Why use a gimbal

So, what is a gimbal? And how can you use them to make your shots just a bit better? Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this. When shooting moving subjects, stability and range of motion is critical to nailing the shot. Let's define it in terms of its mechanics and then we'll see how to use one to get great shots. A gimbal is a pivoting support that allows you to rotate an object along a single axis. A common 3 axis gimbal allows a camera mounted on it to be independent of the movement of the one holding the gimbal.

These 3 axes are identified as pitch, yaw, and roll. The pitch axis i. The yaw axis i. And the roll axis i.

Using our common understanding of tilt, pan, and roll, you can see just how versatile they can be when adjusting shot angles. Read more on the best gimbal stabilizers. We've answered the question: "What is a gimbal? In the next section, we'll go over some basic operating strategies that will make this your new favorite piece of equipment.

Now that we've defined what a gimbal is, here are some quick tips on getting the most out of them. Using one provides a lot versatility in the quality and types of shots possible. When you know the advantages, you'll be ready to maximize this particular piece of equipment. Watch the how-to video below.

Balancing is a necessary step. Its axis-lock system also ensures that your camera will remain absolutely still when set. It also comes with multiple mounting points to increase the options photographers and videographers have to choose from. The CRANE 2S features a built-in focus control wheel and servo follow focus motor to provide the best quality footage possible from a gimbal.

It offers six gimbal modes with buttery-smooth movement, that satisfy all demands from basic to advanced users including; pan following, locking, following, full-range POV, Vortex mode, and Go mode. Its advanced cinematic effects such as Panorama, Timelapse, Motionlapse, and Long Exposure Timelapse are also a nice bonus. If more power is needed, videographers can easily extend the runtime with backup batteries.

If you are on the market for a camera gimbal, there are a few things you should look for before settling on a particular make and model. Whether or not you need a gimbal will depend entirely on your camera-using needs.

If you are a budding professional videographer you'll probably want one in your arsenal, but if you just want to take some nice pictures, they might be a bit OTT. You may be able to get away with using a simple tripod for most of your needs if the latter. However, if you want to take pictures of fast-moving objects, a gimbal is a great tool to get the best, and clearest shot, possible. Other than that, there are some inherent benefits to camera gimbals.

These include, but are not limited to:. Apart from the Crane 2S, there are some other great models on the market. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. It makes the operation of the camera much more comfortable than handling other stabilization options which often leave you with a sore arm due to their weight.

There are certainly other things to know before using a gimbal on your video camera. Some of these things are briefly described hereunder for your consideration.

Gimbals are great at stabilization, but they do not replace any of the tools used to make a quality video. Some of the essential cinematic tools used for pro video include dollies, sliders, and jibs which you cannot replace by using a gimbal. In saying this tho, going freestyle, you will have almost no camera shake so can still create some of these motions with fantastic stability.

And for those who are not making movies, a gimbal is perfect. Though you can capture amazing images with the help of a gimbal, you should not forget that your creative skills instead of a new device dictate your creation. Though you can tilt, roll and pan your camera on various axes by using multiple gimbals, you should not lose your focus from the vertical movement of your camera as it is not controlled by any of the axis in the gimbal.

Any kind of vertical movement can affect the quality of your video. Gimbals are designed to hold near the chest or waist of the operator to handle it naturally. But if your shot requires you can also invert your gimbal to get the perfect shot. To get the best shots, it is necessary to balance your gimbal, even if you are a great videographer.