If you have been experimenting with the various features and components of your camera, you may be wondering “what is a digital camera gimbal.” The best digital cameras, after all, typically include this component. What is a gimbal and what does it do? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A digital camera gimbal is a stabilization attachment that helps photographers and videographers achieve smooth images that are free from stutter and obvious motion lag.
- Gimbals come in 1-axis, 2-axis, and 3-axis versions, to suit creatives of differing skill levels.
- A handheld gimbal is a great tool for capturing still shots from tricky angles and for capturing moving targets.
Camera Gimbals Explained
Put simply, a digital camera gimbal is an attachment that helps to stabilize the camera during use, allowing it to rotate along an axis without any stutters or obvious bumps. While most modern dedicated cameras and smartphone cameras feature internal stabilization mechanisms, a gimbal takes it to the next level. Gimbals and other stabilization tools, such as tripods, can come in handy while making tricky shots and typically integrate with most common camera designs, including mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and other modern cameras. This is useful if you are wondering what is a digital bridge camera and can they attach to gimbals.
Uses For a Digital Camera Gimbal
As previously mentioned, gimbals help keep the camera’s motions smooth and free from stutter. This can come in handy with a variety of scenarios, some of which are listed below. They are available as a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer design, otherwise known as a 3-axis handheld gimbal, a 2-axis gimbal stabilizer design, and a 1-axis design.
Tricky Angles
If you are trying to get a good shot from a tricky or unique angle, a gimbal will come in extremely handy. After all, if you are contorting your body to make sure your shot comes out gorgeous, it is likely you will not be completely still as you frame the shot. A gimbal will absorb any accidental jerks and motions via a dedicated mechanism that goes beyond that can be found with traditional internal stabilization components. So if you are wondering what a digital still camera is and if gimbals can help take decent still shots, the answer is yes. When it comes to still photography, a 1-axis or 2-axis gimbal should suit you just fine.
Videography
If you are shooting a video, a 3-axis gimbal is a must-have. Most professional videographers that shoot moving objects, such as wildlife videographers and sports videographers, rely on a gimbal to ensure a smooth range of motion as they go about tracking their subject. A 3-axis gimbal offers three axes of motion stabilization, covering all three dimensions of space. A 1-axis gimbal or a 2-axis gimbal will help, sure, but for videography go with a 3-axis gimbal.
Insider Tip
Make sure any gimbal can integrate with your camera before making a purchase.
F.A.Q.S
Do I need a gimbal?
Mirrorless cameras benefit greatly from a handheld gimbal. A 3-axis handheld gimbal helps photographers take great shots and videographers capture gorgeous video. Go for a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer if you are shooting video, as it will reduce shaky footage.
Which gimbal is the best for my camera?
There are many good gimbals out there with universal designs, some by Osmo Mobile. A popular gimbal is the DJI Ronin-SC – Camera Stabilizer. Osmo Mobile gimbals and DJI gimbals integrate with most mirrorless cameras and a full range of cameras.
How much does a gimbal cost?
Gimbals by Osmo Mobile and other reputable companies vary wildly in price, depending on the build quality and the axis number. A 2 – 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, for instance, costs more than a 1-axis gimbal.
STAT: In 1991, Martin Philip Stevens (born in England in 1963) invented a hand-held camera stabilizer for motion-picture and video cameras, called the Glidecam. (source)
