Gimbals That Keep Handheld Video Steady on the Move
The DJI RS 4 is our top pick for mirrorless shooters thanks to its automated axis locks and generous payload. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is the smartphone choice for anyone filming on a phone, and the Zhiyun Crane M3S suits compact cameras and small hybrid rigs that fall between the two.
The DJI RS 4 leads this roundup because it carries a full mirrorless body with a fast zoom, balances quickly thanks to its second generation axis locks, and runs long enough to cover a full shoot day. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is the pick if your camera is a phone, since it folds into a bag pocket and needs no rebalancing between takes, while the Zhiyun Crane M3S covers the awkward middle ground of compact cameras and stripped down mirrorless rigs.
Gimbals are harder to choose than the payload number suggests, because a motor rated for your camera body can still struggle once a heavy lens shifts the centre of gravity forward. Setup time matters too, since a gimbal that takes ten minutes to balance tends to stay in the bag. We compared payload ratings against realistic camera and lens combinations, looked at axis lock and quick release design, checked stated battery life and charging behaviour, and weighed what owners report about app reliability and motor strength during long handheld takes.
How to choose
Payload is about balance, not just weight A gimbal rated for three kilograms will still fight you if the camera and lens combination puts the centre of gravity far forward of the mounting plate. Long telephotos and heavy cine lenses are the usual culprits. Check the payload against your actual body and lens pairing, add the weight of any monitor, microphone or cage you mount, and leave headroom rather than buying to the exact limit.
Balancing time decides whether you use it Every camera gimbal needs balancing across three axes before the motors take over, and the difference between a design with quick release plates and axis locks and one without is several minutes each time you change a lens. Automated locks on newer models cut this further. If you swap lenses mid shoot, prioritise fast rebalancing over an extra half kilogram of payload.
Phone gimbals and camera gimbals solve different problems A smartphone gimbal never needs balancing, folds into a bag and adds tracking and gesture control that phones cannot do alone. A camera gimbal takes real setup effort but supports interchangeable lenses, external audio and proper follow focus. Buy for the camera you actually film with rather than the one you plan to buy later.
Follow modes matter more than motor specs Most of the visible difference between clips comes from which axes are following your movement. Pan follow suits walking shots, lock mode suits static subjects, and FPV or full follow suits dynamic movement. Look for a gimbal that switches modes with a button or a wheel rather than through app menus, because stopping to open an app costs you the shot.
What we recommend
DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer
The RS 4 is the version of DJI’s mainstream camera gimbal that finally makes balancing quick, with automated axis locks and a teflon coated tilt arm that slides smoothly under a heavy lens. Payload is enough for a full frame body with a standard zoom, and the touchscreen keeps follow modes one tap away. It is the most complete option here for anyone shooting narrative or event work on a mirrorless camera.
Pros
- Automated axis locks cut setup time sharply
- Payload handles most full frame body and zoom pairings
- Touchscreen makes follow mode changes fast
Cons
- Heavy to hold for long single takes
- Accessories add up quickly beyond the base kit
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal
For phone footage this is the straightforward answer, folding down to something that fits a jacket pocket and unfolding into a stabilised rig in seconds. The side wheel handles zoom or focus, and the extension rod helps with low angles and group shots. Subject tracking works through DJI’s app rather than your native camera app, which is the main compromise.
Pros
- Folds small enough for everyday carry
- Magnetic clamp makes mounting quick
- Side wheel gives smooth manual zoom or focus
Cons
- Tracking features require the DJI app
- Heavier phones with cases can need rebalancing
Zhiyun Crane M3S Gimbal Stabilizer
The Crane M3S sits between phone gimbals and full camera units, which makes it the sensible choice for a compact camera, an action camera or a small mirrorless body with a pancake lens. It is light enough to hold at arm’s length for a whole scene, and the swappable battery avoids downtime on longer shoots. Push the payload with a heavy lens and the motors show their limits.
Pros
- Light enough for extended handheld shooting
- Swappable battery keeps a long shoot going
- Works with phones, action cameras and small bodies
Cons
- Motors strain with heavier lens combinations
- Menu system takes time to learn
DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer
The RS 4 Mini keeps the useful parts of the larger RS platform in a body light enough to carry all day, which suits travel and run and gun documentary work. It still balances a mid size mirrorless body with a compact lens, and the automated tracking module handles solo pieces to camera. Anyone regularly mounting fast constant aperture zooms will want the full size model instead.
