Top Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizers of 2018: Capture Like a Pro

The world of smartphone photography and videography is evolving rapidly. With the increasing demand for high-quality video content, stabilizers, particularly gimbal stabilizers, have become essential tools for creators aiming to elevate their productions. Gimbals help eliminate shaky footage, allowing users to capture smooth, cinematic videos. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best smartphone gimbal stabilizers of 2018, ensuring you're well-equipped to create stunning visuals.

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 2

The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 quickly became a favorite among smartphone videographers in 2018 due to its impressive features and ease of use. With a robust build and a sleek design, the Osmo Mobile 2 supports a wide range of smartphones, ensuring that it can accommodate your device perfectly.

This gimbal offers a long battery life of up to 15 hours, allowing you to record footage without worrying about power. The built-in functions such as panorama mode, time-lapse, and motion-lapse add versatility, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the Osmo Mobile 2 has a companion app that enables users to control the gimbal’s functions and access advanced settings, making it ideal for both beginners and professionals.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Another impressive contender in 2018 was the Zhiyun Smooth 4. This gimbal standouts for its intuitive control panel, which allows users to easily adjust settings and switch modes without needing to rely on an app. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, which is especially advantageous for long shooting sessions.

The Smooth 4 also boasts advanced features like object tracking, time-lapse, and Vortex mode for 360-degree shooting. Capturing dynamic video has never been easier, making it a go-to choice for vloggers and creators looking to add creative flair to their content. With a battery life of 12 hours, you can shoot without the fear of losing power halfway through an important scene.

3. FeiyuTech Vimble 2

The FeiyuTech Vimble 2 is a versatile smartphone gimbal that delivers impressive performance at a competitive price. One of its standout features is the integrated extension pole, which allows users to achieve unique angles and perspectives that traditional gimbals cannot offer. This innovation is perfect for selfies, group photos, or panoramic shots.

This gimbal supports a variety of smartphones and comes equipped with several shooting modes, including follow mode, pan mode, and lock mode. The Vimble 2 also features a user-friendly app for added functionality, including smart object tracking and timelapse. With an impressive battery life of approximately 8 hours, this gimbal suits the needs of casual users and content creators alike.

4. Moza Mini-S

Compact and lightweight, the Moza Mini-S makes it easy to take your videography on the go. This gimbal is travel-friendly without sacrificing functionality, offering a 3-axis stabilization system that produces smooth footage even during high-action shots. Despite its small size, the Mini-S supports a load of up to 260 grams, accommodating most smartphones on the market.

Moza Mini-S features several shooting modes such as Inception mode for cinematic spins and FPV mode for immersive viewing experiences. The intuitive joystick and control panel allow for seamless adjustments, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned videographers. Plus, its battery life of up to 10 hours ensures you won’t miss any important moments during your shoots.

5. Snoppa Vmate

The Snoppa Vmate is unique in that it combines an integrated camera and gimbal stabilizer into one user-friendly device. While it may not be a traditional smartphone gimbal, its features and capabilities make it worthy of mention. This all-in-one stabilizer allows users to shoot high-quality, stabilized video without the need for an external smartphone.

The Vmate boasts multiple shooting modes including 4K video recording, slow motion, time-lapses, and more. Moreover, its lightweight design and compact size make it highly portable. With an inbuilt battery life of up to 4 hours, it’s perfect for short outings and events, enabling you to capture moments seamlessly.

Why Choose a Gimbal Stabilizer?

Understanding the importance of gimbal stabilizers requires an appreciation of the value they bring to video quality. Traditional smartphone videography can often result in shaky and less professional-looking footage, especially when moving or navigating through crowded spaces. Gimbals significantly reduce this motion blur, producing fluid and smooth movements that enhance the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, gimbal stabilizers allow content creators to push their creative boundaries. With features such as tracking, timelapse, and panoramic capabilities, users have more options to experiment with their shots. Whether you’re a vlogger, filmmaker, or an enthusiastic traveler, a smartphone gimbal elevates the standard of your content, making it more engaging for viewers.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Gimbal

When selecting a gimbal stabilizer, several factors should be taken into account:

• Compatibility: Ensure the gimbal supports your smartphone's weight and size.
• Battery Life: Longer battery life means more shooting time and less worry about recharging.
• Portability: If you travel often, consider lightweight and compact models that are easy to carry.
• Features: Depending on your style of shooting, select gimbals that have the shooting modes you need.

This careful consideration will lead to better decision-making and ultimately a more satisfying filming experience. 2018 brought us some remarkable advancements in smartphone gimbals, from performance to accessibility. As technology continues to evolve, so too will your options for capturing high-quality, cinematic footage right from the palm of your hand.