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The best gimbals for smartphones
Kamera Express
Do you want to record smooth videos with your smartphone without ending up with shaky footage? Then a smartphone gimbal is an essential tool. A gimbal stabilises your smartphone while you record, so you can create professional shots for vlogs, travel videos or social media.
But which smartphone gimbal suits you best? That depends above all on how you film. In this blog we present the best smartphone gimbals for different types of user, to make it easier for you to make the right choice.
What is a smartphone gimbal?
A smartphone gimbal is a stabiliser with motors that compensate for movement while you are filming. As a result, your footage stays smooth, even when you are walking or moving around.
Many modern gimbals also offer features such as:
• Automatic subject tracking
• Timelapse and motionlapse
• Built-in tripods
• Control via a smartphone app
With a good gimbal you can quickly create professional-looking videos with your smartphone.
Best gimbal for beginners
Are you new to shooting video with your smartphone? Then a gimbal that is easy to operate and ready to use in seconds is a good choice. Entry-level models often offer automatic stabilisation and useful features such as subject tracking, so you can create stable videos even without technical knowledge.
DJI Osmo Mobile SE
The DJI Osmo Mobile SE is a user-friendly smartphone gimbal that is ideal for beginners. Thanks to the 3-axis stabilisation, you can easily make smooth videos without shaky footage.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• Active Track subject tracking
• Compact and foldable design
• DJI Mimo app with creative shooting modes
Hohem iSteady V2S
The Hohem iSteady V2S is an accessible gimbal with intelligent AI tracking. Thanks to the compact design and the built-in tripod, you can record stable videos without any trouble.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• AI tracking with sensor
• Built-in tripod
• Compact and lightweight design
Zhiyun Smooth Q3 Combo
The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 Combo is a compact, foldable gimbal that is perfect for aspiring video makers.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• Foldable design
• Built-in LED video light
• Creative shooting modes
Best gimbal for vloggers and social media creators
For vloggers and social media creators it is important that a gimbal is compact, lightweight and quick to set up. Features such as automatic tracking, vertical video and various shooting modes make it easier to create dynamic content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 makes it easy to create smooth vlog footage while you are walking or filming yourself. Thanks to intelligent tracking features, your subject always stays in frame.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• ActiveTrack subject tracking
• Compact and foldable design
• Creative shooting and timelapse modes
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Combo
The Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Combo has an extendable arm that lets you record selfies and vlogs with ease.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• Extendable selfie arm
• Creative shooting modes
• Compact design
Hohem iSteady V3
The Hohem iSteady V3 combines stabilisation with AI tracking, so you can easily follow moving subjects while filming.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• AI tracking technology
• Lightweight and compact design
• Several shooting and tracking modes
Best gimbal for professional smartphone videos
Do you want more control over your smartphone videos and more creative camera movements? Then a more powerful gimbal with more adjustment options and stabilisation is a good choice.
Zhiyun Smooth 5
The Zhiyun Smooth 5 is a powerful gimbal for video makers who want more control over their videos.
• Powerful 3-axis stabilisation
• Creative shooting modes
• Ergonomic control panel
• Suitable for larger smartphones
Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is an advanced smartphone gimbal with powerful stabilisation and intelligent tracking.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• AI tracking technology
• Vortex Mode for 360° rotation
• Suitable for creative videography
Hohem iSteady M6
The Hohem iSteady M6 is a powerful gimbal for video makers who want to capture stable, professional footage.
• 3-axis stabilisation
• AI tracking technology
• Support for accessories
• Ideal for professional video shoots
What should you look for in a smartphone gimbal?
There are a few important points to consider when choosing a smartphone gimbal. Not every gimbal offers the same features and performance, so it is a good idea to decide in advance what you will mainly use the gimbal for. Think, for example, of vlogging, social media content or shooting travel videos.
Most smartphone gimbals have 3-axis stabilisation. This means the gimbal compensates for movement on three different axes, so you can make smooth, stable videos even while walking or moving. For most users, a gimbal with 3-axis stabilisation is the best choice.
Battery life can vary from gimbal to gimbal. For everyday use, a battery life of around 8 to 12 hours is ideal. That way you can film all day without any trouble, for example during a trip, an event or a vlog shoot.
Many modern gimbals offer automatic tracking. This lets the gimbal follow a face or an object automatically while you film. It is especially useful for vloggers and content creators who film themselves or want to track moving subjects.
If you often take the gimbal with you, size matters. Compact, foldable gimbals fit easily into a bag or a backpack and are ideal for travelling or everyday use.
Some gimbals offer extra features that make filming even easier. Think, for example, of a built-in tripod, an extendable selfie stick, various shooting modes or support for accessories such as lighting or microphones.
More accessories for your smartphone
Besides a gimbal, there are plenty of other accessories that improve filming with your smartphone, such as microphones, tripods and lighting.
Frequently asked questions about smartphone gimbals
Does a smartphone gimbal work with every smartphone?
Most smartphone gimbals work with both iPhones and Android smartphones. It is important, though, to check that the weight and size of your smartphone fall within the gimbal's specifications. Most models support smartphones up to around 300 grams.
How do you connect a smartphone to a gimbal?
You connect most smartphone gimbals via Bluetooth to a matching app. Once your smartphone is in the holder and the app is paired, you can use features such as automatic tracking, timelapse and various shooting modes.
What is the difference between a cheap and a more expensive smartphone gimbal?
Cheaper gimbals often offer basic stabilisation and simple features. More expensive models generally have stronger motors, better tracking and more creative shooting modes. That makes them better suited to vloggers and content creators who want more control over their videos.
How long does the battery of a smartphone gimbal last?
The battery life of smartphone gimbals is usually between 8 and 15 hours, depending on the model and how intensively you use the gimbal. That often lets you film for a whole day without having to charge in between.
Is a smartphone gimbal worth it?
Yes, especially if you regularly record videos with your smartphone. A gimbal delivers steadier images and makes it easier to get smooth shots while walking or moving. As a result, your videos quickly look more professional.
