The Ultimate Smartphone Gimbal Test of 2018: Unveiling the Best for Mobile Filmmakers

In the fast-paced world of mobile filmmaking, having the right tools is essential for producing stunning content and capturing those perfect moments. One tool that has gained immense popularity among videographers is the smartphone gimbal. In 2018, a plethora of options flooded the market, each promising exceptional stabilization and usability. This blog post aims to test some of the top smartphone gimbals of 2018, providing a comprehensive review for budding filmmakers and content creators.

What Is a Smartphone Gimbal?

A smartphone gimbal is a handheld device designed to stabilize your phone while recording video. By utilizing motors and sensors, a gimbal compensates for hand movements, resulting in smoother, more professional-looking footage. For amateur and professional filmmakers alike, this tool is invaluable for dynamic shots and high-quality video capture.

Criteria for Testing

Before diving into the reviews, it's crucial to understand how we evaluated the gimbals. Our testing criteria included:

• Stabilization Performance: How well does the gimbal mitigate shakes and jitters?
• Ease of Use: Is the gimbal user-friendly for both novice and experienced users?
• Battery Life: How long can the gimbal operate on a single charge?
• Features: Does it offer additional functionalities like follow modes or time-lapse capabilities?
• Price: Is the gimbal a worthy investment based on its performance and features?

The Contenders

We selected five highly-rated smartphone gimbals to put through their paces in our 2018 test. Here’s a look at each contender:

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 2

The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 has made a name for itself with its robust stabilization capabilities and user-friendly design. With a lightweight build, it’s easy to carry around for long shoots. The battery life is impressive, allowing for up to 15 hours of usage. Features like active tracking and time-lapse make it a favorite among many creators. The Osmo Mobile 2 is priced competitively, appealing to those looking for quality without breaking the bank.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zooming in on the Zhiyun Smooth 4, this gimbal packs a punch with its myriad features. Highlighting a focus pull and zoom capability, it lets users control their smartphone camera like a pro. The built-in battery lasts for approximately 12 hours. Users will enjoy its versatility, allowing for complex edits and shooting styles. While it may be slightly heavier than its competitors, the functionality it offers is unparalleled for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.

3. Hohem iSteady Mobile

While the Hohem iSteady Mobile may not be as well-known as its counterparts, it offers commendable performance. Its unique selling proposition is affordability. It's an ideal option for beginners stepping into the world of smartphone filming. Users can expect a battery life of about 12 hours, allowing for substantial shooting time. They’ll also benefit from various modes such as inception and half-follow mode, which allow for creative storytelling.

4. FeiyuTech SPG Live

The FeiyuTech SPG Live is designed specifically for live streaming enthusiasts. Its sleek design and lightweight structure make it a portable option for on-the-go content creation. The gimbal supports a variety of shooting angles and has a battery life of about 8 hours. Although it lacks some advanced features found in pricier models, it excels in providing a stable shooting platform for streaming directly to your audience.

5. Moza Mini-MI

The Moza Mini-MI stands out with its unique ability to charge your smartphone while in use. The compact design is perfect for travel, as it easily fits into a small bag. With a battery life of around 10 hours, users can enjoy extended filming sessions without worry. It also enables wireless phone control for added convenience. This gimbal is best suited for casual users who wish to easily capture their everyday adventures without the fuss of extra equipment.

Stabilization Performance

To evaluate stabilization performance, we conducted various tests across multiple environments, from busy streets to serene parks. The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 consistently delivered the best performance, seamlessly eliminating shakes during brisk walking and jogging shots. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 also performed admirably, though minor jitters were noticeable during rapid movements.

On the other hand, while the Hohem iSteady Mobile offered great stabilization for its price, it fell slightly short compared to the top contenders. However, its performance was still commendable, especially when shooting at slower speeds.

Ease of Use

User experience is a crucial element of any gimbal. The simple setup and intuitive controls of the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 made it our top choice in this category. The Zhiyun Smooth 4, while slightly more complex due to its additional features, quickly became manageable with practice.

The other gimbals also played well in this aspect; however, the Moza Mini-MI’s ability to wirelessly control the phone gave it a unique advantage for users familiar with filming techniques.

Battery Life

As we've noted, battery life varies among gimbals. The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 led with an impressive 15 hours, allowing users to shoot all day. The Hohem iSteady Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth 4 also performed well with 12 hours. Meanwhile, the FeiyuTech SPG Live features a shorter battery life at 8 hours, which could be a dealbreaker for some users. In contrast, the Moza Mini-MI holds its ground, offering a decent 10 hours of operation.

Features to Consider

Each smartphone gimbal comes with unique features that cater to different needs. For example, the DJI Osmo Mobile 2’s active tracking mode is a highly sought-after feature, allowing users to easily follow subjects while capturing footage. The Zhiyun Smooth 4’s zoom and focus capabilities enable filmmakers to achieve a more cinematic look.

For live streamers, the FeiyuTech SPG Live’s specific design caters precisely to their needs. On the other hand, the Moza Mini-MI impressiveness lies in its ability to charge your phone while shooting, giving it an edge for long shoots without interruptions.

Price Point Analysis

Price is often a decisive factor when purchasing a gimbal. The Hohem iSteady Mobile shines in the budget category, offering solid performance without a hefty price tag. In contrast, both the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and Zhiyun Smooth 4 deliver exceptional quality at a reasonable price, making them worthwhile investments for serious videographers.

While the Moza Mini-MI caters to casual users, its mid-range price reflects the additional convenience of charging capabilities. Lastly, the FeiyuTech SPG Live is surprisingly affordable for its live-streaming features, making it a compelling option for content creators looking for a low-cost solution.

Real-World Application

Throughout our testing process, we shot a variety of content, from vlogs to short films. The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 resulted in some of the smoothest footage we’ve ever captured with a smartphone, proving its worth in both casual and professional setups. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 impressed us with its creative shooting modes, allowing for stunning time-lapse sequences.

The Hohem iSteady Mobile allowed us to produce steady shots while remaining cost-effective. Despite its few minor drawbacks, it got the job done during our outdoor test sessions. The Moza Mini-MI shined when we needed to film longer sessions without worrying about battery life. Lastly, the FeiyuTech SPG Live remained reliable during our live streaming tests, providing stable footage that engaged audiences smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, selecting the best smartphone gimbal for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, filming style, and desired features. The gimbals we tested all offer unique strengths and suit varied use cases, catering to an ever-growing community of mobile filmmakers.

With 2018 being an exciting year for smartphone accessories, gimbals are sure to remain a staple in the equipment arsenal of creative videographers. Whether you're a professional filmmaker, a budding YouTuber, or simply someone who loves capturing moments on the go, investing in a quality smartphone gimbal is a decision that can enhance your shooting experience dramatically.