Sunday, September 29, 2019

Best Gimbal For iPhone 2019 (By Category)

Recording buttery smooth video is as easy as mounting your phone to a gimbal and pressing the record button. But picking the best iPhone gimbal stabilizer is not easy.
New gimbals are seemingly released every year, and each one of them looks more or less the same. They’re made by companies you’ve never heard of before, and the glowing Amazon reviews aren’t particularly convincing. And in most cases it’s impossible to even try before you buy. The list goes on.
To make things easier for you, in this iPhone gimbal buyer’s guide I’ll walk you through my top picks.


The all-new DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is my favorite gimbal to date

To come up with the list, I’ve thoroughly tested all the gimbals that are frequently recommended by tech magazines and YouTube reviewers. I’ve also aggregated the praise and common complaints from these other reviews so hopefully you’ll find my rankings to be fair and well-researched.
I’m fully aware that different people have different requirements and budgets, so I’ve broken my list down into the following three categories: best overall, best for techies, best under $100, best gimbal with wireless charging and best for cinematographers.

At A Glance: Best iPhone Gimbals 2019

  • DJI Osmo Mobile 3 – Best Overall
  • Zhiyun Smooth 4 – Best For Techies
  • Hohem iSteady Mobile – Best Under $100 (TIE)
  • Zhiyun Smooth Q – Best Under $100 (TIE)
  • MOZA Mini-MI – Best Gimbal With Wireless Charging
  • Freefly Movi Cinema Robot – Best For Cinematographers

Why Should I Get An iPhone Gimbal?

Before I discuss my picks, let’s clear up exactly why you might need a gimbal stabilizer for your iPhone in the first place.

The iPhone Camera Is Better Than Ever

Go back just a few years ago and you’ll find no one really took recording video with their iPhone that seriously.
Sure, they were used to share some casual footage on social media. But vloggers, amateur filmmakers and live streamers were all using expensive DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
But newer phones like the iPhone 8, iPhone X and Samsung S9 changed everything. These phones pack in cameras that can produce crisp 4K video at a smooth 60 frames per second. More and more people are turning to their phones to record video content. And that trend is set to continue.


iphone xs max camera
Newer iPhones like the iPhone XS have become viable alternatives to DSLRs.

Say Goodbye To Shaky Video Footage With A Gimbal Stabilizer

As you begin shooting video on the move, camera shake becomes apparent. Even with newer phones that feature fantastic built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), camera shake is inevitable.
So what’s the solution to the problem?
A 3-axis motorized gimbal is a camera accessory that can drastically reduce unwanted camera shake and vibrations.
They use gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect camera shake. Then, three brushless motors rotate three pivots by just the right amount to counteract the shake. With the ability to keep your smartphone level in all three axes (pan, tilt and roll), your phone is held completely steady.
And best of all, unlike a Steadicam or dolly that Hollywood film crews operate, gimbals are incredibly simple to use. Just mount your iPhone or Android and hit the record button.
So whether you’re a YouTube content creator, an amateur filmmaker or someone simply looking to record better videos for their Instagram stories, a gimbal stabilizer is a simple and cheap way to massively up your game.

Smartphone Gimbals Are Cheaper Than Ever

I still remember choosing my first iPhone gimbal back in 2016. Back then iPhone gimbals cost around $300, so a lot of research went into my purchase. I finally settled on the awesome DJI Osmo Mobile, which is still a great gimbal today.
Today, however, smartphone gimbals cost much closer to $100 and perform even better than the ones from 2016. Now is definitely a great time to pick up a new gimbal and start producing some slick video footage.



best overall gimbal - dji osmo mobile 3

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 3

Best Overall iPhone Gimbal


Pros
  • Foldable design makes it truly portable
  • Excellent stabilization
  • Ergonomic design
  • Ease of use
  • 15 hour battery life
Cons
  • Few bundled extras


