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Gimbals are the perfect accessory for those looking to enhance the footage taken from their smartphone or camera. They allow videographers to get creative with their shots and remove unwanted shakiness. Gimbals range from handheld, single-axis gimbals to multi-axis gimbals with additional features. Whether you want a more traditional gimbal like the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 or something that has AI built in, such as the Insta360 Flow, there is a great model for just about every budget.
Insta360 Flow review: Instantly one of the best
The first smartphone gimbal from Insta360 is doing almost everything right
Just as smartphones have become increasingly capable pocket cameras, smartphone gimbals have evolved quite a bit over the years, moving beyond merely stabilizing your videos to becoming smart robots that do the shooting for you. Even so, recent models have been a bit stagnant, leaving many asking if they’re just repackaged versions of the previous generation.
Your phone and tablet are now your best filmmaking and photography accessories
Professionals are putting all the power of our common gadgets to use
Smartphone cameras may be making impressive progress thanks to computational photography and plenty of innovation in sensor technology, but they're still not usually chosen for shooting professional photos and videos like we see in the movies we rent and stream. Dedicated cameras with large sensors and top-tier lenses remain the obvious choice at that level, but smartphones and tablets have been creeping into the production process. Gear makers are regularly inventing new ways to turn our pocket-sized gadgets into indispensable accessories for photography and filmmaking.
Smartphone gimbals were once a tool for just smoothing out video, but they have since grown into the perfect tools for capturing distinctive angles, creating unique photos, and simply having a more comfortable grip. DJI has consistently put out some of the best gimbals on the market with both the Ronin line for dedicated cameras, and the Osmo Mobile (OM) line for smartphones. With today's launch of the OM5, DJI is further evolving its stabilizer technology to enable even more creative control.
This smartphone gimbal will take your TikToks and Instagram videos to the next level
Review: Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 — Designed for creators
Smartphone gimbals have progressed quite a bit over the years, first serving just as tools to keep the image steady, but eventually evolving more targeted features and designs. Zhiyun released the Smooth-Q2 in 2019, and its small size and sturdy design made it ideal for travel. Now the brand new Smooth-Q3 is out, but this time the design and features are directed toward vloggers and social networking.
Win one of 8 Hohem iSteady X smartphone gimbals (Update: Winners)
Or buy a new iSteady X for $54 ($15 off) with coupon code
Spring's here, COVID vaccines are rolling out, and you're undoubtedly ready to get back outside and experience the world. When you do, you'll probably be taking photos and shooting video of everything you've been missing. To help keep your footage clear and steady, our friends at Hohem are giving away eight white iSteady X smartphone gimbals. Here's what you need to know.
Smartphone gimbals (a.k.a. stabilizers) aren't a new product category, but they've changed and improved quite a bit over the years. While there are always new features being added, that can make them cumbersome and get in the way of usability. Zhiyun is trying out a more simplified and compact design with the Smooth-X and Smooth-XS that's targeted at travelers and casual users. These aren't as flexible as most gimbals, but they're easier to use, cost less, and take less space.
Win one of six Hohem iSteady Pro3 gimbals (Update: Winners)
Compatible with GoPro Hero, OSMO Action, Sony RX0, SJCAM, and YI cam
Capturing action-oriented footage is a great way to put your viewers directly in the center of an exciting experience. Whether you're running, biking, hiking, or skateboarding, your camera has to be stable, otherwise you risk ruining the shot. This week, you can sign up for your chance to win one of six Hohem iSteady Pro3 gimbals, valued at a piece.
DJI announces new Pocket 2 stabilized camera with tons of improvements and accessories
It's even smaller than this headline
Mobile video doesn't always have to mean it's shot on a smartphone, and DJI proved that with the launch of the Osmo Pocket back in 2018. It took a while, but DJI is back with an updated version of the wand-with-a-camera called the Pocket 2, and it's improved in basically every way. The Pocket 2 follows the same basic form factor from the original, but with a new camera, improved audio system, and support for an accessory ecosystem.
Founded in 2015, Zhiyun has made it their mission to create versatile, easy-to-use gimbals for a variety of cameras and smartphones. Earlier this month, we shared a close look at the premium Crane 2S. This week, we have all the details on the new Smooth XS that comes with auto subject-tracking and a nifty selfie mode.[EMBED_YT]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui87X-vDba0[/EMBED_YT]The Zhiyun Smooth XS is a mobile smartphone gimbal that features an ergonomic design with an anti-slip grip, paired to a stability system that keeps photos sharp and videos smooth. It weighs in at only 249g, ensuring that the gimbal is light and comfortable to hold while filming or snapping photos. For the ultimate convenience and portability, the Smooth XS is rocking an innovative slide-up handle that allows the gimbal to pop out when needed and collapse for easier storage. The rod can even be extended out to 260mm, creating an ideally balanced selfie stick that's great at capturing wider shots.
Win one of seven Hohem iSteady X smartphone gimbals (Update: Winners)
Or slash 20% off your order with coupon code when you buy an iSteady X gimbal today
For most people, a modern smartphone is more than good enough for snapping photos and capturing video. But despite innovations like optical image stabilization and post-production editing apps, images taken by even the steadiest of hands can still yield motion-based imperfections. To help you shoot the sharpest photos and smoothest video footage, our friends at TikTech are giving away seven Hohem iSteady X smartphone gimbals.
