One important feature of a gimbal that wasn't mentioned is that you can switch from eye level to very low to very high shooting instantly without having to make sure the camera is level.
Another reason for using a gimbal would be the use of ND filters. HyperSmooth and/or any other in camera stabilization needs to be turned off due to being dependent on a brighter light source. If not turned off, you'll more than likely introduce jitter. 😊👍
Great information. I just received my iSteady Pro 3 and am learning to use it. I had a smartphone gimbal which I loved (DJI Osmo 3 Mobile) but when I switched to recording with a GoPro 8, I really missed the cinematic effect of a gimbal. GoPro image stabilization is great for eliminating knocks and bumps, especially when it is mounted to something (car, bike, ski helmet etc.) but it doesn't give that smooth cinematic effect that I wanted, as a handheld. Thanks again for the great info!
I am surprised you didn’t mention two of the most important reasons or using a gimbal. Firstly, by turning off EIS and using the gimbal you get a noticeably wider field of view. There are times when going wider is hugely advantageous. Secondly EIS is much less effective in lower light levels, while gimbals always work at 100% no matter what the light levels are.
Good points, thanks for mentioning! I keep EIS on even when using the gimbal for an extra layer of stabilization, but indeed is helpful to turn it off if you want a wider field of view.
Aloha Suzi and Martin! I haven't tired the time-lapse feature with my Hohem gimbal or connected my gimbal to my phone. I do use the gimbal with my Hero 7 always. With my Hero 8 I use a hohem gimbal only when I'm filming a walk in lowlight or night conditions otherwise I just use a grip. I haven't found a Hohem gimbal for the GoPro Hero 9 yet but, when one comes out I will be getting it. Thanks for another awesome episode! Aloha =)
Thanks Luke! Which Hohem gimbal do you currently use? The iSteady Pro 3 listing hasn't been updated, but it does work with the Hero 9 -- just a tight fit to get it in there.
Aloha Stew - What was your results and review of using your GoPro hero 9 with iSteady Pro 3? Is it capable of working successfully every time? Thanks for responding...
Thanks for info. Have same gimbal. I wasn't sure it would be compatible with hero9 until this video. Now I will order my hero9. Cant wait to get better footage of just about everything.
Another helpful tips,,,,🙋♂️ I will not waste my money without any ideas what the product is all about. Thanks for the info,,,,🌱 👇for the BLESSINGS,,,,🕊
On your recommendation I bought the gimbal. It is a tight fit to get the GoPro Hero 9 into the I Steady Pro 3 but I have done just that over 20 times, still going good. my thanks
@@luisfmts Thanks for your comment. I was away in a National Park with no reception, so sorry for the slow reply. I have not tried to sync my iSteady to the GP9, but it works fine as a gimball
@@larcomhill9199 no worries 😊 That's a shame, it could be a more optimized product since it has a power bank that can't be used and have a remote control that has not much compatibility... I also tried the app, it takes a long time to connect :(
I like your video Suzy. I purchased this gimbal a while ago to use with my Osmo Action and am now using it on the GoPro 9. Have found it effective on both cameras to reduce the "bobbing" associated with walking and videoing at the same time.
I used a Zoom H1n ext recorder attached to a shock mount screwed to a G6 gimbal with my Hero7...perfect footage & audio but I eneded up never using it due to all the setting up & time needed to sync in post edit. I've since gone back to handheld & glad of it. So much easier to use!
I originally tried recording audio separately to a recorder too, but syncing in post takes a lot of time. For regular vlogs, it's generally not worth it, but for a high paying client job, perhaps. Thanks for watching!
just ordered my first gopro yesterday (gopro10) .. i didnt know gimbals existed until about an hour ago.. your vid explains it really well .. i will definitely be getting one.. thanks 👋👍
Nice Video Suzy, I have the same Gimbal connected to my GoPro hero 7 and works incredible, charges the battery and you can connect your phone as a second screen. can't go wrong with that
@@Gemini_Connect I'll start studying this one for my Sony A77, but I just placed the order for the Hohem about 5 minutes before seeing this reply... I'll try the Hohem for the Gopro and keep researching.. Thank you for the reply, nice footage of the Kubota Gardens, I love shooting that place.
I feel like I need one because I am mostly filming indoors, and when I turn Hypersmooth on, motion blur is there where nothing is really moving, and everything looks all grainy.
