Gimbal research overload. Need help

[Asianpork]

Been researching a 3 axis gimbal for my iphone7 but now I've entered research hell. Need help deciding.

DJI OSMO mobile or Zhiyun Z1- smooth-C? Anybody have experience with either of these?

I've read reviews and I've watched sample videos made with both of those but the quality of the videos isn't consistent across the board. Some of the Youtube videos I watch show beautiful stabilized video and others show lot of visible motion...for both of the products.

On paper DJI sounds more promising, but it also costs more paper - Zhiyun is almost $130 cheaper. However, OSMO mobile does have a lot of accessories and I trust DJI more than Zhiyun as a company ywhen it comes to firmware updates...but DJI has a reputation of terrible customer support.

Not to mention other contenders like Lanparte also in the mix.

So any advise appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jjk454ss]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm in the market for a Gimbal and I wondered if you had more info, if you decided on one of these how do you like it? Does anyone have any info on anything else come out since that might be a better option? I'm looking for the best option between price and performance. I may just go with the Karma Grip, is this the way to go if it's going to be used primarily with a GoPro Hero 5?

 

[fitshaced]

I think the iPhone (with OIS) is no good as a camera suitable for handheld gimbals. As the camera is either stabilised by the iPhone when in a camera app or it just bobs around like it's just a loose lens, no gimbal can really work for it. If there was a way to fully lock the camera/lens to the iPhone housing then a gimbal would work. A gimbal for a compact or action camera is probably the way to go. DJI don't cater for that.

 

[joema2]

....I'm in the market for a Gimbal and I wondered if you had more info, if you decided on one of these how do you like it?...I may just go with the Karma Grip, is this the way to go if it's going to be used primarily with a GoPro Hero 5?

I have the Osmo X3 including the Z-axis arm. This takes out the vertical "bob" in walking and works very well. The problem with the X3, Hero 5, etc. is they aren't very good in low light. That includes most indoor dim light. The sensor just isn't good enough. They work very well outside.

The sensor in modern smart phones is a bit better so smartphone gimbals are another way, although you don't have the Z-axis arm.

 

[MalooNZ]

I have just bought an OSMO plus - it has the 3x zoom - and I'm very impressed. For the xtra $100 odd dollars the Plus is the way to go. There are heaps of accessories available. It is great being able to have full camera control from your phone. And the target lock is a cool feature - you aim at the target then pull the trigger and when you move the camera, walk around the target, the camera keeps Your subject in the centre of the frame. Just ordered to z axis too this should smooth out any vertical movement when walking.

 

[Asianpork]

I know this is an old thread, but I'm in the market for a Gimbal and I wondered if you had more info, if you decided on one of these how do you like it? Does anyone have any info on anything else come out since that might be a better option? I'm looking for the best option between price and performance. I may just go with the Karma Grip, is this the way to go if it's going to be used primarily with a GoPro Hero 5?

I ended up getting the Zhiyun Smooth-C...Works very well with some practice. Zhiyun came out with the Smooth-Q which is only $140 I believe. Check out iphonedo on Youtube. He does very detailed comparisons between the smooth-Q and DJI OSMO mobile...he preffered the OSMO mobile, but it's $299.

I'm very happy with my Smooth-C. The up and down bob can be greatly reduced if you take small steps, instead of regular large strides (like doing a farmer's walk exercise in the gym).

If money is no issue then get the DJI OSMO mobile...more features and robust software.
[doublepost=1499695180][/doublepost]

I think the iPhone (with OIS) is no good as a camera suitable for handheld gimbals. As the camera is either stabilised by the iPhone when in a camera app or it just bobs around like it's just a loose lens, no gimbal can really work for it. If there was a way to fully lock the camera/lens to the iPhone housing then a gimbal would work. A gimbal for a compact or action camera is probably the way to go. DJI don't cater for that.

I haven't found that to be true. There are tons of videos on youtube with people getting buttery smooth videos with gimbals. My personal experience speaks to that as well. I used my Zhiyun Smooth-C for a corporate video and people were shocked that I got some cinematic shots out of an iPhone 7.

A gimbal won't completely compensate for natural body movements. When I need the steadiest shot possible I attach my gimbal to a monopod and move it around like a jib and it's shocking how you can recreate crane shots.

If you walk around in a normal fashion then yes, the erratic bobs, here and there, will even show up on a DJI Ronin.

 

[fitshaced]

I ended up getting the Zhiyun Smooth-C...Works very well with some practice. Zhiyun came out with the Smooth-Q which is only $140 I believe. Check out iphonedo on Youtube. He does very detailed comparisons between the smooth-Q and DJI OSMO mobile...he preffered the OSMO mobile, but it's $299.

I'm very happy with my Smooth-C. The up and down bob can be greatly reduced if you take small steps, instead of regular large strides (like doing a farmer's walk exercise in the gym).

If money is no issue then get the DJI OSMO mobile...more features and robust software.
[doublepost=1499695180][/doublepost]

I haven't found that to be true. There are tons of videos on youtube with people getting buttery smooth videos with gimbals. My personal experience speaks to that as well. I used my Zhiyun Smooth-C for a corporate video and people were shocked that I got some cinematic shots out of an iPhone 7.

A gimbal won't completely compensate for natural body movements. When I need the steadiest shot possible I attach my gimbal to a monopod and move it around like a jib and it's shocking how you can recreate crane shots.

If you walk around in a normal fashion then yes, the erratic bobs, here and there, will even show up on a DJI Ronin.

If you watch from 3:49 it'll explain what I mean.

 

[jjk454ss]

Thanks everyone

 

[Lukewarmwinner]

The karma grip with Hero 5 is awesome! I can only recommend going with that setup!

 

[eyeseeyou]

Check out the smooth q.