Which is the best camera gimbal for 2023?

When it comes to gimbals, there are a few differences to be considered between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. One of the main differences is the weight of the camera.
Before finding the best gimbal for your needs, it is important to know, what a gimbal actually is. A camera gimbal is a device used to stabilize a camera while shooting video or capturing images. It helps to reduce camera shake and produces smooth, fluid footage. Gimbals use motors and sensors to keep the camera level and steady, even when the operator is moving. There are several types of camera gimbals available on the market, ranging from handheld gimbals to larger, more complex gimbals used for professional filmmaking.
DSLR cameras tend to be heavier than mirrorless ones, so the gimbal will need to be able to support more weight. This means that you’ll need to make sure that the gimbal you choose is designed to handle the weight of your camera.
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. Some gimbals may be more compatible with certain camera models, so it is important to check the specifications before purchasing. However, many gimbals are designed to work with a range of camera types and sizes, so you may not need to worry too much about compatibility.
Overall, when choosing a gimbal for your DSLR or mirrorless camera, it is important to consider the weight of your camera and the compatibility of the gimbal with your camera model. Considering these factors will help you find the best gimbal to meet your needs and produce smooth, stable footage.
This blog will help you find the right Gimbal for your camera.
Out of the plethora of different options, there are a few brands that rule this space, namely; DJI, Moza, Manfrotto and Zhiyun. Now we shall see the top picks within these select top players.

DJI RS3
The DJI RS3 is a professional-grade camera gimbal designed for use with mainly mirrorless cameras. It features a powerful motor system that can support up to 6.6 pounds of weight, making it ideal for use with a wide range of camera models. It can easily support the Sony A7S III or Canon EoS R5 with a 24-70 mm Lens attached.

The RS3 offers a number of advanced features, including a built-in focus motor, which allows for precise focus control without the need for an external motor. It also features an intuitive touchscreen interface, which makes it easy to adjust settings and control the gimbal, there is also an automated axis lock and quick release plates allowing for really fast set-up and use.

One of the key benefits of the RS3 is its advanced stabilization technology, which uses a combination of sensors and motors to keep the camera, level and steady even when moving. This results in smooth, fluid footage that is free from camera shake.

Overall, the DJI RS3 is an excellent choice for professional filmmakers and photographers who need a high-performance camera gimbal that can handle a range of camera models and produce smooth, stable footage.

DJI RS3 Pro Combo
The DJI RS3 Pro combo is an upgraded version of the DJI RS3 that is made with carbon fibre and includes additional accessories such as a focus wheel, a RavenEye image transmission system, and a carrying case. The focus wheel allows for more precise focus control, while the RavenEye system enables wireless video transmission up to 200 meters away. This Gimbal has a carrying payload of 10 lbs which allows it to handle midsize cameras such as the Sony FX6 or Canon C70 with a 24-70mm zoom lens attached. Additionally, the carrying case makes it easy to transport the gimbal and its accessories. It also supports LiDAR with 43,200 ranging points in a 14-metre area. Overall, the DJI RS3 Pro combo is an excellent choice for professional filmmakers and photographers who need a high-performance camera gimbal with advanced features, accessories, and the capability of handling more heavy-duty cameras.

Weebill 3
The Weebill 3 is a versatile gimbal from Zhiyun-tech that can support a wide range of camera models with a max payload of approx 7.3 lb. It features a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to transport and use on location. The Weebill 3 has a battery life of 21 hours. With a built-in microphone and fill light and an upgraded motor and quick release system it is an awesome choice for a gimbal on a budget. It has a 0.9’’ touch screen to toggle between different shooting modes, a wheel control to adjust the parameters of the camera and a trigger button that can be customised with your own preference. It is also compatible with the ZY play app and also has a WiFi operating facility.

DJI RS3 mini

The DJI RS3 mini is a smaller and more affordable version of the DJI RS3 that still manages to pack in a lot of features. It is designed for use with mirrorless cameras and can support up to a maximum of 4.4 pounds of weight. This makes it ideal for use with smaller camera models especially mirrorless ones.

Despite its smaller size, the DJI RS3 mini still offers a range of advanced features, including an intuitive touchscreen interface, which makes it easy to adjust settings and control the gimbal. It of course also comes with an equally powerful motor system that uses advanced stabilization technology to keep the camera level and steady.

One of the key benefits of the RS3 mini is its compact size, which makes it easy to transport and use on location. It also has a battery life of up to 8 hours, which is impressive for a gimbal of this size.

