There was a time when you needed a camera to take a good video. But this is not necessarily true. While professional cameras and stable OSS lenses will always provide the best video performance, the cameras on smartphones are more powerful than ever.
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Since most people have a smartphone, using the camera on a mobile phone is a great way to start shooting without having to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the camera. But this does not mean that there is no problem with this.
Have you ever tried to shoot a cute video on your mobile phone, just to ruin it with blurred or dithered footage? If you're capturing your baby's first shot, that's fine, but if you're trying to make a Youtube video or shoot viral content, you want your video to look the best, even if it's just a cat's video silly.
You may have heard of the universal stabilizer of a DSLR camera. Well, there is a universal stabilizer for your smartphone or GoPro camera.
Universal joint stabilizers are always more stable than your hands, they can eliminate jittery or blurred lenses to help your video look better than before. Gimbals uses brushless motors to keep your smartphone or camera stable while shooting.
This guide will cover ten best universal joint stabilizers, including the balance ring for smartphones and the balance ring designed for budget-friendly GoPro cameras.
Things to consider
Gimbals doesn't just keep the camera steady. Many of them have improved in-game functionality, even with utility software and Bluetooth connectivity to mobile apps. When purchasing a universal joint for a smartphone, keep in mind the following features.
1. Axis stability
One of the most important features of the universal joint is that it keeps the camera stable. There are two different types of universal joints - two-axis stabilizers and three-axis stabilizers. The two-axis gimbal stabilizes your tilt and roll, and the three-axis gimbal stabilizes your pan. Two-axis stabilizers are generally more affordable, but three-axis stabilizers are better suited for shooting moving lenses.
2. Battery
There are two types of battery powered universal joints. Some models use a standard alkaline battery and must be replaced periodically. Others use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, but these batteries tend to have shorter run times.
3. Weight
Most gimbals weigh no more than a few pounds, but if you need to keep it for a long time, even two or three pounds will become heavier. According to experience, the lighter the pan/tilt, the better, but make sure you don't sacrifice performance just to save half a pound.
4. Software
Most universal joints come with utility software installed. The software can be a powerful tool that allows you to get more than just the PTZ and get more cameras. In other words, the software is usually only available for specific operating systems, so make sure your PTZ is compatible with your computer.
5. Compatibility
In addition to the computer, you also need to make sure that the purchased PTZ is compatible with your camera or smartphone. If your pan/tilt is not available for iOS and you have an iPhone, you will fail. In addition, many of the balance rings are only available for specific phone models, regardless of the operating system, please keep this in mind.
5 Best Gimbal for Mobile in 2019
5. ChargerCity Pistol Grip Stabilizer Tripod Handle with Bracket Mount
ChargerCity Pistol Camera Stabilizer How much you are willing to spend on a smartphone gimbal will depend largely on what you are shooting and on the profitability of your video. If you rely primarily on a fixed camera angle and only occasionally use a moving lens, you might like this economical stabilizer.
The ChargerCity Pistol Grip Stabilizer does not offer many of the features you would expect from a more expensive model. It does not come with any software or advanced applications.
The PTZ has an easy-to-hold basic pistol grip and a simple, easy-to-assemble latch that hooks the smartphone and holds it securely in place. The universal joint can also be modified to a tripod for fixed use.
The best feature of this special head is equipped with the ChargerCity micro USB card reader, which allows you to store all your video on the card for easy porting to your computer.
Another feature I like is the PTZ direct manufacturer replacement warranty. Since no compatibility requirements can be met, this universal joint should work for all smartphones up to 3.25 inches or smaller. This gimbal will not disappoint you, but it is perfect for fast shooting because it is small, easy to install and weighs less than 4 ounces.
4. Neewer NW-2AG200 Dual Axis Collapsible Handheld Smartphone Universal Joint Stabilizer
Neewer NW-2AG200 Dual-Axis Smartphone Stabilizer Neewer NW-2AG200 Dual-Axis Smartphone Universal Joint Stabilizer is the perfect example of how much difference can be brought in $30.
The ChargerCity Universal Joint is a simple mechanical tripod with a micro USB card reader. The Neewer NW-2AG200 is a full-featured electronic universal joint with Bluetooth and a remote control dual-axis motor.
This universal joint is suitable for mobile phones with screen sizes up to 5.5 inches, including iPhone, Samsung and Galaxy, and is compatible with Apple and Android operating systems.
The two-axis universal joint adjusts the tilt and roll, the horizontal axis angle is + - 55 degrees, and the pitch axis control angle is + - 45 degrees.
The PTZ uses Bluetooth 4.0 and can run on a 1000 mAh lithium-ion battery. The pan/tilt runs for up to 5 hours, depending on the size and weight of the phone, and charges in about two to three hours.
It has a Bluetooth remote control so you can adjust the tilt and roll, and it comes with a travel bag for easy storage when not in use. It weighs 6.7 ounces.
This type of universal joint lacks the control and versatility of a more expensive model, but it is a good entry-level stabilizer.
3. Hohem Handheld Universal Joint Stabilizer
The simple design of Hohem Handheld Smartphone Stabilizer Hohem Handheld Universal Joint Stabilizer is one of the many attractive features of this gimbal.
Unlike the last two universal joints, the Hohem Handheld universal joint stabilizer is interdependent with your smartphone.
It connects directly to your smartphone and can't run without it. Hohem is a three-axis universal joint that gives you stability and flexibility when shooting.
When the universal joint is connected to the smartphone, it turns on various functions. It has a visual auto tracking function that adjusts the camera angle to the subject.
The film radius can be adjusted from 180 degrees to a 360 degree panorama with a single click. The PTZ connects directly to the app on your smartphone via Bluetooth, giving you access to more customization options.
The design of the Yuntai is also very eye-catching. It has an innovative folding mechanism that makes it very compact and easy to store. It also has a 3600 mAh mobile power source that charges the phone when connected.
In addition, the four-way joystick allows you to adjust the orientation of your phone for a perfect angle when shooting. The pan/tilt is equipped with a tote bag and a micro USB cable that weighs less than 11 ounces. The PTZ can be used with a smartphone up to 6 inches.
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 2 Handheld Stabilizer
DJI Osmo Mobile 2 The Gilbmal DJI Osmo 2 mobile handheld stabilizer is one of the newest smart handheld universal joints on the market. IIt also enhances your smartphone with a variety of features to take your smartphone camera to the next level.
One of the things that excite me the most is the time-lapse shooting of different styles.
Osmo 2 allows you to play around with time, delays, failures, and timeouts that are close to the same concept, with slightly different distortions.
1. Zhiyun Smooth3 3-axis smartphone universal joint stabilizer
Zhiyun Smooth III Smartphone Universal Joint Stabilizer The last smartphone universal joint on this list, Zhiyun Smooth3 handheld universal joint bag has many powerful functions. Its excellent balance, superior battery life and useful features make it an excellent tool.
Smooth3 excels in both design and software. For example, it has a telescopic arm for precise balancing, and an intuitive handwheel on the control panel for easy and precise control of various functions such as exposure, focus and shutter speed.
The two-way moving fixture allows you to adjust the orientation of the camera bracket horizontally or vertically for more shooting options.
The software is equally comprehensive. Bluetooth technology instantly connects you to your mobile app, allowing you to control exposure compensation, ISO and white balance, allowing you to apply a variety of filters to your camera, as well as support for features such as time delays and long exposures.
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