GoPro unfortunately has never been great at shooting indoors unless you have tons of light. A gimbal would help, but you also need to tweak the settings (slow the shutterspeed, increase the ISO within reason).
Add an external microphone like any of these ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HWH6hus3vuE.html. You'll need either a Media Mod or mic adapter too.
Absolutely right for motion lapse video you need it example if you make a time lapse for half hour you live it on the tripod working by itself you can't do it handheld it will be horrible some people still believe they don't need it good to know the Hohem 3 it can handle Awesome video thanks
What i didn't like with gopro's very own gimbal is it loses orientation during "sudden/heavy maneuvers". I used mine on trail runs and the karma goes bonkers when i run aggressive on downhills. So now im in the market for a new gimbal.
Hey I need a good gimbal for the GoPro 9 and 10. What I need is a good stabilizer. The rest of the pitches don't interest me. What do you offer me? Thanks
What do you think? Do you need to use a gimbal with a GoPro? ▶ UPDATE - How to fit the GoPro Hero 9 in the iSteady Pro 3 Gimbal - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ImHXV-44P84.html If you have the extra money and don't mind a larger gimbal, the Moza Mini P is arguably a better GoPro gimbal. it will definitely hold the Hero 9 and larger mirrorless cameras. ▶ Moza Mini P Gimbal Review - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7nWqUHntY6w.html
The only time you'd really need a gimbal with a Gopro Hero 9 would be at night as Hypersmooth doesn't work well in low light and you would have to disable it completely. As for gimbals looks like the Zhiyun Crane-M2 works better with the Hero 9 according to what I've seen online.
@@rubendarilov Good point about Hypersmooth not working in the dark -- I'll need to try the gimbal in that situation and see if it works. I'd not thought of the Crane, but thanks for the tip!
There are two things that makes this gimbal beneficial. 1. Turning "OFF" hypersmooth will eliminate cropping and give you a wider view and stabilization with this gimbal. 2. Hypersmooth in low light condition is terrible when your walking. It creates a slight vibration effect on your video. With hypersmooth turned "OFF" you will not get the vibration on the gimbal. Hypersmooth is more of a software stabilization while the gimbal is a mechanical stabilization. I have the Gopro Hero 10 and I noticed these two issues.
What is the setup you are thinking to use with Hero 10? I was thinking I should be selling my Movi Cinema Robot, but I after reading this, I have a feeling I will hang on to the Cinema Robot. Any idea on which would be a good adapter?
@@kaadinaraja If you can install the Gopro 10 on your Cinema Robot go for it. I have the Zhiyun Weebill gimbal and there is no way it is design for a Gopro. You can set up the go pro 10 to any settings you want in bright daylight however when low light condition might as well set the camera on a tripod and do your video. But if plan on walking through low light condition turn off the hypersmooth and use your Cinema Robot for stability to avoid that shaky effect on your video.
For GoPro, the Zhiyun Crane M2 is worth looking at. It's bigger and more expensive, but you can also use it with other cameras besides GoPro (smartphone, midrorldss cameras).
Nice Review, IMO I don't think you need it, but nice to have. I would probably only use it for time lapse. If I wanted to walk around with a gimbal I would probably switch to the Sony ZV-1 since the main reasons I use the GoPro is for the stabilized footage and wide angle. I also feel like the footage where you have yourself or Martin in the shot takes most of the bobbing effect out of the video without the gimbal. I always tell my wife she needs to get in front of me to stabilize my shot.
I just bought a GoPro 9 this is my 1st GoPro ever. What are the best settings I should use for pics & videos? I also purchased the Max Lens because it was highly recommend. Any and all help from you is appreciated.... Thanks!
Settings really depends on your style and taste. We always shoot in 4K30, Hypersmooth Boost, GoPro color, and either wide or linear. Will do a video on our complete settings soon.
Gopro is an action camera and action can be on the water while surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, Kayaking, SUPing etc...and not in the city only and an action camera needs to be waterproof. This is a major problem when my camera stops in the middle of the action. Thanks for the big improvement Gopro9 brought with latest model: It is a stabilized horizontally leveled waterproof camera. I love it. I bought and used in the past a Gimbal but it does not work any more thanks of big splash!
