Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Feiyu FY-G5 | The most compact three-axis electronic gimbal. Universal mount |
2 | DJI Ronin-SC | Fast and versatile |
3 | Sjcam Gimbal | The most affordable stabilizer |
4 | Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal | Stabilizer for Xiaomi cameras |
5 | Steadicam | Best price. Mechanical stabilizer |
1 | TILTA Gravity G2X | The best choice for expensive equipment |
2 | Zhiyun Z1 evolution | slow discharge |
3 | Feiyu Tech MG v.2 Lite | High-quality 3-axis model |
4 | Zhiyun Crane-M | Best choice for small cameras |
5 | Zhiyun Crane Plus 2018 | Improved reliability and weight retention |
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Not a single person knows how to keep his hands on weight in complete immobility. Because of this, jitter is transmitted to the camcorder. Even if it is equipped with electronic (software) stabilization, a slight shaking still begins to occur in motion. This effect is successfully combated by a stabilizer (it is also called a steadicam), which holds the camera in one position.If you're making videos to post on YouTube, then buying one is the best way to reach a larger audience.
Best Action Camera Stabilizer Manufacturers
Not every owner of an action camera needs a stabilizer. Therefore, such accessories are not able to boast of wide demand, and only a few large companies are engaged in their release.
DJI The Chinese are masters of stabilization. Suffice it to recall their drones, which shoot a smooth picture both at high speed and in strong winds. Their products are usually the best, but also the most expensive choice.
Xiaomi - this company seeks to occupy all market niches, one way or another related to electronics. Its stabilizer will please not so much the quality of the work performed, but the low cost. However, this does not mean that the device does not deserve a positive review.
FeiyuTech - a well-known manufacturer of tripods and heads for them. For some time now, he began to produce electronic stabilizers and gimbals for panoramic shooting. Such products are expensive, but they do not have any significant drawbacks.
How not to make a mistake when choosing a stabilizer for an action camera?
Remember that any electronic stabilizer is sharpened for its use in tandem with a device of a certain shape and weight. Therefore, before buying, be sure to make sure that the accessory is suitable for your action camera (many modern models generally only support the installation of a smartphone).
Pay attention to the functionality of the stabilizer. Some models are synchronized with the camera, which makes it possible to follow the subject. Also in modern devices there are panning and vertigo (camera torsion) modes.
No less important parameters are dimensions and weight.Sometimes the best stabilizer is the one that doesn't take up too much space in your backpack. Otherwise, you simply do not want to take the device with you.
The best amateur stabilizers for action cameras
5 Steadicam
Country: China
Average price: 2800 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The most affordable stabilizer model opens the rating. Cheapness is due to the complete absence of electronics. The design weighing 968 g is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Everything works due to simple mechanics - there is one two-axis hinge and a special weight that tends to the lowest point, at the same time maintaining the camera in a horizontal position. The design is foldable, which makes transportation a little easier. The rubberized handle fits well in the hand.
The camera is mounted through a standard 3 ¼ connector for cameras, which means you can install any camera with it. This, for example, GoPro of all versions. The manufacturer also allows the installation of SLR cameras weighing up to 1 kg. Depending on the device, the user needs to make adjustments, including adjusting the length of the “shoulder” and the weight of the weight.
4 Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal
Country: China
Average price: 5500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
If you want to improve videos for your home archive, then the easiest way is to purchase an inexpensive stabilizer from Xiaomi. Despite the low cost, it does an excellent job with its main task. Also, the Chinese did not stint on a durable aluminum alloy - it allows you to hope for a long service life of the accessory. Only shooting in the rain can lead to its reduction, because this model has not received moisture protection.
Customer feedback indicates that the gimbal perfectly interacts with the Xiaomi Mijia 4K action camera. When using this device, you will have access to selfie mode, time-lapse, and even object tracking. As the owners of the accessory note, the connection is via Bluetooth, and it never breaks. A cable connection is also available - in this case, the device will also receive a charge. For action cameras from other manufacturers, this model is not recommended.
