The Best Gimbals for DSLR
By Naila Syifa
Updated Jan 2024
Gimbals are essential for photographers and videographers who want to capture smooth, cinematic shots. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, investing in a good gimbal can make all the difference in the quality of your footage. However, with many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy.
Here are our top picks for the best gimbals for DSLR cameras, specially crafted for your specific needs.
| Specs | Zhiyun Weebill 3 | DJI RS 3 Mini | Zhiyun Crane 3S | DJI Ronin-SC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $359 | $369 | $599 | $279 |
| Weight | 1.1 kg | 0.79 kg | 2.4 kg | 1.1 kg |
| Battery Life | 21 hours | 10 hours | 12-18 hours | 11 hours |
| Payload | Unspecified | 2 kg | 6.5 kg | 2 kg |
| Compatibility | Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sigma, Olympus, ZCAM | Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sigma, Olympus | Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sigma, Olympus, BMD, ZCAM, RED, ARRI | Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm, Sigma |
#1 Best Battery Life: Zhiyun Weebill 3
Zhiyun Weebill 3
The Zhiyun Weebill 3 stands out with its impressive 21-hour battery life, which is perfect for all-day shoots. Even if it does run out of battery, a full charge can be achieved quickly in just 2 hours with the fast charging.
With dimensions of 342 x 207 x 73 mm, the gimbal is as compact as an A4 paper, but strong enough to support a wide range of DSLR and mirrorless cameras including Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and more. Before purchasing, ensure its compatibility with your camera here.
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Zhiyun understands the immense effort videographers put into their craft, that's why the Combo version of the Weebill 3 provides a wrist-rest and an extendable sling grip which move the weight downwards, reducing the stress on the arm and saves over 40% the effort.
The Zhiyun Weebill 3 also comes with some other features to help ease the filming process, such as the Dual-Layer Quick Release Plate to ensure fast, easy, and secure camera mounting and dismounting, and a built-in fill light to help brighten up your shots in low-light conditions or to help support creativity with different color filters.
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Best Battery Life
✓ 21 hours battery life & fast charging
✓ Sling Grip and Wrist Rest
✓ Dual-Layer Quick Release Plate
✓ Built-in fill light
#2 Best Lightweight: DJI RS 3 Mini
DJI RS 3 Mini
If you want a lightweight gimbal for easy portability and quick setup, the DJI RS 3 Mini might be the best option. With only 0.79 kg of weight and a compact design half the size of the RS 3 Pro, the RS 3 Mini fits easily into your backpack, making it a perfect travel companion. Even if you're not using it for travel, the lightweight design allows for long-duration shooting sessions without causing fatigue.
Despite its small size, the DJI RS 3 Mini still packs a punch with its powerful motors capable of supporting up to 2 kg of camera weight. With such a payload, it supports most of the mainstream full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras. For compatibility checking, click here.
DJI RS 3 Mini
The DJI RS 3 Mini offers the same Bluetooth Shutter Control and 3rd-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm as the other DJI RS 3 series, which provides smooth, stable, and precise control over your footage, even in challenging filming situations.
It has a smaller 1.4" LCD touchscreen compared to the RS 3 and RS 3 Pro's 1.8" OLED touchscreen. However, it has the edge on its Native Vertical Shooting feature unavailable in other RS 3 Series, allowing you to switch to vertical instantly without any additional accessories.
DJI RS 3 Mini
Best Lightweight
✓ 0.79 kg weight
✓ Bluetooth Shutter Control
✓ 3rd-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm
✓ Native Vertical Shooting
#3 Best for Heavy-Duty: Zhiyun Crane 3S
Zhiyun Crane 3S
The Zhiyun Crane 3S is most suitable for heavy-duty cameras up to 6.5 kg, making it perfect for professional videographers who use heavy cinema cameras or DSLR rigs with multiple accessories. It supports compatibility with a wide range of cameras and lenses, which you can check here before purchasing.
One of the main features of the Zhiyun Crane 3S is its modular design, which allows for easy customization and adjustment to fit your specific needs. You can choose between one of the two handle options or just use both: the EasySling Handle for more comfortable upright and underslung shooting, and the SmartSling Handle featuring an intuitive control panel and OLED screen for direct camera and gimbal parameter adjustment.
Modular design allows cross-compatibility between the Zhiyun Crane 3S and other accessories, such as a motorized dolly, jib, cable cam, and so on. This gives you the flexibility to expand your gear as your skills and needs grow.
Zhiyun Crane 3S
The Zhiyun Crane 3S comes with the ZY Play App, which provides more advanced functions like object tracking, panorama, and time-lapse, allowing you to take your filming to the next level. The app also supports ViaTouch 2.0, which allows you to control and adjust the settings of the gimbals and the camera directly from your smartphone, without having to fiddle with the gimbal. However, note that a separate TransMount Image Transmission Transmitter is required to use this feature.
Zhiyun Crane 3S
Best for Heavy-Duty
✓ Maximum 6.5kg payload
✓ Modular design
✓ Cross-Compatibility
✓ ViaTouch 2.0
#4 Best for Budget: DJI Ronin-SC
DJI Ronin-SC
If you're budget-conscious but want a DSLR gimbal with great value, consider the DJI Ronin-SC. At $279, it is quite affordable compared to other quality gimbals on the market, but still offers a lot of features and capabilities.
The DJI Ronin-SC is lightweight and compact, weighing only 1.1 kg and having a modular design that allows for easy transportation and storage. However, it can support up to 2 kg of camera weight, great enough for most mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Before making the purchase decision, check compatibility with your camera here.
DJI Ronin-SC
One of the outstanding features of the DJI Ronin-SC is its Superior Stabilization, which is achieved through a 3-axis gimbal that provides smooth and stable footage, even during high-speed motions, fast follows, and even complete changes in direction. You can also lock the gimbal in any position with the Axis Locks, allowing for individual axis balancing and faster, more convenient storage.
The DJI Ronin-SC also has ActiveTrack 3.0, which uses advanced algorithms to recognize and track your subject accurately, making it easier to capture complex shots. This requires you to use the Ronin app on your smartphone mounted above the camera. It is a great feature for vloggers or videographers who work solo and need a reliable way to track themselves while filming.
DJI Ronin-SC
Best for Budget
✓ Lightweight and compact
✓ Superior Stabilization
✓ Axis Locks
✓ ActiveTrack 3.0
Compare the Best Gimbals for DSLR
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Best Battery Life
✓ 21 hours battery life & fast charging
✓ Sling Grip and Wrist Rest
✓ Dual-Layer Quick Release Plate
✓ Built-in fill light
DJI RS 3 Mini
Best Lightweight
✓ 0.79 kg weight
✓ Bluetooth Shutter Control
✓ 3rd-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm
✓ Native Vertical Shooting
Zhiyun Crane 3S
Best for Heavy-Duty
✓ Maximum 6.5kg payload
✓ Modular design
✓ Cross-Compatibility
✓ ViaTouch 2.0
DJI Ronin-SC
Best for Budget
✓ Lightweight and compact
✓ Superior Stabilization
✓ Axis Locks
✓ ActiveTrack 3.0
Final Thoughts
DJI RS 3 Mini
With the right gimbal and a few creative ideas, you can turn your DSLR into a powerful filmmaking tool and capture amazing footage. Consider these 4 best gimbals for DSLR and pick one that best suits your specific needs and budget.
If you like to read more on Gimbals, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Gimbals
Best Gimbals for iPhone
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile SE
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile 5
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
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