The Ultimate Guide to the Best Small Smartphone Gimbals of 2023

In an era where smartphone photography is becoming increasingly popular, the demand for stabilization tools, like gimbals, has soared. If you’re a vlogger, content creator, or simply someone who enjoys capturing life’s moments, a small smartphone gimbal can make a world of difference. This guide will delve into the best options available in 2023, along with tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to choose the right gimbal for your needs.

Why You Need a Small Smartphone Gimbal

Walk through any public space and you’ll observe countless individuals filming their daily lives on smartphones. However, without stabilization, shaky footage can derail the quality of your work. This is where a gimbal comes to the rescue. Small smartphone gimbals are compact, lightweight devices that can be easily transported, making them perfect for on-the-go filming. Here are a few reasons to consider getting one:

• Smooth Footage: Gimbals provide excellent stabilization, ensuring that your videos are smooth and professional.
• Enhanced Creativity: With advanced features like panning and tracking, you can explore various creative angles and perspectives.
• Easy to Use: Most gimbals are user-friendly, allowing even beginners to achieve wonderful results.
• Portable Design: Small gimbals are designed for easy transport, fitting nicely into backpacks or even large pockets.

Top Contenders: Best Small Smartphone Gimbals of 2023

After rigorous testing and evaluation, here are our top recommended small smartphone gimbals of 2023:

1. DJI OM 5

The DJI OM 5 is a leading player in the smartphone gimbal market. With its sleek design and exceptional stabilization capabilities, it’s perfect for mobile creators. The built-in extension rod allows you to take a wider range of shots, while the active tracking function keeps your subject in focus even as they move.

• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of continuous use.
• Weight: Just under 300 grams, making it lightweight and portable.
• Price: Approximately $159.00.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 5

The Zhiyun Smooth 5 is known for its powerful motors and intuitive controls. It supports smartphones up to 280 grams with a large payload, making it versatile for a variety of camera setups. The Smooth 5 also features a built-in fill light, which is a boon for low-light shooting conditions.

• Battery Life: Lasts up to 12 hours on a full charge.
• Weight: Around 400 grams.
• Price: Approximately $179.00.

3. Moza Mini-P

The Moza Mini-P offers a compact design without sacrificing performance. It’s extremely user-friendly, with multiple shooting modes like Vortex Mode for 360-degree shots. It’s a great pick for beginners who are ready to explore more advanced filming techniques.

• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours.
• Weight: A mere 400 grams.
• Price: Approximately $99.00.

4. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus

The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on features. With smart face tracking and object tracking capabilities, this gimbal is perfect for dynamic filming situations. Additionally, it's lightweight yet durable, making it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.

• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of use.
• Weight: 500 grams.
• Price: Approximately $69.99.

Key Features to Look for in a Smartphone Gimbal

When choosing the right gimbal for your needs, consider the following features:

• Stabilization Technology: The level of stabilization a gimbal can provide varies significantly. Look for those with 3-axis stabilization for optimal results.
• Weight Capacity: Ensure that your gimbal can support your smartphone’s weight, especially if you plan on adding accessories like microphones or lights.
• Battery Life: A longer battery life lets you film for extended periods without interruption. Aim for at least 8 hours of operate time.
• Portability: If you’re a traveler or on-the-go filmmaker, the size and weight matter significantly. Choose a lightweight, compact design that fits in your bag.
• Additional Features: Features like time-lapse, hyper-lapse, and follow-focus options can enhance your shooting experience and creativity.

Tips to Maximize Your Gimbal Usage

Once you’ve chosen the perfect smartphone gimbal, here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

1. Practice: Spend time getting familiar with your gimbal’s controls and features before shooting your important footage.
2. Use the Correct Settings: Make sure you are using the appropriate settings for your shooting environment and lighting conditions.
3. Don’t Forget to Calibrate: Regularly calibrate your gimbal for optimal performance, especially before significant shoots.
4. Experiment with Angles: Diagonal shooting, high angles, and low angles can all create unique perspectives that elevate your content.
5. Stabilize Physically: If you're moving, try to maintain a steady walking pace, and avoid sudden movements to increase the effectiveness of the stabilization.

Conclusion

Choosing the right small smartphone gimbal can make a remarkable difference in your video quality and overall filming experience. By investing in one of the top gimbals of 2023, you are sure to elevate your smartphone videography skills to new heights. No matter which gimbal you select from the options above, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning, smooth footage that impresses your audience.