Gimbal stabilizers have become essential tools for capturing smooth, cinematic video footage with today’s high-resolution cameras. Even the slightest bit of camera shake is noticeable when filming in 4K or high frame rates, making stabilization more critical than ever. In this in-depth guide, we’ll be reviewing the top 5 gimbal stabilizers on the market to help you choose the right model for your needs and budget. Whether you’re shooting Hollywood productions, YouTube videos, or just home movies, adding a gimbal to your camera kit can take your videos to the next level. Let’s get started!

Introduction

A gimbal stabilizer is a device that uses a combination of motors and sensors to detect and counteract unwanted camera movement in 3 axes. This results in fluid, stabilized footage even when recording handheld or during motion. While software stabilization has improved in cameras and mobile devices, it simply can’t match the smoothness of mechanical stabilization that a dedicated gimbal provides.

When selecting a gimbal, you’ll first want to consider the maximum payload or weight capacity to ensure it can support your camera and lens setup. Other key factors include battery life, stabilization quality, controls and shooting modes, size/portability, and additional features. Prices range from under $100 for basic consumer models to over $1000 for professional units made for cinema cameras. We’ll be covering gimbals across this spectrum to suit different needs and budgets.

The top 5 gimbals we’ve selected to highlight are:

• DJI RS 2 – DJI’s premium gimbal designed for mirrorless and DSLR cameras
• Zhiyun Crane M2 – A mid-range gimbal with useful features at an affordable price
• FeiyuTech AK4000 – A high payload gimbal ideal for heavy DSLR rigs
• Moza Air 2 – A lightweight and intelligent gimbal packed with high-tech features
• Zhiyun Weebill S – An ultra compact and lightweight gimbal perfect for travel

Now let’s dive into the details on each of these top-rated stabilizers!

DJI RS 2

DJI is the undisputed leader in camera drones and gimbal technology. The DJI RS 2 is their latest high-end gimbal, designed to provide stabilization for everything from compact mirrorless cameras up to professional cinema cameras. It’s a versatile 3-axis gimbal that offers robust performance across a wide range of camera setups.

Key Specs and Features

• Payload: Supports up to 4.5kg (10lbs)
• Battery: 14 hours runtime
• Stabilization: 3-axis (pan, tilt, roll) using brushless gimbal motors
• Controls: Intuitive buttons, joystick, trigger, and switches. Removable mobile module available.
• Modes: Pan Follow, Lock, POV, Vortex, Full Follow
• Additional Features: Motion timelapse, hyperlapse, panorama, active track 3.0

Pros

• Provides excellent stabilization for both mirrorless and DSLR camera rigs
• Lightweight carbon fiber build despite high payload capacity
• Intuitive controls with useful buttons, joystick, and switches
• Helpful capture modes like motion timelapse and panoramas
• Quick switch between underslung and upright modes

Cons

• High price tag – around $999 USD
• Non-removable batteries

The DJI RS 2 really shines for videographers who need to stabilize a wide range of compact and larger camera setups. Its high 4.5kg payload means you can mount anything from a Sony A7 mirrorless, to a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, to even pro DSLRs like the Canon 1DX Mark III. Despite the robust motors and chassis, it only weighs 1.86kg itself making it easy to handle.

The controls include useful buttons, a joystick for smooth POV movements, and switches that allow quick mode changes. Advanced shooting modes like motion timelapse, hyperlapse, panoramas, and even intelligent subject tracking provide unique creative options. The ability to go from underslung to upright mode almost instantly gives you flexibility in framing shots as well.

While the price is certainly a con, the performance, build quality, and shooting versatility make the DJI RS 2 one of the top gimbals for serious videographers and pros. It’s ideal for commercial shoots, events, or travel films where you need premium stabilization for both mirrorless and DSLR camera rigs.

Zhiyun Crane M2

For those looking for a gimbal packed with professional features at an affordable price, the Zhiyun Crane M2 is a fantastic option. It builds on the popularity of Zhiyun’s Crane series by adding useful controls for focus and zoom, improved motors, and extended battery life. Despite the low price, it doesn’t feel or perform like a cheap gimbal.

Key Specs and Features

• Payload: Supports up to 2.2kg (4.8lbs)
• Battery: 15 hours runtime
• Stabilization: 3-axis (pan, roll, tilt) using brushless motors
• Controls: Joystick, buttons, POV mode wheel, focus and zoom control wheels
• Modes: Follow, Lock, Vortex, Go
• Additional Features: POV orbit shots, focus and zoom control wheels, auto-rotation

Pros

• Excellent price – available under $300 USD
• Very long 15 hour battery life per charge
• Useful focus and zoom control wheels
• POV mode for unique rotating perspective shots

Cons

• Lower payload capacity – better suited for mirrorless vs heavier DSLR rigs
• Bulky and heavy body compared to other compact gimbals

While the Zhiyun Crane M2 may lack some of the shooting modes and design elegance of premium gimbals, it punches well above its price point. The advanced control wheels for focus and zoom give you more lens control from the gimbal handle rather than needing to reach for the lens itself. This allows smoother camera movements while tracking subjects or adjusting focus.

