Are you a photography or videography enthusiast who’s been wondering whether you have to balance your gimbal every time you use it? Well, you’re not alone!
A lot of new gimbal users have this question, and it’s a valid one. After all, balancing a gimbal can be time-consuming.
The short answer is that if your camera and gimbal setup has been altered between uses, you will need to rebalance it. However, even with this in mind, it is still recommended to check and adjust the balance of your gimbal before every use for the best results.
Now that you have a basic understanding, keep reading as we take a closer look at what a gimbal is, why balance is important, and whether you really have to balance your gimbal every time you use it.
So, grab your camera, and let’s dive in!
What Is A Gimbal & How Does It Work
A gimbal is a mechanical device that is used to stabilize a camera or other device.
It works by using a series of motors and sensors to keep the camera level and steady, even when the person holding it is moving around.
This allows for smooth and stable footage, which is particularly useful for action shots, tracking shots, and other types of dynamic footage.
Gimbal technology has been around for a long time, but modern electronic gimbals have become increasingly popular in recent years with advances in accessible consumer technology.
There are several different types of gimbals, but they all work on the same basic principle, using a series of motors and sensors to detect and counteract any movement of the camera.
The motors then move the camera to keep it level and steady. This is done in real-time, which means that the gimbal is constantly making adjustments to keep the camera steady.
Gimbals can be used for a wide variety of applications, from professional video production to amateur photography and videography.
They are particularly useful for capturing smooth and stable footage of moving objects, such as cars, boats, and people.
They can also be used for tracking shots, panoramic shots, and other types of dynamic footage.
Overall, a gimbal is a versatile device that can help you capture smooth and stable footage in a variety of situations.
It can be a bit tricky to use at first, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create professional-looking footage with ease.
Why Balance Is Important
Balancing a gimbal is crucial for achieving smooth and stable footage.
An unbalanced gimbal can result in jerky or unstable movement, which can ruin an otherwise great shot.
Balancing a gimbal involves adjusting the position of the camera and any counterweights to ensure that the gimbal is level and that the camera is centred.
When a gimbal is balanced correctly, the motors are able to work more efficiently and make fewer adjustments, which results in smoother footage.
An unbalanced gimbal requires the motors to work harder, which can lead to more noise and vibration in the footage, as well as the gimbal’s batteries dyeing faster.
Additionally, an unbalanced gimbal can cause the motors to wear out more quickly, which can shorten the life of the gimbal.
Balancing a gimbal is a relatively simple process, but it does require some practice to get it just right.
It’s important to take the time to properly balance your gimbal before each use to ensure the best possible footage.
The process can vary depending on the specific gimbal and camera you are using, so it’s a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when balancing a gimbal is the weight and size of the camera you are using.
If you are using a heavy camera or lens, it can be more challenging to achieve a perfect balance.
It’s important to take into account the weight and size of your camera when selecting a gimbal and when adjusting the balance.
In summary, balancing a gimbal is crucial for achieving smooth and stable footage. It requires practice and attention to detail, but it is a necessary step to ensure that your footage comes out looking professional and polished.
Read More: Why Is My Gimbal Shaking? Causes & Solutions
Does A Gimbal Need To Be Balanced Every Time?
The question of whether a gimbal needs to be balanced every time it is used is a common one. After all, balancing a gimbal can be time-consuming and, at times, frustrating.
The only scenario where no balancing is needed is if your gimbal has been left in the exact same balancing configuration as the last time it was used with the same camera and lens setup.
In other words, if you haven’t changed anything about your setup, then in theory your setup shouldn’t require rebalancing.
However, even with this in mind, it is still recommended to check and adjust the balance of your gimbal before every use for the best results.
Just keep in mind that if you change the camera, lenses, or accessories you are using, it is necessary to re-balance the gimbal to account for the new weight and balance.
Also, if you are shooting with a zoom lens and adjusting your zoom, you will likely need to rebalance your gimbal to account for the shift in weight.
Bottom Line
In summary, we recommend balancing your gimbal setup every time you use it — even if you think that nothing has been altered between shoots.
While you may be able to get away with not doing this on certain occasions, an unbalanced setup can harm your gimbal without you even being aware.
So, it is recommended to check and adjust the balance of your gimbal before every use, to ensure the best results.
Happy shooting!
