Smartphone gimbals negate one of the worst parts of smartphone videos: shaky footage. Counterbalancing any movement, gimbals allow you to create smooth, gliding shots that look worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.
When gimbals first hit the market, the inbuilt stabilization offered by smartphones wasn’t very good, but it has improved dramatically in the years since. Still, while optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization can get you a long way, they’re still no match for a physical stabilizer, especially when it comes to low-light scenarios.
Insta360 Flow vs DJI Osmo Mobile 6: Which smartphone gimbal should you buy?
These two smartphone gimbals offer portability and practicality for the exact same price. So which one should you get?
Smoothness isn’t the only reason to invest in a gimbal, either. Gimbals are amazing for creating a motion timelapse. Using AI tracking, many can make filming yourself a lot easier by keeping you in the center of the frame.
If you’ve decided to invest, there are a lot of options to choose from. But, lack of features, limited performance, and bulky designs can make some options not worth the cost. We’ve been testing as many as we can — here are the best smartphone gimbals you can buy in 2024.
Best smartphone gimbals: Our favorite picks
The best smartphone gimbal packs performance in a portable design
The best smartphone gimbal delivers superb stabilization, above-average versatility and smart tracking all in a design that’s not too bulky. For those reasons, the Insta360 Flow is the best smartphone gimbal for most people. It’s an excellent performer that still keeps the design and price from creeping too high.
But, while the Insta360 Flow is our favorite, there are a few features that you can find on other options. If you have both a smartphone and a mirrorless or action camera, the Hohem iSteady MT2 can handle both with ease. The Zhiyun Smooth 5s offers professional-grade stability but in a larger design. We preferred the joystick and tougher construction of the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, while the Osmo Mobile SE is the best option if you don’t have much cash to spend.
FAQ
Q: What type of smartphone gimbal should you get?
There are two distinct approaches to smartphone gimbal design; one favors compactness and portability over everything while the other opts for adjustability and professional controls. If you’re a casual shooter who wants something to spice up their holiday videos, then you’ll likely want to look at something like the Osmo Mobile 6 or Insta360 Flow, as they’re lightweight, compact and easy to use.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to achieve truly cinematic shots, and you like to use accessories like external lenses and mics with your smartphone, you’ll want to go with something a bit more professional. In that case, a product like the Zhiyun Smooth 5S or Hohem iSteady MT2 would serve you well.
Q: What features should you look out for?
Smartphone gimbals are loaded with features to help you create exciting videos with ease. This ranges from things like beauty features and shot guides to AI subject tracking. We’re used to editing our videos the old-fashioned way with software like Adobe Premiere, but if you’re not experienced with editing, you might find the ability to automatically edit your footage into highlight reels to be quite appealing.
Our favorite gimbal feature is AI subject tracking, as this allows you to film yourself and the camera will automatically follow you wherever you go, but if you rarely film yourself, this feature isn’t likely to matter as much. Think about how you like to shoot and edit, and the important features should become apparent.
Q: Is a smartphone gimbal worth it?
Smartphone gimbals are an excellent addition to your gear if you are frequently recording videos while on the move. If you want to walk while recording, a gimbal will make a dramatic difference in your footage. If you prefer to record while standing still, a tripod is another option that’s often less expensive. The other question to ask before buying a gimbal is whether you will regularly pack it. You’d have to have pretty big pockets to carry around a gimbal without carrying a bag or backpack.
Q: What is a gimbal?
In the simplest terms, a gimbal is a gadget that helps capture smooth video footage while on the move. Using motors, a gimbal rotates and tilts the camera to counteract the movement of the videographer. The result is butter-smooth video footage. Unlike a tripod, a gimbal is designed to create steady video while on the move, leaving the videographer free to use motion without making viewers seasick.
While the gimbals’ original purpose is to create steady video, thanks to AI, these accessories can do more than just keep the shakes at bay. Many gimbals are able to follow the subject, keeping a moving person in the center of the frame. The videographer can also use the joystick to turn or tilt the camera at a steady pace, opening up more possibilities for cinematic camera movement.
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