GImbals are great tools with a huge range of functions and abilities. Thanks to their multi-axis design, they can allow you to capture impressive cinematic footage with consumer-level cameras or even smartphones.
If you own a gimbal you’ve probably got a solid handle on all the basic moves: panning, tilting, the “ninja walk.” But maybe it’s time to expand on your gimbal abilities.
Well, in this list, we will do our best to infuse a little fresh inspiration into your gimbal game. Check out these 7 awesome things you can do with a gimbal!
1. Control Remotely With An App
Most modern gimbals today come with smartphone apps.
These apps often include a wide range of features.
One of the more interesting features of these apps is the ability to control your gimbal’s movements remotely.
This ability allows gimbal users to achieve perfectly smooth pans and tilts — something that can be very difficult to execute by hand.
This function opens up a range of new creative possibilities with your gimbal.
2. Take A Dynamic Timelapse
A timelapse is a collection of photos taken at a certain interval over a long period of time. The photos are then played in order to create a sequence. The result is a video that condenses minutes, hours, or even days into a matter of seconds.
Timelapses are cool on their own but can become a little repetitive. It’s possible to take time-lapses to another level using a gimbal.
As previously mentioned, it is possible to control your gimbal remotely using an app.
Most of these apps also include a timelapse function that allows you to program your gimbal to cycle through different positions over a set amount of time.
For example, you could set your gimbal to face up towards the sky, before slowly tilting down towards the ground over the course of an hour. When this function is paired with a camera or smartphone set to timelapse mode, it’s possible to create a dynamic, moving timelapse.
3. Create An Impressive Hyperlapse
A hyperlapse is similar to a timelapse.
In timelapses the camera, tripod, and/or gimbal are all kept in a stationary spot.
But in a hyperlapse, the camera, and whatever it is mounted to move through space while snapping photos.
The result is essentially a moving timelapse.
The hardest part of achieving smooth hyperlapse footage is keeping each shot lined up with the last shot. Every time you move your camera or tripod, you risk moving your gear into a position that doesn’t line up with the last shot you took — this creates an uneven and jumpy final product.
By adding a gimbal into the mix, it becomes much easier to capture consistent, lined-up photos between each movement.
4. Shoot Trippy Spinning Footage
Using a gimbal’s “POV Mode” it is possible to achieve a spinning “barrel-roll” effect.
This effect involves pointing the camera straight up on the gimbal using the joystick. Then point the entire gimbal forwards so the camera’s lens is facing forwards, away from your body. Then rotate the camera 360 degrees using the joystick.
The resulting effect is a dizzying spinning frame.
You have likely seen this technique used everywhere from horror movies to music videos.
5. Mimic A Drone
You may be aware that gimbals can be attached to tripods.
This is handy for keeping your gimbal still during a timelapse or while controlling it remotely.
But did you know you can also attach gimbals to monopods?
This technique allows you to extend your gimbal up and outward — increasing the range of dynamic movement possible with your gimbal.
A popular trick using this method is to mimic drone footage.
By attaching your gimbal to a monopod and thrusting it upwards, into the air, you are able to create drone-style movement.
This can be handy in areas where flying drones is prohibited.
Obviously, the effect’s success all comes down to the length of your monopod.
6. Film Yourself In Selfie Mode
Some gimbals like the Zhiyun Weebill S feature a Selfie Mode.
This mode turns the entire top section of the gimbal around so that the camera is facing backwards, towards the gimbal operator.
This mode is handy for vlogging or could perhaps be used for some creative cinematography.
While most heavy-duty camera gimbals are likely too heavy to be used for vlogging (at least for long periods of time), this method is great for smaller smartphone gimbals.
7. Shoot Low In Underslung Mode
Some gimbals, again like the Zhiyun Weebill S, feature an Underslung Mode.
This feature allows the gimbal operator to rearrange the gimbal’s handles so the gimbal can be held from the top, similar to a briefcase.
This means the gimbal is low to the ground.
Underslung Mode is great for filming follow shots of feet or really anything that is close to the ground.
