How To Use A Gimbal For Motion Tracking?

Nothing ruins a great shot faster than shaky footage. Imagine capturing a fast-moving subject—an athlete sprinting down the track, a car weaving through city streets, or a subject walking through a busy market.

You pan the camera to follow the action, but the footage comes out unstable, full of unwanted jolts and jerks. That kind of shake pulls viewers out of the moment and makes a video feel amateurish.

Smooth motion tracking changes everything. It keeps subjects locked in frame, maintains natural movement, and adds a cinematic quality to every shot.

Whether you’re filming a travel vlog, a short film, or an action sequence, precise tracking keeps the audience focused on the story instead of distractions caused by shaky hands.

A gimbal fixes that problem. It stabilizes movement, eliminating unwanted shake while keeping the camera fluid and responsive.

Whether you’re following a person, moving through a scene, or capturing fast-paced action, a gimbal helps you create professional-looking footage with ease.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about using a gimbal for motion tracking.

You’ll learn how to choose the right one, set it up properly, and use different techniques to track movement smoothly.

If you’ve struggled with unsteady shots, this guide will help you master tracking with confidence.

Understanding Motion Tracking with a Gimbal

▶️ What Is Motion Tracking in Videography?

Motion tracking keeps a subject in frame while the camera moves.

Instead of holding a static shot or relying on jerky handheld movement, tracking lets the camera follow action naturally—whether it’s a person walking, a car driving, or an object in motion.

This technique makes videos feel immersive. A well-tracked shot can pull viewers into the action, making them feel like they’re moving with the scene instead of just watching it unfold.

▶️ How Gimbals Help Maintain Smooth Tracking Shots

A gimbal stabilizes the camera by counteracting movement in real time. Built-in motors and sensors adjust to shifts in direction, preventing shake and keeping motion fluid.

Instead of relying on steady hands or bulky tripods, a gimbal lets you move freely while keeping your subject centered.

Different gimbal modes control how the camera reacts to movement:

Follow Mode: Moves with your hand motions while keeping balance.
Lock Mode: Keeps the camera fixed on a subject, no matter how you move.
POV Mode: Mimics natural handheld motion while still smoothing out excessive shake.
Active Tracking: Uses AI to lock onto a subject and follow automatically.

By choosing the right mode, you can track subjects with precision and control.

▶️ Different Types of Gimbals and Their Use Cases

Not all gimbals work the same way. The right one depends on your shooting style.

Handheld Gimbals: Best for vlogging, filmmaking, and event coverage. They stabilize cameras or smartphones while allowing flexible handheld movement.
Wearable Gimbals: Attach to helmets, chest mounts, or other gear for first-person shots. Great for action sports, biking, and adventure filming.
Drone-Mounted Gimbals: Keep aerial footage stable while flying. Essential for real estate videography, filmmaking, and landscape shots.

Each type serves a different purpose, but they all share one goal—keeping motion tracking steady and professional.

Choosing the Right Gimbal for Motion Tracking

Not all gimbals handle motion tracking the same way. The right choice depends on how you shoot, what camera you use, and the level of control you need.

Picking the wrong gimbal leads to shaky footage, battery drain, or limited movement. Here’s what to look for before buying.

What Matters Most in a Gimbal?

1. Stabilization Modes:
Different gimbals offer modes like:

Pan Follow (PF): The gimbal follows left and right movements but locks tilt and roll.
Lock Mode: Keeps the camera facing one direction no matter how you move.
Full Follow (FF): The gimbal follows pan, tilt, and roll movements for more fluid tracking.
POV Mode: Simulates handheld movement while keeping motion controlled.
Sport Mode: Speeds up response time for fast-action tracking.

Pick a gimbal with modes that match your shooting style. If you film fast-moving subjects, Sport Mode is a must. If you capture cinematic shots, Full Follow Mode works best.

2. Payload Capacity:
A gimbal must support your camera’s weight. DSLR and cinema cameras need stronger motors than action cams or smartphones.

Overloading a gimbal leads to poor stabilization, motor strain, and battery drain.

Smartphones & Action Cameras: DJI Osmo Mobile 6, Zhiyun Smooth 5S.
Mirrorless Cameras: DJI RS 3 Mini, Zhiyun Weebill 3.
DSLRs & Cinema Cameras: DJI RS 3 Pro, Moza AirCross 3.

Check your camera’s weight and lens setup before buying. Adding accessories like a mic or external monitor increases the total payload.

3. Battery Life:
A weak battery can cut a shoot short. Gimbal batteries last between 6 to 16 hours, depending on usage. Some gimbals offer removable batteries, while others charge via USB-C.

