You probably came here looking for the best DSLR gimbal to shoot your next video.
A DSLR Gimbal is something designed to help a cameraman hold the load of the camera and help the camera stay steady and motionless throughout the shooting session.
So if you are not familiar with the term DSLR or SLR, they basically mean “Digital Single Lens Reflex”.
It is a digital camera that combines the mechanisms and optics with a sensor for digital imaging.
The reflex design or DSLR is the biggest difference between them and other types of digital cameras.
There are many different versions for DSLR gimbals on the market, ranging from the modes of the stabilizer to the size of cameras the device can hold.
We have put together this list of the top selling Gimbals made for DSLR on the current market :
And the Best Gimbals for SLR cameras are :
Feiyu Tech A2000 Dual Grip Handle Kit
The Alpha series a2000 from FeiyuTech makes taking stabilized video easy. It will take even a hobbyist and leave them with footage that looks like it was taken by a professional cinematographer.
The FeiyuTech a2000 features a large payload of 2000 grams (around 4.4 pounds) and works with almost every DSLR cameras.
You can also attach a number of accessories like lights and microphones.
This 3Axis DSLE Stabilizer comes with both single grip and dual-handled installations, giving you a lot of flexibility.
There are also several modes and the ability to customize settings. Intuitive joystick and button controls make it easy to use and you can even use an app to control the gimbal and its settings.
The power of this gimbal is in the 360-degree rotation on each axis. This gives you a lot of freedom of movement.
Even when you are moving quickly and on uneven terrain, the camera will move smoothly and stay stabilized. A gimbal like the a2000 will let you create footage like you’d get with a crane or a rolling dolly.
Although stabilized video is the primary use for the a2000, it also lets you take stunning timesapses.
A special timelapse mode lets you pan the camera slowly over time while shooting at regular intervals.
Beholder DS1 Handheld Stabilizer 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal for DSLR Camera
The Beholder DS1 Brushless Gimbal is one of the best handheld DSLR stabilizers on the market for the price it costs.
It has the ability to hold a DSLR camera weighing up to 2kg.
Along with it 5-way joystick to operate the modes, its compact design, and extremely steady images, the Beholder DS1 Gimble is something both, professional and newbies can use without any issues whatsoever.
Zhiyun Crane 3 Axis DSLR gimbal
Our personal favorite, the Zhiyun Crane 3 Axis is a modern handheld stabilizer that will work with most Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras, up to 1.2kg / 2.6 lbs.
Very well designed, its control system is a bit different, as you will control the gimbal using a joystick on the handle itself.
While it can take some time to get used to, we found it to be very quick and comfortable to use.
Zhiyun also includes a free app, to control the gimbal from an Android or IOS phone remotely, a useful feature if you plan to use it on a tripod.
Neewer Crane V2
The Neewer Crane V2 DSLR stabilizer is a gimbal that offers a lot of value. It’s hard to find a DSLR gimbal with this many features in this price range. It’s compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras from all the major manufacturers.
Cameras just have to fit within the weight requirements of 350-1800g. You must take into account the weight of lenses and accessories as well as the camera when considering the payload. You get superior stabilization with this gimbal, thanks to the 3-axis 360-degree rotation and high precision microcomtroller units.
There are two different shooting position modes, top-down and bottom up. You also have three shooting modes: Locking Mode, Pan Following Mode, Pan and Tilt Following Mode. You can always make adjustments using the 5-way joystick. An app also allows for very convenient wireless control of the gimbal. That said, some users have found the app to be less than ideal.
If it works, it’s great but it might be buggy on some phones. Although Neewer doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to customer service, this gimbal does offer a ton of value.
It’s solidly constructed and does everything you want a gimbal to do and then some. This gimbal is participating helpful when it comes to challenging shooting requirements, like positive grip, upright shooting, low angle, or even high flight photography. To keep your gimbal protected, it does come with a nice carrying case. This is a piece of camera equipment that could be with you for the long haul, as long as you take care of it.
Glide Gear Geranos 3 Axis Gyro Motorized Stabilizer
Now we are entering in pro territory. This top-rated stabilizer is made to allow the user to shoot videos for hours without feeling tired.
Its chest strap system is made to carry even the heaviest DSLR cameras, like the Canon 5D Mark IV, effortlessly.
If you are looking for a professional grade 3-Axis gimbal stabilizer, then do not miss on checking out the Glide Gear Gns 100 Geranos 3 axis gimbal stabilizer.
