What Types Of Smartphone Gimbals Should You Buy For Vlogging?

Almost all mid-range and flagship smartphones nowadays come with OIS. But, you cannot rely only on OIS for good cinematic video quality. If you want to create a great cinematic experience with your smartphone camera, you will need the best smartphone gimbal stabilizer.

But how to buy one? A better question would be, which gimbal stabilizer for smartphones is the best in the market? Choosing the best product should be tough. However, you can be sure of a few parameters when buying one for yourself. If you are a vlogger, your requirement increase. The gimbal has to be of good quality and, most importantly, easy to travel with. 

So, here is a smartphone gimbal buying guide to help you choose the best gimbal available in the market. But, First, you should know what these smartphone gimbals are.

What Are Smartphone Gimbals? 

Gimbals for smartphones are similar to the Gimbals for cameras. The gimbals use three motors that work on 3 axes to keep your camera steady. It helps to capture stable videos using your smartphone. 

The major difference between the gimbals for smartphones and cameras is their price. You can buy a smartphone gimbal at half the price of a camera gimbal. They also differ in the motors’ size, weight, and power.

Users can record videos or shoot photos using the Gimbals’ automated features. The automated feature is often exclusive to a few gimbals. DSLR gimbals and smartphone gimbals function quite similarly.

How To Choose The Best Smartphone Gimbal For Vlogging? 

Here are a few parameters you should remember when choosing a gimbal to carry when traveling. 

Weight

The first thing to consider when buying a smartphone gimbal is its ability to carry weight. Smartphone gimbals can carry only a specific weight. Putting extra weight on them will stress the motor draining the battery quicker than expected. 

Most smartphones nowadays weigh below 200 gms. So, make sure that your gimbal can carry over 200 gms. Also, make sure that they are not heavy enough to carry around. Judging the weight, you can choose from options like Movi Cinema Robot, Zhiyun Smooth 4, or Moza Mini. 

Mounting System 

When buying smartphone gimbals, you should check their technicality to mount your phone. For example, you will see a spring-powered mounting clip in most of these gimbals. The Zhiyun Smooth Q2, for example, comes with a quick-release system, making it easy for you to pull the phone when you need to.

Flexibility Across Devices 

It should not hurt if your smartphone gimbal was more than a gimbal for a smartphone. However, it would be more beneficial if your gimbal could be used with a GoPro, DSLR camera, and smartphone. Zhiyun Crane-M2 is a good example of a multipurpose Gimbal. 

Build Quality 

If you are planning to travel with the gimbal and make videos during your trekking trips, then its build quality should concern you. It also depends upon the amount of roughness your iPhone gimbal can handle. You can choose the budget-grade ones that are made of ABS plastic. 

But I would suggest you go for gimbals made of nylon-reinforced plastic or aluminum of aircraft grade. They are much stronger or more durable.

Battery Life

You certainly don’t want to miss out on battery when recording using. Whether you are planning to film for an entire day or use it frequently battery life of the gimbals is crucial. You must choose a smartphone gimbal that lasts longer. For example, you can choose gimbals like – Snoppa Atom (lasts 24 hours), Freevision VILTA-M Pro ( 17 hours), DJI Osmo Mobile 2 (15 hours), Zhiyun Smooth 4, and Zhiyun Smooth Q (both last for around 12 hours)

Additional Features 

Software compatibility is also an important factor to consider when buying a Gimbal. Some gimbals come with smart features allowing you to use your phone’s camera through the buttons of the gimbal. The gimbal has buttons, wheels, or triggers that help you zoom, pan, tilt, pull focus, or set follow modes on your camera. You can consider checking these features when buying a gimbal for your smartphone.

5 Best Smartphone Gimbals To Consider 

Keeping all the quality parameters in mind, I have suggested a few Gimbals you should choose to buy. 

Zhiyun Smooth Q4

Not all smartphone gimbals pack as good features as the Zhiyan Smooth Q4. 

It is flexible, extendable, and portable and comes with a LED fill light in addition. Also, the spring-powered mounting system makes it easy to use. 

Weight:  19.29 oz / 547 g

Battery: 15 hours 

Price: $99 to $149 ( amazon)

Snoppa Atom 

If your primary need is great battery life, then there is no better gimbal for your smartphone than Snoppa Atom. 

Weight:  15.5 oz, 440 gram

Battery: 24 hours

Price: $79 ( eBay)

Zhiyun Smooth 4

Another good option you can choose is the Zhiyan Smooth 4. It is lightweight to carry, and it can easily carry the weight of your smartphone. Also, the battery lasts for a massive 12 hours. 

Weight:  19.29 oz / 547 g 

Battery: 12 hours

Price: $99 

DJI OM 5

It is a small, foldable, and lightweight gimbal if you want one. The built-in extension rod can come in handy. 

Weight:  10.3 oz / 292 g

Battery: 15 hours 

Price: $129 

Hohem iSteady V2

Hohem iSteady V2 is also a good option to consider when you are looking for a lightweight gimbal to travel with. It enables AI tracking and comes with additional features such as fill light and moment mode. 

Weight:  9.28 oz/263 g

Battery: 9 hours 

Price: $129 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-

Here are some popular questions and answers.

Ready To Purchase!

Before you purchase a good camera gimbal, you need to know about the specification they offer and the price they come at. If you use the parameter I discussed as a buying guide; you can find the best smartphone gimbal suited for your phone. 

I think that I was able to help you. If you have any further questions, you can ask questions in the comment section.

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