The Best Smartphone Gimbal in 2019: Elevate Your Mobile Filmmaking

In the ever-evolving world of mobile photography and videography, smartphone gimbals have emerged as a revolutionary tool for capturing steady and cinematic footage. As we delve into 2019, several products have stood out in the market, gaining avid attention from both amateurs and professionals alike. Whether you are a vlogger, a traveler, or simply someone who appreciates capturing moments, selecting the right gimbal can elevate your footage to new heights. In this article, we will explore the best smartphone gimbals of 2019, considering their features, usability, and overall performance.

Understanding Smartphone Gimbals

Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s briefly understand what a smartphone gimbal is. A gimbal is a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. In layman’s terms, it helps to stabilize your phone to ensure that your video recordings are smooth, even when your hands are a bit shaky. The technology behind gimbals removes the vibrations and shakes that can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smartphone Gimbal

• Stabilization: Look for three-axis stabilization for the best results.
• Battery Life: A longer battery life ensures uninterrupted filming sessions.
• Weight and Portability: A lightweight and compact design is crucial for travel.
• App Support: Many gimbals come with companion apps that offer advanced features and controls.
• Build Quality: Durable materials are essential for long-term use.

Top 5 Smartphone Gimbals of 2019

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 2

The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 is heralded as one of the top contenders in the smartphone gimbal market. With its lightweight design and impressive stabilization capabilities, it is perfect for both casual users and professional filmmakers. Features include a 15-hour battery life, simple user controls, and a built-in zoom slider. The accompanying DJI GO app is intuitive, allowing users to add various effects while piloting the gimbal.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zhiyun Smooth 4 is another favorite among content creators in 2019. One of its standout features is its professional-level control panel that allows you to manage focus and exposure directly from the gimbal. Its motor capabilities mean it can handle a wide variety of smartphone sizes, and the zoom slider is an added bonus for videographers. Furthermore, the battery lasts up to 12 hours, making it ideal for extended filming sessions.

3. FeiyuTech V-log P

The FeiyuTech V-log P offers an affordable yet high-functioning option for budding videographers. It excels in its quick setup with automatic balancing and myriad shooting modes, including time-lapse and hyper-lapse. Its lightweight design ensures that you won’t feel fatigued during long shooting days, and the 10-hour battery life is dependable. Overall, the V-log P provides excellent value for the features it offers.

4. Moza Mini-MI

The Moza Mini-MI is a unique contender as it features wireless charging capabilities. This gimbal repurposes technology from the standard smartphone charging arena to ensure your device stays powered up while shooting. With its dedicated app, users can access creative modes such as inception mode and object tracking. It's lightweight, portable, and has a battery life of approximately 10 hours.

5. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus

Closing our list is the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus, which offers a simple yet effective design for stability and features compatible with various shooting styles. Its three-axis stabilization captures quality footage even in dynamic settings. With an astonishing 12 hours of battery life, the iSteady Mobile Plus caters to users needing durability for long filming sessions. Enhanced with face tracking and object tracking features, this gimbal is a solid choice for social media enthusiasts.

Additional Tips for Using Smartphone Gimbals

While selecting the right gimbal is essential, knowing how to use it effectively can significantly impact the quality of your footage. Here are some tips:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Spend time familiarizing yourself with the gimbal’s features and controls.
• Use Good Posture: Maintain a steady holding position, bending your knees slightly to absorb shocks.
• Plan Your Shots: Think ahead about the angles and movements you want to achieve.
• Switch Modes Accordingly: Use the different modes available in your gimbal for varied filming perspectives.

Why Invest in a Smartphone Gimbal?

Investing in a smartphone gimbal can enhance your mobile videography experience tremendously. With the ever-increasing quality of smartphone cameras, a gimbal acts as a powerful companion, allowing you to create smooth, professional-looking videos that can rival some traditional filming equipment. Whether documenting family events, traveling, or creating content for your personal brand, gimbals provide a level of control and precision that transforms ordinary recordings into extraordinary visuals.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right smartphone gimbal can be a game-changer for any aspiring filmmaker or content creator. The options available in 2019 offer an array of features ensuring smooth filming experience across various environments. By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a gimbal that enhances your storytelling capabilities through mobile videography. Remember, the art of filmmaking lies not just in having the best equipment; it’s about how you use that equipment to tell your unique story.