In an era dominated by visual content, capturing crisp, steady footage is more pivotal than ever before. Navigating through the vast world of camera stabilisers and gimbals can be an intimidating task. This article aims to make that process a little bit easier for you sharing our top picks for the best camera stabilisers and gimbals currently available in New Zealand. Whether you're a novice hobbyist or a seasoned professional, there's sure to be a device on this list that will enrich your video and content creation experience, and elevate the quality of your output.
Best for Smartphones - DJI Osmo Mobile 6
If you love creating stunning content and videos on your phone, let us introduce you to the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. Most modern smartphones have pretty decent built-in stabilisation but if you want to take it up a notch, this is for you! The excellent stabilisation will shoot ultra-steady videos while in motion - it's as if you're rolling on dolly tracks! The magnetic design is awesome and convenient - your phone will simply snap right into place. And with intuitive features like ActiveTrack 5.0, Gesture Control, Spin Shot Mode, and more, it'll feel like the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 really speaks our language.
The DJI Mimo app is a easy to use, even if you're new to gimbals, and facilitates efficient shooting, editing, and sharing. It's loaded with easy-to-understand controls and features; and it even has built-in tutorials to provide guidance. When it comes to battery life, you don't have to worry about this gimbal dying on you mid-shoot. It's got enough juice for around 15 hours of shooting. And the bonus, it's foldable and compact - perfect for content creation on-the-go. With DJI Osmo Mobile 6, it will feel like every shot you take is a masterpiece in the making!
Best Value for Smartphones - SHIYUN Smooth-5 Gimbal
While the DJI OM 6 is super compact and easy to take with you, offering great convenience, if you're more concerned about performance and value, then the SHIYUN Smooth-5 Smartphone Gimbal is worth considering! This 3-axis smartphone gimbal is designed to guide content creators into smooth, cinematic video production. It allows anyone to create stabilized, professional-looking footage with their smartphones and is ideal for vlogs, live streaming, or any situation where you want to take your mobile videography to a whole new level. One of its standout features is its remarkable payload capacity, capable of supporting large smartphones, as well as additional lenses and microphones. Plus, it comes with a removable handgrip and tripod, which adds even more convenience and flexibility of use. The gimbal offers real-time mobile charging, ensuring your smartphone's battery doesn’t run out while shooting.
A dedicated wheel for precise zoom and focus control makes it easy to achieve smooth results, alongside versatile shooting modes like Pan, Tilt, and Roll. The ZHIYUN Smooth-5 also features advanced motor control technology, allowing for quick response and stable shooting. This is coupled with an intuitive user interface and a dedicated app (ZY Cami), offering smart templates, editing tools, and various shooting modes, enhancing the ease of operation for beginners and professionals alike. The design of the ZHIYUN Smooth-5 is sleek and portable, making it easy to carry and use on the go - though it is heavier and bulkier than the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. Its build for heavyweight performance, combined with an easy-to-use interface and advanced control methods, ensures that even amateur videographers can create professional-grade content.
Best for DSLR and Mirrorless - DJI Ronin RS 3 Gimbal
Get ready to meet the star of the show folks! The DJI Ronin RS 3 Gimbal is an exceptional choice for those using mirrorless and DSLR cameras. This device does more than stabilise; it uplifts your scenes with ultra-smooth footage, turning them into professional-grade, cinema-ready content. The 3-axis gimbal delivers unparalleled smoothness and precision. Beyond that, a next-generation RS stabilisation algorithm provides enhanced stability in any scenario. Laboratory testing shows RS 3 provides a 20% increase in stability over RSC 2, effortlessly managing low-angle shots, running scenarios, or switching between high and low positions. When you need even smoother results, turn on SuperSmooth mode. RS 3 will increase motor torque to further enhance stabilisation, delivering stable footage even in fast-moving scenarios or when 100mm-equivalent focal lenses are used.
With a robust payload capacity of up to 3kg, the RS 3 can accomodate even the heaviest of camera setups with ease. The setup process is also commendably efficient, with an auto-tune function promptly balancing your camera. comes equipped with dual-layered quick-release plates, making camera mounting both speedy and straightforward. Even after swapping a battery or memory card, there's no need to re-balance the gimbal, saving valuable time. Speaking of battery, with 12 hours of battery life, the RS 3 offers ample time for extensive shooting sessions. The lightweight design, paired with durable carbon fiber construction, strikes an ideal balance between portability and performance. In essence, the DJI Ronin RS 3 Gimbal promises superior agility, ease-of-use, and cinematographic excellence. With it, you aren't just operating a stabiliser, you're commanding an entire cinematic experience.
Depending on the size of your camera, you might also want to check out the RS 3 Mini (best for small mirrorless cameras) or the Ronin RS 3 Pro (best for larger cameras/rigs up to 4.5kg)!
Best Value Gimbal - ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3 Gimbal
The ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3 Handheld Gimbal is designed for the run-and-gun videographer who wants to forgo bringing additional accessories on shoots, thanks to its built-in microphone and fill light. Both the microphone and fill light are integrated into the optimised sling structure of the gimbal and avoid adding heft to its design. No extras to tote around or configure—it's all accessible directly from your hand. If you do need to add extra gear, however, that’s no worries - this bad boy has a payload capacity of up to 6.5kg!