It is packed with features that will allow you the perfect smooth video shooting that a professional would look for.
The compact design of the Glide Gear Gernos that gives you the chance to actually carry it in your backpack includes a 5-way analog joystick and the ability to make any adjustments and attach accessories completely tool less.
Having that the Glide gear is a double hand grip gimbal stabilizer, you are offered with the possibility to fit more full sized cameras.
The range of cameras that this gimbal can support is actually quite big and the full list of suitable models can be found at the manufacturer’s website, but in general, almost every camera of up to 2.6 lbs in weight would be a good fit.
The Glide Gear is powered by a Li-Ion battery that allows up to 6 hours of continuous video shooting, which is just enough having in mind you are handling heavier professional cameras.
What is the base of giving you smooth and flawless movement in your videos are the dual IMU Sensors combined with three 32-bits microcontrollers and automotive encoders that work following an advanced floating point algorithm that is the key to the perfect stability.
All this comes in a protective carry case and at a very affordable price. As an extra bonus, you get to control your Glide Gear Geranos wirelessly by using an app that you can download, suitable for iOS and Android platforms. The Glide Gear Gimbal Stabilizer is a great choice for those looking to really up their game in video shooting by achieving a professional, high-quality footages that are stable and smooth as they can be.
In our opinion, this is an outstanding stabilizer, perfect for just about any situations and would be our first choice if budget allows it.
Ikan DS1
Another beautifully designed and one of the best DSLR Gimbal here is the Ikan DS1. It is another lightweight device, which is extremely important especially for handheld Gimbals as the weight of the DSLR camera can weigh quite a bit.
The device comes with a really useful joystick on the handle, making it really easy to switch between modes.
Another great feature is the quick release plate at the base of the Gimbal that allows you to adjust the camera very easily when changing the lenses. A fantastic device at a reasonable price.
Neewer Aluminium Alloy Foldable Handheld Video Stabilizer
The Neewer Aluminium foldable handheld Gimbal is a great device for keeping your footage still and steady.
Not only is it great for your filming, but it is extremely light – giving you the ability to film for hours without your arm becoming fatigued and can be folded away easily.
This is a really unique feature and one we love!
Pilotfly PFH1P
The Pilotfly PFH1P has a great feature with its mode select button.
It offers you to switch between, not four, but five user configurable modes!
It is also equipped with a rocker switch to control gimbal pitch, tilt and roll angles with only one hand!
It also comes with a Smartphone adapter and a great hard carrying case, ideal for extreme sports or other journeys where the equipment will be knocked about.
A really well made and well thought out Stabilizer!
IKAN MS1
The Ikan MS1 Beholder Gimbal is particularly designed for mirrorless cameras, so if you happen to have one, then this might be just the right one for you in order to make your videos stable and incredibly smooth.
The Ikan MS1 Beholder Gimbal with its 1.7 lbs is very lightweight, but at the same time, the construction is extremely durable made entirely out of aluminum. The maximum weight of the cameras that the Beholder gimbal MS1 can support is 1.9 lbs or 860 grams.
Although, it is not designed to support big and heavy cameras (look at the EC1 for this application), the rage of the ones that it can fit is still quite big and some of the supported models are: Sony a7S, RX-100, almost entire NEX series, Panasonic GH4, Samsung NX500, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera and more.
A big part of the design is the 5-way joystick that you can put in different modes, like Follow and Lock and also gives you completely full control over Pan-and-Tilt. The shooting angles that are put at your full control are of up to 45 degrees roll and 90-degree tilt (off center).
At the bottom of the joystick, you will be able to find a ¼’’ -20 thread mount to attach different accessories or even to mount the gimbal stabilizer to a monopod or a tripod. On the joystick, you will also find a USB port to connect small light or a smartphone for instance.
The attachment of the accessories is completely tool-less and in the pack, you will find a quick-release balance plate to balance your camera quickly and easy.
Behind the smart design sits integrated the actual reason of getting perfectly stable and smooth videos and these are the 3 gyro stabilized brushless motors.
They work in balancing your mirrorless camera and achieve the smooth image capture, no matter if you are walking or the way the camera itself is moving. All this is powered by a Li-Ion battery that will give you up to 2-3 hours of shooting time.
The entire package comes in a soft carry case that is a nice little touch, especially for the ones that like to travel and shoot.
