro Karma Grip

If you want a GoPro-branded gimbal, the Karma Grip is the best-integrated option. Unlike third-party gimbals, it’s built specifically for GoPro cameras.

Key Features:

✔ Seamless compatibility with GoPro cameras
✔ Direct camera control via built-in buttons
✔ Excellent stabilization, even for high-impact activities
✔ Rechargeable battery lasts up to 4 hours

Best For:

• GoPro users who want a hassle-free setup
• Vloggers and filmmakers looking for reliable stabilization
• People who prefer official GoPro accessories

Though a bit bulky and expensive, the Karma Grip delivers premium results with no compatibility issues.

How to Set Up and Use a Gimbal with a GoPro

Buying a gimbal is only half the battle. If you don’t set it up properly, you won’t get smooth footage. Follow these step-by-step instructions to maximize stabilization.

Step-by-Step Setup

1️⃣ Mount the GoPro Securely

• Use the correct adapter to ensure a snug fit.
• If your gimbal has a quick-release plate, lock the camera in place before powering on the gimbal.

2️⃣ Balance the Gimbal

• Tilt the camera slightly to check if it stays level.
• Adjust the arms if needed so the GoPro doesn’t lean in any direction.

3️⃣ Power On and Calibrate

• Turn on the gimbal and let it auto-calibrate.
• If drifting occurs, manually recalibrate using the app or onboard controls.

4️⃣ Disable GoPro Hypersmooth Stabilization

• Running both Hypersmooth and a gimbal together can cause weird motion artifacts.
• Go to Settings > Stabilization > Turn Off.

5️⃣ Select the Right Gimbal Mode

🔹 Pan Follow Mode – The camera follows left/right movements but stays level.
🔹 Full Follow Mode – The camera follows both pan and tilt movements.
🔹 Locked Mode – The camera stays fixed, no matter how you move.

Experiment with different modes to find what works best for your shots.

Pro Tips for Cinematic Gimbal Shots

Getting stable footage is only the beginning. To make your videos look professional, use these pro-level shooting techniques.

Use Slow, Controlled Movements

• Even though a gimbal stabilizes shake, moving too fast creates unnatural motion.
• Walk smoothly and at a controlled pace to create cinematic fluidity.

Experiment with Motion Paths

• Instead of just walking straight, try orbiting around a subject or moving from low to high.
• These subtle movements add depth and dynamism to your shots.

Combine with a Tripod or Slider

• Using a tripod + gimbal combo reduces vertical jitter for super-smooth tracking shots.
• A slider lets you add side-to-side motion for more cinematic framing.

Use an ND Filter to Control Shutter Speed

• A Neutral Density (ND) filter helps smooth out motion blur by letting you shoot at proper shutter speeds (e.g., 1/50s for 24fps).

Think About Foreground Movement

• Instead of just filming the subject, incorporate foreground objects to create depth and natural frame transitions.