If you shoot long sessions, pick a model with fast charging or swappable batteries.

Best Gimbals for Different Needs

For Vlogging: DJI Osmo Mobile 6 (smartphones), Zhiyun Weebill 3 (mirrorless).
For Filmmaking: DJI RS 3 Pro (DSLR & cinema cameras).
For Sports & Action: FeiyuTech Scorp Pro (fast tracking and quick response).
For Travel & Compact Setups: Moza AirCross S (lightweight but powerful).

Must-Have Accessories

Follow Focus System: Helps keep moving subjects in sharp focus.
Counterweights: Balances heavy setups for better stabilization.
Remote Controllers: Lets you adjust gimbal settings without touching the camera.

Setting Up Your Gimbal for Motion Tracking

A gimbal only works well if you set it up correctly. Skipping this step leads to shaky footage, slow response, and poor tracking. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Balance the Camera

An unbalanced gimbal forces the motors to work harder, draining battery life and reducing stabilization. Follow these steps:

Mount the Camera: Attach it to the gimbal’s plate and lock it in place.
Balance the Tilt Axis: Tilt the camera forward and backward. Adjust until it stays level on its own.
Balance the Roll Axis: Rotate the camera sideways. If it leans, shift it until it stays level.
Balance the Pan Axis: Hold the gimbal upright. If the camera swings, move it until it remains steady.
Power On and Test: Turn on the gimbal and check for motor strain. A well-balanced gimbal should move smoothly with minimal resistance.

Step 2: Calibrate for Smoother Motion

Most gimbals require calibration before use. Calibration resets the sensors and motor strength. Do this through the gimbal’s built-in menu or mobile app.

Place the gimbal on a flat surface.
Open the settings menu and select “Auto Calibration.”
Let the gimbal adjust itself.

If the gimbal drifts or vibrates, recalibrate until movement feels fluid.

Step 3: Adjust Motion Tracking Settings

Fine-tune gimbal response to match your subject’s movement:

Follow Speed: Higher speed for fast-moving subjects, lower for cinematic shots.
Deadband: Controls how much movement triggers a response. A low setting makes the gimbal react faster, while a high setting smooths out small shakes.
Motor Strength: Adjust based on your camera’s weight. Increase for heavier setups to prevent lag.

Step 4: Use a Mobile App for Advanced Tracking

Some gimbals include AI-powered subject tracking. Apps like DJI Ronin, Zhiyun ZY Play, and Feiyu ON let you:

Lock onto a subject and track it automatically.
Set waypoints for programmed movement.
Adjust settings wirelessly for more control.

For best results, use tracking features in well-lit conditions and with high-contrast subjects.

Motion Tracking Techniques with a Gimbal

Gimbals help capture smooth tracking shots, but mastering different modes makes all the difference.

Each mode controls movement in a specific way, giving you flexibility depending on the shot you need.

Lock Mode: Keep the Subject Centered While Moving

Lock Mode holds the camera in a fixed direction, no matter how you move. This keeps your subject steady in the frame while you walk, run, or change angles.

🔹 When to Use: Walking interviews, product showcases, stable side-tracking shots.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Walk smoothly with bent knees to absorb movement.
Use a slight push-pull motion instead of abrupt turns.
Keep an eye on framing to prevent accidental cut-offs.

Follow Mode: Let the Gimbal Move with You

Follow Mode responds to your movements, making the camera pan and tilt naturally. The gimbal dampens shakes while allowing controlled tracking.

🔹 When to Use: Travel vlogs, sports action, casual cinematic shots.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Adjust follow speed settings for faster or slower responsiveness.
Keep your movements fluid to avoid jerky camera motions.
Combine with a slow zoom for added cinematic effect.

POV Mode: Capture Immersive First-Person Shots

POV Mode mimics human perspective, tilting and rolling with natural head movements. This adds an organic, handheld feel while keeping stabilization.

🔹 When to Use: Action-packed sequences, chase scenes, first-person experiences.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Move naturally, as if your eyes are the camera.
Use controlled tilts and angles to guide viewer attention.
Test different roll angles for dramatic storytelling.

Orbiting: Walk in a Circle Around Your Subject

Orbiting creates a 360-degree shot by keeping the subject in the center while you move around them. This adds depth and motion to a scene.

🔹 When to Use: Cinematic character reveals, product shots, dance performances.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Maintain an even distance from your subject.
Walk steadily without speed changes.
Use a wide-angle lens to exaggerate depth.

Dolly-In/Dolly-Out: Move Closer or Further with Precision

This technique moves the camera forward or backward while keeping tracking steady. It creates an engaging zoom effect without changing focal length.