Who’s it for?
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is the iPhone gimbal I’d recommend to the vast majority of video shooters. The gimbal has excellent image stabilization for the price and its software is the best in the business.
DJI have focused on the user experience. It’s easy to pack, setup and focus on the fun part – actually recording things.
Compatibility
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3’s adjustable spring loaded clamp can accommodate iPhone and Android phones 62-88 mm wide and up to 9.5 mm thick. This makes it possible to fit smaller iPhones like the iPhone SE as well as bigger ones like the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max.
The max payload is an impressive 230g, meaning in most cases it can support your phone even when you’re using iPhone camera attachments like the Moment lens.
The gimbal also features a quarter-inch thread needle for compatibility with mount accessories like tripods.
As for software, the DJI Mimo companion app is compatible with iOS 10.0/Android 6.0 and later versions. It can record 4K@60fps with the iPhone 8 and later models.
Osmo Mobile 3 Overview
DJI are the biggest drone manufacturer in the world and their engineering expertise is clearly demonstrated by their iPhone gimbals.
Their first iPhone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile, was a resounding success thanks to its build quality and ease of use. The Osmo Mobile 2 kept the winning formula but slashed the $299 price tag all the way down to $129.
For the all-new Osmo Mobile 3, DJI have had to innovate to stay ahead of the competition. The first of its kind, the Osmo Mobile 3 has a foldable design that makes it far easier to pack.
DJI have also moved away from the DJI Go app and replaced it with the all new DJI Mimo for iOS/Android. This makes it easy to take fancy dolly zooms, panoramas, timelapses and slow motion shots. Also, the new ActiveTrack 3.0 AI does object tracking much better than competitor apps.
Other subtle tweaks, from the angled hand grip to the addition of a useful trigger at the back of the hand grip, make it DJI’s best gimbal yet.


A folded design makes it possible to fit the Osmo Mobile 3 into smaller bags
What I Liked
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 faces stiff competition from the likes of the Zhiyun Smooth 4, but ultimately I believe the Osmo Mobile 3 manages to get everything right: ease of use, portability, ergonomics, stabilization performance, battery life and price.
Filming with the Osmo Mobile 3 felt the most natural of all the gimbals I tested. It feels nowhere near as bulky as other gimbals and the angled handgrip means you don’t have to snap your wrist back in order to keep it upright.
The new foldable design is truly a game changer. The awkward shape of most smartphone gimbals makes them difficult to fit into a small bag or daypack. But the Osmo Mobile 3 is easily packed, making it an accessory you can chuck in the bag without sparing a second thought.
The stabilization performance is great and superior to my old Osmo Mobile 2 which I had no complaints about. The motors are very responsive and when you crank up the pan and follow speeds it can film fast-paced action without a hitch. The motors are also very quiet, meaning recordings aren’t affected by motor noise.
With regards to the battery life, the Osmo Mobile 3’s inbuilt 2450mAh battery will last 15 hours. No smartphone gimbal lasts longer, with the exception of the Freevision Vilta Mobile.
At its current price, there is no question that the Osmo Mobile 3 presents outstanding value for money. The DJI Osmo Mobile 2 was followed by cheaper imitations and I have no doubts the Osmo Mobile 3 will set a new standard for iPhone gimbals.
What I Didn’t Like
While the Osmo Mobile 3 is almost the perfect iPhone gimbal, it isn’t free from flaws.
The Osmo Mobile 3’s foldable design compromises its mechanical range of movement slightly, meaning it can’t pan or tilt quite as far as some of the other gimbals.
I would also have preferred a zoom wheel over its zoom slider, which makes it harder to achieve perfectly smooth zooming unless you have a rock steady thumb.
Last but not least, it would have also been nice if DJI included a small tripod with the standard package, as many other manufacturers do.
Read the full review: DJI Osmo Mobile 3



2. Zhiyun Smooth 4

Best iPhone Gimbal For Techies


Pros
  • Excellent Stabilization
  • Ability to access menus and settings without touching phone’s screen
Cons
  • Over-engineered controls
  • Bulky
  • Uncomfortable hand grip