EC S40 Handheld Stabilizer
The EC S40 is yet another super lightweight DSLR Gimbal that is made from Carbon Fiber.
It doesn’t have all the features of other DSLR Stabilizers but it will work with lots of DSLR cameras, as the base it adjustable.
It works extremely well at keeping the footage really still and steady.
For less than 100 bucks, it is one of the cheapest DSLR Gimbals on the market, and if you are just learning the ropes, then the EC S40 is a great starting point.
Glide Gear DNA 1000# Camera Action Video Stabilizer
Another affordable DSLR camera stabilizer is the Glide Gear DNA.
It has a Three axis gimbal joint with full 360° rotation coverage.
It is made from Aluminium and Carbon Fiber, ensuring the device is extremely lightweight and easy to hold.
It is designed to hold up to 3.7lbs, giving a high range of DSLR cameras you can connect to the Gimbal, with the option to add additional weights if needed.
The Glide Gear DNA gives beautiful quality footage and is a real bargain that can be picked up for less than 200 bucks!
Flycam HD-5000 Video Stabilizer
A slightly different category than the gimbal stabilizers are the balancing systems and the Flycam HD-5000 is a perfect example of one that does a great job for half the price of similar balancing systems.
In general, the Flycam HD-5000 is a handheld video stabilizer that can support a great range of cameras weighing up to 11 lbs or 5 kilograms. It is a 3-Axis Gimbal stabilizer that allows you smooth and interrupted movement for amazing shots from unique angles.
It features a center-post that requires no tools in order to adjust the different height you would like to shoot from, a foam padded Handle grip and a dynamic base platform with weights that balance the entire system.
You can add or remove weights depending on the requirements of your camera in order to balance it perfectly.
For perfect, flawless shooting you need to have in mind the vertical balance of your camera, which you can easily adjust by setting the center-post to a required height.
Of course, the most important is the top platform that comes with ¼’’ mounting holes that would be suitable for most camera bases. All you need to do is slide your camera in and use the control knobs to adjust the vertical and horizontal balance of your camera so that you can get to find that professional looking videos you are after. Apart from giving your videos great stability and make them really professionally made, the Flycam HD-5000 also comes with some bonuses.
In the pack included you will find a quick release adapter that can support a medium sized DSLR cameras and allows faster change of the cameras.
It doesn’t end up here, you are also getting a table clamp that allows you to stabilize your camera with it when you don’t need or want to hold it anymore. It is safe to say that Flycam HD-5000 is a great video stabilizer that you can get at a great price too.
Why use a gimbal for your DSLR?
There are many different reasons why the professionals use a stabilizing Gimbal for their DSLR cameras.
Someone who wants to take the perfect shots will always have a really difficult time achieving the perfect camera footage without the image shaking and moving indoors, let alone outside with all the different types for weather Mother Earth throws at us.
Even the most seasoned professional will struggle to keep the camera still without a stabilizer.
Cameramen and Photographers use stabilizers or Gimbals to record the perfect images to ensure the footage is crystal clear and blemish free.
Nobody wants to watch any kind of video that is bouncing about, making you feel nauseous.
The devices work on the same principle of gravity. The Gimbal stabilizes the camera at the center of the chassis, totally wiping out any unwanted moves and jolts.
There are a number of different modes that keep the camera from changing its position and keeping it focused on the task in hand.
The cameraman can literally move as much as they like, the stabilizer will keep the DSLR camera still and pointing on the action you wish to capture.
Electric vs Mechanical gimbals
Mechanical
A Mechanical Gimbal is a support for a camera that allows the rotation on a single axis.
The weight of the camera will help stabilize the camera to be level at all times.
Generally, Mechanical Gimbals have only one or two axis.
Electric
Electric Gimbals normally have 3 axes used to stabilize the camera independently of any movements of camera shakes of the operator.
Motorized Gimbals are extremely popular in extreme sports where there is a lot of intense movement and shaking.
Gimbals nowadays can be attached to all kinds of equipment such as a helmet of a bicycle frame to record the footage smoothly of the user while in action.
Electric Gimbals are operated by brushless motors, these motors keep the camera stable and level on all the different axes it moves on, with extremely rapid response times.
The IMU or Inertial Measurement Unit helps power the micro controller that responds to the camera’s movements, which in turn, utilizes the brushless motors to hold the camera steady.