This nimble gimbal features a 10th-generation stabilisation algorithm that amps up the quality of movement without bulking up the unit. Its motors control a wide range of movements—310° of tilting, 360° of panning, and 340° of rolling, offering extensive coverage for capturing dynamic shots. Additionally, improved AXIS locks give you the option to engage or disengage specific movements. One of its most useful features is the intelligent quick-release system, designed to make switching cameras and changing batteries simple and quick. No more rebalancing that interrupts the flow. Plus, the handy magnetic wrench built-in makes securing your camera a snap.
The WEEBILL 3 sports a 0.96" OLED touchscreen that puts control at your fingertips, making it a breeze to shift settings or switch modes in the heat of the moment. It has three 2600mAh batteries housed in its petite frame, so you’re looking at up to 21 hours of shooting on a single charge. And if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, the fast charging technology can power the gimbal fully in just two hours. Coming in well under $1000 with a full set of features and a great payload capacity, this one earns our best value spot!
Best All-in-One Gimbal - DJI Osmo Pocket 2
If you’re after an all-in-one solution for stable video capture, the DJI Osmo Pocket 2 is an excellent choice! This pocket-sized and extremely portable device is a motorised gimbal with a camera built-in. It's tiny and slides right into your pocket - but it's packed with some serious firepower. Despite its size, it can capture stunning 4K60FPS video dootage and detailed 64MP photos. The 3-axis gimbal offers unreal stabilisation. It gets you those buttery-smooth shots that will add a cinematic look to your content. . This pocket dynamo is even equipped with advanced tracking capabilities, effortlessly keeping a subject in frame - this makes it really nifty for all you solo shooters out there. Another notable feature is the four-microphone system, which allows audio zoom synchronized with the zoom length for improved sound quality. What's more, the Osmo Pocket 2 is designed for diverse shooting scenarios, with modular accessories like wider-angle lens, wireless microphone and underwater housing adding to its versatility.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 2 will give you about 140 minutes of recording time when fully charged. That's plenty of power to get some unique footage before needing a recharge. And, if you need more, just carry a portable power bank, and you're good to go. For efficient shooting, editing and sharing, pair it with the DJI Mimo app. It works with the camera seamlessly, providing a plethora of smart features at your fingertips. You get tutorials, intelligent modes (like Story mode, which offers a host of pre-set shooting patterns, camera motions, and filters). Basically, it allows you to turn your raw footage into a ready-to-share video in no time.
Ready for ultra smooth footage?
Having a gimbal to stabilise your camera footage while you tilt, pan and roll, will help to capture smooth footage, even while you’re moving. Smaller gimbals like the DJI Pocket 2 or Osmo Mobile 6 are also handy for shooting stills from tricky angles and above crowds, great for capturing concerts and events. Larger gimbals such as the Ronin RS 3 are part of the professional filmmaking equipment kit.
This is just a small glimpse at our range of camera gear and accessories that can take your videos to cinematic heights. To see our full range of Camera Stabilizers and Gimbals, head over to our Camera Stabilizers section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camera gimbals worth it?
Yes, camera gimbals are generally worth the investment, especially for people who are interested in videography and content creation. They provide better stability and smoother motion compared to handheld shooting. This results in higher quality, professional looking footage. Gimbals also offer a variety of shooting modes and features, such as tracking, which can enhance your creative possibilities. While some of the latest smartphones - such as the iPhone - have excellent built-in video stabilisation, if you want the smoothest footage possible, a gimbal can certainly enhance that.
Are gimbals worth it for photography?
Yes, gimbals can be highly beneficial for photography, especially in situations where longer shutter speeds or camera stability is crucial. They are most notable for their use in shooting action, sports, wildlife, or any kind of photography that involves movement. Gimbals ensure sharper images and can help in capturing smooth, high-quality shots during tracking or panning. They're also excellent tools for bracketing multiple exposures for HDR images. Bear in mind they come with their own weight and cost considerations, but for many photographers, the advantages of a gimbal in improving the quality of their work can well outweigh the downsides.
Do professionals use gimbals?
Yes, professional filmmakers and photographers frequently use gimbals. They are essential tools in the industry, used to capture smooth, stable footage in a variety of shooting scenarios. This can range from complex action sequences to simple panning shots. Gimbals are crucial in achieving a high level of production quality and are therefore found in many professional content creators' equipment arsenals.
Do gimbals make much of a difference?
A gimbal can make a significant difference in video quality, taking it from shaky and unstable to smooth and professional. Gimbals use motors and sensors to stabilize the camera, compensating for shake and movement. This allows for crystal clear images, precise panning, and smooth tracking shots even when the camera operator is moving. Without a gimbal, these types of shots could look shaky, blurry, or unbalanced.
What are the disadvantages of a gimbal?
Gimbals undoubtedly offer various benefits, such as seamless stability and superior video quality, but they do come with their own set of considerations. First off, your budget might take a hit as high-quality gimbals can command a higher price point. Along with the financial investment, there's a physical one too. Larger gimbals designed to support heavy cameras add substantial extra weight to your gear, potentially making long shooting sessions challenging. Mastering these devices also involves a learning curve; understanding the gimbal's various features and achieving balance can require some tech acuity and patience. However, these potential challenges are outweighed by the unmatched stability and enhanced video quality that a gimbal brings to the table.