The POV orbit mode provides a simple way to get unique rotating perspective shots around a fixed subject. You can also switch the gimbal orientation from upright to underslung quickly for low angle tilts and pans. 15 hours of battery life per charge is very impressive, giving you all day shooting capacity.

If you’re on a budget but want professional gimbal features beyond basic stabilization, the Zhiyun Crane M2 is a stellar choice. While its lower payload capacity won’t support the heaviest DSLR rigs, it works great for mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji and others. Videographers who value controls, modes, and battery life over compact size will love this versatile gimbal.

FeiyuTech AK4000

Next up we have the FeiyuTech AK4000, which offers an impressive high payload capacity in a compact form factor. This gimbal can support pro DSLR cameras and large lenses that even high-end gimbals struggle with. The AK4000 proves you don’t need a gigantic stabilization rig to reap the benefits of gimbal shooting with heavy camera setups.

Key Specs and Features

• Payload: Supports up to 5.5kg (12lbs)
• Battery: 12 hours runtime
• Stabilization: 3-axis (pan, tilt, roll) with brushless motors
• Controls: Joystick and buttons for modes and parameters
• Modes: Pan Following, Locking, Full Following, POV
• Additional Features: Underslung mode, zoom and focus control wheels

Pros

• Strong motors provide excellent stabilization even with very heavy gear
• Controls are intuitive and easy to reach while operating
• Surprisingly compact and lightweight given high payload
• Great price for a pro-level gimbal that can support cinema cameras

Cons

• Battery life shorter than premium gimbals (but still solid at 12 hrs)
• Design not as sleek and refined as DJI/Zhiyun models
• On the heavier side at 2.6kg despite compact size

The AK4000 punches above its weight class, providing cinema-level stabilization in a mid-range package. If you shoot with pro DSLR bodies and heavy L-series zoom lenses, this is the ideal gimbal that won’t break the bank. The payload capacity means you can mount setups like a Canon 1DX with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens without issue.

While 12 hours of runtime is respectable, batteries are removable so you can carry spares. The joystick and buttons deliver intuitive manual camera control, while modes like POV allow you to get creative shots. It even features zoom and focus control for maintaining focus on moving subjects.

For videographers and filmmakers that need serious stabilization for large DSLRs, the FeiyuTech AK4000 is arguably the best sub-$1000 option before stepping up to cinema-level gimbals. If your needs lean more towards compact mirrorless cameras, there are lighter and smaller options. But for heavy rigs, the AK4000 can’t be beat for the price.

Moza Air 2

Our next gimbal, the Moza Air 2, sets itself apart with an extremely lightweight yet durable design. Despite weighing only 1.1kg, its carbon fiber and magnesium alloy construction provide good payload capacity in a go-anywhere form factor. It also packs high-tech features like motion sensors, automatic rotation modes, and even AI-powered object tracking.

Key Specs and Features

• Payload: Supports up to 2.5kg (5.5lbs)
• Battery: 16 hours runtime
• Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal with brushless motors
• Controls: Joystick, buttons, focus control wheel
• Modes: Pan Following, Locking, Full Following, Go Mode
• Additional Features: Motion sensors, automatic rotation, AI tracking

Pros

• Extremely lightweight carbon fiber construction
• Useable focus control wheel for smooth focus adjustments
• Automatic rotation and AI tracking modes
• Good 16 hour battery life

Cons

• Lower payload capacity than some competitors
• Can feel twitchy with very heavy camera/lens rigs

If you value lightweight portability in your gimbal, the Moza Air 2 is one of the best options available. It provides stable 3-axis stabilization in a gimbal that many mistake for a camera or lens at first glance. The focus control wheel lets you smoothly adjust focus while recording without touching your lens barrel.

Advanced motion sensors power two unique intelligent shooting modes – automatic rotation orbit shots, and AI subject tracking. Being able to automatically rotate around a fixed subject opens up creative possibilities previously only possible on a drone or DJI Ronin. The AI tracking mode allows selecting a subject in the frame for the gimbal to automatically follow.

While the lower 2.5kg payload capacity won’t support pro DSLR rigs, it provides ample stabilization for mirrorless cameras from Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic and others. For gimbal users that value lightweight design, smart features, and long battery life, the Moza Air 2 is a compelling option worth considering.

Zhiyun Weebill S

Finally we come to the tiny but powerful Zhiyun Weebill S, which shows that good things really do come in small packages. Weighing just 1.1kg, this ultra compact gimbal was designed with travel and portability in mind without sacrificing features and performance.

