Gimbal vs. Steadicam: Which Stabilizes Better?

Are you into the video making industry? Want to step up your league and invest in some equipment worth having? I know stabilizers are one of the best investments out there for video enthusiasts. It could make running, turning and uphill movements seem like a swift and smooth transition rather than taking it using the phone or camera alone, leaving a rather shaky clip. But between a Gimbal and a Steadicam, which is better for stabilizing your videos?

The thing is, both need a lot of practice and getting to know the ins and outs of the gadget. It might seem like a simple stabilizer, but it can actually do a lot when all of its components are utilized. One major difference between the two is that Gimbal (motorized Gimbal) has moving parts, requires batteries, and requires a charger, while the Steadicam requires more of the physical work in order to balance it out and take that perfect moving clip. So, which is better at stabilizing? Gimbal vs. Steadicam 101.

A YouTube account, Photos in Color, uploaded a video in 2017 wherein the host there tested a Glidecam and a Gimbal in the desert in different motions.

As it was explained in the video: “A Gimbal stabilizer uses brushes, motors, and batteries to stabilize an image. A Glidecam is a weighted stabilizer that uses the center of gravity to stabilize, and internal camera stabilization does all the work digitally”

In the video, he compared stabilizers between the Glidecam HD 2000 (weighted stabilizer) and the DJI Ronin M (a full 3-axis Gimbal), using the Canon G7x as his base. In the tests he did, it will be always in 3 clips using the stabilizers and the camera alone for better comparison.

On his first try, which was when he was running, the G7x was absolutely shaky, using the Glidecam wasn’t that good either, since it was windy and the bottom part was rotating, causing quite shaky movements. However, with the DJI Ronin, the results were amazing, and you can see the actual difference of just gliding through.

The second test was a lower shot wherein he held the stabilizers upside down. As per before, the G7x wasn’t stabilized at all, while in the Glidecam, he explained that the vertical axis was very shaky. He was challenged using the Glidecam as it kept on spinning, in which he had to learn how to control. With the Ronan, he turned it into a briefcase mode, dropped one handle and it was just as smooth as it was with the running shot.

Related Articles

Camera With WiFi?! Our Top Choices To Buy In 2019

The Best DSLR Camera for Any Budget

What Are Mirrorless Cameras and Can They Compete with DSLR Cameras?

On the final test, he ran uphill and had turning shots after. With the Glidecam, he shared that turning shots weren’t difficult to make, as the vertical axis part of it rotating is beneficial for shots like that. The host even described the Glidecam: “Great results but definitely a learning challenge there”. And for the DJI Ronin, it showed great results as he described, only that it required to be more physical for the challenging 360 degrees turn.

In conclusion, he said that a Steadicam can come from a few hundred dollars up to $800-$900. However, the pros are that it can give great results, its light and it’s easy to transport with no limits, as it comes with no batteries or no charging requirements. The DJI Ronan however is a 3-axis version wherein it can go side by side and give top notch results, but requires a huge amount of money in return. It costs thousands of dollars, and because it is motor operated and requires batteries, charging and all necessary gadgets come with it. And of course, the DJI Ronan is way bigger, and requires a huge bag to carry around.

So, based on the results on the video, the gimbal definitely gives more reliable and efficient stabilization. But then again, the choice of purchase would depend on your individual requirements and personal budget.

You can also check out the video here.