Top 5 Smartphone Gimbals of 2020: Your Ultimate Guide to Stable Shooting

As the world becomes increasingly visual, the need for high-quality video has never been more critical. Whether you're a budding filmmaker, a travel vlogger, or simply someone wanting to capture life’s precious moments without the annoying shakes, investing in a smartphone gimbal is a game-changer. In 2020, gimbals have evolved significantly, offering features that cater to both amateurs and professionals alike. Here, we will explore the top five smartphone gimbals of 2020, highlighting their key features, pros, cons, and what makes them stand out in this competitive market.

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 3

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is a standout choice for anyone serious about smartphone videography. This gimbal offers a compact folding design, making it extremely portable and easy to carry when you're on the go. Enhanced with a host of intelligent features like ActiveTrack 3.0, you can easily keep your subject in the frame while focusing on your shot.

• Key Features:
• Compact and lightweight design
• Gesture control for easy selfie shots
• Up to 15 hours of battery life

The controls are intuitive, and the companion app provides a range of shooting modes, including Dolly Zoom and Sport mode, for dynamic action shots. At a reasonable price point, the Osmo Mobile 3 sets the standard for gimbals.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

If you're looking for a gimbal that combines affordability with high-quality features, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 should be on your radar. This gimbal boasts a focus pull and zoom capability, which can be particularly handy for creative shots.

• Key Features:
• Focus wheel for precise control over focus and zoom
• Smartphone app for advanced shooting features
• Long battery life of up to 12 hours

The build quality is sturdy, and the gimbal supports a range of phone sizes, meaning you won’t struggle to fit your flagship device in. However, its weight might be a downside for some who prefer something more lightweight.

3. FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket

Aimed at vloggers, the FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket is ultra-compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the move. This gimbal features a unique foldable design, which means it won’t take up too much space in your bag.

• Key Features:
• Super lightweight and portable
• Built-in control panel for easy operation
• Multiple modes for different shooting techniques

While it may lack some high-end features, such as advanced tracking like its competitors, it more than makes up for it with its ease of use and excellent stabilization for everyday filming tasks.

4. Moza Mini-S

The Moza Mini-S is a fantastic entry-level gimbal that features a range of functionality at a budget-friendly price. Its lightweight design and quick setup allow for spontaneous filming, making it perfect for getting that perfect shot quickly.

• Key Features:
• Lightweight design under 1 kg
• Multiple shooting modes including time-lapse
• Can support a variety of smartphone sizes

Moreover, the gimbal also includes a variety of creative shooting modes, including a panorama feature, making it a versatile option for a variety of shooting scenarios. However, its battery life could be a bit better, especially during long sessions.

5. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus

The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus has made quite a name for itself as a budget-friendly gimbal with an array of features that are especially appealing to those just starting in the realm of videography.

• Key Features:
• 3-axis stabilization for smooth footage
• Long battery life of up to 12 hours
• Smartphone app with various shooting modes

This gimbal is particularly noted for its easy-to-use interface and solid stabilization, ensuring that you get smooth and professional-looking footage without the hefty price tag. However, the build quality might not appeal to everyone, so it's essential to consider how much durability you require for your filming needs.

Why Invest in a Gimbal?

For anyone interested in capturing videos, a smartphone gimbal is a worthwhile investment. Traditional handheld shooting can lead to shaky footage, detracting from the overall quality. A gimbal effectively minimizes this issue by providing stability and smooth pans, tilts, and movements that enhance the overall production value of your videos.

Additionally, with features like tracking modes and time-lapse options, modern smartphone gimbals empower users to be more creative in their filmmaking process. As you consider the right gimbal for your needs, think about factors such as portability, battery life, and the types of shots you wish to capture.

Conclusion

While this article does not contain a conclusion, it's essential to remember that as technology keeps advancing, so will your tools. Whether you're going for an entry-level option or a professional-grade gimbal, the right smartphone gimbal can elevate the quality of your video content and enhance your shooting experience significantly.