Sorry to hear about your old gimbal. But the Hero 9 with the Horizon Leveling and Hypersmooth 3.0 is really awesome. IMO you don't even need a gimbal for action shots with the Hero 9.
Hi folks. I purchased this Gimbal and found a couple of issues with it. Firstly the gimbal is not designed for the Hero 9 and I would say you will end up scratching your camera like crazy inserting it and taking it out again over time. Gemini may have found a work around but it makes no sense, especially when you can not access the various compartments on the camera because of the restricted access. Secondly you cannot use the media mod either and although I don't have the mic adapter for underneath the GoPro, I doubt that it would work properly either. Given how poor the sound is on the internal mic most folk would want to use it with a Rode external mic which again presents issues. The Crane M2 appears to be a better choice but its expensive. However, it can take various cameras up to specified weight and you do need to balance your camera before use. Also it is more flexible and will be able to accept future GoPro camera releases and can handle the external mic configurations better. I don't get paid for this but I hope folk who do such RU-vid videos get their facts right and save others alot of frustration in having to return their products due to poor advice.
Thanks for the honest feedback. We mainly use gimbals for motion timelapses and the Hero 9 + this gimbal do excel at that. Another gimbal that is similar to the Crane M2 but a lot cheaper is the Moza Mini P (geni.us/fUUn) -- we've been using it with the GoPro, Fujifilm X-T3, and smartphones, and it's a very good option at a lower cost. Review video coming soon!
I thought about this too, especially for taking videos at night time where the stabilization isn't great and in the case of my go pro 7 I don't have that horizons leveling so it's pretty interesting to know for the future I could use a gimbal for my time lapses , but it's great as handheld it's honestly nice to have some help , in reality will I ever do it? Probably not, one less thing to carry around 😂😭❤️
It seems gimbals are always nice in theory, but not in practice. I think you have to have a really good reason to use one and be pretty dedicated to setting it up and lugging it around. IMO motion timelapses are the main use that I can think of that would make it worth carrying.
Hi, which gimbal do you think is better - iSteady Pro 3 (2020) vs. Karma grip from (2016 or 2017)? I have the GoPro 7 Black and I can't decide if I really need one, and if so which exactly.
Good question. If you have the Hero 7 and intend to use it for a long time, the Karma Grip might be better because I believe you can control the GoPro with your phone app (you can't do this with the iSteady). The only catch is that the Karma Grip won't work with any GoPros newer than the Hero 7.
@@ninoponchev I haven't used the Karma Grip, but according to the product description on GoPro's website, it has "Built-in camera controls let you power on and off, change modes, start and stop recording, and add HiLight Tags on the fly."
You definitely need it if shooting at night or dark ambience. When I walk in those conditions the image shakes because there is a longer shutter speed and anything above 800 iso is terrible.
Thanks for making the video. I agree that you still need a gymbal even with a Go Pro. BTW, is Hohem iSteady Pro 3 good for Go Pro 360 Max also? If not which one would you recommend? Thanks in advance :-)
The Hero 9 barely fits in the iSteady Pro 3, so my guess is that the GoPro Max would not fit since it is a bigger camera. I haven't used the Max, but have used several Insta360 cameras -- based on my experience with them, I don't think a gimbal is needed with a 360 camera. It would definitely block a good chunk of the 360 footage that you're capturing.
Engels Dear Suzi In your youtube explanation you indicate (at 2:50") that the Hero9 fits. A reason for me to purchase this Gimbal. However, the Hero9 actually just doesn't fit. The height of the device is just (0,5 mm) too much and does not fit properly between the fork, so the bracket does not fit easily over the camera. I would like to hear how you have solved this.
The hypersmooth 3 is not so smooth as I expected, so am still using a gimbal. Unfortunately, Gopro 9 is missing a very important feature: Live Preview on the Gopro app is not supported while recording. That feature was available in the previous Gopro versions. Most of the time I use my phone to preview what I am recording. By missing the said feature, I can no longer frame/record perfect shots when I lift up my Gimbal high in the air. Very disappointing
the both looked bouncy to me with gimbal and without, I don't know if you were over exaggerating your steps for sake of the test? Would you say other gimbals have better "smoothing"?
Some gimbals might be slightly better. I was walking normally, no exaggeration. But I have trouble walking smoothly even when I try to, so a big part of it has to do with your natural gait.
