Smartphone cameras have improved drastically over the past few years. You no longer need a dedicated camera for content creation. However, there are some parameters, like video stabilization, that is still not as perfect. Technologies like OIS and EIS are helpful but don’t always produce the best results. Luckily, gimbals for smartphones can help you record stable videos using your phone. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best smartphone gimbals for beginners.
As you may already know, a gimbal cuts out the micro stutters and jitters that are present when recording videos using your phone. It also helps you make smooth movements and pans, which is helpful if you’re starting out as a filmmaker.
So, if you want to create aesthetic videos and kick off your content creation journey, here are some of the best gimbals for your smartphone. Before we get to the most popular gimbals, here are some other articles that may interest you –
- If you have a dedicated camera, check out some budget gimbals for mirrorless cameras.
- Apart from a gimbal, you may also need other vital accessories to vlog with your iPhone.
- Take a look at some of the best smartphone microphones for better audio quality in your videos.
Let’s look at some video stabilizers for your phone.
1. MOZA Mini-MX Smartphone Gimbal
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: External attachment | Battery Life: 20 hours
The ability to fold the Moza Mini-MX to half its size is surely a boon when traveling. When unfolded, the gimbal turns on quickly and is ready to go with your smartphone mounted. Moza claims to use special algorithms that eliminate most shakes and jitters when recording videos. Apart from that, there are useful modes like sports mode, vlog mode, etc.
You can also use the gimbal to record timelapse videos and to click still images using a tripod attachment. The usual controls like pan, record, zoom, etc. are present on the handle. Several reviews mention that the Moza Mini-MX is an excellent smartphone gimbal for beginners. The hardware appears right up there with more expensive counterparts.
However, the companion app poses some problems sometimes, especially on Android phones. Users have reported that the app crashes randomly which can be annoying. If you have an iPhone, you’re good to go.
2. Hohem Gimbal Stabilizer
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: External attachment | Battery Life: 13 hours
If your primary focus is portability, you’re not going to be too happy with the way the Hohem gimbal folds. Unlike the Moza Mini-MX, which folds almost in half, the Hohem gimbal is foldable only on the top portion. So you still end up with a large footprint that takes up space in your backpack.
Where the Hohem gimbal does score points is in terms of features. Apart from stabilizing videos with the brand’s anti-shake algorithms, you get face-tracking, clone mode, panorama, and dolly zoom features to make your videos look more appealing.
A tripod attachment is included in the box and screws onto the bottom of the gimbal. With close to 15,000 user ratings to go by, the Hohem gimbal seems like a great accessory for budding filmmakers. Provided you don’t have an iPhone Pro Max. Several users report that the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max are too large and heavy to work with the gimbal.
3. DJI Osmo Mobile 4 SE
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: External attachment | Battery Life: 15 hours
The primary reason to get a gimbal from an established brand like DJI is the superior app experience. The DJI app has a better UI and also lets you record better-quality footage without any crashes. You also get handy features like object/human tracking, story mode, and create templates for editing videos within the app.
Another cool feature of the Osmo Mobile 4 SE is that the smartphone mount is magnetic and hence, easier to take off quickly. The gimbal folds in half when you want to travel with it. DJI gives you a tripod attachment in the package when you want to record yourself.
As per the reviews, the setup process is extremely simple with the DJI Osmo Mobile 4 SE – something that can’t be said about all gimbals. The stability is considered to be excellent, with no micro stutters when walking. The DJI Osmo Mobile 4 SE is one of the best smartphone gimbals for beginners on a tight budget.
4. Insta360 Flow AI Gimbal
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: Built-in | Battery Life: 12 hours
Think of the Insta360 as the perfect companion if you’re a one-person army. This is mainly because the tracking features on the Flow are quite terrific. It can lock focus onto you and automatically frame the shot depending on where you move. What makes it easier is that the gimbal has a built-in tripod, so you don’t have to carry any extra attachments.
Apart from the excellent tracking capabilities, other modes, like sports, slow, motion, etc., are also present. Another cool trick up its sleeve is the ability to capture 360-degree photos. If you don’t want a dedicated 360-degree camera like the Insta360 X3, the Flow’s companion app will let you take awesome 360 photos using your smartphone.
Speaking of the app, several effects and editing methods can automatically create a montage of your clips. There’s also a built-in selfie stick for vlogging. The Insta360 Flow provides a complete package for content creators. These features are what make it the best gimbal for beginners or those who are starting with filmmaking.
The only gripe is that since the product is new, device compatibility is limited. Having said that, if you have an iPhone or a top-tier Android flagship, you should be good to go.
5. DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: External attachment | Battery Life: 10 hours
The Osmo Mobile 6 from DJI is a nice gimbal for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts. The extendable selfie stick onboard increases your reach to shoot videos at distinct angles and frames. So whether you want to record videos of yourself from an elevated angle or snap group selfies without blurry faces, the Osmo Mobile 6 will be useful.
Additionally, the tracking algorithms on the Osmo Mobile 6 bring improvement over previous models. So, if you want to use it to record videos of yourself moving around, you will have a better experience. However, the tracking is less accurate than the Insta360 Flow as per comparisons.
As mentioned earlier, DJI’s application is quite refined and has several modes. A one-tap edit mode is quite useful for combining all your clips automatically with custom effects. The Insta360 Flow still makes more sense since it sells for the same price. But if you already use other products from DJI, you can consider the Osmo Mobile 6.
6. Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Compatibility: Android and iOS | Tripod: External attachment | Battery Life: 5 hours
Apart from the fill light, there’s not much to the Zhiyun Smooth 5S that’s different from the rest on this list. The usual features like object tracking and panning are present. The controls on the handle are quite intuitive, making it easy to control the gimbal.
If you’re recording yourself and are far away from the gimbal, you can also use gestures to perform certain actions, which is a cool feature. Several users have mentioned that the stabilization on the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is top-class and among the best they’ve seen on a gimbal.
Like some other gimbals on this list, Zhiyun’s suit of apps for Android devices also suffers from issues. There are several apps that the brand offers for different purposes. Most of them crash on Android devices or don’t offer enough features compared to iOS.
FAQs for Smartphone Gimbals
While OIS is helpful, it often struggles to keep your videos stable in low-light situations. That’s where a gimbal can turn out to be helpful. A gimbal also cuts out small shakes and jitters you may encounter when moving around a lot.
Most gimbals have a face-tracking feature that will follow you when you record yourself. If your primary use case is shooting videos of yourself, we suggest picking up the Insta360 Flow since it has the best tracking and can even zoom into your face to keep you in the center of the frame.
The answer to this question entirely depends on your usage. A tripod can be much taller. So if you plan on taking stationary shots when standing, a tripod will help you. But a gimbal has many features that can be useful for recording cinematic videos.
Stabilize Your Videos
Nobody likes watching shaky videos. If you’re a content creator and want to up the quality of your videos, it’s time to get hold of a gimbal. Whether you record vlogs, action footage, or walking when you’re talking, a smartphone gimbal for beginners will help you record better content.
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Last updated on 06 April, 2023
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