Key Specs and Features

• Payload: Supports up to 2.5kg (5.5lbs)
• Battery: 14 hours runtime
• Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal with brushless motors
• Controls: Joystick, buttons, scroll wheels, trigger
• Modes: Pan Following, Locking, Full Following, Go
• Additional Features: POV mode, focus and zoom control wheels, underslung mode

Pros

• Extremely compact and lightweight – easy to pack and carry anywhere
• Intuitive control with useful scroll wheels and buttons
• Zoom/focus control wheels for smooth lens adjustments
• Underslung mode for low angles not possible with larger gimbals

Cons

• Lower payload capacity due to small size
• Non-removable batteries

Despite its tiny size, the Weebill S boasts many high-end features at a reasonable price point. In terms of portability, nothing else comes close to packing down smaller while still providing 3-axis stabilization. The control setup allows accessing all modes and parameters without taking hands off the unit.

Useful additions like the zoom and focus control wheels make tracking subjects a breeze. The ability to quickly go into underslung mode opens up unique low angle shots not possible on larger gimbals. It provides up to 14 hours of runtime per charge, delivering all day shooting capacity.

For gimbal users who prioritize lightweight travel and portability above all, the Zhiyun Weebill S is the ultimate choice. The small size does limit payload capacity compared to bulkier gimbals. But for compact mirrorless cameras and vlogging setups, it’s hard to beat this tiny stabilizer powerhouse.

How to Choose a Camera Gimbal

After reviewing the top options across different price points and needs, let’s discuss key factors to consider when choosing a gimbal:

• Camera payload – Compare your camera, lens, and accessories weight to the gimbal’s capacity to ensure compatibility. Go with higher capacity models if using pro DSLRs.
• Battery life – Runtime can vary from 6 hours to over 15 hours for premium models. Choose a gimbal with battery life sufficient for your typical shoot times.
• Stabilization quality – Look for 3-axis gimbals from reputable brands that use high quality motors and stabilization algorithms. This ensures smooth footage.
• Controls and modes – Intuitive physical controls that don’t require touchscreens are ideal. Useful modes like motion timelapse, tracking, and POV can add production value.
• Size/portability – If traveling frequently, compact lightweight designs are preferable. But this often requires sacrificing payload capacity.
• Additional features – Focus, zoom control wheels, underslung modes, and other extras can improve convenience and expand creative options.
• Budget – Prices range from $100 for basic models to over $1000 for professional units. Buy the gimbal that meets your needs at an appropriate price point.

Take the time to carefully evaluate your shooting needs, gear, and budget. This will help narrow down the ideal gimbal to take your videography to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do gimbal stabilizers work?

Gimbals utilize a combination of brushless motors and motion sensors on 3 axes to detect unwanted movements like shakes or jerks. Signals are sent to the motors hundreds of times per second to dynamically stabilize and counteract this motion, resulting in smooth video footage.

What cameras and lenses can I use with a gimbal?

This depends on the payload capacity of your gimbal. Smaller consumer gimbals under $300 are best suited for mirrorless cameras and compact lenses. Prosumer models around $500-1000 can support most DSLRs except super telephotos. Top professional gimbals $1000+ handle pro cinema cameras and long/heavy telephoto lenses.

How long does gimbal battery last?

Battery life varies by model. Basic consumer gimbals may get 6-12 hours per charge. Prosumer models are typically 10-14 hours. Premium options can last 15-18+ hours. Additional backup batteries can extend runtimes as needed.

What shooting modes do camera gimbals offer?

Most gimbals have basic pan/follow modes to keep the camera pointed at a subject. Advanced options add movement modes like vortex, panoramas, tracking, as well as creative modes like timelapse, hyperlapse, and motionlapse. High end gimbals may also offer intelligent subject tracking and other auto-pilot modes.

Do I need any accessories for my camera gimbal?

Extra batteries are recommended for longer shoots. A protective case is useful when traveling. Counterweights or lens supports may be required if using very long/heavy telephoto lenses to avoid overloading the gimbal motors. Optional focus/zoom control wheels can improve convenience.

Conclusion

Adding a gimbal to your camera kit is one of the best investments you can make for immediately improving production quality. While high-end gimbals carry premium price tags, even budget options under $300 can yield excellent stabilization if you select the right model for your needs.

Lightweight compact gimbals are perfect for stabilization on the go with mirrorless cameras and vlogging setups. If you shoot events, commercial projects, or films with heavier gear, prosumer and professional gimbals provide the payload and features to smoothly support pro DSLRs. Taking the time to evaluate options based on your specific camera gear, budget, and usage will ensure you end up with the right gimbal.

With the rise of 4K resolution and high frame rate recording, stabilization is more critical than ever. As this guide covered, today’s gimbals allow anyone from amateur videographers to Hollywood cinematographers to capture incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage. This elevates any production, whether it’s a real estate video, YouTube tutorial, or even a home movie of your kids. Whichever gimbal you choose, it will quickly prove to be an indispensable tool for taking your videos to the next level.