Types of Gimbals and Stabilizers | How Many Types Of Gimbals Are There?

Having the perfect equipment for filmmaking is very important, but it is also very rare that everyone has access to it. As a result, every filmmaker has a different set of tools.

For example, the creator producing short films single-handedly with minimum equipment works under different conditions than a crew working on Studio films.

With so many items on the market, determining which one is genuinely important and which isn’t can be very difficult. While many top microphones, cinema cameras, and other gear produce excellent results for filmmakers, what works for one may not work for you.

Technological improvements have made shaking hands and other common problems easier to fix in images. A video camera gimbal can help you get steady shots with a minimum of effort.

Types of camera gimbal may differ in price and functionality. Therefore, you must have all the information to choose the best solution.

In this article, we will help you understand everything about the different gimbals and which one can help you the best. If you’re interested in learning how camera gimbals work, continue reading.

What Exactly Is A Camera Gimbal?

A camera gimbal is essential to photography equipment that helps you take steady shots. Any undesired movement will be minimized or eliminated when you keep your camera on these rigs.

There are many types of gimbals, but they all work according to the same basic principle: their weight and motion counteract the load and motion of the camera. You may need to adjust your stabilizer to get the best results.

Camera stabilization has improved greatly since the classic counterbalanced mass stabilizers were introduced. A classic camera stabilizer is a pole with movable weights at the bottom and a mount for a camera at the top.

More sophisticated camera stabilizers, such as the Beholder EC1 and the Zhiyun Crane, have recently replaced counterbalanced mass stabilizers.

Modern camera stabilizers, such as the Crane or the EC1, weigh less than three pounds and are portable. The batteries can be folded and stowed in a backpack, and these stabilizers work with various cameras and lenses.

These stabilizers are easy to set up and can be operated remotely. For today’s competitive filmmaker, the significance of a modern camera stabilizer has never been more crucial.

Related: What is a Gimbal Mount? All-In-One Guide

Different Types of Camera Gimbals | Top 5 Variations

All the types of camera gimbals in the market have their own way of usage. Some camera stabilizers are supposed to be held in hands, some can be attached to the body, and few of them even fly!

The way they operate as well as how much they cost, is very confusing. The three primary types of camera stabilizers are handheld stabilizers, 3-axis gimbals, and vest stabilizer systems.

There are two additional types; each one is described in detail below.

1. Handheld Gimbal

The Handheld camera gimbal is used to provide the camera with more steadiness. As the name clearly signals, it should be attached to the camera and held in hands rather than employing a 3-axis gimbal or vest system.

Although a handheld camera gimbal can help reduce shakiness in pictures, the camera operator must still keep the camera and stabilizer steady while filming.

Because different handheld camera stabilizers correspond/respond distinctively to different camera weights, it’s crucial to double-check the weight capacity of the stabilizer before making a purchase.

A handheld stabilizer costs $200 to $300.

2. 3-Axis Gimbal

A 3-axis gimbal contains three axes that help stabilize the camera during filming, balancing off the shakiness caused by recording moving scenes on uneven surfaces or the instability of a camera operator’s hand.

The yaw (pan), pitch (tilt), and roll axes of a gimbal each keep the camera steady on a distinct plane of motion and can be utilized to record varied tracking or moving shots. Both motorized and non-motorized 3-axis gimbals are available.

While motorized 3-axis gimbals help automate the camera adjustment process, ensure they are always charged. Depending on the model you plan to buy, the rate can range from $300 to $800.

3. Top Handle Stabilizer

This is an ‘L’ shaped handle. It is the most basic stabilizer available out there. A camera is attached to one side of the L, and the other side is used to hold the stabilizer. The two rods are at a 90-degree angle to one another. These handles are attached to the camera’s top and carried around.

The Top L-shaped handle costs about $15-$25, which is the cheapest option to stabilize a camera.

4. X-Grip Stabilizer

The X-Grip gimbal has a ‘U’ shape to it. One arm of the ‘U’ gets hooked to a camera, making it horizontal to the arms. You can walk with it the same way you would with the top handle.

Many other gimbals are similar in that the ‘U’ open ends are joined, giving you a double-handed grasp. The X-Grip Stabilizer will cost you between $15 and $30.

5. Vest Stabilizer Systems

The camera operator wears a vest stabilizer that is attached to the camera. While the camera operator is walking, this sort of stabilizer keeps the camera stable and records jerk-free, resulting in a smooth shot.

These stabilizers are commonly used with large, high-end professional film cameras but can also be utilized with other types of cameras. Depending on your gear, it will cost you from $300-800.