3 Sjcam Gimbal
Country: China
Average price: 10290 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The cheapest electronic stabilizer opens the top three. The manufacturer - Sjcam - is one of the leaders in the production of action cameras. Unfortunately, only cameras from the same manufacturer are officially supported. On the other hand, there are pluses in this: the SJ6 Legend and SJ7 Star models can be controlled from the steadicam itself using special buttons - this is very convenient. From the stabilizer, you can change the shooting mode, start recording, as well as change the shooting direction and the stabilizer operation mode (capture, tracking and free).
The dimensions of the device are quite large, the handle is weighty. It lies comfortably in the hand, but weighs a little more than competitors - 350 g. But the battery life due to the use of two non-removable batteries of 2000 mAh each at once is about 13 hours! In the reviews, users note the presence of a hard case for transporting the stabilizer in the delivery set. In such a case, you can not worry about the safety of delicate electronics.
Comparable indicator | Electric Stabilizer | Mechanical stabilizer |
Price | For the most affordable electronic steadicam, you will have to pay about 5-6 thousand.High-quality models cost over 10 thousand rubles. | A quality model can be purchased for 2-4 thousand rubles |
Ease of use | Turn on and shoot. Can be controlled by built-in joystick | It is necessary to independently adjust the weights for a new camera, as well as adjust the position after transportation to obtain a better result. |
Simplicity of design | A large number of electronics and mechanisms. It is unlikely that you will be able to fix it yourself, and a professional service will cost a lot. | The system is as simple as a Zhiguli. If necessary, you can independently twist something or replace a part. |
picture quality | The best smoothness you can get | It depends on the correct gimbal settings, but in general the picture will still be somewhat simpler. |
Battery life | 3 to 9 hours depending on the model | Endlessly
|
Availability of additional functions | Change of shooting direction, automatic adaptation to the camera, mobile application, etc. (the set may differ depending on the model) | Missing |
2 DJI Ronin-SC
Country: China
Average price: 26590 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
A versatile stabilizer that can be paired with just about anything. The product turned out to be massive, so it is ready to withstand even a mirrorless camera. Communication with the action camera is carried out via Bluetooth or by wire. In the second case, the accessory will also charge the device. It’s a sin not to use this function, because inside such a design there was a place for a very capacious battery - theoretically, the stabilizer can work continuously for 11 hours.
Buyers note excellent smoothness of movements when panning. Some owners are surprised at how quickly the camera rotates when it comes to taking a selfie - this action takes only a second! The stabilizer should also please with a built-in tripod, thanks to which it can be put on the table.
1 Feiyu FY-G5
Country: China
Average price: 13510 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The virtual gold medal goes to a very high quality steadicam from Feiyu. The device is assembled perfectly, nothing plays anywhere, does not creak. The FY-G5 feels very nice in the hands. Weight - about 300 grams. Pleasantly presses on the hand, but does not tire when shooting for a long time. Also, due to the small dimensions, the device is easy to transport. The set includes a cover. True, it is fabric, which means that the stabilizer is not protected from impacts. Splash protection deserves special attention. Of course, you should not submerge the steadicam under water, but it will withstand shooting in the rain or at sea.
A 4-way joystick is used to control the shooting direction. Below it are the mode switch button and the selfie key. The latter rotates the camera 180 degrees, allowing you to quickly film yourself. You can also control the stabilizer from an iOS or Android smartphone. Power for operation is supplied from a removable battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. Finally, we note the universal mount, thanks to which, judging by user reviews, you can install almost any action camera.
