Best Gimbal for Smartphones in 2020: Your Ultimate Guide

In the world of mobile filmmaking, stability is key to achieving professional-looking footage. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or an enthusiastic hobbyist, investing in a gimbal can elevate your smartphone videography to new heights. In 2020, numerous options flooded the market, making it quite overwhelming to choose the perfect gimbal. This comprehensive guide reviews the best gimbals available, assessing their features, usability, and value for money.

What is a Gimbal?

A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. In the context of smartphones, gimbals are electronic stabilizers designed to eliminate shaky footage, enabling smoother, more cinematic video recording. They achieve this through a combination of motors and sensors that detect and counteract unwanted movements.

Why You Need a Gimbal

Imagine capturing breathtaking landscapes, family moments, or travel adventures with the utmost clarity and smoothness. A gimbal not only stabilizes your recording but also grants you additional creative options, such as panning, tilting, and tracking. It's the tool that turns casual footage into polished vignettes. Additionally, modern gimbals often come with integrated features like object tracking and hyper-lapse modes, allowing you to shoot like a pro.

Top Gimbals for Smartphones in 2020

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 3

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 quickly became a favorite among vlogging enthusiasts. Compact and lightweight, this gimbal easily folds for transport, making it perfect for on-the-go filming. With an impressive 15-hour battery life, it offers plenty of shooting time. Its user-friendly interface, combined with intelligent features like Gesture Control and ActiveTrack, make it a versatile choice for any smartphone user.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is another top contender, known for its professional features packed into an affordable design. It features numerous control options, allowing users to change parameters without taking their eyes off the shot. The built-in zoom and focus control wheel provide precision for those cinematic shots. With a battery life of up to 12 hours, the Smooth 4 is a reliable companion during longer filming sessions.

3. Moza Mini-MI

The Moza Mini-MI offers a unique twist with wireless charging capabilities for your smartphone while filming. Its adjustable cradle fits various smartphone sizes, and it supports several shooting modes like Inception and Clone Me. The gimbal is equipped with a solid build, ensuring durability during prolonged use. Additionally, it comes with an intuitive app that unlocks new creative features, making it ideal for aspiring filmmakers.

4. FeiyuTech Vimble 2

The FeiyuTech Vimble 2 stands out with its extendable design, allowing users to reach higher angles without straining. It boasts a host of filming modes, including Time-lapse and Dynamic Time-lapse. The gimbal’s battery can last up to 5 hours while delivering extraordinary stabilization. If you’re looking for value without compromising on features, the Vimble 2 is a strong option.

5. Snoppa Vmate

Lastly, the Snoppa Vmate comes equipped with a built-in camera as well as the capability to mount your smartphone. This dual function allows for versatile filming setups, whether you're creating dynamic content with your phone or capturing stabilized footage using the built-in camera. With impressive battery life and a stylish design, the Vmate is perfect for social media influencers keen on upgrading their mobile content.

Tips for Using a Smartphone Gimbal

1. Balance Your Smartphone

Before powering up your gimbal, it’s critical to balance your smartphone correctly. An unbalanced setup can lead to jerky footage and strain the gimbal's motors. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper balancing techniques.

2. Experiment with Different Modes

Modern gimbals offer numerous modes that enhance your shooting experience. Experiment with following modes such as Pan Follow or Lock Mode to discover which suits your filming style best.

3. Practice Your Shots

Using a gimbal effectively requires some practice. Spend time working on your movements—like smooth pans and tight turns—to ensure you capture the best footage possible.

4. Utilize the Apps

Many gimbals come with accompanying apps. These apps can enhance your shooting experience by providing advanced editing tools, tracking capabilities, and features like slow-motion and time-lapse. Make sure to explore what’s available.

Conclusion

As 2020 showcased a variety of excellent gimbals for smartphones, making an informed choice is vital for achieving high-quality results in your video production. The options range from the compact and user-friendly DJI Osmo Mobile 3 to the innovative Snoppa Vmate that bridges the gap between smartphone and standalone camera systems. By understanding the features, benefits, and best practices for using a gimbal, you can elevate your mobile videography and create stunning content that resonates with your audience.