The vest, arm, and sled are the three primary parts of a vest stabilizer system that work together to stabilize the camera. Here is a detailed explanation of the different functions of these parts:

Supporting tools

Single shoulder support is available on various stabilizers. This is primarily used by news reporters. The Revo SR-1000 is one such example, costing $89. These types of gimbals are two-axis instead of three-axis. However, they support the right of the camera and a few other areas.

DSLR rigs are also worthy of consideration. These can be carried on one shoulder as well. This is totally mechanical and supports the weight and holds the camera. It isn’t very effective as a stabilizer. The latest DSLR rigs will cost you around $35.

The next product is the Spider Stabilizer. It gets its name from the fact that it looks like it. Instead of eight arms, it features two side-by-side handles with the camera in the middle.

The camera is mechanically moved. It is unable to adjust on its own. They are, nonetheless, highly adaptable. The price of Spider Stabilizer is about $95.

Things To Look For When Choosing A Gimbal | Buying Considerations

Shooting a video with a handheld camera is great for creating a personal feel, but it can result in lots of blurry footage and shaky images. You can get around these problems by using a stabilizing device.

A gimbal is a piece of equipment that helps you keep your camera steady while filming. There are many gimbals available, each designed to work with specific cameras and accessories.

Before buying one, do some research so that you know what to look for in a model.

Why Do You Need A Gimbal?

You may be wondering why you need a gimbal in the first place. If so, here are some reasons that should help:

1. To keep your bow steady even though you are shooting it. This is especially important if you use compound bows or rifles as they tend to be more accurate than recurve and longbows.
2. To stabilize your shots while hunting or shooting at targets from a distance (e.g., shooting at paper targets).
3. To support your hands when using compound bows and rifles so they don’t get tired easily during use (this is especially important if you want to shoot continuously without stopping).

Here are some things to consider when choosing a gimbal:

Camera Gimbal Options (A Detailed Comparison)

Many camera gimbals are available on the market, but they all serve the same purpose: they help you get the best possible shot.

If you’re interested in getting one, you may wonder which one is right for your needs. To help you find the best option for your shooting style and budget, look at the chart for all the information:

Stabilizer Type	Mechanism	Cost
Top Handle	This is a basic gimbal, good for novice or amateur photographers who want to take pictures but don’t know how to use a tripod correctly. To set up a camera tripod, secure one rod to the base of your camera and the other rod to something solid. The two rods should be at a 90-degree angle to one another.	These handles cost between $15 to $25 making them the most affordable way to stabilize a camera.
X-Grip	The X-Grip gimbal has the shape of a ‘U.’ One arm of the ‘U’ is used to support the camera, while the other arm supports your hand. You can move with it in the same way that you would with a top handle. Other stabilizers are similar to this in that their open ends are joined, giving you a double-handed grasp.	X-Grip costs around $15 to $30.
Handheld Gimbals	These are some of the most common handheld gimbals you’ve seen. You can adjust the camera around this axis and add weight by extending the arm. It includes a Gimbal to help smooth out your footage.	A handheld stabilizer costs between $200 to $300.
3-Axis Gimbals	Some gimbals can recognize when they are tilted and adjust themselves automatically based on gravity. These can appear in a variety of shapes, including sticks, rectangular forms and two-handled support structures. Feiyutech AK-4000, Zhiyun Crane-2, and more models are examples.	It costs around $300 to $800.
Vest System gimbals	The iso-elastic arm is a vest system that, rather than stabilizing, supports the stabilizer. This system has gimbals with many axes; what distinguishes it is the presence of an iso-elastic arm attached to the vest. The arm can emerge from the vest’s side or as a forward-leaning arm from the rear to support the camera with a spring. This provides greater freedom and creativity to the user.	Depending on the equipment, the cost of Vest System gimbals costs between $300 to $800.

The Benefits Of Using A Camera Gimbal

People can use tripods, flat surfaces, and timers to take photos and movies with their cameras. However, this method can be cumbersome and limit the number of photos that you may take.

A camera gimbal can help you capture professional-looking photographs. Take note of how your hands frequently shake when shooting shots and how these motions are reflected in the images you obtain.

Professional photographers use a camera stabilizer to avoid this problem and obtain more high-quality shots.

Camera gimbals reduce the vibration that occurs while holding the phone, enabling users to take photos and videos from a greater distance. Some camera stabilizers even offer additional functions, allowing users to shoot in various modes.

For example, some new models have auto-face identification and a time-lapse capability to make photography more accessible and enjoyable.

How Does Camera Gimbals Work?