Do you have a suggested gimble for a DSLR? I know NOTHING of cameras but I have a really nice Nikon 3300 I would like to start experimenting with for family videos.
If you are a continent creator do you need a gimbal in order to get some of the best shots at different angles with smooth transitions a Gimble is One of the best options especially since they’re becoming more affordable
Great video, ! Super channel I just ordered "Hohem I Steady " for my first ever Go pro 9. i hope it will help me to get better quality videos. Thank you,
aloha Sebastian - were you able to use your GoPro Hero 9 with Hohem iSteady Pro 3? Where you able to balance it every time. Or did you purchase Hohem iSteady Mulit 3-axis gimbal? Thanks for your response...
Hello madam, I' m still in dilemma that which camera is better for me in comparison between gopro9 and dji pocket2. I watched more videos uploaded by you about both cameras but couldn't get any conclusion. Would you please tell me which one has more features and better?
It depends on your filming style. We prefer GoPro because it is easier for us to film with. The Pocket has a gimbal stabilizer that I'm our opinion is harder to film with. But everyone has different filming styles and preferences.
As far as the osmo action it’s really beneficial to use a gimbal when shooting in HDR mode. You cant utilize rock steady with HDR so a gimbal definitely helps out with that.
Wow, thanks for this video. It couldn't be more timely. I almost bought an isteady gimbal last week, but thought that I should look at some reviews and videos first. I still have one concern that no video seems to address: sound. It doesn't seem possible to have an external microphone with a gimbal right? That's really the thing that's preventing me from just getting one and asking questions later.
Good question! Adding sound would indeed be difficult, mostly because most if not all action cameras require a mic adapter. Adding this plus the weight of an external mic can be hard for a gimbal to balance. The best workaround is recording the audio separately on a recorder or your phone and syncing in post, or adding an extension bar via the 1/4-inch screw on the bottom of the gimbal and attaching the mix there.
@@Gemini_Connect Thanks for your feedback. Yes, recording separately is an option (but that means more gear and more editing). If the gimbal has a screw where I can attach the mic+adapter, it could be quite interesting. Thanks again.
@@DavidinSetouchi This is what I was thinking of to add a mic to the side of the gimbal -- amzn.to/2Huo0uB. You'd have to get creative about how to mount the mic adapter (maybe this amzn.to/2G2iLly with a 1/4 inch cold shoe adapter) but I think it's doable.
@@Gemini_Connect Wow, great. I have this case for the adapter: www.amazon.com/ULANZI-Vlogging-Microphone-Compatible-Accessories/dp/B07MQRXZWM/ref=sr_1_14 Looks like it could work. Thanks again, you're always good advice. :-)
Yes, that is a good point and a third reason for not using a gimbal. It's very hard to add quality sound recording without shooting audio separately and syncing in post.
It performs pretty well when connected to a smartphone -- worked fine with my Galaxy S10. Just be aware that you can't connect to the camera for control via the gimbal (ie can't record, change canera settings).
Hohem iSteady Pro 3 is advertised as having a max payload of 150 grams, however the Hero 9 is 158 grams. Can you confirm that it fits for one and also that the Hero 9 is able to balance perfectly?
Hey Brandon, yes the Hero 9 does fit in the gimbal. Updated video showing how here- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ImHXV-44P84.html Whether it is a perfect fit or not depends on your ability to adjust the GoPro in the cradle to he 100% straight. The clasp is a bit of a pain to use and it takes some eyeballing and guesswork to get the camera completely straight. But it's possible. If you have the extra money and don't mind a larger gimbal, the Zhiyun Crane M2 is arguably a better GoPro gimbal. it will definitely hold the Hero 9 and larger mirrorless cameras. kit.co/GeminiConnect/best-gopro-gimbal/zhiyun-crane-m2-3-ax
Using the gimbal results in the bouncy walk effect. The way to get rid of it is to walk more slowly. We notice less of a bounce when shooting in Hypersmooth Boost, no gimbal.
What about the reason for horizon leveling when shooting with gopro versions below gopro9. I use gopro7 and I think horizon leveling will be the number one reason for me to think about buying a gimbal for gopro7.
