Smartphone gimbals eliminate one of the worst parts of smartphone video: shaky footage. The gimbal cancels out any movement, allowing you to capture smooth sliding shots worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.
When gimbals first hit the market, the built-in stability offered by smartphones wasn’t very good, but it has improved dramatically in the years since. Still, while optical and electronic image stabilization can get you pretty far, they still can’t compete with physical stabilizers, especially in low-light scenarios.
Insta360 Flow vs DJI Osmo Mobile 6: Which smartphone gimbal should you buy?
These two smartphone stabilizers offer portability and utility at the exact same price. So which one should you buy?
Smoothness isn’t the only reason to invest in a universal joint, either. Gimbals are great for creating motion timelapse shots. Using AI tracking, many people can keep you in the center of the frame, making it easier to photograph yourself.
If you decide to invest, there are many options to choose from. However, a lack of features, limited performance, and clunky designs may make some options not worth the cost. We’ve tested as many as we could – here are the best smartphone gimbals you can buy in 2024.
Best smartphone gimbals: Our favorite picks
The best smartphone gimbals pack performance into portable designs
The best smartphone gimbals offer superior stability, above-average versatility, and smart tracking, all in a design that’s not too bulky. For these reasons, the Insta360 Flow is the best smartphone gimbal for most people. It performs very well while still keeping the design and price from being too high.
But while Insta360 Flow is our favorite, you can find some features in other options. If you own both a smartphone and a mirrorless or action camera, the Hohem iSteady MT2 can handle both with ease. The Zhiyun Smooth 5s offers professional-grade stability but in a larger design. We prefer the DJI Osmo Mobile 6’s joysticks and sturdier construction, while the Osmo Mobile SE is the best choice if you don’t have a lot of cash to spend.
FAQ
Q: What type of smartphone stabilizer should you buy?
There are two different approaches to smartphone gimbal design; one values compactness and portability, while the other opts for adjustability and professional controls. If you’re a casual shooter looking for something to spice up their holiday videos, you might want to look at something like the Osmo Mobile 6 or the Insta360 Flow as they’re lightweight, compact, and easy to use .
On the other hand, if you want to achieve true cinematic footage and like using accessories like external lenses and microphones with your smartphone, you’ll want to use something more professional. In this case, a product like the Zhiyun Smooth 5S or the Hohem iSteady MT2 will serve your needs well.
Q: What features should you look out for?
Smartphone gimbal comes with a variety of features to help you create mind-blowing videos with ease. These range from beauty features and shooting guides to AI subject tracking and more. We’re used to editing videos the old-fashioned way using software like Adobe Premiere, but if you have no editing experience, you might find the ability to automatically edit footage into highlight reels very appealing.
Our favorite feature of the gimbal is AI subject tracking, as this allows you to film yourself and have the camera automatically follow you wherever you go, but if you rarely film yourself, this feature may not be as important. . Think about how you like to shoot and edit, and important features should become obvious.
Q: Is a smartphone stabilizer worth buying?
If you frequently record video on the go, a smartphone gimbal is a great addition to your gear. If you want to walk while recording, a gimbal will make a huge difference in your footage. If you prefer to record while standing still, a tripod is another option and is often cheaper. Another question to ask before purchasing a gimbal is whether you will be packing it on a regular basis. You have to have pretty big pockets to be able to carry a gimbal around without having to carry a bag or backpack.
Q: What is a PTZ?
Simply put, a gimbal is a gadget that helps capture smooth video footage while moving. Using motors, the gimbal rotates and tilts the camera to counteract the movement of the camera operator. The result is very smooth video footage. Unlike tripods, gimbals are designed to create stable video while on the move, giving the camera operator the freedom to use motion without making viewers seasick.
While the original purpose of gimbals is to create stable videos, with the help of artificial intelligence, these accessories can do more than just prevent shaking. Many gimbals are capable of following a subject, keeping a moving person in the center of the frame. The camera operator can also use the joystick to pan or tilt the camera at a steady pace, providing even more possibilities for cinematic camera movement.