Choosing Gimbal Camera Stabilizers

Professional video motorized gimbals are essential accessories for anyone who intends to produce professional-looking video movies. These sophisticated gimbals reduce unwanted movement while allowing moviemakers to move around freely. They're particularly suitable for low-budget filming and other situations where it's impractical to use pans, jibs, tilts, and sliders.

What's a Gimbal Camera Stabilizer?

A gimbal is a 2- or 3-axis device that keeps equipment steady when the supporting platform moves. Gimbals were originally used in ships to keep their compasses steady, and the modern video camera stabilizer still uses the same principles. Various kinds of gimbal stabilizers exist, from the handheld gimbal intended for supporting a relatively light camera, to highly sophisticated, motorized stabilizers that offer precise control. Most gimbals use balance weights supported on arms that can be adjusted to obtain proper balance to minimize unnecessary loads on the arms or on motorized control systems.

What's the Difference Between a 2-Axis and a 3-Axis Camera Stabilizer?

A camera supported on a 3-axis gimbal has three degrees of movement. It can move from side to side, known as panning; up and down, called tilting; and twist horizontally, termed rolling. All 3-axis professional video stabilizer systems dampen movement in any of these three axes to ensure the camera continues to point toward the subject.

In some instances, 3-axis control isn't necessary, and a 2-axis gimbal will suffice. A 2-axis stabilizer controls tilting and rolling, but doesn't control panning. Drones often have 2-axis controls.

How Much Weight Can Professional Video Motorized Gimbals Carry?

Gimbals are rated for a maximum load that should always be greater than the weight of the equipment fitted. For example, a mirrorless camera gimbal can carry a lesser load than a DSLR stabilizer. The weight of gimbal head accessories also affects effective carrying capacity.

Apart from the weight of the equipment, factor in total body load. Some gimbals spread the load to your back and upper body, but others don't. Depending upon the filming application, its location, and duration, careful equipment selection can reduce strain on the body, arms, and hands.

Accessories for Professional Video Motorized Gimbals

Various professional video motorized gimbal accessories provide enhanced control features and extend filming time, including:

• Remote gimbal controls
• Wireless controllers
• Camera controllers
• Extended life batteries
• Battery chargers
• Control cables
• Lens controllers for focus and aperture control

These accessories add functionality that simplifies filming, and in the case of drones and similar equipment, permit remote operation.

Motorized gimbals help filmmakers produce smoother videos and avoid distracting camera movement. Equipment options range from lightweight units intended for cameras such as the GoPro, to complex backpack-type motorized gimbals intended for heavy-duty filming. Gimbal head accessories simplify camera mounting, and remote-control systems facilitate camera operation. Find the right motorized DSLR gimbal and accessories for your filming needs at B&H Photo and Video.