Introduction
Let’s face it,a cameras today have the best optical image stabilization (OIS) technologies out there. In fact, even if your camera lacks the OIS and you still wish to upload a shaky video on YouTube, you will still end up with a stable video thanks to YouTube’s capability to detect unstable images in your video, but you would be better off with a Steadicam for your DSLR. Here are 5 Steadicams you should look at.
1. DJI Ronin M 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Intro:
A well-known gimbal in the videography and filmmaking field, the DJI Ronin M3 is one of the best DSLR gimbals on the market, and it is quite popular with most camera users. This could be because not only is it durable, but it is also well stabilized which in turn makes the panning and tilting easy when you tilt your camera horizontally. The frame of the Ronin M3 is built from magnesium, thus making it easily portable and very lightweight.
The stability of this gimbal is because it has three axes that function alongside brushless motors to ensure stability with one axis providing horizontal stability and the other two managing the tilt and pan.
Pros:
- You can remotely control it via Bluetooth as it has software for both Windows and IOS.
- It allows for an additional operator while you shoot. Thanks to the receiver and transmitter systems, you can have your friend tilting it in a different direction independent of how you are operating it, and the gimbal will still function.
Cons:
- Offers you a shorter shooting time of about 6 hours which is quite little when compared to other gimbals which give you almost double the shoot time.
2. Zhiyun Crane V2
Intro:
With four different controls, i.e., pan, following, selfie, and lock, the Zhiyun Crane V2 is one of the most adaptable gimbals available in the market and a personal favorite. With this gimbal, it is possible to achieve any shooting angle as it can achieve 360-degree rotation. The footage captured is also smooth since the gimbal comes with anti-shaking technology. With about 8-10 hours of battery time, you can accomplish quite a lot in that period without worrying about recharging the lithium-ion batteries.
Pros:
- It can be used and controlled wirelessly by syncing it to your smartphone
- This gimbal has a very robust frame thanks to the aluminum alloy frame. The aluminum alloy frame is a plus because while it gives the gimbal a strong build, it also ensures that the crane V2 is light enough to be easily managed.
- It has a camera control interface meaning you can control the focus and shutter of your camera using buttons on the gimbal’s handle.
Cons:
- You do not have a live view of the footage you are shooting with some cameras
- It starts to feel relatively heavy after a short while
3. OFFICIAL ROXANT PRO
Before you get the wrong idea about the Roxant Pro just because of its looks, it would be worth mentioning that it can accommodate DSLRs or even mirrorless cameras of up to 2.1 lbs.
Sure, the Roxant Pro is one of the most affordable Steadicams we’ve seen so far, and it is often easy for people to mistake it for other gadgets, but it happens to be one of the few that can accommodate a variety of cameras.
If you have your smartphone or even a GoPro, the Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer would not shut you out for having a different type of camera as you can still have impressive videos by using a fraction of the cash you would’ve spent on high-end Steadicams. Despite its price and simplistic look, Roxant did not compromise on the quality.
The Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer Limited Edition is made from high-quality metals which will last for years without showing any significant signs of wear and tear. In addition, Roxant also wanted to make the stabilizer as comfortable as they could, and they thus included a non-slip grip which ensures you have the best kind of grip on the camera. Other than that, it is easy to classify the Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer Limited Edition as a budget Steadicam which would be ideal for folks who are either simply reviewing Steadicams or want to use it for small-scale events/situations.
4. Glidecam HD-2000 Hand-Held Stabilizer
The Glidecam HD-2000 Hand-Held Stabilizer is yet another simple-looking hand-held stabilizer that offers much more than can be seen at first glance. For one, this Glidecam HD-2000 does not boast in its title by being a 3-axis gimbal, but it is. Because of its design and compactness, it is mostly ideal for cameras that weigh in between 2 to 6 lbs. As such, you might find more use for this stabilizer if you have a mirrorless camera rather than those with DSLRs.
Of course, not all DSLRs will be excluded, but if you do have those that have less weighty lenses, you will be in luck. Speaking of the camera that you will be placing on the Glidecam, you should note that its mounting platform is adjustable, and not just in the sense that you can position your camera in different positions, but you can do so to a high level of precision. The base also offers you some degree of control as it has an adjustable dynamic balance which also doubles as an inertial control base platform.
Ultimately, it is easy to think that the price of the Glidecam HD-2000 does not match up to its outlook because it is far simpler than the DJI Ronin-M and the Zhiyun Crane combined. However, this may be because Glidecam has done a good job of concealing great features of their stabilizer like the 3-axis gimbal in the title of the product.
5. FLYCAM HD-5000 Video DSLR Camera Stabilizer
Experiencing the control that comes with your DSLR can be a walk in the park if you have the FLYCAM HD-5000 Video DSLR Camera Stabilizer. This durable handheld stabilizer is a must have for enthusiasts who are interested in a stabilizer that is both lightweight and durable at the same time. Made of aluminum, the FLYCAM HD-5000 Video DSLR Camera Stabilizer weighs just under 1.5Kg making it a great tool to have when you don’t intend to tire out quickly. Its micro-balancing feature also earns it a few accolades because it enables you to stabilize all the shots you take to a pixel precision. If you thought that it falters when it comes to videos, think again, because it also allows you to maintain a steady horizontal balance which will easily contribute to a frame-perfect video. Just like with the Glidecam HD-2000, the FLYCAM HD-5000 Video DSLR Camera Stabilizer does not advertise itself as a three-axis gamble, but you can bet it is. Its 3-axis design comes with a soft grip handle which enables you to rotate the entire camera in the directions you want, but at the same time giving you a lot of control as to how far you want it to glide. The HD-5000 wins our hearts by its durable build, the micro balancing feature, and the soft grip handle. All these may seem mediocre, but they can be vital when you intend to work all day with the stabilizer.