Overall, the DJI RS3 mini is an excellent choice for amateur filmmakers and photographers who need a high-performance camera gimbal that is affordable and easy to use. While it may not have all the advanced features of the DJI RS3 or RS3 Pro Combo, it is still a powerful and reliable gimbal that can produce buttery, jitter-free footage.

Moza Air Cross 3

The Moza Air Cross 3 is a versatile camera gimbal from Gudsen that is designed for use with both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It has a compact and foldable design that makes it easy to transport and use when out and about. The Air Cross 3 has a maximum payload of 7.1 pounds, which means that it can support a wide range of camera models, including mid-sized DSLRs.

The Moza Air Cross 3 offers a number of advanced features, including a 19-hour battery life, an OLED display, and an angled motor arm. It also has 2 USB type-C ports to either charge from a power bank or even power your camera. The gimbal is compatible with the Moza app available on both IOS/Android devices. One of the key benefits of the Moza Air Cross 3 is its strengthened metal design, providing a more tactile feel—like an extension of your arm, this results in fluid footage and swift movement with the Gimbal.

Manfrotto MVG300XM
The Manfrotto MVG300XM is a modular gimbal. Of course, you may ask what does that entail? Basically, with all the functionalities that the traditional gimbals mentioned before offer, it also detaches and can be used as a remote head, the handle can also act as a wireless controller and the multifunctional knob provided on the gimbal has A and B buttons, which allow users to set up shooting points. It also has a touchscreen display, which helps you switch shooting modes with the click of an icon. Along with all these great facets, the Aluminium and ABS built gimbal also has a fruitful maximum payload of 7.5 lb which makes it perfect for a wide variety of DSLR as well as CSC cameras. It has a battery life of 10 hours which when compared to the other gimbals in the list may not be a lot, but it is still more than enough to last a single shoot.

DJI RSC2
The DJI RSC2 is a camera gimbal from the top-of-the-line DJI. Designed for use with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras, it has a maximum payload of 6.6 pounds and features advanced stabilisation technology and also a SuperSmooth feature for long lenses. The RSC2 has a battery life of up to 14 hours and can be controlled using a fixed black-and-white touchscreen LCD. It has the unique feature of going in the underslung mode which makes it that much easier to get low-angle shots without having to switch or change anything. Additionally, it has 2 NATO mounts, an automated axis lock, quick-release plates, and it also supports the DJI RavenEye transmission system. It also comes with a mini tripod to act as a stand or an extension handle, along with that it comes with 2 camera cables which when paired up with compatible cameras will allow you to control them directly through the gimbal.

Zhiyun Crane M3
With a 4.8 lb payload and an 8-hour battery life, it is one of the less decked-out gimbals. But when you have a camera that is compatible with this gimbal, you can unlock a wide array of features. Built mainly for phones, action cameras or portable and small mirrorless cameras, it provides you with all the functions that a traditional full-size gimbal does, but in a small and comfortable-to-use body. With a full-colour OLED display, an integrated fill light with colour filters and changeable colour temperature, built-in Bluetooth and WiFi capability and support with the ZY play app, it is a beast of a machine in the tiny ergonomic frame. With all the features of a professional gimbal without the bulky operations, it is perfect for users with a lighter camera who need the capability of a professional machine.

DJI RSC
The predecessor to the RSC2 is still a great option for a user who wants a compact and portable gimbal. It has a maximum payload of 4.4 lb and it also features a phone holder above the camera. Compatible with the IOS/Android app and support of ActiveTeack 3.0 it is a reliable piece of equipment. Make sure your camera is a mirrorless one and take this with you to any shoot you want given its battery life of 11 hours, it will last the entire shoot. It comes with an offset roll motor, auto-calibrating features, a hardware joystick to operate the gimbal and a quick record function. Overall it is a safe bet on a budget, for your mirrorless cameras.

Zhiyun Crane 2S
This machine is the upgraded version of the Zhiyun Crane 2 and has the power to support heavy cameras up to 7lb. It has the battery capacity to work up to 12 hours, a fixed OLED panel, dedicated mounting points for attaching Zhiyun TransMount accessories, a sleek carbon fibre grip and a reliable companion app for both IOS/Android. It has a flexmount system which will make sure mounting and dismounting on-site is as efficient as possible. With a new 9th Instune Algorithm, a two-phase axis locking mechanism and innumerable shooting options, it is an amazing gimbal for its price.

In conclusion, the best gimbal for you depends firstly and most importantly upon the shooting device you own. Checking its compatibility with the gimbals list will be extremely important. Next, there are several options in the market for your specific needs, and each category of gimbals has ranging options of price points. So, do your due diligence in checking the compatibility, price and features for yourself and select the one that speaks most promising to you.