Troubleshooting Common Gimbal Problems

Even with a top-tier gimbal, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Issue	Possible Causes	Solution	Additional Tips
Gimbal Drifting	– Incorrect calibration – Firmware bugs	– Recalibrate through the gimbal’s app or onboard settings – Update firmware to the latest version	– Reset to factory settings if drifting persists – Avoid moving the gimbal during startup
Shaky Footage Despite Gimbal	– Improper balancing – Loose mounting screws – GoPro Hypersmooth interfering	– Rebalance the GoPro by adjusting the tilt and roll arms – Tighten all mounting points- Disable Hypersmooth in GoPro settings	– Test balance by tilting the gimbal forward—if the camera moves, adjust further
Battery Draining Too Fast	– Wireless connections enabled – Cold weather reducing battery efficiency – Old battery losing capacity	– Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and voice control when not needed- Keep batteries warm in cold environments – Replace old batteries with fresh ones	– Carry extra batteries for long shoots – Charge fully before heading out
Weird Jittering in Low Light	– GoPro Hypersmooth causing micro jitter – Shutter speed too high	– Lower the shutter speed to 1/50s for 24fps (or double your frame rate) – Use an ND filter to control light	– Avoid artificial stabilization when using a gimbal
Gimbal Not Responding to Controls	– Mode settings incorrect – Joystick speed too low- Firmware issue	– Check if you’re in the correct mode (Pan Follow, Lock, etc.) – Increase joystick sensitivity in settings- Restart and update firmware	– If issues persist, contact customer support for troubleshooting
Gimbal Overheating	– Excessive motor strain – Long continuous usage – Operating in extreme temperatures	– Reduce gimbal workload by ensuring proper balance before use – Turn off when not filming for extended periods – Avoid using in direct sunlight for long durations	– Let the gimbal cool down between takes – Store in a ventilated area when not in use
Gimbal Randomly Shuts Off	– Low battery – Auto power-saving mode enabled – Internal motor protection triggered	– Charge or replace the battery – Check settings to disable auto shutdown – Restart the gimbal and let it cool if overheating	– Keep an eye on battery levels before long shoots

Essential Accessories for Better Footage

Upgrading your GoPro + gimbal setup with the right accessories helps refine stabilization, improve exposure, and expand creative possibilities.

🔹 ND Filters – Better Exposure & Motion Blur

ND (Neutral Density) filters reduce light intake, preventing overexposure in bright conditions while maintaining cinematic motion blur.

✔ Prevents overexposed footage in daylight
✔ Smooths motion blur for natural-looking movement
✔ Improves gimbal stabilization by avoiding high shutter speeds

🔹 Top Picks: PolarPro ND Set, Tiffen ND Filters, Freewell ND Filters

🔹 Extension Poles – More Dynamic Angles

An extension pole helps achieve crane-like shots, high perspectives, and steadier movement.

✔ Higher perspectives for dramatic shots
✔ Low-to-high sweeps for cinematic transitions
✔ Minimizes hand tremors by increasing stabilization distance

🔹 Top Picks: GoPro El Grande, Manfrotto Compact Extreme, Ulanzi MT-16

🔹 Wireless Remotes – Hands-Free Control

Avoid touching the GoPro while recording to prevent shake. A wireless remote lets you start/stop, switch modes, and adjust settings smoothly.

✔ No unwanted shake from manual button presses
✔ Faster control without stopping filming
✔ Ideal for solo vloggers & long-distance operation

🔹 Top Picks: GoPro Smart Remote, TELESIN Remote, DJI Action Remote

🔹 External Microphones – Crisp & Clear Audio

GoPro’s built-in mic picks up too much background noise. An external microphone improves dialog clarity, reduces wind noise, and enhances overall sound quality.

✔ Directional sound pickup for clearer speech
✔ Removes wind distortion in outdoor shoots
✔ Perfect for vlogs, interviews, and cinematic storytelling

🔹 Top Picks: Rode VideoMicro, Deity V-Mic D4 Duo, GoPro Media Mod

Other Handy Accessories

✔ Counterweights – Balance the gimbal if adding external gear
✔ Quick-Release Plates – Fast mounting & switching setups
✔ Mini Tripods – Set the gimbal down for time-lapses or static shots

These accessories help you get smoother, sharper, and more cinematic footage, taking your GoPro gimbal shots to the next level.

▶️ – Related Topic: Best Gimbal for GoPro Hero 6

▶️ – Related Topic: Best Gimbal for GoPro Hero 10

▶️ – Related Topic: The Best Gimbals for GoPro Hero 8

Conclusion: Is a Gimbal Worth It for a GoPro?

If you want Hollywood-quality stabilization, a gimbal is 100% worth it.

For serious filmmakers, vloggers, and sports videographers, a gimbal transforms footage quality. If you shoot casual clips, Hypersmooth might be good enough.

📌 Try a gimbal on your next shoot and see the difference firsthand.

Want more expert filmmaking tips? Check out our camera gear reviews and advanced shooting techniques! 🎬