The definitive edition of the gimbal purchase guide for drones! 5 recommended and popular models!

Table of contents

Gimbal is a must for beginners in aerial photography and video!Pre-purchase checkpoint

You who are sighing "Why can you shoot without blurring" when you see SNS posts such as YouTube and Instagram!

In order to dramatically improve the quality of smartphone videos and drone aerial video, it is essential to use a gimbal (= stabilizer) that has strong camera shake prevention.

In the summer of 2018, Softbank released the 3-axis smartphone gimbal "SMOOTH 4", which attracted a lot of attention, but new models are being introduced one after another to drone gimbals. However, no matter how sophisticated the camera is installed in the latest model of drone that you purchased, it is meaningless unless you have an environment in which it can demonstrate its performance.

In this article, we will introduce the latest models, recommended models, popular models, etc. of gimbals that are becoming a must-have item for drone aerial photography.

Please help us in selecting a model before purchasing.

Key points for choosing a gimbal

There are many models of gimbals that are indispensable for aerial photography and video recording, and it is difficult to choose! I think there are many people who say that. In addition, the cycle of technological innovation is fast, and the latest models are being introduced one after another.

However, the only mission of the gimbal is to "eliminate blurring". The built-in sensor detects the tilt of the drone, and the motor side corrects the tilt. In that sense, no gimbal makes a big difference.

First of all, we recommend that you give priority to products that hold the following two points, and then pursue the added value of plus alpha.

It's time to buy a new drone that you like and buy.

At that time, if the gimbal is highly versatile and compatible with many models, you can continue to use it even if you change the aircraft. Of course, it is best to prioritize matching with your favorite camera or drone, but if possible, it is recommended to choose a gimbal that has many compatible models.

Currently, the number of models equipped with cameras and gimbals on drones is increasing. If you are considering a replacement, I would like to keep your gimbal spending as low as possible.

For example, prices for 2-axis gimbals and 3-axis gimbals are very different as of Spring / Summer 2019. Most of the former models can be purchased for a few thousand yen, but the latter are often in the price range of 1 to 3 infestations. The 3-axis gimbal is certainly resistant to horizontal blur, but if you are not so particular about shooting with a 180-degree pan, you can get a satisfactory effect even with a 2-axis gimbal. Please carefully consider the investment effect.

Recommended gimbal for you who value specs

If you want to shoot with attention to detail while controlling the operation mode, you want to choose a gimbal with high specs.

The functions of the gimbal continue to evolve, and models suitable for various shooting environments are appearing one after another! In addition, there are two main types of gimbal modes, "follow mode" and "FPV mode". The basics of gimbal shooting modes are summarized below.

This is an operation mode with enhanced tilt correction of the aircraft. Sometimes called "follow-up mode". The gimbal keeps the shooting screen horizontal even if the drone's body is tilted.

It is a gimbal mode that enables you to shoot with a sense of reality.

The gimbal tilts as the drone moves left and right.

Recommended gimbal for you who prioritize cost performance

First of all, I want to prioritize the price! The gimbal is a "2-axis type" that is recommended for those who prioritize cost performance. Although there is a risk of lateral shake, it still greatly reduces blurring during aerial photography and camera shake during movie shooting. There are many low-priced products, and you can find a gimbal that has functions that are fully satisfactory even if the price is low.

Here is a summary of the differences between 2-axis gimbals and 3-axis gimbals.

2-axis gimbal: Supports vertical and rotational shake.Not compatible with lateral shake

3-axis gimbal: In addition to vertical and rotational movements, it can handle so-called pan (horizontal) blurring. Therefore, it has become possible to deal with lateral shake.

If you are unsure about choosing a gimbal model!Introducing recommended models at once

It can be said that the gimbal is the key to the success of smartphone video shooting and drone aerial shooting. Each manufacturer is also releasing attractive new products one after another.

In this article, we have selected only the models that we would like to recommend from the latest models of gimbal 2018-2019.

We hope it helps improve the quality of drone aerial video.

Main features: GoPro, which is synonymous with action cameras suitable for shooting fast-moving objects, is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for drone-equipped cameras! If you are a "Gopro3", "Gopro3 +" or "Gopro4" user, why not enjoy drone shooting with this mini gimbal? In addition, any camera that conforms to these models can be installed.

No matter how you attach the camera, it will be recognized automatically, so you can start shooting immediately. It can rotate 360 ​​° horizontally to support dynamic aerial photography. A clear aerial video without blurring can be realized with this gimbal alone.

Manufacturer name: FEIYUTECH Product name: Mini gimbal for drone 3D MINI compatible terminal: "Gopro3" "Gopro3 +" "Gopro4", camera weight according to the size on the left: 167g Price range: Open price (actual price in spring / summer 2019 is 25,000) ~ 30,000 yen)

Main features: Recently, a camera-equipped drone with a gimbal set has appeared. We recommend this 2-axis gimbal for those who are considering replacement by purchase but want to actually check the gimbal effect. After all, the actual price in the spring and summer of 2019 is around several thousand yen, so you can feel free to try the gimbal effect. A 2-axis gimbal means that there are two axes that serve as fulcrums for movement. In other words, it responds firmly to the blurring of vertical movement and rotational movement. It is recommended for those who want to feel the effect of reducing blurring by closing their eyes for horizontal twist = horizontal blurring.

It is compatible with DJI's Phantom, GoPro 3-4, and cameras of similar sizes.

Manufacturer name: P Prettyia Product name: Drone brushless gimbal 2-axis compatible terminal: "Gopro3" "Gopro3 +" "Gopro4", camera size according to the left: 108g Price range: Open price (actual price in spring / summer 2019 is 5,000 ~ 6,000 yen)

Main features: GoPro HERO is a versatile camcorder that makes it easy for beginners to shoot beautiful videos as the name implies. It is an orthodox model with a simple package of a gimbal body, a controller, and a motor.

Manufacturer name: No brand (Distributor: https://jp.banggood.com/ Product name: Mini gimbal for drones 3D MINI compatible terminal: "Gopro3" "Gopro3 +" "Gopro4", camera weight according to the size on the left: 230g Price range: Open price (actual price in spring / summer 2019 is 3,000-5,000 yen)

Main features: The main feature of this product is the clean design with built-in cables and motors. In addition, it has excellent attitude control ability, and "Heading Follow Mode (PF)" and "FPV Mode Operation Mode" have been added to the gimbal movement mode. A 3-axis gimbal that emphasizes user-friendliness in terms of both appearance and function.

Manufacturer name: Tarot Product name: T-3D IV Metal 3-axis brushless gimbal compatible terminal: GoPro HERO Session, camera weight according to the left: 167g Price range: Open price (actual price in spring / summer 2019 is 15,000-20,000 yen)

Main features: This gimbal is recommended for those who love the representative model of the early drone "DJI Phantom 1-2". A 2-axis gimbal equipped with a stable brushless motor, which is easy to handle even for beginners.

Manufacturer name: No brand Product name: 2-axis drone gimbal PTZ control compatible terminal: DJI Phantom 1-2, drone weight according to the left: 108g Price range: Open price (actual price in spring / summer 2019 is 5,000-6,000 yen)