Smartphone cameras are continuously improving as more sensors, and better lenses are some additional features. Aspiring filmmakers are getting help from solid camera options. Of course, the cameras that smartphones come with are far from perfect. The proximity and portable size of these cameras have made them convenient.
Budget phones such as the Google Pixel 4a, the iPhone Se, and the One Plus 7T have proved to be perfect for the vloggers as they have been creating content on social media and making videos on YouTube. A smartphone can be useful as a backup camera for filmmakers who have budget constraints. When a user or subject is on the move, smartphones aren’t quite useful. In that case, gimbals can help you take steady footage.
What is a Gimbal?
Gimbals are nothing new. They have been in use since the 3rd century B.C. However, the only new thing about it is the invention and availability of 3-axis motorized gimbals. This keeps the cameras steady even if the user is moving. This 3-axis gimbal provides stability to the camera’s tilt, pan, and roll. The tilt controls the up and down movement, the tilt controls the side to side movement, and the roll controls the back and forth movement.
Gimbals are of two types. Compared to the 3-axis ones, the 2-axis gimbals are lighter on the pockets, but they are nowhere near the 3-axis gimbals when it comes to stability. But 3-axis gimbals use a motor on each axis to bring stability to the camera. Among many features, gimbals have a joystick that aids in tilting and panning, subject tracking, time-lapse and hyper-lapse modes. If you are a vlogger and walking and talking at the same time, gimbals are accessories that will be of great help. But which gimbals should you buy?
Zhiyun Smooth 4
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 comes to you for $89. Though it is similar to the Osmo Mobile 4 in m ways, compactness is lacking. However, at this price, you can expect similar features. Tracking, time-lapse, hyper-lapse, slo-mo, and long battery life are some of the basic features of the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Aside from that, you will also get some new features. You can switch on the PhoneGo Mode on the gimbal. The phone mode unlocks the motor’s full potential so that it can track the fastest subjects.
The Vertigo Shot is another feature that can alter the size of objects in the background. Film geeks will certainly fall in love with the vertigo effect. The Smooth 4 has a wheel for zooming and pulling focus. This feature isn’t available on other gimbals. An adjustment wheel can aid the videographers as they can get the perfect focus each time.
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
DJI Osmo Mobile 4 is one of the biggest names in the world of camera gimbals. The company not only brings out gimbals for smartphones, but they also offer Osmo Pocket.
The Osmo Pocket is a small gimbal that boasts an in-built camera. The original camera gimbal from Osmo was highly expensive, and not many could afford it.
Therefore, the company decided to cut down the price and offer stability to the footage captured on any smartphone. With its demands growing over the years, Osmo has added many features to its product, such as better compactness and long battery life. You can buy this product for $150.
Zhiyun Smooth-X
This is a 2-axis gimbal that deals with roll and pan. Though it’s not that great mechanically, the unbeatable price can attract anyone. The price of a Zhiyun Smooth-X gimbal is $50, which is stunning. The low price doesn’t mean it’s a bad gadget. On the contrary, there are many positive reviews from the users who have vouched for the product.
However, compatibility is an issue that has led several people to give negative reviews. So, before you go ahead buy the Zhiyun Smooth-X gimbal, make sure that it’s compatible with your phone. You can switch from landscape to portrait mode by just clicking a button. This gimbal has been designed specifically for vloggers.
Smartphone cameras have improved a lot with time. But as compared to the smoothness of a gimbal, they stand nowhere. Gimbals are also more affordable now. So, are you set to try out a Gimbal? Let us know in the comments section.
