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What Is a Gimbal?
Janine van der Kooij - Vink
What is a gimbal?
When recording videos with a camera, smartphone, or action cam, even small movements can quickly result in shaky footage. A gimbal is a tool specifically designed to solve this problem. With a gimbal, you can create smooth, stable video recordings — even while walking or moving.
In this blog, we explain what a gimbal is, how a gimbal works, and when you might need one.
What exactly is a gimbal?
A gimbal is an electronic stabilisation system that keeps your camera, smartphone, or action cam stable while filming. The device uses motors and sensors to detect movements and automatically compensate for them.
For example, when you walk while filming, a gimbal counteracts the movement to keep your camera level and stable. This results in smooth, professional-looking footage without unwanted shakes.
Gimbals are widely used by:
• Videographers
• Vloggers
• Filmmakers
• Content creators
• Journalists
How does a gimbal work?
Most modern gimbals use 3-axis stabilisation. This means the camera is stabilised across three different types of movement.
Pan (left and right)
The camera remains stable when moving horizontally.
Tilt (up and down)
Prevents shaky footage when, for example, walking up stairs.
Roll (rotation)
Keeps the horizon level when the camera tilts sideways.
Different control modes
Pan Following
The tilt and roll axes are locked. The camera smoothly follows the horizontal panning movement of the handle.
Pan & Tilt Following
The roll axis is locked. The camera follows both the pan and tilt movements of the handle.
Locking Mode
All axes are locked in the position they were in when the mode was activated.
When do you need a gimbal?
A gimbal is especially useful when you:
- Vlog while walking
- Shoot moving footage
- Want to record cinematic videos
- Want to create professional-looking content
