The 5 Best Gimbals for Interviews & Podcasts [Buyer’s Picks 2025]

You’ve got great content. Strong guests. A mic that sounds like butter. But your video? It still looks like it was shot on a rollercoaster.

That shaky footage isn’t just distracting—it makes your podcast or interview feel amateur, no matter how solid your message is.

Here’s the fix: use a gimbal.

This post breaks down the five gimbals that content creators actually use when they want steady, clean, professional-looking video—whether you’re filming with a DSLR or just your phone.

These aren’t gimmicks.

They’re tools that work. If you want to shoot interviews or podcasts that look as good as they sound, start here.

Gimbal	Specs	Pros	Price
DJI Ronin-S 🎬 Best for Professional Shoots	Weight: 1.84 kg Payload: 3.6 kg Battery: 12 hrs	– High payload – Pro-level stabilization – Long battery life	🔗 View on Amazon
hohem iSteady M6 📱 Best for AI-Powered Mobile Filming	Weight: 551 g Payload: 400 g (Smartphones) Battery: 18 hrs	– AI tracking – OLED screen – Built-in fill light	🔗 View on Amazon
DJI Osmo Mobile 7 🏆 Best for Beginners	Weight: 309 g Payload: 290 g Battery: 10 hrs	– Lightweight – Gesture control – Great tracking	🔗 View on Amazon
Zhiyun Crane 3S 🎥 Best for Heavy-Duty Cinema Cameras	Weight: 2.47 kg Payload: 6.5 kg Battery: 12 hrs (with PowerPlus)	– Massive payload – Modular design – Powerful motors	🔗 View on Amazon
SMALLRIG RS 3 Mini Clamp 🔄 Best Accessory for RS 3 Mini	Weight: 100 g Payload: N/A Battery: N/A	– Quick release – Durable – Arca-Swiss compatible	🔗 View on Amazon

🏆 The 5 Best Gimbals for Interviews & Podcasts [2025]

You don’t need 20 gimbals. You need one that fits your gear, your shoot style, and your workflow.

Whether you’re filming a sit-down podcast, chasing a walking guest, or solo-recording with just your phone, the right gimbal makes you look polished without the post-production struggle.

Below are five that get the job done—tested, ranked, and ready for real-world use. Skip the specs sheet overload.

Pick the one that works for how you actually shoot.

1. DJI Ronin-S Handheld Camera Stabilizer

If your podcast studio doubles as a mini-documentary set, the DJI Ronin-S is what separates amateur from broadcast-quality footage.

Think “60 Minutes”–level interview B-roll.

The moment you need to track a walking guest or switch from seated Q&A to roaming narrative, the Ronin-S delivers that sleek, cinematic glide.

It’s not plug-and-play like a phone gimbal—but that’s the point.

You’re investing in stability and control that lets your footage speak for itself. Perfect for creators ready to scale their production game.

2. hohem iSteady M6 Kit Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone

The iSteady M6 is like a smart assistant for your mobile podcast setup.

It handles lighting, framing, and tracking so you can focus on delivering value.

Whether you’re shooting guest interviews in unpredictable environments or doing product explainers in your living room, this gimbal gives your content a “produced with a team” vibe.

The AI tracker? Pure gold when you don’t have a second camera op.

You can move freely and the camera stays locked on. Think of it as the best friend your iPhone never had.

3. DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Gimbal Stabilizer

If your content workflow involves speed and simplicity, this is your go-to.

The Osmo Mobile 7 is the “point-and-go” gimbal. You pull it out, unfold it, and you’re instantly ready to film.

That’s huge when you’re at a trade show or covering spontaneous events. Pair it with a smartphone mic and you’re podcasting in minutes.

The gesture control and ActiveTrack make it feel like you’re working with a virtual cameraman—just wave, and you’re live.

Perfect for creators who want to eliminate friction and focus on storytelling.

4. Zhiyun Crane 3S Gimbal Stabilizer

This beast isn’t for casual creators—it’s for those running multi-cam interviews, scripted podcasts, or commercial productions.

The Crane 3S can handle large cinema cameras, follow-focus systems, and external monitors without breaking a sweat.

It’s what you use when your podcast is going visual, and you want it to look Netflix-ready.

Picture a branded show shoot in a studio with layered lighting and dolly moves—this gimbal makes complex production look like second nature.

It’s a crew member, not a tool.

5. SMALLRIG RS 3 Mini Quick Release Clamp

This isn’t the flashiest tool—but it’s the one that makes your workflow 2x faster. The SmallRig clamp is like greasing the wheels of your shoot.

You go from gimbal to tripod in 3 seconds flat, meaning no lost audio or rebalancing nightmares.

It’s especially great for hybrid shooters who mix handheld, locked-off, and B-roll footage.

For interviews where the subject shifts locations, this little accessory makes sure your gear keeps up without missing a beat.

Think speed, consistency, and minimal friction.

Why Gimbals Matter for Interviews & Podcasts

If you record any kind of talking-head content, stability matters.

No one wants to watch a speaker bob up and down, even if the message is gold. A gimbal lets you move with your subject—or lock them in frame—without the camera shaking.

Here’s what a gimbal does better than a tripod or selfie stick:

• Tracks movement without jerks
  
• Keeps framing even as the subject moves
  
• Holds your gear steady for long takes
  
• Looks more cinematic without complex gear
  

Specs You Should Actually Care About

Skip the jargon. These are the only numbers that matter:

• Payload: How heavy is your camera? Your gimbal needs to handle that weight.
  
• Battery life: Are you filming 20-minute clips or 3-hour podcasts?
  
• Modes: Look for “lock,” “follow,” and “face tracking.”
  
• Mounting options: Can you add a mic or light? Can it sit on a tripod?

How to Use a Gimbal for Interviews

Here’s the process:

1. Balance your camera/phone
   – Center of gravity matters. Don’t skip this.
   
2. Pick the right mode
   – Use “Lock” for talking heads, “Follow” for moving guests.
   
3. Frame your shot
   – Use a rule-of-thirds grid.
   
4. Use tripods for stability
   – Combine static and motion shots.
   
5. Pair it with good audio
   – Use wireless lav mics or shotgun mics on a cold shoe.

Common Gimbal Mistakes That Ruin Your Shot

• You skip calibration. Your gimbal drifts.
  
• You overload it. It buzzes and vibrates.
  
• You film vertical content in horizontal mode. It crops poorly.
  
• You walk too fast. Even the gimbal can’t save it.
  

🛠 Fix it:

• Rebalance before every new shoot.
  
• Update firmware.
  
• Turn on motor strength auto-tune.
  
• Use slower follow speeds for interviews.
  

Add-Ons You Shouldn’t Skip

🎒 Here’s what improves your shots:

• Tripod base: Set up static framing
  
• Fill light: Add face lighting in low-light settings
  
• Cold shoe adapter: Attach shotgun mic or wireless receiver
  
• Counterweights: Balance heavy phones or wide lenses
  

Gimbal app: Control movement, track faces, adjust follow speed

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Take: Pick the Gimbal That Matches Your Shooting Style

Don’t buy the biggest gimbal just because it sounds powerful. Match the tool to your setup.

• Running a podcast with a phone? Grab the Osmo Mobile 7 or M6.
  
• Shooting with a DSLR? Go for the Ronin-S.
  
• Filming Netflix-level footage? Only the Crane 3S will cut it.
  
• Moving fast between handheld and tripod? You need that SmallRig Clamp.
  

🎬 Want better-looking footage? Don’t wait. Pick a gimbal. Start shooting like you mean it.