Top 5 Best Gimbals for Smartphones in 2021

In the landscape of mobile photography and videography, stability is key. With the advent of social media and content creation, smartphone users are constantly seeking ways to improve their video quality. Whether it’s for vlogging, creating YouTube content, or simply capturing family memories, having the right smartphone gimbal can make all the difference. In 2021, we saw an impressive array of options designed for both amateur and professional videographers alike. Below, we explore the top five gimbals that stood out in 2021 to help elevate your smartphone videography game.

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 3

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is one of the most popular gimbals on the market, and for good reason. This compact and foldable gimbal has a slew of features tailored for the modern content creator. With ActiveTrack 3.0, users can effortlessly track moving subjects, making it ideal for dynamic vlogs and action shots.

Its ergonomic design offers maximum comfort during extended shooting sessions, while the gesture control feature allows for hands-free operation. Furthermore, the Osmo Mobile 3 integrates seamlessly with the DJI Mimo app, providing users with additional creative tools such as time-lapse modes and story templates. The gimbal’s up to 15 hours of battery life ensures you won’t miss a moment while filming.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Another strong contender is the Zhiyun Smooth 4, which boasts an impressive array of features aimed at filmmaking enthusiasts. One of the standout aspects of the Smooth 4 is its extensive control panel. With a simple touch of a button, users can control focus, zoom, and various shooting modes—all without needing to take their smartphone off the gimbal.

Additionally, this gimbal features a powerful motor that stabilizes shots for a consistently smooth experience, even in fast-paced scenarios. The Smooth 4 also supports zoom controls and can be used in a variety of shooting modes like timelapse and object tracking, making it incredibly versatile for creative projects. With a battery life of up to 12 hours, it's perfect for a full day of shooting.

3. Moza Mini-MI

The Moza Mini-MI stands out due to its unique feature set which includes the ability to charge your smartphone while you shoot. This gimbal supports wireless charging, making it a favorite among creators who tend to run low on battery during shoots. The gimbal's ergonomic design ensures ease of use, even for extended periods.

What sets the Mini-MI apart is its versatile capabilities; it allows for 3-axis stabilization, offering flexibility to create cinematic shots. The Moza app provides additional creative options, such as smart tracking and object tracking. Its capacity to accommodate smartphones with a varying weight range (up to 280 grams) also makes it a great choice for users with different phone models.

4. FeiyuTech Vlog Pocket 2

The FeiyuTech Vlog Pocket 2 is engineered for travel enthusiasts and vloggers on the go. It is ultra-portable and collapsible, allowing users to easily slip it into any bag for convenience. Despite its size, it supports a solid load (up to 250g) while providing 3-axis stabilization.

This gimbal caters particularly well to vloggers with its built-in tripod and remote control, enabling selfies from afar. The silent motors ensure that no noise is captured in your recordings, further enhancing the quality of audio while filming. Additionally, the Vlog Pocket 2 employs intelligent shooting modes including panorama, timelapse, and slow-motion, making it an excellent option for creative storytelling.

5. Snoppa Vmate

Finally, the Snoppa Vmate is a unique entry on this list due to its innovative built-in camera. Unlike the other gimbals, the Vmate can be used independently, capturing HD videos without requiring a smartphone. It features 3-axis stabilization and allows for 4K video recording at 30fps, making it versatile for professionals and casual users alike.

The Vmate comes loaded with features, including a smart follow mode, intelligent panorama, and a time-lapse function. Additionally, its compact design makes it easily portable, and the ability to directly edit and share videos within the device simplifies the workflow for content creators. The Vmate is perfect for those venturing into filming but may not want to use their smartphone directly.

Why Choose a Gimbal?

Choosing a gimbal over traditional handheld filming promotes stability and creates smoother footage. Especially for mobile devices that are becoming increasingly powerful in camera technology, investing in a gimbal allows for enhanced flexibility in shooting angles and styles. Stabilization significantly decreases the shakiness often inherent in handheld videos, creating a more professional and polished final result.

Gimbals also offer a range of customizable features that can enhance storytelling through motion control, time-lapse, and panoramic capabilities. For creators serious about elevating their visual content, these tools are essential in forging a more immersive viewer experience.

In Summary

The smartphone gimbal market in 2021 brought a plethora of innovative options for content creators. From the DJI Osmo Mobile 3's comprehensive functionality to the compact design of the FeiyuTech Vlog Pocket 2, there's a gimbal suited for every type of creator. Investing in the right equipment can significantly impact the quality of your videos and help you tell your story more effectively.

As we dive deeper into this vibrant content creation era, staying equipped with the right tools becomes critical. Gimbals can not only streamline the filming process, but they also push the boundaries of creativity, allowing for unique visual storytelling to flourish.