Precision and accuracy are your ultimate goals if you are passionate about photography. One can achieve this goal if you have the right camera stabilizing mount or stand also called a gimbal. This device is carefully designed to hold the camera to prevent unwanted movement.
There are high chances that you can miss the target as a result of camera shake due to body movement. Therefore, a gimbal stabilizes the camera against sudden body movements while you are shooting still images or a video. You can hold the gimbal with your hand, and it steadies camera vibrations so that you can take clear pictures.
There are different types of gimbals, and they have various specifications though they serve the same purpose. Therefore, information about the critical features of varying camera gimbals is essential since it can help you choose the ideal accessory. As such, this guide reviews vital elements of the best gimbals available on the market.
Review of Zhiyun Crane 2
The Zhiyun Crane 2 is the latest market offering in the Zhiyun Crane product line. The product comes with different features that spell a significant improvement from the original Zhiyun Crane. This handheld 3-axis gimbal introduces handsome features like follow focus control which helps you to focus on the target during your shoots.
The following control feature allows you to focus on a moving target without any risk of missing it. The gimbal gives the photographer independence of shooting while following the target without any risk of camera shake or vibration. Such unwanted movements can affect the precision and accuracy of shooting moving things.
The gimbal is supported by three brushless motors that help the camera to remain stable on all axis during movement. The three separate engines help to stabilize the camera through the use of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) within the gimbal. It produces algorithms that support the stabilizer to differentiate between unwanted movements from tracking shots.
If there is deliberate movement by the operator to track a target, the gimbal senses it, and it stabilizes the camera for steady shots. The camera will appear as if it is floating in the air. With this feature, you can capture perfect aerial photographs.
On top of that, the new The Zhiyun Crane 2 can support a camera with the weight of about seven pounds. The original device cannot support such weight hence the new product gives you an added advantage if you have a big camera. The other important aspect is that the latest gimbal is compatible with a variety of mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and many DSLR devices.
Is The Gimbal Right For Me?
The Zhiyun Crane 2 is suitable for filmmakers who want to improve their career and explore something new. If you have previous experience of using the original Zhiyun Crane, then the latest model can give you excitement to handle. The stabilizer can significantly help to improve the quality of your shots through enhanced precision.
The new Zhiyun Crane 2 costs approximately $650, and the price is higher compared to other similar devices on the market. However, the additional features of the new product give you value for your money. If you enjoy your career in photography, then there is every reason to celebrate this new offering on the market.
The Crane 2 gimbal is suitable for different cameras so it means you can only buy it once. The device is a top of the line product that does not require replacement any time soon after buying it. If your camera is heavy, no worries, the Crane 2 gimbal can support it. The new product boasts of many features that will appeal to your interests.
More importantly, the gimbal is suitable to anyone even the amateurs in the field of photography. It is easy to use, and it can give you maximum satisfaction as a result of its unique features. There are also many other benefits of using the device outlined below.
Key Features of Zhiyun Crane 2
The new Crane 2 gimbal has the best features compared to the entire Crane series. The goal is to improve your shooting experience and realize your dream of becoming a great photographer. You also do not get a burden of trying to figure out how you can make a short since everything s simplified for you.
The product has a free follow focus motor, so you do not need to worry in case the original feature performs poorly. This feature is unique in that other gimbals do not have it. The primary purpose of the follow focus component is to stabilize the camera while you turn the gimbal to focus on the moving object. The unique part also helps you to maintain your focus on the target and make explicit shoots.
The other notable feature about the Crane 2 gimbal is that it supports camera setups weighing as much as seven pounds. Other gimbals can only carry light cameras. Therefore, you can use multiple cameras on a single gimbal. The gimbal is also capable of holding a smartphone so it can serve various purposes.
The other unique feature of the gimbal is that it has a quick camera control that uses handgrip buttons. You do not necessarily hold the camera to control since you can perform this action using buttons. The other thing is that the product has multiple modes that enable you to capture a variety of shots.
One notable feature of Zhiyun Crane 2 stabilizer is that it has an OLED screen that displays its settings. In other words, the manual for instructions may not be necessary when you want to set up the device. The gimbal also has a quick release plate for fast mounting of the camera.
Zhiyun Crane 2 has a maximum battery life of 18 hours, so the aspect of power is not an issue. You can use the device for an extended period without recharging the batteries, so it is suitable for use in remote places.