The best professional stabilizers for action cameras
5 Zhiyun Crane Plus 2018
Country: China
Average price: 24300 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
In fact, this is an improved version of Crane v.2. The manufacturer added several new features, strengthened the motors and changed the name. Removed confusion in the lineup. In the case, in addition to the standard delivery set, you can find a tripod, which is convenient not only to set up, but also to remove. With the new motors, it can already withstand 2.2 kg of a camera with a mounted lens and other modifications. There are no creaks or rattles. The platform is old and not quick-detachable. A small plus is that when using one camera, the stabilizer can be adjusted once and no longer bother about it, just unscrew the screw. It can be screwed onto the platform for transportation so as not to lose.
There are three usage modes:
- horizontal tracking;
- all axes are locked;
- tracking on all axes, including when falling over.
According to customer reviews, the angle of inclination can be changed by hand, which will allow you to accurately and quickly perform all the manipulations without resorting to a joystick and without wasting extra time. There is no screen for settings; all software settings will have to be carried out on a computer or smartphone.
4 Zhiyun Crane-M
Country: China
Average price: 19990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Supplied in a simple and compact plastic case. The operating time of each battery, of which there are two, is up to 12 hours. The stabilizer is suitable for cameras weighing from 125 to 650 grams. You can also use it for your smartphone. It lies well in the hand, part is made of plastic, and part is made of metal. It is connected via a proprietary cable, with which, when connected to a device, you can control the scaling.
It will be the best option for bloggers or semi-professional photographers. Before use, it is recommended to walk around with it for a couple of weeks and get used to the features of work. Batteries are pulled out, which is convenient for replacement if the batteries have exhausted their resource. To charge the batteries, you will need to pull them out, unfortunately, charging directly through the stabilizer is not possible.
3 Feiyu Tech MG v.2 Lite
Country: China
Average price: 28950 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The maximum configuration of the device is remarkable in that the product comes in a waterproof case with a breathing valve so that nothing gets inside. If there is a vacuum inside, you can still open it without any problems. Charging is via Micro-USB. The manufacturer's auto-adjustment applies only to level calibration. The basic setup process can take up to two days. Setup is best done with fully installed upgrades and external devices.
Sometimes the stabilizer can buzz because of the economy class. The sound is remote or superimposed from the outside. A comfortable grip makes handling comfortable, but not ergonomic. A good result can be achieved when communicating with the phone in order to fine-tune your devices. Easily replaces rails, tripod and shoulder rest. With it, you can shoot both “smooth” videos and interval in motion.
2 Zhiyun Z1 evolution
Country: China
Average price: 9745 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
This handheld stabilizer is able to work for a long time on a single charge. Each of the batteries has a capacity of 2000 mAh and there are two of them in the kit.The complete set of the device is constantly changing approximately every six months. You can use one or two batteries. The joystick control is very similar to the DualShok trigger. The rotation angle of the axis is 330 degrees, which is enough for shooting panoramas or selfies. There are 2 modes of operation - horizontally and purposefully.
According to customer reviews, everything is operated with one hand, which adds convenience. The kit also includes a special cord that connects the stabilizer and the camera, recharging it. All wires are hidden inside the case. The presence of a thread for a standard tripod in the battery cover is a big plus, since the design can be connected to any site. Micro USB will allow you to download an additional application and calibrate the stabilizer to your personal preferences.
1 TILTA Gravity G2X
Country: China
Average price: 57900 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The best choice for those who are engaged in photography and filming on a professional basis. This model allows you to quickly change the device. A variety of devices can act as it: a SLR camera, an action camera, and a smartphone. There are no special weight restrictions. It is not surprising, because the stabilizer itself weighs an impressive 1800 g! And this is without taking into account the batteries used here, which are four 18650 batteries. This number is enough for 10 hours of operation (when using a lightweight device).
Almost every review on TILTA Gravity G2X ends with a positive assessment. Professional operators use this stabilizer even with RED camcorders that do not tolerate rough handling.The owners of the device note that with this method of operation, a 5.5 mm “jack” that transmits electricity at a voltage of 15 volts is not superfluous. Also a distinctive feature of this electronic stabilizer is a special design with a downwardly shifted Roll motor - this provides maximum freedom in mechanical balancing.