Gimbals for iPhone 12, Mini, Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
We all are excited after the announcement of the new iPhone 12 series by Apple on October 13. As most of us already pre-ordered and get their desired model from October 23, we all are thinking about how we can use the new iPhone for next-level photography. The iPhone 12 arguably has the best camera for video on the market on any phone (both the 12 and the 12pro have the same primary sensor). When you add a gimbal, as I have (I use a DJI OM 4, same as listed below), it really takes that to the next level.
Are you looking for the top gimbals for iPhone 12 (mini or Normal) Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max? In this article, I am going to introduce you to some of the best gimbals that filled with features that would suit the needs of all video enthusiasts – from the simple vlogger to the professional filmmakers.
- Fastest from pocket to recording ($$$) – DJI OM4 (Amazon) – The magnetic mount makes setting up so fast that I would recommend this for casual users who just want a quick and easy gimbal.
- Best All rounded performance ($$$) – Zhiyun Smooth 4 (Amazon) – Great durability, solid video performance, and a design that I feel has stood the test of time. Great for those who exist between professional and casual. Zhyiun Smooth 4
- Most tested and cheapest option ($$) – DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (Amazon) – I would recommend this gimbal for those who really like the DJI polish, and want and solid all round performer. Not as advanced as the Smooth 4, but probably as capable. Its been out for a few years, and I can attes4t to the durability and solid performance. Osmo Mobile 3.
DJI OM 4
The DJI OM 4 (Amazon) is becoming the best gimbal for iPhones due to its most streamlined shooting capacity. And this shouldn’t be expected to change any time soon, as the dimensions of the iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Based on its dimension and supported phone size, DJI OM 4 can be one of the best gimbals for iPhone 12 Pro Max. If you want to read a bit more before deciding to buy, PCMag did a fantastic in-depth review 🙂
Specifications:
- Dimension – 163 x 99.5 x 46.5 mm
- Weight – 390 g
- Battery Life – Up to 15 hours
What’s in the box:
- DJI OM 4
- Storage Pouch
- Power Cable
- Magnetic Phone Clamp
- Magnetic Ring Holder
- Grip Tripod
- Wrist Strap
Advantages:
- The magnetic quick-release design that includes the magnetic phone clamp and magnetic ring holder allows you to hold your iPhone as long as you shoot with safety.
- The OM4 CloneMe Panorama is the unique feature that allows the user to make multiple versions of a subject or a person into a single shot to make it creative.
- The Dynamic Zoom feature allows you to capture your moments like Hollywood with its mind-boggling Hitchcock effect.
- 240° Pano and 3×3 Pano allows you to capture the best wide-angle moments with your smartphone.
Disadvantages
- You cannot remove or replace your battery. Unlike other gimbals, you cannot keep extra for a long video shoot.
- If you use their iOS apps, you can face some inconsistent performance.
Compatibility:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max (Unofficially supported due to weight limits: but early tests show it works fine)
- All previous Generations of Phone.
Zhiyun Smooth 4
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 (Amazon) has always been one of my favorites for mobile. It just gets so much right that others seems to get only close on. Powerful motors, decent weight (a tad heavier than competitors), a simple finger interface, and a fairly powerful app have it holding its own even in 2020. Additionally if your a bit more serious about shooting, i would recommend the Smooth 4. 2 batteries, great range of motion, a powerful motor that can handle up to the pro max, the ability to charge your phone. If you want to see are more detailed overview you can checkout what I wrote here.
Specifications:
- Weight 547g (1.2 pounds)
- 2 Lithium-Ion rechargeable 200mAh battery
- Rotation range of 3003° panorama, 240° roll, and 240° tilt
- ZY play free downloadable app
- Allowable weight of phone 7.4oz, and 3.35 height max.
- USB type-c port
Features:
- PhoneGo mode
- Panning Mode
- Standby Mode
- Control panel
- Universal mounting base
- Removable base
- Zoom and focus adjustment wheel
- Cine-style focus
- Supports up to 12 hours of runtime
- Shockproof, dustproof and waterproof
What’s in the box:
- Zhiyun Smooth 4 stabilizer
- Carrying case
- Mini tripod
- USB recharge cable
- User guide
Advantages:
- The easy operating system makes it one of the best gimbals for iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro max. Whether you are an amateur videographer or trying the gimbal for the very first time, it ensures you make stable, smooth, and creative videos effortlessly with its easy-to-use functions.
- You can switch to portrait mode to landscape mode with ease by double click the mode button.
- Intelligent object tracking allows the gimbal to capture your each and every moment.
Disadvantages
- Compared to other gimbals for iPhone, the handgrip could be bigger.
