When it comes to smartphone filmmaking, there’s one tool that can elevate your content like no other: the gimbal. But what exactly is a gimbal, and how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes a good smartphone gimbal and dive into the top three gimbal brands that should be on your radar.
Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to upgrade your gear, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What is a Gimbal and Why Do You Need One?
Before we jump into brand recommendations, let’s quickly cover what a gimbal does. A gimbal is a device used to stabilize your smartphone while filming.
Using electronic motors, it compensates for the movements of the person holding the camera, giving you smooth, cinematic footage.
A 3-axis gimbal stabilizes three axes of motion: the tilt axis, the pan axis, and the roll axis. This ensures that your camera remains steady, whether you’re walking, running, or moving in any other way.
For filmmakers, a gimbal is a game-changer. However, depending on your shooting style, you might not need one. If you’re unsure, check out 3 reasons you might not need a gimbal before making your decision.
It allows for smooth, fluid shots that would otherwise be impossible to achieve without expensive equipment like a steadicam or a full-blown camera rig.
What to Look for in a Smartphone Gimbal
When it comes to choosing the right smartphone gimbal, there are a few key features to keep in mind:
- Ease of Use: A gimbal should be easy to set up and balance quickly, especially if you’re on the go. Look for a gimbal with an intuitive app and simple controls.
- Portability: You don’t want to be lugging around heavy equipment. A lightweight, foldable design is ideal for those who need to travel light. To explore key features in more detail, check out our comprehensive guide on choosing the right smartphone gimbal.
- Battery Life: You want a gimbal with long-lasting battery life. There’s nothing worse than running out of power in the middle of a shoot.
- Stabilization Quality: The gimbal’s primary function is to smooth out your footage. Make sure the gimbal you choose has the technology to eliminate any shakes and jitters.
- App Features: Many gimbals come with apps that offer additional features, such as tracking modes (like ActiveTrack), slow-motion filming, or automatic pans.
The 3 Best Gimbal Brands for Smartphone Video Contents
When it comes to smartphone gimbals, three brands consistently stand out: DJI, Insta360, and Hohem. Each brand offers unique features that cater to different types of content creators, so let’s break them down to help you decide which one suits your needs.
1. DJI – The All-Around Best
Why Choose DJI?
DJI is one of the most well-known names in the world of gimbals and drones, and their smartphone gimbals, like the DJI Osmo Mobile (OM series), are some of the best on the market.
The DJI OM6, for instance, is a compact and foldable gimbal that’s easy to carry around. It offers amazing stabilization and allows you to achieve cinematic, smooth shots with minimal effort.
What Sets DJI Apart?
- Magnetic Phone Clamp: The magnetic clamp system makes it super easy to mount and detach your phone, cutting down setup time.
- Long Battery Life: DJI’s gimbals last for hours, which is crucial if you’re filming for extended periods.
- ActiveTrack: This feature allows the gimbal to automatically track a subject as it moves, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of filming.
- Apple Watch Control: DJI recently released an update that lets you control the gimbal with your Apple Watch, a huge help when filming solo.
Drawbacks
- Android Limitations: While the DJI Mimo app works for Android users, some features (like controlling resolution and frame rate) may be limited due to restrictions from Android phones.
- If you’re an iPhone user, you won’t face this issue, and you’ll have full access to the app’s features.
2. Insta360 – The Compact, Feature-Packed Gimbal
Why Choose Insta360?
Insta360’s Flow Pro gimbal is another strong contender. Known for its sleek design and additional features, the Flow Pro is slightly more compact than DJI’s OM6 but still delivers powerful stabilization and impressive tracking features.
What Sets Insta360 Apart?
- Infinite Tracking: The Insta360 Flow Pro has a unique 360-degree pan axis, which means it can track you continuously even when you move around the gimbal. This is perfect for dynamic shots where the subject is moving freely around the frame.
- Built-in Tripod: The Flow Pro has a built-in tripod in its handle, saving space while allowing you to set up shots quickly.
- AppleKit Integration: The gimbal integrates directly with Apple’s software, allowing you to tap your phone to the gimbal and start tracking immediately—without needing the companion app.
Drawbacks
- Smaller Grip: Some users find the smaller grip on the Flow Pro a bit uncomfortable, especially if you have larger hands. The compact design might not offer the same comfort as other gimbals.
- Limited Android Features: Like the DJI gimbals, the Insta360 Flow Pro has full compatibility with iPhones, but Android users may encounter restrictions, particularly with the tracking feature.
3. Hohem – The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Why Choose Hohem?
Hohem’s iSteady M6 is perfect for those who need a more powerful gimbal without the higher price tag of DJI and Insta360.
It’s a larger, more robust option, but it also comes with the added benefit of supporting heavier phones and accessories like lenses and filters. If you’re looking for a gimbal that’s a bit more versatile, this is a solid choice.
What Sets Hohem Apart?
- Heavy Duty: The iSteady M6 can handle larger phones and additional accessories, which DJI and Insta360 gimbals can’t do as easily.
- Magnetic Tracker: Unlike DJI and Insta360, which rely on companion apps for tracking, the Hohem iSteady M6 uses a magnetic tracker that attaches directly to the top of the gimbal, making it quick and easy to start tracking.
- More Control: The iSteady M6 gives users more control over the settings, and the stabilization is just as smooth as its competitors.
Drawbacks
- Larger Size: It’s bulkier than the other gimbals, which means it’s not as easy to travel with. If portability is your top concern, you might want to opt for something smaller.
- App Integration: While the magnetic tracker is a great feature, the gimbal itself might not offer the same app features that you get with DJI or Insta360.
Which Gimbal Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best gimbal depends on your specific needs. If portability and ease of use are your top priorities, then the DJI OM6 is your best bet.
If you’re looking for a gimbal that supports continuous tracking and offers seamless AppleKit integration, the Insta360 Flow Pro is a great choice.
And for those who need a more robust, heavy-duty gimbal that supports extra accessories, the Hohem iSteady M6 is your go-to option.
Conclusion
Gimbals are an essential part of a filmmaker’s toolkit, and with these three brands—DJI, Insta360, and Hohem—you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find a gimbal that suits your filmmaking style.
Remember to consider what matters most to you: portability, features, or versatility. Once you figure that out, you’ll be ready to pick the right gimbal for your next video project.
And if you’re serious about making your videos stand out, don’t forget to optimize your video titles to boost engagement.