The Ultimate Guide to the Best Smartphone Gimbals of 2021

In the age of mobile photography and videography, having the right tools can significantly enhance your creative endeavors. One such essential tool for filmmakers and content creators is a smartphone gimbal. A gimbal stabilizes your smartphone, allowing you to capture smooth, professional-looking videos, whether you're vlogging, shooting travel videos, or creating content for your social media channels. In 2021, a plethora of options are available, making it a bit overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. This article aims to showcase the top smartphone gimbals available in 2021, providing insights and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Smartphone Gimbal?

Before diving into the list of best smartphone gimbals, it’s essential to understand what a gimbal is and how it works. A smartphone gimbal is a device that uses motors and sensors to stabilize your phone, virtually eliminating shakes and jitters during filming. Unlike traditional tripods, gimbals allow for dynamic movement, which is perfect for capturing action shots, tracking subjects, or just creating smoother footage overall. 

Why You Need a Gimbal

For anyone serious about mobile videography, a gimbal is a must-have accessory. Here are a few reasons why investing in a smartphone gimbal can elevate your video quality:

• Smoothness: Gimbals can keep your footage smooth even when you're on the move.
• Versatility: They allow for various filming techniques, such as tracking shots or hyper-lapses.
• User-friendly: Many gimbals come with user-friendly app support that provides features like time-lapse and slow-motion shooting.
• Compatibility: Most gimbals are designed to work with multiple smartphone models, making them adaptable.

Top Smartphone Gimbals in 2021

1. DJI OM 4

The DJI OM 4 has quickly become one of the top choices for mobile filmmakers and content creators. With its stunning design and a range of features, this gimbal offers excellent performance.

• Features: The OM 4 boasts a magnetic phone clamp, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of your smartphone. It includes intelligent shooting modes such as ActiveTrack and Force Mobile.
• Battery Life: It has a long-lasting battery of up to 15 hours, providing ample shooting time.
• Flexibility: With its lightweight design and foldable feature, it’s easy to carry for outdoor shoots.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

For those looking for advanced features at a reasonable price, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a great option. This gimbal is designed for professional filmmakers who require more control over their shooting.

• Focus Control: It has a unique focus wheel that allows you to adjust the focus or zoom while shooting.
• Battery Life: The Smooth 4 offers a battery performance of 12 hours, which is suitable for long shooting sessions.
• Built-in Features: It comes equipped with time-lapse, slow-motion, and other advanced shooting modes.

3. Moza Mini-S

The Moza Mini-S is an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality. It packs a lot of features into a compact design.

• Weight: It’s lightweight and portable, making it a solid choice for travelers.
• Battery Life: The battery lasts for about 8 hours, which is decent for short to medium shoots.
• Gesture Control: With its gesture control feature, you can easily start and stop recording without having to touch your smartphone.

4. FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket

If you want an all-in-one solution, the FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket is a great choice. This gimbal is compact and comes with an integrated tripod.

• Compact Design: Its foldable design allows for easy storage and portability.
• Auto-Calibration: It automatically calibrates, so you don’t have to worry about any setup.
• Long Battery Life: VLOG Pocket features a powerful battery life, lasting for about 14 hours.

Tips for Using Your Smartphone Gimbal

Having the best gimbal is just the first step. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your smartphone gimbal:

1. Balance Your Smartphone: Ensure that your smartphone is properly balanced on the gimbal. A well-balanced gimbal will perform better and provide smoother shots.
2. Use Different Modes: Familiarize yourself with different shooting modes, such as pan follow, lock mode, and follow mode. Each has its benefits for specific types of shots.
3. Practice: Spend time practicing with your gimbal to get familiar with its controls and features. This will enhance your shooting skills and allow for more creative shots.
4. Stabilize Your Movements: While the gimbal stabilizes your shots, smooth movements (like slow pans and tracking) will maximize the effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Smartphone Gimbals

As useful as they are, there are common pitfalls that many users face when starting with gimbals:

• Dismissing Battery Life: Always check your battery before heading out to shoot. An uncharged gimbal can ruin your filming day.
• Skipping User Manual: Each gimbal may operate differently, so it's wise to read the manual, especially if you're using advanced features.
• Neglecting Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your gimbal to ensure its longevity and performance.

Final Thoughts

The world of smartphone gimbals offers a variety of options suited for different budgets and requirements. Whether you are a novice looking to enhance your video quality or a seasoned professional aiming to capture cinematic shots, there is a gimbal out there for you. With the rise of mobile content creation, integrating the best smartphone gimbal into your gear might just be the game-changer you need in 2021.