There are small ones designed only for use with your phone, and also larger ones and for more professional use with DSLR cameras, but they all share the same objective: to allow you to obtain a more stable and fluid video clip. These are best stabilizers for cameras that you can purchase.
What is a video stabilizer or gimbal
A video stabilizer or also known as gimbal is neither more nor less than a device capable of eliminating tremors and movements that are caused when you move the camera while walking or simply recording freehand.
At present, many cameras and mobile devices already incorporate their own stabilization system integrated into the body itself and that can compensate for movement in up to five axes. Well, this really needs a little explanation because in a three-dimensional space like the one we move in there are only three axes.
When we talk about a five-axis stabilizer, we are referring to the compensation of movements that occur in the X, Y and Z axes (turns about each of the axes). That's three axes, the other two remaining correspond to movement along the X and Y axes (horizontal and vertical movement).
How does a stabilizer work?
The operation of a stabilizer is very simple. Depending on whether it is a gimbal of two or three axes, there are few models of five axes beyond the one integrated in the body of the camera, what we are going to have are different motors and arms that are going to compensate for movements to keep the camera as still as possible. Although there are different ways as we will tell you later.
In this way, to make it easier to understand, if the stabilizer detects that the camera is undergoing small turns to the left and right, it will compensate it by making those same movements but in reverse, from right to left. That allows the camera to stay relatively still, resulting in a very fluid video clip and cinematic feel.
Types of stabilizers
Knowing what a stabilizer for video cameras is and how it works, the next point is to know what types of gimbal they exist on the market. The answer is practically that there are all kinds of them, from two-axis to five-axis models, designed for action cameras, only mobile devices, compact or much heavier cameras.
Systems aside steadycam designed for film productions, high-budget advertising and, above all, very large and heavy cameras, let's talk about the three types that may interest most users.
These are our recommendations if you are looking for a video stabilizer for your mobile phone, compact camera or DSRL or mirrorless that you use for your recordings together with interchangeable lenses of a certain level.
By the way, when choosing them we have not only taken into account that the price is attractive, but also that it meets some basic parameters such as a good level of construction, reliability of its engines and applications that offer good performance and options when we record video. . So basically we have three prominent brands: Moza, DJI and Zhiyun.
The best stabilizers for mobile devices
If you are one to record a lot of video with your smartphone, although they have improved their internal stabilizer considerably during these last generations, not all the sensors that are integrated right now are stabilized. So a little gimbal how these help you, in addition to giving you other options such as the possibility of making timelapses or recordings in which the stabilizer itself follows you thanks to its tracking incorporated into the mobile app they offer.
Zhiyun SmoothX
It is one of the simplest and at the same time economical proposals. This stabilizer only compensates for movements in two axes, but if you don't need a third one because you don't usually record much in motion, although you could do it, it's a great option thanks to its size and how little it takes up.
The best: foldable size and design
Worst: only stabilizes in two axes
See offer on AmazonWench Mini S
This small three-axis stabilizer stands out for its foldable design, which makes it much easier to transport. To do this, you only have to turn one of the sections and it will be perfectly collected and occupying less space in your backpack or transport bag.
The best: ease of use and folding system
Worst: hilt grip
See offer on AmazonZhiyun Smooth 4
Zhiyun's Smooth 4 is undoubtedly one of the favorites, it is true that it is somewhat bulkier than the previous ones, but it makes up for it with a series of additional options that greatly improve smartphone video recording to a higher level.
This is mainly due to the side wheel with which, thanks to the integration with its application, we will be able to control aspects such as the (digital) zoom or the focus in a more precise way.
The best: focus and zoom control wheel
Worst: dimensions
See offer on AmazonZhiyun Smooth Q2
Continuing with the same manufacturer, the Smooth Q2 is a gimbal that without being foldable, it is more compact than other similar ones. A highly recommended three-axis stabilizer and where the possibility of making video recordings by rotating completely (360º) on the Y axis stands out.
The best: size and weight
Worst: keypad size
See offer on AmazonDJI Osmo Mobile 3
And the DJI proposal could not be missing. The manufacturer known especially for its drones offers a series of high-quality stabilizers. In the field of mobile phones, its Osmo Mobile is one of the most popular and in its version 3 it achieved a folding design that is very comfortable to transport on a daily basis. That and its application, plus all the options it offers, make it one of the best sellers.
The best: collapsible design and application options
Worst: zoom button sensitivity
See offer on AmazonThe best stabilizers for compact and small cameras
What if you want to shoot with a camera that isn't the one on your smartphone, but it's also not one of those bigger cameras with interchangeable lenses? Well, nothing, there are also stabilizers designed for smaller and lighter cameras such as a compact type Point and shoot how is the Sony RX100 or the Canon G7. Even for action cameras like the GoPro Hero 8 it is valid, although these have already significantly improved their internal stabilization.
Zhiyun Crane M2
The Crane M2 is one of the most interesting video stabilizers for small cameras. It is by dimensions and also by options. Offers six video modes or creative modes including Pan Follow, Full, Full Range POV, Vortex, Go and the basic three of everything gimbal.
Without a doubt, it is a highly recommended option to improve the quality of the videos when using small compact cameras and a great ally for all those users who make vlogs.
The best: valid for all compact cameras, action cameras and smartphones
Worst: maximum weight supported
See offer on AmazonDJI Ronin SC
The DJI Ronin SC is the younger brother of the one we will see later, a very powerful stabilizer that, although ideal for small cameras, is also capable of supporting the occasional model with interchangeable lenses and a greater weight (up to 2 kg).
With different packs, the combo is the most complete and includes a wheel with which to control the focus of the camera. Of course, only with those supported, which not only affects the camera but also the lens used. All this plus its application where the possibility of creating personalized movement sequences stands out, it is a model to take into account if you move at a more professional level.
The best: stability, application and design
Worst: maximum weight supported (2 kg)
See offer on AmazonThe best stabilizers for professional cameras
For professional and more advanced video cameras and larger sizes, there are also very interesting models in price and options. What's more, there are some other proposals that vary little in price compared to the previous ones.
Zhiyun Weebill S
This is one of the gimbal The most recent from the manufacturer and although it breaks with the traditional aesthetics of this type of device, the truth is that it is quite well thought out and gives extra stability when holding it with two hands.
The complete pack also offers a set of extras that allows you to control the focus of the camera with any lens thanks to a motor and gear system that is placed in the lens focus ring. And best of all, that focus can be controlled remotely by another user while the camera operator is dedicated solely and exclusively to following the movements.
The best: ergonomics and price
Worst: size
See offer on AmazonDJI Ronin-S
This is the original model before the Ronin SC, a larger version intended for use with larger cameras (up to 3,6kg). For the rest, it offers the same options, the same great performance with very solid and precise motors plus an application that gives a lot of play even when you only use the stabilizer. It is the most recommended option for those looking for a gimbal with a more professional cut.
The best: performance
Worst: weight
See offer on AmazonIt's time to choose gimbal
These are the best stabilizers in our opinion. There are many more models on the market, these same brands offer other options that are also quite popular, but in terms of quality and price, it is likely that none will surpass these. Now it's up to you to choose, what kind of gimbal you need. Do not think only of a specific use. Also do it in the possible needs that you will be able to have in a few months.
Our two favorite models with the Zhiyun Crane M2 for its versatility and being able to be used with mobile devices, action cameras and small compact cameras, and the Ronin S. But it's you who must choose, it won't be options. And by the way, if you are going to record with a smartphone, make use of the Filmic Pro app (available for iOS y Android).
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