TL;DR
Choosing the right smartphone gimbal can significantly enhance your videography experience. The DJI OM 5 stands out for premium users, while the Zhiyun Smooth 5S offers great value for budget-conscious buyers.
Top Picks
- Budget: Zhiyun Smooth 5S - Offers excellent stabilization at a competitive price.
- Mid-range: DJI Osmo Mobile 6 - Provides great performance with some app compatibility issues. Buy on Amazon
- Premium: DJI OM 5 - Exceptional stabilization and features for serious content creators.
Quick Summary
Smartphone gimbals are essential tools for videographers looking to capture smooth and professional-looking footage. With various options available, it’s crucial to understand the features and performance of each model before making a purchase.
Table of Contents
- TL;DR
- Quick Summary
- Key Buying Factors
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Top Product Reviews
- Price Guide
- Personalized Recommendations
- Community Insights
- Final Verdict
Key Buying Factors
Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:
Stabilization Performance
Look for gimbals with advanced stabilization technology to ensure smooth footage, especially during movement.
Compatibility with Apps
Consider how well the gimbal integrates with smartphone apps for added functionality, such as tracking and remote control.
Portability and Design
Choose a lightweight and compact design for easy transport, especially if you plan to travel with your gimbal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring Weight Capacity
Ensure the gimbal can support the weight of your smartphone, especially if you use additional lenses or accessories.
Neglecting App Compatibility
Some gimbals have app compatibility issues that can affect performance; check user reviews for specific models.
Not Turning Off In-Camera Stabilization
For optimal results, disable your phone’s in-camera stabilization to avoid conflicts with the gimbal’s stabilization.
Top Product Reviews
Our detailed analysis of the best options available:
OM 5
The DJI OM 5 has garnered a positive reputation among users on Reddit, particularly for its stability and performance when paired with high-end smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Many users appreciate its compact design and ease of use, making it a popular choice for both amateur and professional videographers. Discussions indicate that while the gimbal performs excellently, there are some concerns regarding the app’s permissions and functionality, which may deter some users from utilizing its full capabilities.
Features
- 3-axis stabilization for smooth video capture
- Built-in extension rod for versatile shooting angles
User Experiences
- One user noted that the DJI OM 5 significantly improved their vlogging quality, providing smooth footage that was previously hard to achieve with handheld shooting.
Pros
- Exceptional stabilization performance
- User-friendly design with an intuitive control layout
Cons
- The companion app has been criticized for requiring unnecessary permissions and having a subpar user interface.
Best Use Cases
- Vlogging and content creation for social media platforms
Price-Performance Ratio
The DJI OM 5 is priced at a premium but offers excellent performance and features that justify the investment for serious content creators.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 has garnered a positive reception among users on Reddit, particularly for its performance in stabilizing smartphone footage. However, there are notable concerns regarding compatibility with the DJI Mimo app, especially when used with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, where users have reported issues with camera shake. Despite these app-related challenges, the gimbal’s build quality and stabilization capabilities remain highly praised, making it a strong contender in the smartphone gimbal market.
Features
- Advanced 3-axis stabilization for smooth video capture
- Quick launch feature for immediate use
User Experiences
- Users report that the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 performs exceptionally well for vlogging and real estate photography, providing stable and professional-looking footage. However, some have noted that using the DJI Mimo app with certain iPhone models can lead to camera shake.
Pros
- Excellent stabilization capabilities
- User-friendly design with quick setup
Cons
- App compatibility issues with certain smartphone models, particularly the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best Use Cases
- Vlogging and real estate photography where smooth video is essential
Price-Performance Ratio
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 offers good value for its price, especially for users looking to enhance their smartphone video quality, despite some limitations with app functionality.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Smooth 5S
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S has been frequently mentioned in Reddit discussions as a reliable choice for smartphone videography. Users appreciate its stability and ease of use, making it suitable for both amateur and professional content creators. The overall sentiment is positive, with users noting its effectiveness in producing smooth, high-quality footage when used correctly. However, some users have pointed out the importance of turning off in-camera stabilization to avoid issues with shaky video.
Features
- Advanced stabilization technology for smooth footage
- User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
User Experiences
- One user mentioned that the Smooth 5S significantly improved their vlogging experience, allowing them to capture smooth footage while walking or moving.
Pros
- Excellent stabilization performance
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Requires users to disable phone’s in-camera stabilization for optimal results
Best Use Cases
- Vlogging and travel videos
Price-Performance Ratio
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S offers great value for its price, especially for those looking to enhance their smartphone videography without investing in more expensive equipment.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Flow Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
The Insta360 Flow has garnered positive feedback in various Reddit discussions, being frequently mentioned as a top choice for smartphone gimbals. Users appreciate its features and overall performance, especially in comparison to competitors like the DJI Osmo Mobile series. It stands out for its user-friendly design and advanced stabilization technology, making it ideal for content creators looking for smooth footage.