Pros
- Light enough for all day carry and travel
- Balances quickly with compact lens setups
- Tracking module helps solo creators
Cons
- Lower payload than the full size RS 4
- Tracking module is an extra purchase
Zhiyun Smooth 5S Smartphone Gimbal
Zhiyun takes the opposite approach to DJI here, covering the handle with dedicated buttons and a control wheel so you rarely need to look at a screen. It is bulkier than folding rivals and does not collapse as small, but the payload copes with large phones in cases plus a clip on lens. The bundled fill light kit is genuinely useful for indoor vlogging.
Pros
- Physical controls beat menu diving on set
- Handles large phones with cases fitted
- Long stated battery life
Cons
- Does not fold as compactly as rivals
- Bulkier in a bag than folding designs
Hohem iSteady M6 Smartphone Gimbal
Hohem undercuts the big two while including a magnetic fill light and a detachable AI tracking sensor, which is a strong feature list for the money. Stabilisation is good for social clips and casual filming, though it is less refined than DJI’s when panning quickly. Owners report the app as the weak point, so treat the hardware as the main attraction.
Pros
- Fill light and tracking sensor included
- Strong feature list for the outlay
- Extension rod helps with low and high angles
Cons
- App is less polished than DJI’s
- Fast pans show more correction than premium rivals
FeiyuTech SCORP Mini 2 Gimbal Stabilizer
The SCORP Mini 2 targets people who switch between a small mirrorless camera and a phone, with a magnetic phone mount alongside a standard camera plate. The underslung handle grip helps with low angle moves that other compact gimbals make awkward. It is a niche pick, and the ecosystem of accessories is smaller than DJI’s.
Pros
- Switches between camera and phone quickly
- Underslung grip suits low angle moves
- Compact for a camera capable gimbal
Cons
- Lowest payload of the camera gimbals here
- Smaller accessory ecosystem than DJI
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer | Three axis camera gimbal | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal | Three axis smartphone gimbal | Best for smartphones | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Zhiyun Crane M3S Gimbal Stabilizer | Three axis compact gimbal | Best for compact cameras | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer | Three axis camera gimbal | Best for travel | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Zhiyun Smooth 5S Smartphone Gimbal | Three axis smartphone gimbal | Best for physical controls | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Hohem iSteady M6 Smartphone Gimbal | Three axis smartphone gimbal | Best value smartphone gimbal | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | FeiyuTech SCORP Mini 2 Gimbal Stabilizer | Three axis hybrid gimbal | Best for mixed devices | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a gimbal if my camera has in body stabilisation?
In body stabilisation corrects small shakes but cannot smooth out the up and down motion of walking. A gimbal handles that larger movement. Many shooters use both together, with the camera correcting fine vibration while the gimbal absorbs the stride.
How long does it take to balance a camera gimbal?
Roughly three to ten minutes the first time with a given lens, and under a minute afterwards if the model has axis locks and a marked quick release plate. Changing to a lens of different weight means rebalancing, which is why fast lock systems matter.
Can a smartphone gimbal hold a phone in a thick case?
Most current models can, but a heavy case plus a magnetic wallet can push the clamp past its comfortable range and make the motors hunt. If the gimbal drifts when you hold it still, remove the case accessories and check the balance before blaming the hardware.
What payload should I look for?
Add your camera body, your heaviest lens and any accessories, then choose a gimbal rated at least a quarter above that total. Running motors near their limit drains the battery faster and produces jerkier correction on quick moves.
Are gimbal apps required to use the gimbal?
Basic stabilisation works without an app on every model here. Subject tracking, gesture control, timelapse and firmware updates generally require the manufacturer app, and app quality varies more than hardware quality across brands.
Is a three axis gimbal always better than two axis?
For video, yes, because the third axis corrects roll, which is what makes horizons tilt as you walk. Two axis designs survive mainly in very cheap phone mounts and are worth avoiding if smooth walking shots are the goal.
Can I use a gimbal for photography?
You can, and it helps with long exposure panning or repeated framing, but gimbals are built for motion. For stills, a monopod or tripod is lighter, cheaper and more stable.
How should I store a gimbal between shoots?
Lock all three axes before packing, remove the camera, and store it in a padded case rather than loose in a bag. Owners report that most motor damage comes from transporting a gimbal unlocked with the camera still attached.
Final word
For mirrorless video the DJI RS 4 is the one to buy, since its payload and quick axis locks remove the friction that stops people using a gimbal at all. Phone shooters should take the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 instead, because it folds small enough to actually carry. If your camera sits between those categories, the Zhiyun Crane M3S is the balanced middle option.
