If you’ve just purchased your first-ever gimbal and feel overwhelmed by this daunting piece of technology, don’t worry! You are not alone!
Modern camera gimbals have a steep learning curve that is frustrating for most beginners.
The good news is that there are many online resources that can help you to master your gimbal.
In this article, we outline five of the best online training courses that can help you to learn everything you need to know about using your new gimbal.
Some of these courses can be accessed for free through the use of free trials while others are paid.
So, read on to find the best online gimbal training course for you!
1. Brandon Li: The Gimbal Masterclass
Youtuber and gimbal expert Brandon Li is known as the “Gimbal God.”
In his intensive course “The Gimbal Masterclass,” Brandon guides students through all aspects of gimbal filmmaking in 36 “mini-lessons.”
This course doesn’t just focus on the technical side of gimbal use — instead opting to teach students the full filmmaking process.
Brandon starts by teaching students the gimbal basics such as balancing a gimbal and mastering essential gimbal moves. The course also says you will “learn how your gimbal can imitate a crane, jib, or drone!”
The course then moves onto the “real world” where Brandon reached students how to capture gimbal footage in crowded public areas.
Lastly, the course demonstrates how to create “one-take” scenes or “an entire scene in one shot” — filling students in on the concepts of blocking, rehearing, and focus.
Anyone who has seen Brandon Li’s YouTube channel can tell that he knows what he’s talking about. And Brandon’s resume includes commercials for BMW, Frito Lay, MTV, Etihad Airways, as well as a number of Vimeo staff pics, and more!
However, at $147, the course isn’t cheap, but it’s also not the most expensive on this list.
If you have the money to spend, then this may be a great option for gimbal beginners. If you don’t, then consider opting for one of the cheaper training courses on this list.
Highlights:
- Brandon Li is an experienced gimbal instructor with an impressive resume.
- This course doesn’t just focus on the technical side of gimbal use — instead opting to teach students the full filmmaking process.
- The course guides students through using gimbals in the real world.
2. Peter Makholm: The Gimbal Academy
Peter Makholm is another YouTuber turned instructor offering an in-depth course on gimbal filmmaking.
In his course “The Gimbal Academy,” peter offers students “40+ Videos, Instructions, Training & Exercises,” along with the impressive option of one-on-one Zoom calls should you get stuck.
According to The Gimbal Academy site, Peter will “lay out the fundamentals of working with gimbals and push you towards mastering filmmaking with motion… Right from the Core Basics To Advanced Gimbal Techniques.”
According to Peter, “You will learn the proper gimbal techniques and how to set up your gimbal correctly, with easy step-by-step training you will get perfectly smooth footage with any gimbal, and learn how to use the proper techniques and movements that will take your gimbal work to new heights!”
The course also throws in gimbal settings cheat sheet (said to be a $19 value), which could prove to be very useful for gimbal beginners.
Peter’s YouTube videos prove that he is both a knowledgeable and a skilled teacher. However, at $397 this course is not inexpensive!
If you have some serious cash to burn then consider opting for this course. Otherwise, consider choosing a different course on this list.
Highlights:
- Peter Makholm is a knowledgeable and skilled teacher.
- Peter’s course offers students “40+ Videos.
- This course teaches students both gimbal fundamentals and advanced techniques.
3. LinkedIn Learning: Video Gear: Support & Grip
This LinkedIn Learning class doesn’t just focus on gimbals. Instead, this training course covers a range of video gear such as gimbals, tripods, dollies, sliders, and rails.
This course is taught by Rich Harrington and Robbie Carman — two LinkedIn learning and video production veterans.
As they guide you through this course, you will learn “how to stabilize shots; build your own slider; mount cameras with clamps, poles, and micro tripods; add motors for automated motion control; and trigger shots remotely. Plus, learn how to use gimbals and shoulder rigs correctly, and put the gear into practice as Rich and Robbie show how to get some great-looking footage of moving vehicles.”
LinkedIn Learning offers a one-month-free deal before moving to about $21 a month. However, most students will likely be able to complete this course in far less than a month, making it essentially free.
While this course may not cover gimbal filmmaking in the same depth as other training courses on this list, it is a great low-cost option for beginners on a budget.
Highlights:
- This course is taught by two LinkedIn learning and video production veterans.
- This training course covers a range of video gear such as gimbals, tripods, dollies, sliders, and rails
- LinkedIn Learning offers a one-month-free deal before moving to about $21 a month.
4. SkillShare: Gimbal 101
This SkillShare course is taught by filmmaker and YouTuber Chris Brooker, “a filmmaker and photographer from England.”
According to Brooker, he has “created hundreds of music videos, corporate films, and commercials with many established companies, record labels, and artists.”
In this course which has been taken by over 500 students and has received glowing reviews, Brooker focuses on teaching brand-new gimbal users the fundamentals of gimbal use.
On the course’s Skillshare page, Brooker writes that “This course is aimed at anyone that is new to the world of gimbals. I start off by talking about why you should use a gimbal, then I cover the setup, balance and calibration process. I then explain how to hold your gimbal to get the best shots and then run you through a list of camera moves that will give you dynamic shots. Then we’re jumping into gimbal accessories (focus and monitoring) before finishing up with top tips when using a gimbal.”
SkillShare offers a one-month-free deal before moving to $32 a month.
Highlights:
- Instructor Chris Brooker has created hundreds of music videos, corporate films, and commercials.
- This course has been taken by over 500 students and has received glowing reviews.
- SkillShare offers a one-month-free deal before moving to $32 a month.
5. Filmmaker’s Academy: How To Be a MōVI Gimbal Tech
This course by Filmmaker’s Academy is different than the others on this list.
Instead of focusing on general pro-sumer level gimbals, professional gimbal operator Chris Herr teaches students how to operate professional-level MōVI M5, M10, and M15 gimbals with different cameras.
Aside from operating the Movi, this course also breaks down gimbal maintenance and setup.
This course includes five lessons with two hours of video as well as access to “PDF assets.”
This course won’t be for everybody. However, those looking to get into professional Hollywood-style gimbal operations should consider this course.
Those interested have two options: $33 a month for access to Filmmaker’s Academy content (they have a lot!) or a one-time payment of $149 for just the course.
Highlights:
- This course teaches students to use professional-level MōVI M5, M10, and M15 gimbals with different cameras.
- This course includes five lessons with two hours of video as well as access to “PDF assets.”
- This course can be purchased for $33 a month or $149.
Final Thoughts
The courses are all aimed at gimbal beginners.
However, they do range from essentially free, to very cheap, to quite expensive.
It is important to remember that while you can learn a great deal from online courses, improving at gimbal filmmaking all comes down to practice!
So, don’t feel that you need to pay a lot of money to get better at using your new gimbal.
Just pick a course, learn what you can, and get out and shoot!
Happy shooting!