🔹 When to Use: Dramatic character reveals, landscape introductions, emotional close-ups.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Walk straight without wobbling to avoid unwanted shakes.
Time your movement with subject actions for added impact.
Combine with slow-motion for a dreamlike effect.

Crane & Jib Shots: Simulate Expensive Equipment with Handheld Movements

Gimbals can mimic crane or jib shots by smoothly lifting or lowering the camera. This adds height variation without bulky rigs.

🔹 When to Use: Grand scene introductions, overhead perspectives, dramatic tilts.
🔹 How to Get the Best Results:

Start low and raise the gimbal steadily.
Use a slow, controlled motion to maintain stability.
Combine with a slight pan or tilt for extra movement.

Common Motion Tracking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake	What’s Wrong?	How to Fix It
Shaky shots even with a gimbal	Poor balancing, wrong settings, or abrupt movements.	Rebalance your camera, adjust follow speed, and walk smoothly.
Gimbal lag or overcorrection	The camera takes too long to follow or moves too aggressively.	Adjust motor response speed and deadband settings.
Losing subject tracking	Auto-tracking fails or loses focus on the subject.	Reframe manually or use a focus tracking accessory.
Battery or overheating issues	Gimbal shuts off or behaves erratically.	Reduce strain with proper balancing and take breaks to cool down.

Practical Applications for Motion Tracking with a Gimbal

A gimbal opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Whether you’re shooting a fast-paced vlog, crafting cinematic sequences, or tracking a subject in a high-energy environment, motion tracking makes every shot look intentional and polished.

Here’s how to use it in different scenarios.

✅ Vlogging and Dynamic Storytelling

A handheld gimbal keeps movement fluid, whether you’re walking through a crowded market, giving a behind-the-scenes tour, or capturing your reaction in real-time.

Use follow mode to let the gimbal naturally track your movements while you stay focused on storytelling.

Try an orbit shot around an object for engaging B-roll or a reveal shot to introduce a new location. Avoid sudden movements—walk smoothly and let the gimbal handle stabilization.

📌 Quick Tip: Pair your gimbal with a wireless microphone to maintain clear audio while moving.

✅ Filmmaking and Cinematic Scene Transitions

Directors and content creators rely on motion tracking to maintain consistent framing during complex shots.

A gimbal allows for seamless character tracking in a single take, creating immersive visuals.

Use a slow dolly-in to draw viewers into a scene or a jib-style movement to add production value without expensive gear.

🎬 Try This: Switch to lock mode and move around a subject while keeping them centered for a dramatic effect.

✅ Action Sports and Event Coverage

Capturing fast movements requires precise tracking. A gimbal helps follow athletes, dancers, or vehicles without jarring shifts in framing.

Set a faster follow speed for high-energy subjects or use subject tracking if your gimbal supports it.

For unpredictable motion, manual control often works best—anticipate movement and guide the gimbal accordingly.

🏃 Pro Move: Lower your stance and walk heel-to-toe for a smoother handheld tracking shot.

✅ Real Estate and Architectural Videography

Motion tracking adds depth to walkthroughs by keeping the focus on interior flow and spatial design.

A slow pan through a hallway or a steady push-in toward a feature wall makes a property feel immersive.

Use a gimbal’s FPV mode to capture sweeping staircase shots or dramatic ceiling reveals.

🏡 Best Practice: Plan your route in advance to avoid awkward stops and ensure a seamless walkthrough.

▶️ – Related Topic: What Is FPV Mode on a Gimbal?

▶️ – Related Topic: Buyers Guide: Best Gimbals for Sony A6000

▶️ – Related Topic: Types of Gimbals and Stabilizers

Conclusion & Next Steps

Mastering motion tracking with a gimbal takes time, but each adjustment and experiment brings you closer to professional-quality footage.

The way you move, the mode you choose, and how you frame your shots all play a role in creating visually engaging content.

Whether you’re vlogging, shooting a film, covering an event, or capturing real estate footage, a well-executed tracking shot adds depth and polish to your work.

Start with the basics—walk with controlled movements, test different stabilization modes, and practice framing techniques.

Once you get comfortable, push the limits with more advanced maneuvers like orbit shots, crane-style tilts, and subject tracking in fast-moving scenes.

Keep refining your skills, and over time, handling a gimbal will feel second nature.

📢 What’s Next? Try out these motion tracking techniques and share your results. Have a favorite gimbal or a go-to trick for smoother tracking?

Drop a comment and join the conversation. Looking for more ways to level up your videography? Check out our in-depth guides on advanced gimbal settings, cinematic camera movements, and storytelling techniques.

How to use a gimbal for motion tracking?

Table of Contents