Features
- Advanced stabilization technology for smooth video recording
- Compact and lightweight design for portability
User Experiences
- As a fledgling content creator, I found the Insta360 Flow to be a game-changer for my vlogs. The stabilization is impressive, and it fits easily in my backpack.
Pros
- Excellent stabilization for high-quality video
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around
Cons
- Limited availability of accessories compared to other brands
Best Use Cases
- Vlogging and travel videos where portability and stabilization are crucial
Price-Performance Ratio
The Insta360 Flow offers excellent value for its price, providing high-end features typically found in more expensive gimbals, making it a solid investment for both amateur and professional videographers.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Zhiyun Crane M2
The Zhiyun Crane M2 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users on Reddit, particularly when compared to competitors like the DJI OM 4. Users appreciate its compact size, lightweight design, and versatility, making it suitable for both smartphone and small camera setups. Some users have noted that while balancing the gimbal can be a bit tricky at first, the end results in terms of stabilization are impressive. Additionally, many users have highlighted its ability to handle various attachments, such as Moment lenses, effectively, which is a significant advantage over other models that struggle with payload capacity. However, the lack of a dedicated app for smartphone connectivity has been mentioned as a potential downside for those who rely on app features for enhanced control.
Features
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- Supports a variety of devices including smartphones and small mirrorless cameras
User Experiences
- Users have reported that the Zhiyun Crane M2 works exceptionally well with smartphones like the Pixel 7 Pro, especially when paired with Moment lenses and filters. Despite initial balancing challenges, many found helpful resources online to assist with setup, leading to smooth and stable footage.
Pros
- Excellent stabilization for both smartphones and small cameras
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry for on-the-go shooting
Cons
- Some users find balancing the gimbal initially challenging and may require additional resources to achieve optimal setup
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for vlogging, travel videos, and any scenario where stable footage is essential, especially when using additional lenses or filters.
Price-Performance Ratio
The Zhiyun Crane M2 offers a strong price-to-performance ratio, especially for users looking for a versatile gimbal that can handle various devices without breaking the bank.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Price Guide
Find the best option for your budget:
Budget (Under $150)
- Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Mid range ($150 - $300)
- DJI Osmo Mobile 6
- Insta360 Flow
Premium (Above $300)
- DJI OM 5
- Zhiyun Crane M2
Personalized Recommendations
For Beginners
- Zhiyun Smooth 5S
- Insta360 Flow
For Enthusiasts
For Professionals
- DJI OM 5
- Zhiyun Crane M2
For Budget conscious
- Zhiyun Smooth 5S
- Insta360 Flow
Community Insights
Overall Trends
- Users prioritize stabilization and app compatibility when choosing a gimbal.
- Portability is a key factor for travelers and vloggers.
- There is a growing demand for versatile gimbals that can handle additional attachments.
Top Picks from the Crowd
- DJI OM 5
- Zhiyun Smooth 5S
- DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Controversial Opinions
- Some users believe that smartphone gimbals are unnecessary if the phone has good stabilization features.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, choosing the right smartphone gimbal depends on your specific needs and budget. The DJI OM 5 and Zhiyun Crane M2 are excellent choices for professionals seeking top-tier performance, while the Zhiyun Smooth 5S and Insta360 Flow cater well to budget-conscious users looking for quality stabilization. As the market evolves, expect to see more innovations in gimbal technology, particularly in terms of app integration and versatility for different devices.
Sources
Based on Reddit community discussions:
- DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO Gimbals Announced from r/dji - Score: 75, Comments: 69
- New DJI Release!! from r/dji - Score: 77, Comments: 66
- OSMO Mobile 7 Update? from r/dji - Score: 25, Comments: 105
- Why an Osmopocket 3 instead of a smartphone and gimbal? from r/osmopocket - Score: 8, Comments: 60
- The Absolute Best Smartphone Gimbal? from r/videography - Score: 18, Comments: 42
- Smartphone gimbal without a privacy-intrusive app from r/videography - Score: 39, Comments: 15
- A gimbal for travel or go handheld? from r/videography - Score: 10, Comments: 42
- My DJI om5 is 2 days old. This is my first ever smartphone gimbal and I’m trying to figure it out. Shot the below video just to test the stabilization. I see some jitters and rough parts. Can I know what is it that I’m doing wrong? Am I expecting too much from the gimbal or is this smooth enough? from r/dji - Score: 24, Comments: 25
- Insta360 Flow Pro Mega Thread | The first gimbal integrated with Apple DockKit from r/Insta360 - Score: 6, Comments: 37
- Any updates on the DJi Osmo Mobile 7? from r/dji - Score: 15, Comments: 24
Note: Product information and prices are subject to change. Please verify details before making a purchase.