When trying to shoot the perfect video footage, having a steady hand just won't cut it. Videographers need a pro-level gimbal that provides device stability while also being easy to detach with just a click. This week, our friends at Zhiyun are giving away a Crane 2S gimbal to one lucky Android Police reader in the United States or Europe. Here's everything you need to know to enter.
Zhiyun's Crane 2S gimbal has the strength and versatility to be a must-have for serious videographers (Sponsored)
Robust enough to support large cameras, adaptable enough to attach or detach with ease
Professional videographers know that there's no such thing as simply pointing and shooting a perfect scene. Getting the ideal shot takes expertly crafted equipment — good lighting, a worthy camera, and a rock-solid gimbal — along with a skilled eye, all working in harmony. The Zhiyun Crane 2S gimbal provides pro-level stability and versatility, making it a must-have for any serious videographer.[EMBED_YT]https://youtu.be/3wYUUpUcgdU[/EMBED_YT]The Crane 2S by Zhiyun is an adaptable gimbal designed with both ease of use and assurance in mind. It's capable of supporting large cameras, like the BMPCC 6K, Panasonic S1H, Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, and Nikon D850, all without straining the gimbal's components. To ensure the Crane 2S remains light and agile while also being able to support a significant amount of weight, it features a carbon fiber handle mated to a new 0.96" OLED display. Inside sits three removable 18650 Li-ion batteries, collectively clocking in at 12 hours of power on a single charge.[EMBED_YT]https://youtu.be/zvzXREf7dDo[/EMBED_YT]The Crane 2S's claim to fame, though, resides in the new FlexMount System that allows a camera to be detached from a tripod and reattached to the Crane 2S with ease. This system features a double-safety mechanism that secures the camera in place, allowing videographers to get set up and start shooting in mere seconds. For added versatility, the Crane 2S's vertical quick release mount with safety knob allows a camera to easily capture high quality, mobile-ready footage with just a click.
DJI announces OM4 smartphone stabilizer with quick-snap mount for instant setup
The latest evolution of the Osmo Mobile line
DJI may be best known for its photo drones, but the company has also had great success making gimbals (handheld stabilizers) for cameras and smartphones. Today, the Osmo Mobile line of smartphone gimbals is getting a new generation, but it will be under a somewhat new name — DJI is simply calling it the OM4. It boasts a new mounting system designed instant attachment, upgraded motors, and a folded design that's ready to use almost instantly.
Vivo unveils its 5G-enabled flagship X50 series with focus on photography
The three X50-series phones are accompanied by a pair of truly wireless earbuds
Vivo may be better known for its budget and mid-range handsets targeting some Asian markets, but it still manages to surprise us often with its innovative concept designs — like when it showcased some crazy fast wireless and wired charging speeds or introduced a gimbal-based OIS system for one of its concept phones. Vivo is now bringing that camera feature to a couple of models in its latest flagship series, the X50 family.
Get the tiny DJI Osmo Pocket gimbal camera for $279 ($70 off) on Amazon
The retailer also throws in a free 32GB San Disk microSD card
DJI can be considered as a pioneer in video tech miniaturization — just look at its recently announced Mavic Mini pocket drone. But the company already proved its expertise two years ago when it unveiled the Osmo Pocket, its tiny gimbal camera. This piece of equipment is currently heavily discounted on Amazon, going for only $279, which is about $70 off the regular price. The retailer also throws in a free 32GB SanDisk microSD card that you can use in the camera.The Osmo Pocket is stabilized on three axis and super lightweight at 116g, making it great for filming action scenes without the bulk of a professional setup. A small built-in display even lets you use it independently from a smartphone, but it's also possible to attach your phone to it. The camera records in 4K 60fps at 100Mbits using its 1/2.3-inch sensor with an 80° field-of-view and an f/2.0 aperture. Keep in mind that you have to register with DJI before you can fully unleash the device's potential, though.
Vivo's APEX 2020 concept phone has a built-in gimbal camera and supports 60W wireless charging
You won't be able to buy this phone, though
Vivo has built a habit of announcing concepts with the most outlandish hardware that it wants to add to its regular lineup in the future. Its 2018 phone was one of the first in the industry to have a pop-up front lens and virtually no screen bezels while the 2019 release fully did away with regular ports and a selfie camera to eliminate points of failure and maximize the screen size even further. The Vivo APEX 2020 continues this trend, but it has received a front camera again in the form of an in-display solution and has stepped up the wireless charging game to 60W.
DJI might be the first name you think of when it comes to consumer-grade gimbals and drones. They come with pretty fair price tags on the regular, but several times a year, the company likes to put on the sale. And while the Black Friday and Christmas sales it put on last year eclipse this Valentine's Day one in size, you can still save a chunk of change on some neat gear.
Whether you're preparing for a trip across the world or just getting together a few essentials for a hike, it can be difficult to find space for everything that will come with you. If something is too big, it's staying at home. That's where most smartphone gimbals tend to fail the test: long handles and awkward shapes make them terrible to pack and annoying to carry. Zhiyun, a company highly regarded for its DSLR and smartphone gimbals, is preparing to release a new model called the Smooth-Q2 that's more compact than any smartphone gimbal on the market. Aside from a few basic sacrifices, it's a great little tool to really improve the quality of your videos.
If you're a budding filmmaker or just want a way to capture your vacation or kid's soccer game without your jittery hands ruining the shot, smartphone gimbals are the way to go these days. DJI's series of gimbals opened up access to this longtime Hollywood workhorse for smoothing moves out. Now, the company is back with version 3 of its Osmo Mobile — more foldable and more affordable than ever.