A gimbal is supposed to grasp the jerking while shooting in difficult situations Because the sensor cannot stabilize the background in such a short time. A Stabilizer is supposed to grasp the jerking while shooting in difficult situations because the sensor cannot stabilize the background in such a short time.

Furthermore, the camera’s resolution has to be reduced to capture it. To summarize, if both the camera and the image (e.g., you) are moving, a camera cannot record the true dimensions of a 3D scenario.

To get the jerk-free image and video quality, you have to walk like a mountain lion. But how can you do that when you want to record yourself running in the marathon or playing with the kids in the park?

Gimbals provide stability to the camera in shapes and forms due to their structure. There are several different types of camera stabilizers based on their structure.

Best Camera Stabilizers Today!

The best camera gimbals today can offer many advantages through their ergonomic and easy-to-use design. With this type of equipment, you can take great videos and photos without worrying about shaking.

The following are some of the best camera gimbals on the market today:

1.DJI Ronin-S & Other Models

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DJI Ronin-S is a small, portable, affordable gimbal stabilizer that’s perfect for cameras weighing up to 8 lbs. It is ideal for mirrorless or DSLR cameras that can balance easily on the included tripod mount. The DJI Ronin-S is also compatible with GoPro HERO4/5/6 and other action cameras.

The DJI Ronin-S can be used in portrait or landscape orientation, making it ideal for smartphone or tablet holders like the DJI GO 4 App and Camera Gimbal Clamp (sold separately), enabling you to capture smooth footage even while moving around on foot.

Its low center of gravity makes it easy to hold steady with one hand, which makes it perfect for handheld shots when you’re filming yourself or another person.

In addition, its quick-release system allows you to easily detach the camera from the gimbal without having to adjust its position first. This makes attaching your camera quick and convenient when using multiple cameras such as GoPro HERO4/5/6 or Sony RX100 V/RX0 II/RX10 IV/A7 III etc.

2. Zhiyun Crane 3S

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Zhiyun Crane 3S is the latest version of Zhiyun’s popular Crane gimbal. It features a new design, an improved motor structure, and increased payload capacity.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S comes in two versions: one with a 2-axis stabilization system (for cameras up to 7.2 pounds) and one with a 3-axis stabilization system (for cameras up to 10 pounds).

Both models have control via a smartphone app, which allows you to control your camera remotely from your phone or tablet. You can also use this app to set up the gimbal and calibrate it for optimal performance.

The gimbal also has internal batteries that allow it to operate without being connected to external power sources. This can come in handy when using larger cameras or multiple devices at once for live streaming or recording long videos.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is designed to work with mirrorless cameras like Sony’s A7 series and Fujifilm’s X-series. But it can also be used with smartphones up to 5.5 inches in size. The gimbal can be controlled wirelessly using an app on your phone or the buttons on the handle of the gimbal itself.

3. Easyrig

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Easyrig is a lightweight, easy-to-use camera stabilizer that can help you produce professional-looking video footage.

Easyrig is the world’s first and only truly wireless camera stabilizer using patented technology. The gimbal Control Unit (GCU) is connected to the camera via a single cable, with no need for any additional wires or batteries.

The GCU is powered by Easyrig’s own patented rechargeable battery system, which can be charged in just 2 hours. It has been designed to be as light and compact as possible and can easily fit into your backpack or jacket pocket.

Easyrig has become a go-to product for many professionals because of its versatility, ease of use, and overall quality.

The fact that you can use Easyrig with any DSLR camera means you can use it for almost any type of shoot – whether you’re filming a music video or taking stills on a location shoot.

4. Moza Lite 2

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The Moza Lite 2 is a handheld gimbal stabilizer that can be used with any camera, weighing up to 6.6 pounds. The head comes in two different versions, one for GoPro cameras and one for everything else. It has a maximum payload of 11 pounds, and its battery life lasts around eight hours on a single charge.

The Moza Lite 2 is compatible with most cameras thanks to its interchangeable mounting plate system, which is available in three different sizes — GoPro, Canon M5/M6, and Sony E-mount. If you don’t already have one of these mounts, they can be purchased separately from Moza’s website or Amazon.

The Moza Lite 2 has been designed for filmmakers who want to create smooth videos without spending thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on expensive gear.

Unlike some other gimbals designed for DSLRs, this one can also be used with mirrorless cameras, making it more appealing for those who want to upgrade from their smartphone or point-and-shoot camera without having to buy all new equipment.

Conclusion

There are several ways to improve production value, including better optics and filters, studio and set lighting, green screens, etc. In addition, camera stabilization has become very affordable and is now widely available in various configurations.

When choosing a camera stabilizer, buying the one that will give you the most value for your money is important.