Who’s it for
For videographers who like to get technical, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a great alternative to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 performed just as well as the Osmo Mobile 2 in stabilization tests, but features more buttons and dials to play with. You can change the exposure and aperture without reaching for your phone’s screen.
However, less technically-minded users might find all the buttons confusing and unnecessary.
Compatibility
With a max supported payload of 210g, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is compatible with almost all iPhones. In testing, it didn’t have any problems with the large iPhone 8 Plus, but the heavier iPhone XS Max (208g) caused balancing issues and overworked the motors.
Like the Osmo Mobile 2, the Smooth 4 also uses an adjustable spring loaded clamp so mounting your smartphone is a very simple process.
Smooth 4 Overview
Zhiyun have a long history of producing high quality yet inexpensive handheld gimbals. The 3 axis Smooth 4 is their current flagship smartphone gimbal and currently the best selling iPhone and Android gimbal stabilizer on Amazon.
If you like buttons, you’ll love the Zhiyun Smooth 4. You can change the exposure, flip your phone, adjust the focus and turn on the flash all through the Smooth 4’s controls. And those are just a few examples.
Put simply, the Smooth 4 doesn’t feel like a simple handheld gimbal. It’s more like a filmmakers tool that also happens to stabilize the camera. This does mean there’s a steep learning curve to the gimbal, and you’ll need to be familiar with filmmaking basics to get the most out of it.
Zhiyun have generously bundled the Smooth 4 with a small but useful tripod.This in not only great for those panoramas and time lapses, but I found myself using it as a grip extension when holding my gimbal in underslung mode (upside down) for those low angle shots.
The Smooth 4 has a total of three shooting modes: pan follow, following and locked.
The first and default shooting mode is pan follow mode, where the gimbal keeps the horizon level and while following panning motions. The following mode means the gimbal will follow any movements you make, but keep footage nice and steady. The locked mode will keep your iPhone’s orientation locked, so it’s always looking at the same point.
At the back of the handgrip is a double function trigger. When hold down on the up trigger, you activate “PhoneGo” mode which increases the responsiveness of the gimbal’s motors. This means they’ll be snappier – great for when you want to capture fast-paced action.
You’ll use the ZY Play app to connect to your iPhone over a bluetooth connection. It’s important you use this app, because a lot of the Smooth 4’s controls only work when you’re recording from it.
The ZY Play app has all the video and photo modes that the Osmo Mobile 2’s DJI Go app has. That includes autonomous tracking, time lapses and motion time lapses, panoramas and long exposure shots.
It’s also worth noting that the Zhiyun Smooth 4’s controls aren’t only functional when filming with the ZY Play app. Zhiyun partnered with the folks at FiLMiC and made the gimbal fully compatible with the Filmic Pro app. This premium video camera app offers various settings and modes for the more serious video shooter.
What I Liked
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 packs in more controls on the hand grip than any other iPhone gimbal. Meanwhile, Its stabilization performance is just as good as the DJI Osmo Mobile 2. For the videographer who likes to tweak every little detail, the Smooth 4 is a very logical choice.
I also like the fact the Smooth 4 goes with the new USB-C standard, as opposed to the older Micro USB. Many of its advantages aren’t obvious, but not needing to carry around a Micro USB cable is one that everyone will appreciate.
The Smooth 4 packs a 4000mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of recording. That isn’t quite as good as the Osmo Mobile 2, but still more than enough.
Given all of its features, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the Smooth 4 must be a very expensive gimbal.
Not so. In fact, the Smooth 4 costs less than the DJI Osmo Mobile 2, meaning you get a ton of features for the money. And let’s not forget it comes with a mini tripod that the Osmo Mobile 2 doesn’t come with.
What I didn’t like
On paper it would seem the Zhiyun Smooth 4 offers better bang for your buck than the DJI Osmo Mobile 2. So why didn’t I also consider it to be the best overall iPhone gimbal?
Well, when actually filming, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 has a few issues that irked me.
Firstly, the hand grips ergonomics aren’t very good. The hand grip is wide and shallow, making it feel rather awkward in the hands.
Continuing with design flaws, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is bulky and features too many buttons.
During filming I simply didn’t need half of the buttons on the gimbal. What’s more, in many situations I found changing settings from my iPhone’s touchscreen was less of a hassle than using the buttons on the Smooth 4. I couldn’t help but feel the Smooth 4 carries extra baggage for nothing.
Finally, it’s worthy mentioning that despite all its controls, the Smooth 4 doesn’t feature a joystick to electronically control the pan and tilt (unlike the Osmo Mobile 2). Personally, I don’t consider this a big deal as panning/tilting with your own hands is far more natural. But, if this is a feature you fancy yourself using, be aware the Smooth 4 doesn’t have it.
Read the full review: Zhiyun Smooth 4 iPhone And Android Gimbal



3. Hohem iSteady Mobile

Tied for Best Under $100 iPhone Gimbal


Pros
  • Good stabilization
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable Grip
  • 12 hour battery life
Cons
  • Digital Zoom is not smooth
  • Unpolished companion app


