Top Smartphone Gimbals of 2017: Elevate Your Mobile Photography

In the age of mobile journalism and content creation, the importance of a steady shot cannot be overstated. As smartphones evolve in their capability to capture high-quality video and photos, the accessories that enhance these experiences also improve. Amongst these accessories, smartphone gimbals have surged in popularity, providing versatility and stability for both amateur and professional videographers. In this article, we’ll delve into the best smartphone gimbals of 2017, exploring their features, advantages, and preferred use cases.

Why Use a Smartphone Gimbal?

Gimbals are stabilizing devices that enhance the quality of images captured by your smartphone. Unlike traditional tripods, gimbals allow for fluid motion capture, reducing the shakes and jerks that often accompany handheld video recording. This stabilization is crucial for outdoor shoots, event documentation, cinematic storytelling, and even simple family gatherings.

The Key Benefits of Using a Gimbal:

• Enhanced Stability: Achieve smooth, cinematic video that rivals professional setups.
• Improved Creativity: Experiment with dynamic angles and movements for more engaging content.
• Ease of Use: Many modern gimbals are lightweight and come with intuitive controls.
• Smart Features: Advanced models include tracking capabilities, creation modes, and connectivity options.

1. DJI Osmo Mobile

The DJI Osmo Mobile quickly gained traction among filmmakers and smartphone enthusiasts alike. This gimbal stands out for its ergonomic design and professional-grade stabilization technology.

Features of the DJI Osmo Mobile:

• 3-Axis Stabilization: Effortlessly captures smooth footage, even in dynamic environments.
• ActiveTrack: This smart feature allows the gimbal to track subjects with ease, keeping them in focus while you shoot.
• Mobile App Integration: The DJI GO app helps unlock advanced settings and unique creative modes.

This gimbal is perfect for vloggers looking to produce professional content directly from their smartphone.

2. Zhiyun Smooth-Q

With its remarkable build quality and competitive price, the Zhiyun Smooth-Q is a great option for those who want quality without breaking the bank. It offers great battery life, allowing hours of uninterrupted footage.

Notable Features:

• Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry, making it suitable for travel and outdoor shoots.
• Long Battery Life: Offers up to 12 hours of usage, preventing unwanted interruptions during shoots.
• Quick Setup: The gimbal can be easily balanced and calibrated in seconds.

The Zhiyun Smooth-Q is perfect for anyone looking to capture high-quality videos without excessive investment.

3. FeiyuTech G6

The FeiyuTech G6 is designed with versatility in mind. It can accommodate a variety of smartphones, as well as action cameras, making it a great all-around option.

Key Features:

• Waterproof Design: The G6’s build allows you to shoot in various weather conditions.
• OLED Display: An integrated display shows battery level and mode settings, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Multiple Modes: Choose from a range of shooting modes, including pan-follow and lock mode for varied shoots.

Whether you are a beach vacationer or an avid hiker, the FeiyuTech G6 will keep your footage stable and clear regardless of the elements.

4. Moza Mini-MI

For the mobile content creator who prefers a compact gimbal with power delivery capabilities, the Moza Mini-MI shines with its innovative design. Aside from stabilizing your shots, it can also charge your devices while filming.

Impressive Features:

• Power Delivery: Keep your phone charged while you shoot, avoiding battery anxiety.
• Multiple Shooting Modes: Offers various modes such as inception mode for more creative angles.
• Foldable Design: Makes it extremely portable, fitting easily into a backpack.

The Moza Mini-MI is fantastic for the modern-day content creator looking to keep their smartphone charged while on the go.

5. Snoppa Atom

As one of the most compact and portable options on the market, the Snoppa Atom makes it easy for anyone to shoot like a pro. Its unique 360-degree rotation capability allows for unparalleled flexibility.

Why Choose Snoppa Atom?

• Ultra Compact: Can be packed away easily, ideal for travel and long shoots.
• Simple Controls: Features user-friendly buttons and controls that make it easy to navigate.
• Quick Setup: The gimbal allows for rapid balancing setup and mode switching.

The Snoppa Atom is their solution for creators who want quality stabilization without carrying bulky equipment.

The Future of Smartphone Gimbals

As we move forward from 2017, one can only expect improvements in smartphone gimbal technology. The rise of 5G technology and improvements in smartphone camera capabilities will drive innovation in stabilization techniques and features.

Moreover, with the increasing popularity of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, there will be a greater demand for portable, user-friendly gadgets that help users enhance their creative outputs. Whether you are a professional filmmaker or an enthusiastic content creator, investing in a smartphone gimbal can significantly elevate your work and open up new avenues for creativity.

Armed with the right knowledge about the best smartphone gimbals of 2017, you are better prepared to make informed choices to enhance your filming experience and produce stunning, professional-quality content. Experience the difference in your visual storytelling today!