Today we’ll review the best gimbals for action cameras. Action cameras were built for extreme conditions. Their compact size allows you to conveniently attach the device to clothing or transport, but handheld shooting is not the most relaxing activity. It is where the stabilizer comes in.
Modern action cameras are devices with protection against shock, water, dirt, and other hazards. They were not initially designed for handheld shooting. At least it’s not convenient. However, the industry is actively developing.
Today, there is a way to use an action camera as an ordinary one and shoot long videos and even entire films. Best of all, unique holders will serve these purposes. They are equipped with a gyroscope and motors, which, after installing the camera and calibrating, compensate for any shake, and in general, will make shooting more comfortable.
When choosing a Steadicam for an action camera, you need to pay attention to its compatibility with a specific device, ergonomics, ease of use, weight, autonomy, and the number of modes. Below, according to their ratings and reviews, I highlight the five best gimbals for action cameras in 2021.
Contents
5 Best Gimbals for Action Cameras
1. SJ-Gimbal 2 with 3 Axis Stabilizer
- Compatibility: Action Cameras Only
- Weight: 370 Grams
- Angles (Pan/Tilt/Roll): 640/320/320 Degrees
- Autonomy: 6 Hours
- Price: from $110
- Amazon Product Link
The action camera with stabilizer SJ-GIMBAL 2 attracts attention at an affordable price. The model is compatible with SJ branded cameras and select devices from GoPro, Sony, Yi, and lesser-known brands. The holder is inexpensive, so you shouldn’t expect much from it – the controls are generally comfortable, but the ergonomics and artistry have drawbacks.
The Steadicam boasts large rotation angles, modest weight, and good stabilization. In addition, it is easy to connect – there are no particular difficulties in calibration.
The proprietary application allows you to adjust the stabilizer, for example, the speed of rotation when controlling the joystick, and expands the number of modes.
PROs:
- Affordable price.
- High-quality stabilization.
- Good turning angles.
- Simple setup.
- A light weight.
- Suitable for different cameras.
- Not a bad set of operating modes.
CONs:
- Mediocre workmanship.
- Modest autonomy.
- No moisture protection.
2. Feiyutech G5: Metal Gimbal Stabilizer
- Compatibility: Action cameras only
- Weight: 271 Grams
- Angles (Pan/Tilt/Roll): 360/360/245 Degrees
- Autonomy: 8 Hours
- Price: from $99.00.
- Amazon Product Link
The action camera with stabilization FeiyuTech G5 turns into an excellent option for shooting professional video. The model has a perfect ergonomic design – a metal body, splash protection, convenient and straightforward controls, a decent set of modes for tracking along the horizontal axis, an object, full rotation lock, selfie, slow-motion video, photos, and others.
The gimbal is geared towards GoPro action cameras but can work with just about any brand. The device is compact and lightweight, automatically calibrated, and can be used immediately after carrying.
The kit includes a soft case for storage, additional weight, cable, and adapters connecting different cameras.
PROs:
- Intuitive controls with a minimum of buttons.
- Excellent stabilization.
- Two-axis rotation 360 degrees.
- A wide range of functions.
- Splash proof.
- Metal body with excellent ergonomics.
- Suitable for most action cameras.
- Decent autonomy.
- Removable battery.
CONs:
- Not found.
3. Hohem iSteady Pro3 Action Camera Stabilizer
- Compatibility: Action Cameras Only
- Weight: 350 grams
- Angles (Pan/Tilt/Roll): 360/210/210 Degrees
- Autonomy: 12 hours
- Price: from $89.
- Amazon Product Link
The Hohem iSteady Pro3 Action Camera Stabilizer is a well-thought-out model with a high-quality build, ergonomic design, convenient controls, and a serious drawback: it was created only for Gopro Hero 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, Osmo Action, SJ CAM, YI Cam, and Sony RX0 cameras. If you have a device from these companies, then this Steadicam should be considered for purchase.
The device is easy to set up, lightweight, and offers good battery life. There is a proprietary application for it. Controls are located in convenient places – all buttons and a trigger for controlling the camera are located strictly under the fingers.
Among the functions: selfie mode, object tracking, axis lock, and fixation of the selected position.
PROs:
- Good build quality.
- Excellent ergonomics.
- Convenient management.
- Good stabilization.
- Decent autonomy.
CONs:
- Some users complain about noisy motors.
- Modest lean and roll angles.
4. Feiyutech G6 Plus
- Compatibility: Action cameras, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones
- Weight: 663 Grams
- Angles (Pan/Tilt/Roll): 360/260/320 Degrees
- Autonomy: 9 Hours
- Price: from $142.
- Amazon Product Link
Stabilizers for action cameras can be made in a universal form factor. The G6 Plus is a model compatible with action cameras, smartphones, and mirrorless cameras, while its price tag belongs to the category of affordable ones. The model is compatible with cameras GoPro and analogs and cameras of famous brands from Sony to Panasonic.
The weight of the connected device should not exceed 800 grams. The device is protected according to the IP67 standard and has the best autonomy among all rating models.
Synchronization with devices is carried out via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Control is carried out using buttons on the body. Advanced settings are available in the proprietary application for Android and iOS. Synchronization via Wi-Fi is carried out through it.
The body is made of metal; there are rubber pads for easy grip. The modes are blocking along one or three axes, tracking an object, wiring, and others. The model comes in a storage case and an adapter for action cameras, a holder for a smartphone and a camera, and a charging cable.
PROs:
- Convenient management.
- Metal body.
- Moisture protection.
- Versatility – Suitable for different devices.
- Rich equipment.
- A large number of settings.
- Removable battery.
- Good battery life.
- The presence of OLED display – displays information about the operation.
CONs:
- Difficult to calibrate.
- Raw software.
- Few cameras are supported over Wi-Fi.
- After carrying, you need to re-calibrate.
You may also like to read: Handheld Camera Stabilizers – Buying Guide, Rating & Reviews
5. Zhiyun Crane M2
- Compatibility: Action cameras, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones
- Weight: 500 Grams
- Angles (Pan/Tilt/Roll): 360/310/324 Degrees
- Autonomy: 8 Hours
- Price: from $130.
- Amazon Product Link.
The universal Steadicam Zhiyun Crane-M2 is suitable for digital cameras, action cameras, and smartphones. The device is synchronized via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. According to the manufacturer, it is enough to connect the device once through the proprietary application, and subsequently, reconnection is not required. In addition, additional shooting modes are opened through it – time-lapse, panorama, slow-motion video, and others.
A helpful feature is the lock mode – once you calibrate, the gimbal can be folded and carried and immediately start shooting. The model received excellent ergonomics, a convenient arrangement of controls, and is easy to calibrate.
The set is pleasantly pleasing – a storage case, a Type-C cable, a hand strap, a tripod with a rubberized surface, making it possible to use it as a handle extension.
PROs:
- Excellent ergonomics and build.
- Convenient management.
- A huge number of modes.
- Lock mode.
- Sophisticated management.
- Low weight.
- Decent autonomy.
- Good equipment.
- Easy calibration.
- Excellent camera rotation angles.
CONs:
- Zoom does not work with some Sony cameras.
Which one you are going to buy from these 5 best gimbals for action cameras, please comment below.