Who’s It For
For those on a tighter budget, the Hohem iSteady Mobile is the iPhone gimbal I’d recommend. It might not have the very best stabilization performance around, but it’s the best within this budget and doesn’t skimp on any features.
Compatibility
The Hohem iSteady Mobile is compatible with all iPhones newer than the iPhone SE. It can accommodate larger iPhones like the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone X. Hohem have not published the gimbal’s maximum load, however it is listed as being compatible with large phones like the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and iPhone XS Max which puts it on par with the Osmo Mobile 2.
Hohem iSteady Mobile Overview
Although Hohem isn’t a well known brand, the iSteady Mobile is one of the bestselling handheld gimbals today.
At just 410g, the iSteady Mobile is incredibly light. Its build quality is decent, and surprisingly, Hohem gave it a rubberized grip that prevents it from easily slipping out from your hands.
The control scheme is very much similar to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2: A mode button to select the shooting mode, a joystick to control the pan and tilt, and finally a zoom slider to adjust the digital zoom.
It features impressive technical specifications for the price. A 640-degree panning range of motion is roughly double what other gimbals can do. The 4000mAh battery can provide 12 hours of use, putting it level with the Zhiyun Smooth 4.
All of this comes at under $100, and Hohem have even included a mini tripod in the box. Granted, the mini tripod that comes with it is very flimsy and provides almost no elevation.
What I Like
Feature wise, the Hohem iSteady Mobile is very similar to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2. In fact, there’s almost nothing the Hohem iSteady Mobile can’t do that the Osmo Mobile 2 can.
The rubberized grip is a nice little touch and one I wouldn’t have expected from a budget gimbal.
Of course, what I like most about this gimbal is its price. A few years ago, no one would have believed you could get such a well-rounded 3 axis gimbal for under $100. But here we are with the iSteady Mobile.
What I Didn’t Like
While the iSteady Mobile is a good gimbal, its stabilization performance is behind the pricier gimbals.
The difference became noticeable when filming while running. Video footage had a jerkiness that wasn’t an issue in the other gimbals.
Another issue was the zoom slider. When zooming in or out, the zoom is not smooth. Instead, you can see it zooming in in small increments. This is a common problem with smartphone gimbals, but on the iSteady Mobile it was considerably less smooth.
Finally, the Gimset app was one of the least polished companion apps I’ve used, so recording with the stock iPhone camera app or a third party alternative is highly recommended.
Read Full Review: Hohem iSteady Mobile



4. Zhiyun Smooth Q

Tied for Best Under $100 iPhone Gimbal


Pros
  • Good stabilization
  • Price
Cons
  • Digital Zoom is not smooth
  • Larger phones overwork motors


Who’s It For
Costing even less than the Hohem iSteady Mobile, the Zhiyun Smooth Q is one of the cheapest 3-axis iPhone gimbals around. For those who are simply looking for the cheapest decent gimbal around, look no further than the Zhiyun Smooth Q.
Compatibility
The Zhiyun Smooth Q is compatible with most iPhones. However, with a supported max payload of only 200g, it is not recommended for those use with larger iPhones. This includes the iPhone 8 Plus (202g) and iPhone XS Max (208g).
Zhiyun Smooth Q Overview
The Zhiyun Smooth Q was released before the Zhiyun Smooth 4 and is a slightly more basic gimbal.
Its design is much more comparable to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 than the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Its main controls are a joystick for adjusting the pan and tilt, as well as a digital zoom slider.
It uses the same ZY Play app that is used with the Smooth 4, meaning there are a lot of shooting modes like object tracking, panoramas, time lapses and more.
What I Liked
The Zhiyun Smooth Q isn’t outstanding in any department, but it is a very decent iPhone gimbal overall. Its main draw is definitely its price.
My other budget recommendation, the Hohem iSteady Mobile, has better battery life and superior specifications overall. However, the Smooth Q is cheaper and the ZY Play app is better than the Hohem Gimset app.