Capturing cinematic shots is no easy fete and for long-time amateur filmmakers struggled to get it right. Gimbals are essentially a tripod but with the difference being that gimbals are handheld as opposed to being placed on the ground like you would a tripod. Gimbals give you the much needs stabilization for your footage without limiting your ability to move when taking your shots.
There are many different types of gimbals in the market to help you achieve those beautiful shots for your project. Our list however only includes the gimbals that will work best with your DSLR camera.
6. Ikan MS1 Beholder Gimbal
Intro:
Compact, lightweight and long-lasting are the three words that best describe this all aluminum gimbal. The Ikan MS1 Beholder is an extremely versatile gimbal because not only does it work with literally all DSLR cameras, it has a bottom thread mount which allows for you to attach the gimbals to a monopod, slider or tripod. With brushless motors to stabilize the axes, the Ikan MS1 Beholder will give you beautiful soundless footage that most filmmakers can appreciate.
Pros:
- Works with almost all DSLR cameras and even a go pro camera.
- This gimbal has been optimized for portability as its design portability fits the palm of your hand. You can take it literally anywhere.
Cons:
- Some users have complained of the gimbal’s inability to balance cameras as advertised and that they have experienced trembling that resulted in blurred shots.
- This gimbal is not ideal for heavier cameras.
7. Accsoon A1-S 3-Axis Handheld Multifunctional DSLR Gimbal Stabilizer
Intro:
The Accsoon A1 Pro is a 3-axis multipurpose gimbal for both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. The gimbal weighs a mere 1.4 Kg and can manage a total load weight of 3.6 Kgs. This gimbal comes with a ton of features & the fact that its compatible with many cameras plus phones makes it a must-have.
Pros:
- When compared to its competitors this stabilizer relatively weighs less.
- Compatible with most cameras of different weight classes
- Comes with a high-precision follow focus system that ensures smooth and precise focus can be achieved.
- Aside from the usual follow, pan and lock modes, you would typically find on most gimbals; the Accsoon A1 is one of the few gimbals in the market that comes with an upside-down mode and flashlight modes
Cons
- Initial setup of the gimbal requires updating of its firmware through an app; this may not be as obvious to the average user when initially setting it up.
8. Letus Helix Jr. Aluminium 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Intro:
The Letus Helix Jr. is extremely popular with documentary filmmakers and videographers tasked with capturing events. This is probably because it does not weigh a ton, has a flat bottom build that you can place it on the ground, and it is also quite portable.
Pros:
- You do not have to disassemble it to transport it.
- It has remote control capabilities and also comes with encoded motors that make its functionality exceptional
Cons:
- With only four hours of battery life, it can be quite inconveniencing especially if you shoot for extended periods since you will be forced to recharge it regularly. However, if this is something that does not bother you then, by all means, do make the purchase
- Retailing for about $1400 the Letus Helix Jr. gimbal costs a pretty penny
9. Glidecam iGlide II Handheld Video camera Stabilizer
Intro:
If you are on a budget, this compact 3-pound gimbal is something you should consider. The GlideCam iGlide is excellent as it can handle camera weight of up to 1.3kgs. Thanks to the three axes there is smooth movement and great precision on your footage. You’re also able to capture and isolate your motions thanks to the gimbals 360-degree pan angles capability. The best part of this gimbal is the expandable and contractable dynamic base platform which is an innovative feature for gimbals.
Pros:
- The Glidecam iGlide II has huge plates for placing your camera, and you, therefore, do not have to worry about your DSLR not being able to fit.
- The aluminum build of the gimbal makes it quite sturdy and extremely durable.
Cons:
- It can be a little complicated to use and requires lots of learning. Particularly, if you are an amateur, I would not recommend this gimbal. You should choose to start with something a little simpler.
10. Moza Lite 2 Premium Handheld Gimbal
Intro:
Utilizing advanced field-oriented control, to achieve flawless image capture, and comprehend camera movements, the Moza Lite 2 premium has been designed to offer you value for your money with regard to its functionality and durability. This Camera can last you for a good number of years, and because of its construction, i.e., the magnesium alloy frame, it is great for filming in the fields.
Pros:
- The gimbal can be operated wirelessly from the dedicated app that is available on both iOS and Android devices.
- Weighing at 2.2 kgs the gimbal can handle cameras with double its weight
- The video transmitter is an excellent addition to this gimbal, and since it improves the usability of the Moza Lite Premium, it is a much welcome addition
- The design of the Moza Lite’s battery is intelligent such that is protects the battery from being overly depleted and overcharged
Cons:
- In comparison to other gimbals, the 4-6-hour battery life is unsatisfactory.
- The more extensive rig makes using the gimbal a little bit difficult especially if you choose to use the joystick.
- Lastly, it is not that easy to balance and requires a bit of practice to get used to it.
Final Words
If you intend to take things a notch high with professional video recording, it would almost be impossible to have at least an entry-level Steadicam despite your camera having fantastic OIS features. Just like with any other piece of tech, it is far too easy to get carried away by price and functionality. This is because people tend to mostly focus on these two things even though they do not hold a lot of importance if you have a different use case for the gadgets. It would be wise to find a stabilizer that will adequately cover your needs for the job and allow you to do at least one or two extra things that you would like in the future. Also, don’t let price be your sole indicator of the quality of a stabilizer. As we have noticed with the Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer Limited Edition, there exist cheap options out there, but this does not necessarily mean they are of low quality.
