A place |
Name |
Feature Rating |
| 1 | Feiyu FY-G5 | The most compact three-axis electronic stabilizer. Universal mount |
| 2 | DJI Osmo Mobile | The best quality and functionality |
| 3 | Sjcam gimbal | The most affordable stabilizer |
| 4 | Xiaomi yi | Stabilizer for Xiaomi cameras |
| 5 | Steadicam | Best price. Mechanical stabilizer |
Think about where in your life you encounter cameras? Almost certainly the answer was: everywhere. Indeed, you can shoot now for everything, from a home webcam to professional equipment for several tens of thousands of dollars. But what if you want to get a good picture with minimal cash outlay.
Of course, you can shoot on a regular smartphone, but the quality of the video on them does not always match what you want. Exit - the use of action cameras. They are becoming more and more popular lately. Good quality of shooting, compact dimensions, security from any troubles like impacts and bad weather conditions - these are the main advantages of devices of this class. It is a pity only to the cinema smoothness, flight pictures far. Yes, in many models there is electronic or even optical stabilization, but it still does not provide an ideal result.
Help in this case may be a specialized device called stabilizer. There are many variations, but the most effective models with three-axial stabilization. The essence of the work is simple: the camera is held in a special mount, which, in turn, is suspended on a hinge system. The latter can be controlled by electronics or simply return to their original position under the influence of weights and gravity. Thus, no matter how shaky the support is - whether it be your hand, the wheel of a bicycle or the body of a car - the picture will remain smooth. Many popular video bloggers are constantly shooting video using only an action camera and a stabilizer. As they say, no comment. It remains only to choose a quality device, in which our TOP-5 will help.
The best stabilizers for action cameras
5 Steadicam
Best price. Mechanical stabilizer
A country: China
Average price: 2800 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.5
Opens the rating of the most affordable stabilizer model. Cheapness due to the complete absence of electronics. The design weighing 968 g is made of aviation aluminum. Everything works at the expense of simple mechanics - there is one two axial hinge and a special weight that tends to the lowest point, at the same time keeping the camera in a horizontal position. The design is folding, which somewhat facilitates transportation. The handle is rubberized, lies well in the hand.
The camera is attached via a standard 3 ¼ camera connector, which means you can install any camera with it. This, for example, GoPro all versions. Also, the manufacturer allows the installation of DSLR cameras weighing up to 1 kg. Depending on the device, the user needs to carry out adjustment, including adjustment of the length of the "shoulder" and the weight of the weight.
4 Xiaomi yi
Stabilizer for Xiaomi cameras
A country: China
Average price: 14 990 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6
Following the mechanics is an electronic stabilizer from the famous Xiaomi. The model has not quite typical for this class of devices view, because there is no handle. This means that without a tripod, a monopod, or any attachment, it will not be very convenient to use the stabilizer. Fortunately, the fastening standard - 3 ¼. On the other hand, it provides very compact dimensions. Stabilization, of course, triaxial. Through the corporate application, you can choose one of three modes of operation:
- Pan Mode - the camera is fixed in one position, movements along all axes are active.
- Lock Mode - lock only on the axis of rotation. The mode is useful for shooting panoramic shots.
- Pan and Tilt Mode - All axes are locked. The camera is stabilized and looks only forward.
We also note the ability to remotely control the zoom and shooting direction - the camera rotates up to 320 degrees. Finally, on autonomy - the stabilizer feeds a pair of lithium-polymer batteries, which are enough for 2-4.5 hours of shooting, depending on the selected mode. In reviews, users point out only one drawback - the inability to install a third-party camera (not Xiaomi) without additional adapters.
3 Sjcam gimbal
The most affordable stabilizer
A country: China
Average price: 10 290 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
Opens the top three cheapest electronic stabilizer. Manufacturer - Sjcam - is one of the leaders in the production of action cameras. Unfortunately, only cameras from the same manufacturer are officially supported. On the other hand, there are advantages in this: the SJ6 Legend and SJ7 Star models can be controlled from the very steadicam with the help of special buttons - this is very convenient. With the stabilizer, you can change the shooting mode, start recording, as well as change the direction of shooting and the mode of operation of the stabilizer (capture, tracking and free).
The dimensions of the device are quite large, the handle is weighty. It is comfortable in the hand, but it weighs slightly more than its competitors - 350 g. But the battery life due to the use of two non-removable batteries of 2000 mAh each is about 13 hours! In the reviews, users note the presence in the package of delivery of a hard case for the transportation of the stabilizer. In this case, you can not worry about the safety of delicate electronics.
2 DJI Osmo Mobile
The best quality and functionality
A country: China
Average price: 16 950 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
DJI is the undoubted leader in the production of quadcopters. But in the field of stabilizers the company has succeeded. The range includes models for professional operators, compact devices with a built-in camera, and models paired with a smartphone or an action camera. Osmo Mobile, as the name implies, refers to the latter. Immediately, it is worth noting that only a smartphone can be installed in the clip, and you will have to buy a special adapter to attach the action camera. It was this that did not allow the device to take the highest line of the rating.
The rest, the standard. Perfect build quality, quality materials. Even the carrying case looks stylish. Separately, you can purchase a whole heap of accessories - for example, a monopod, a tripod or mounting on suction cups, which allows you to use the device in almost any situation. In addition to the standard functionality, we note the possibility of shooting timelapse video with a smooth camera rotation. The controls are familiar, with the exception of the trigger on the back surface - by holding it, you will lock the camera in a certain position. It is faster and more convenient than changing modes. Device reviews speak for themselves - Osmo Mobile is recommended even by popular video bloggers.
|
Compare Indicator |
Electric stabilizer |
Mechanical stabilizer |
|
Cost of |
For the most affordable electronic stedikam have to lay out about 5-6 thousand. Quality models cost over 10 thousand rubles. |
Qualitative model can be purchased for 2-4 thousand rubles |
|
Ease of use |
Turned on and off. You can control the built-in joystick |
It is necessary to independently adjust the weights under the new camera, as well as adjust the position after transportation to get the best result. |
|
Simplicity of design |
A large number of electronics and mechanisms. It’s very unlikely to fix it yourself, and professional service will be expensive |
The system is simple, like a Lada. If necessary, you can independently tweak something or replace the part |
|
Quality picture |
The best smoothness you can get |
It depends on the correctness of the suspension setup, but in general the picture will still be somewhat simpler. |
|
Battery life |
3 to 9 hours depending on the model |
Infinitely
|
|
Availability of additional functions |
Change of shooting direction, automatic adaptation for camera, mobile application, etc. (kit may vary by model) |
Absent |
1 Feiyu FY-G5
The most compact three-axis electronic stabilizer. Universal mount
A country: China
Average price: 14 990₽
Rating (2019): 4.8
The virtual gold medal receives a very high quality steadicam from Feiyu. The device is assembled perfectly, nowhere does not play anything, does not creak. In the hands of the FY-G5 feels very nice. Weight - about 300 grams. Nice pressure on the hand, but not tiring with a long shoot. Also due to the small size of the device is easy to transport. Includes a carrying case. True, the fabric, which means that the stabilizer is not protected from shocks. Spray protection deserves special attention. Of course, it is not worth plunging under the water to the steadicans, but it will survive shooting in the rain or at sea.
To control the direction of shooting using a 4-way joystick. Below it is a button for changing the mode and a key for selfie. The latter turns the camera 180 degrees, allowing you to quickly shoot yourself. You can control the stabilizer, including with iOS or Android-smartphone. Power for work is supplied from a removable battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. Finally, we note the universal mount, thanks to which, judging by the user reviews, you can install almost any action camera.