What I Didn’t Like
The Smooth Q feels a little forgotten and outdated compared to the newer Smooth 4. It doesn’t feature full compatibility with the FiLMiC Pro app and features a Micro USB port instead of a USB-C port.
It also doesn’t play well with heavier phones, while the Hohem iSteady Mobile does. As a result it isn’t quite as future proof in case you purchase a heavier smartphone in the future.
Read full review: Zhiyun Smooth Q


featured image for moza mini mi review

5. MOZA Mini-MI

Best iPhone Gimbal with wireless charging


Pros
  • Decent stabilization
  • Wirelessly charges your phone
  • Tons of features
Cons
  • Budget build quality
  • Poor companion app
  • 10-hour battery is less than its competition

Who’s It For
The MOZA Mini-M is the only gimbal that can wirelessly charge your phone and has an impressive number of different shooting modes. While these features might seem redundant to many, it also has stabilization performance that is among the best within the sub-$100 budget.
Compatibility
The MOZA Mini-MI supports every iPhone, although its wireless charge feature will of course only work with the newer iPhones that feature wireless charging.
Thanks to a max supported payload of 300g and a max supported phone width of 92mm, the Mini-MI supports just about any Android phone you can think of.
MOZA Mini-MI Overview
The MOZA Mini-MI is an iPhone gimbal that has more features than almost any other gimbal you can think of. Its most unique feature is its ability to charge mounted phones wirelessly using the Qi Wireless Charging standard.
Weighing 534g, the Mini-MI isn’t quite as small as its name might suggest. It is a little on the bulky side, but the difference in size won’t be an issue for most and its thick handle will be welcomed by those with bigger hands.
Despite its size, the Mini-MI packs a slightly smaller 2100mAh battery which provides the gimbal with 10 hours of battery life.
For controls, the Mini-MI features a joystick for electronic panning and tilting, as well as a number of controls to switch shooting modes and more. It can flip the mounted phone with a double press of a button, putting it into ‘selfie-mode’.
All these features can be had for under $100. Given that many of its features are missing on more expensive gimbals like the Osmo Mobile 2, MOZA offer terrific value for money with the Mini-MI.
What I Like
The wireless charging feature isn’t for everyone, since many older phones won’t be supported. However, it is an incredibly useful feature for those that can take advantage of it, since you almost always run into issues with your phone’s battery life when recording with a gimbal, and not the other way around.
Wireless charging aside, the Mini-MI is a very solid budget gimbal. It has stabilization performance that is on par with my other favorite budget gimbals: the Hohem iSteady Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth-Q. Not only that, it has the ability to independently lock each axis, giving a total of 8 different following modes.
What I Didn’t Like
Despite all the awesome features it packs, the Mini-MI’s stabilization performance is like that of a budget gimbal and it’s build quality isn’t the best, either.
When you zoom in on footage and compare it to similar footage taken with the Osmo Mobile 2 or Zhiyun Smooth 4, the micro-stutter is a lot more apparent.
Given that MOZA are a fairly new brand, their smartphone companion app is expectedly disappointing. You will be better of filming with the stock camera app or purchasing Filmic Pro–a shame considering the MOZA app has a neat sports mode and barrel-roll mode.
The MOZA Mini-MI is a serious contender for the best budget gimbal, but given its bulky size and slightly lower battery life, it isn’t the best gimbal under $100 unless you’re going to make use of the wireless charing feature.
Read Full Review: MOZA Mini-MI



6. Freefly Movi Cinema Robot

Best for cinematographers


Pros
  • Excellent stabilization
  • Can hold with both hands
  • Great app
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Some features unnecessary for the average user
My Rating