Compatibility:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max(Too Heavy)- All previous Generations of Phone.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3
DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (Amazon) is one of the few gimbals that are directly advertised on Apple’s official website. Dispite there being a newer model out, if your budget doesn’t like that one, the Osmo Mobile 3 is still a fantastic choice. If you want to have a sleek, light, and fold able gimbal for iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, Osmo Mobile 3 can be the best choice. Based on the dimension and size, it fits the iPhone 12 Pro perfectly. In fact, it is the best gimbal for any iPhones because of its portable 3-axis stabilizer and easy-to-use features. If you want to read a more detailed overview and review of the gimbal you can checkout what I wrote here.
Specifications:
- Weight of device 405g or .99 pounds
- Dimensions of 157X130X46 mm
- Lithium-Ion rechargeable 980 mAh
- Rotation range of 162.5°-170.3° panorama, 85.1°-252.2° roll, 104.5°-235.7° tilt
- DJI Mimo free downloadable app
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.0
- Compatible with phones from 62-88mm wide and 9.5mm thick
Features:
- Ability to shoot 4K video
- Delay
- Fast Forward
- Slow forward
- Panorama
- Gesture control
- Story mode
- 3 hour charge time
- 3 to 4.5 hours run time
- Max controllable speed 120°/second
- Active Track
What’s in the box:
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal
- Battery (built-in)
- Tri-pod
- Storage ouch
- Power cable
- Wrist strap
- Active track 3.0
- Anti-slip pads (4x)
Compatibility:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max- be aware with no case is on the very edge of the gimbal motors capability. This iphone is 230 grams.
- All previous Generations of Phone.
The IPhone 12 Pro Max does not fit in the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.
I bought a DJI Osmo Mobile 3 and my IPhone 12 Pro Max does not fit
Thanks for the update, edited the article
The iPhone 12pro does not work with the DJI Osmo gimbal because of the magnetic charger on the back. I know you get compensated when someone clicks on your link and buys. Shame on you for not providing accurate information. I purchased it and had to send it back
This is not true, here is video proof of it working just fine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwjaozg7E9s
Thanks for posting!
The video you just linked does not address the original posters concern of the wireless charging on the iPhone 12 at all, I assume their issue is they cannot leave on the clasp or permanently attach the alternate magnet if they intend to use a magsafe charger with their phone. In addition the specs on the DJI website list the compatible phone width dimensions of the OM 4 as 67-84 mm which exceeds the width of the iPhone 12 mini (64 mm) you list here as a compatible device. Again your only option would be to permanently affix the magnet to the back of the phone forever giving up the option to use magsafe charging or accessories, not an acceptable solution. I would strongly recommend you change the OM4 listing to NOT support 12 mini and to make a note on the OM4 disadvantages that the mounts interfere with Magsafe charging or accessories.
It seemed that he was talking about the Pro full size. I will remove the Mini from compatibility. I only have the Pro normal size to test these on but did check the specs. That said, not being able to use wireless charging while using the gimbal is not something that effects the quality of the gimbal, and as of now there isnt any that im aware of that would allow that functionality, simply because of the balance disturbances caused by a wire and uneven weight.
I think the important thing that is not being spoken about is DJI’s statement of support of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone Pro Max with the OM4. I just checked, and they still say the iPhone 12s are not supported by the OM4. So regardless of whether users decide to take a chance on something that may or may not work, I believe that I, and others, want to wait until the iPhone 12 is officially supported by the OM4.
Per DJI, The DJI-OM4 is “Not” compatible with iPhone 12 Pro Max and is still in the testing phases with their engineering team. It is also not listed as one of the compatible devices on their website. I bring this up as many iPhone 12 Pro Max owners have had several issues with different things on the OM-4. After working with DJI, they are speculating it could be up to 6 months before a 100% compatibility with the DJI-OM4. You may need to update your article stating other wise.
While not officially supported there is many videos of people using it successfully with no issues. I have marked the article with (unoffical support) thanks
Best,
Joshua
Hey Josh. Thanks for the write-up. I have an issue with my 12 Pro Max and my Zhiyun Smooth 4. It appears that the phone is too heavy for this combo, because, once I connect to the app, it will be stable for about a minute and then the gimble just collapses. But in your article you have 12 Pro Max listed as one of the compatible phones for that gimble.
Have you had success pairing the two? I’m wondering if I just need a firmware update or some other solution because I love using the Smooth 4 and it has always worked very well on past phones.
The OM4 does not support HDR and Dolby Vision recording for the iPhone 12 Pro models. Perhaps with a future update it might? The clamp will not fit a Max with a case. There is a workaround with a MagSafe attachment that can be found on Amazon for about $15. Once the 12 is compatible, look for DJI to offer it as an accessory.