DJI Gimbal for DSLRs?

[Sean2260]

I have a7RV (1.6 lb) & misc lens range from Tamron 35-150 (2.6 lb) or 100-400GM (3.1 lb). Total weight is either 4.7lb or 4.2 lb. I see the DJI - RS 4 3-Axis Gimbal is 6.6 lb...um ok. The gimbal is 3lb (ugh that would make total of 7 lbs to hold).

What I am trying to accomplish is to get steady videos when not able to be supported by tripod or other means. On safaris my primary focus is to shoot images, but more and more I want to capture video while watching animals. My problem is that at my age + weight of camera & lens that often I can not make smooth videos that pan from left to right, or position. Some people in one of the safari trucks had the DJI gimbal for their phone, and they praised it a lot.

So I am really curious if others have tried these devices and how it worked for them.

 

[THXGEEK]

Hello Sean -

I purchased the DJI RS4 Mini Combo last year. A very nifty piece of hardware! It does work well, BUT it has limitations...

1) Don't get anywhere near the max weight capacity of the gimbal or your battery will be dead before you know it. I was using my Sony A7CR and FE 24-70mm and the gimbal struggled. I doubt anyone ever gets the advertised battery life in real world conditions.
2) The batteries are NOT removable - so the whole handle assembly has to be placed next to the power source during recharging.
3) Its heavy - more than numbers might suggest. Try holding that 7+ lbs out from your body for 10 minutes or more and (unless you are in great shape - I am not) you'll be needing a break. Which you'll get because the batteries will need recharging. Again.
4. Establishing initial balance is a PITA. This must be done every time you change a lens or dismount the camera. Every single time. Not perfectly balanced? It won't work well and (you guessed it), the battery life will suffer.

I found the best combo to be my Sony RX100VIII. Easier to balance and panning was as smooth as can be. They do have a cell phone adapter, and this would probably be even better for capturing video.

Lastly, their Intelligent Tracking Module and remote control capability work very well! Very cool technology! If you are a Vlogger and don't have a crew, you can easily go solo by setting this up on a table and have it follow you around while you blather on about whatever Vloggers are blathering on about.

Despite this 'cool factor' (I am a confirmed geek and love my toys), I ended up returning the gimbal.

As always, YMMV! I hope this helps!

 

[Sean2260]

Thank you THXGEEK for the detailed reply. I think I am going to cross this off my list, now considering a Leofoto WN-03 car window stabilizer to see if that helps. I did have a bean bag but that introduced more problems than it solved. Slightest movement of the camera gimbal head caused the beanbag to shift which caused the video to start really bad jerky moments.

What I may just need is a 2nd camera devoted to video like the Sony RX100, that is light enough I think I could steadily hold it in hand.

 

[THXGEEK]

Post some of those safari images (and videos, too)! I'd love to see them!

...be forewarned that if any of your posted videos have even the slightest bit of shake, you can expect a snarky response along the lines of 'Gee, why didn't he use a gimbal??'