Hypersmooth is good on gopro 7 but whit the Gopro 9 they fix the horizontal so for that reason , the use of a gimbal is diminished . That why I stop use the gimbal with my Gopro 7 and now I'm starting to think about buying a Gopro 9 to avoid having to devices to bring whit me
Agreed - Hypersmooth is incredibly good and meets my video stabilization needs. Hypersmooth keeps getting better with each new GoPro release. The main reason why I use a gimbal is for moving timelapses.
Suzy, thanks a lot. This is a very useful information. I wanted your advice on below- I am beginner and shall be using gopro for the very first time, it would be a gopro 9. I am confused whether I should buy a 3 way gopro or a gimbal under 100 dollar like one you have posted in this video. I am a trainee pilot and planning to do daily vlogs while I go for my flight training in South Africa. I am also trying to learn more about cinematics. It would be a great help if you could advice between the two- 3 way grip gopro or a gimbal under 100 dollar. Thanks in advance 😀
Hi Rajat, great question! I have the GoPro 3 Way and like it a lot, mainly because it can be extended to make the camera taller or farther away from me when vlogging. If you plan to mostly vlog, I would get the 3 Way over the gimbal. Hypersmooth is good enough that you can achieve cinematic gimbal-like shots if you simply slow down your movements while filming. In my opinion, the gimbal is mostly needed if you plan to do purely cinematic shots or moving timelapses.
@@Gemini_Connect thanks a lot for writing, that really helped me. Could you also recommend me a suction cup mount, shall I go for the GoPro one only or do you recommend anything else that has more flexibility in terms of angles like some suction cups comes with extended arms.
@@rajatrox The Joby suction cup mount is the best -- we've been using it for years. Most common use is putting it on the outside of our car windshield for GoPro driving videos - www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8R79T6?tag=geminiconne0c-20&th=1
I have brought a gimbal seeing this video. But there is no chance of fitting an gopro9 in it. Can u do a video on how u manged to fit in this gimbal plz
Sure thing. Find the video demo here - How to fit the GoPro Hero 9 in the iSteady Pro 3 Gimbal - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ImHXV-44P84.html
I wonder if its worth getting one for gopro hero5. Im going to angels landing may 16 and not sure if its even worth the risk since the hike is quite dangerous already.
Possibly. It would likely fit and give you stable video, but it would also be distracting. You could use it for the first part of the hike, but when you get to the chains section up top, I'd switch to a head or chest mount instead.
@@Gemini_Connect I told myself that I'd regret if i didnt bring my gh5 camera and so I think i'll just take broll on the way up using that. Thanks for your honest opinion and video!
Aloha Sebastian - were you able to use your GoPro Hero 9 with Hohem iSteady Pro 3? Where you able to balance it every time? Or did you purchase Hohem iSteady Mulit 3-axis gimbal? What gimbal are you using for your GoPro Hero9? Thanks for your response...
the Gimbal has a 48mm limit, and the gopro hero 9 is 55mm high, in the video it seems that the camera didn’t fit the gimbal perfectly, I don’t speak English, I don’t know if you talked about it, I was in doubt
Agreed we sometimes need a gimbal even with a GoPro. But my iSteady Pro 3 was a waste of money and time. It just goes nuts like a frightened chicken for no fathomable reason. Reviews of that gimbal were pretty impressive on YT but it goes to show you can't trust them all.
Really helpful video ❤️ I was thinking the same to use gimble to GoPro, can get supper smooth footage !! But when we put in to boost mood the video quality going down ? Looks Feel free to like 🤔
I have a gopro 9 and a crane m2, is it possible to mount the camera to the gimbal with a rode wireless go and a light mod? I have the ulanzi cage but that thing weighs more than a bag of Idaho Potatoes.
Oh man, is it the Ulanzi metal cage? It's a beast. Ulanzi makes a plastic version of the cage which is much lighter, but only for sake on their website. Since the Crane M2 can handle larger cameras, I imagine it could handle that rig. But to makes sure, maybe weigh the rig on a scale and see if it meets the max payload of the M2.
I don't understand why you didn't include about low light videos. Gimbals can help with night videos with EIS is pretty garbage so you need to turn it off to make it better quality however it makes to much shake. Trust me I've got DJI osmo action.
@@Gemini_Connect thank you for answering. i found a method, it can be connected to the slot on the body apparatus from the screw place next to the gimball