Who’s It For?
The Freefly Movi Cinema Robot is a gimbal designed by filmmakers for filmmakers. Besides being an excellent video stabilizer, its companion app, Movi App, makes it easy to perform various ‘cinematic’ tricks. However, it isn’t cheap.
Compatibility
The Movi Cinema Robot can support a payload of over 500g. It can support the largest iPhones like the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XS Max. Larger Androids are also supported. You can find a full list of supported phones here.
Movi Cinema Robot Overview
The Movi Cinema Robot is almost U-shaped, unlike most monopod styled gimbals. This makes it possible to hold it with with two hands and provide additional stability.
As you might expect for a gimbal of its price, the stabilization performance is excellent and superior to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2.
A big part of the Movi Cinema Robot is its exclusive companion app – Movi App. Unlike other gimbal companion apps, this app is well thought out and offers a lot of cinematic presets. This makes it easy to produce impressive video content.
The Movi Cinema Robot takes two 2600mAh Lithium Ion batteries that last for around 8 hours. This is shorter than the other gimbals on this page, but the Movi Cinema Robot uses powerful motors that can support a much higher payload.
There’s also a lot of further customization possible with the Movi Cinema Robot. By attaching the Movi Hoodie accessory mount, you can attach flashes and shotgun mics to the gimbal.
What I Like
I loved the Movi Cinema Robot’s unique U-shaped design. You can hold it using both hands, which not only helps stability but reduces fatigue when filming for extended periods.
Its U-shaped design features a sturdy rubber base, which allows you to rest the gimbal and keep it upright on any flat surface. I therefore rarely need to use a tripod with it.
The stabilization performance is excellent and using the Movi App is heaps of fun. It makes it incredibly easy to change settings like the exposure or quickly flip through previews of your recordings – all without needing to touch your phone. It also makes it easy to capture barrel roll, dolly zoom, orbit and other cinematic effects.
What I Didn’t Like
The gimbal is bulkier than other gimbals, and unnecessarily cumbersome if you’re just looking to record some shots during your next holiday.
But the biggest issue is its cost. At $300, it costs between 2-3x as much as the other gimbals on this list. I personally don’t feel the gimbal is worth it unless you are certain that its unique features are worth the difference in price.
Read Full Review: Freefly Movi Cinema Robot

Other Noteworthy iPhone Gimbals

Evo Pro Gimbal


Evo Gimbals are a U.S. based gimbal company that have produced some excellent DSLR and GoPro gimbals in the past. The Evo Pro is their flagship smartphone gimbal but it’s actually a rebranded Zhiyun Smooth 4.
That’s a good thing, since the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a fantastic gimbal. With Evo Gimbals, you also get superior local customer support. However, it costs roughly $20 more which is too high a premium, in my opinion.
Feiyu Tech Vimble 2


The Feiyu Tech Vimble 2 has a neat little feature: An 18cm extendable arm that makes it easier to record selfies or those low angle shots in underslung mode.
However, with a battery life of only 5 hours and a poor smartphone app, it’s difficult to recommend it over the similarly priced DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and Zhiyun Smooth 4.
Read full review: Feiyu Tech Vimble 2
Freevision VILTA Mobile


For ergonomics and build quality, the Freevision VILTA-M is my top pick. It is similar to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 in design, but features an even comfier grip and is constructed using ‘aeronautical materials’.
It is a solid alternative to the Osmo Mobile 2, but unfortunately its image stabilization came out inferior. This was noticeable when comparing footage at a 250% zoom, where the VILTA-M showed a lot of jitter.

More Buying Tips

Motorized Gimbals Vs Mechanical Stabilizers (Steadicam, Glidecam etc.)

Before gimbals were a thing, handheld stabilizers were the go-to tool for image stabilization. They cost less but require more skill to operate, and don’t offer the same level of stabilization. For iPhone video stabilization, gimbals are definitely the way to go.

Can My New Gimbal Be Used As A Power Bank?

Yes. Most smartphone gimbals can also double up as a power bank. Their battery capacities are smaller than dedicated power banks but they can be useful as a backup. Of course, charging your phone with a gimbal will eat into the recording time of your gimbal.

Will My New Gimbal Conflict With My iPhone’s OIS?

The iPhone 6S Plus was the first iPhone to feature optical image stabilization (OIS). iPhones with OIS use gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect shake and reduce its impact by moving the lens with electromagnet motors. However, as a method of image stabilization, it is nowhere near as effective as a gimbal.
Sometimes, simultaneously using OIS and a gimbal can have strange results. If this is the case, using a third-party video camera app like Pro Movie App or FiLMiC Pro and disabling the iPhone’s OIS is advised.

Can I Use My iPhone Gimbal With A GoPro/Action Camera/DSLR?

Smartphone gimbals are primarily designed for use with iPhone and Android devices. However, many of them can also hold a GoPro or similarly sized action camera instead. To ensure the GoPro or action camera is held firm, purchasing a GoPro gimbal mount adaptor plate is recommended.
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are too heavy for use with these gimbals, so you will need to use a gimbal designed for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Further Video Stabilization With iMovie

Using a gimbal stabilizer is the best way to deal with camera shake. However, it is possible to further stabilize recorded video footage in iMovie (iOS/Mac). You can find detailed information about the procedure here.

Are Smartphone Gimbals Waterproof?

In general, smartphone gimbals are not waterproof. Their brushless motors could be damaged by contact with water. It is therefore not recommended to record video in wet conditions.