Other Zhiyun Crane 2 Accessories
The product also comes with different accessories in its box. You get a single hard shell carrying case, and this is designed to protect the camera. When you go out for shots, you can walk in places with rough terrains that can cause damage to your gimbal. The carry case is also lightweight so the product is portable and you can take it from one place to the other.
When you purchase the Crane 2 gimbal, you get one free follow focus motor in case you encounter problems with the original one. You also get a shoulder strap and a tripod together with a camera control cable for Panasonic. The gimbal also comes with control charging cable for the Sony camera.
Crane 2 gimbal uses batteries, and it comes with three by 18650 batteries and a charger. In case you are shooting away from power, the three cells can sustain your adventure. You do not need to worry about running out of power wherever you are. You also get a micro USB cable and micro-USB cable to connect to your camera.
Life is made simple through the availability of the user guide that comes with the Crane 2 gimbal. The set-up of the device is simple, and you can do it within minutes. You follow the step by step prompts and you set your gimbal. In other words, you do not need any expert advice to operate this particular product.
Source: Brian Aiken
Shipping And Policy Return
When you make a decision to purchase the new Zhiyun Crane 2, you should not worry about issues to do with delivery. Shipping is free in the USA but an additional shipping charge for places like Hawaii and Alaska. Other US territories also require extra money.
Delivery of the product takes about four to six business days through the standard method of shipping. The product is in the US so you should expect in just a few days. The providers of the product guarantee total satisfaction to all the clients. They have confidence in their market offering since the majority of the reviews shed positive light about the product.
However, in case of dissatisfaction with the product, you can get your money back. It is imperative that you request a refund within 30 days of purchase when you are not happy with the product. You will also get a return label together with a full refund once the product is received.
If you get a defective product, you guaranteed to get a replacement within the period of warranty, and it is free of charge. While unfortunate cases of product returns cannot be ruled out, the providers of the device put maximum effort to ensure that it is safe. The product has one year warranty, and you can return it in case of malfunctioning during this period.
Review Of DJI Ronin-M 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer v3
DJI Ronin-M gimbal stabilizer v3 is probably the best among all other gimbals available on the market. It is the most expensive gimbal on the market and its price ranges above $800. The justification of the high price is that when you buy it, you certainly enjoy the value for your money.
This type of stabilizer consists of a lot of handsome features that make it the best among other similar market offerings. It is compatible with a variety of cameras and can sustain weights of about eight pounds. It is also compatible with devices such as a camcorder, mirrorless cameras, and DSLR devices.
The Ronin-M stabilizer is a must-have for special occasions like action shots and aerial photography. It can capture highly stabilized video footage as well as still images. The stabilizing effect of this particular gimbal significantly helps to improve the quality of videos. When shooting a video, unwanted movements are not allowed, and this may not be possible without a perfect stabilizer.
The other unique feature about the DJI Ronin stabilizer is that it consists of solid and sturdy material. The good thing about its sturdiness is that you can use it even in places with rough terrain. It also resists bad weather elements that can affect its normal functioning.
You can also set this stabilizer on the ground, and you can take beautiful images and videos. You can also use a remote to operate this device when it is working from the field. The other positive thing is that its battery lifespan is long and it can last for about 12 hours.
In contrast to other gimbals available on the market, DJI Ronin stabilizer is not very easy to use. You need to learn a few things so that you can master the techniques of operating it. Once you master the skill, you can capture high-quality images. The stabilizer can absorb camera vibrations while at the same time remaining stable.
The other notable short issue with the DJI Ronin-M stabilizer is that it struggles with heavy cameras. When the camera is too big, the gimbal’s stability is also affected. Unwanted movements can affect the quality of the images you take. Moving around with a camera mounted can be challenging in some instances. The stabilizer can work best in one position.
Source: DJI Tutorials
Summary of Our Review
While gimbals used to be a preserve for Hollywood style filmmakers, they are currently becoming popular among novice photographers. These products are now generally affordable, and many designs suit handheld cameras. The devices are also portable and easy to operate, and this is making them increasingly popular.
Gimbals significantly help improve the quality of aerial images in particular due to their stabilizing effect, similar to drone cameras. In the case of unwanted movement, a gimbal stabilizes the camera, and this helps you to remain focused on the target. You can also follow the subject without losing focus since a gimbal steadies the camera.
There are different types of gimbals, and you should know their features if you want to buy one. These products can make your career easy through improving the way you capture different aerial pictures. Like any other product, some gimbals perform better than others.