I learned the hard way that handheld 4K footage without stabilization looks like an earthquake hit your memory card. After testing 8 gimbals over six weeks, walking through weddings, hiking trails, and city streets, I can tell you the difference between a cheap stabilizer and one of the best camera gimbals is night and day. Smooth motion lets viewers actually watch your video without getting motion sick.
This guide covers the stabilizers our crew uses on real shoots, broken into smartphone gimbals, mirrorless/DSLR stabilizers, and one action camera gimbal for GoPro users. Whether you are vlogging for TikTok, shooting a short film on a Sony A7 IV, or chasing your kids at the park, there is a gimbal on this list that fits your camera, your budget, and your style of shooting.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Camera Gimbals at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Camera Gimbals in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DJI RS 4 |
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| DJI Osmo Mobile 8 |
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 DJI RS 3 Mini |
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 ZHIYUN Weebill 3E |
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 Hohem iSteady M7 |
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 DJI Osmo Mobile 7P |
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 DJI Osmo Mobile 6 |
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 Hohem iSteady Pro 4 |
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1. DJI RS 4 – Best Camera Gimbal Overall for Mirrorless
DJI RS 4, Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera, Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fujifilm
3kg payload
2nd-Gen Vertical Shooting
Teflon Axis Arms
12-hour battery
Pros
- 3kg payload handles pro mirrorless rigs
- Teflon-coated axis arms for smoother balancing
- 2nd-gen native vertical shooting
- RSA port for focus motors and accessories
- Auto-lock axis arms
- 12-hour battery life
Cons
- Optional BG70 battery grip sold separately
- Requires DJI app sideload on Android
- Heavy at 1.55 kg without camera
The DJI RS 4 is the gimbal I reach for when the job has to look right the first time. During a recent wedding shoot I balanced a Sony A7 IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens on it in about three minutes, and the motors never strained even during long tracking shots down the aisle. The 3kg tested payload gives you room for a full-frame body, a fast zoom lens, and a small on-camera light without worrying about motor cutoff.
DJI extended the tilt axis by 8.5mm on this generation, which made a real difference when mounting larger cinema bodies like the Panasonic S5 IIX. The Teflon-coated arms glide smoother than the older RS 3 when you are doing fine balance adjustments, and that matters when you have to rebalance between lenses.
The 2nd-generation native vertical shooting switch is the feature social media creators asked for, and DJI delivered. You can flip from landscape to vertical in roughly two seconds without rebalance. I tested this shooting Instagram Reels alongside 16:9 footage for the same client, and the transition was completely seamless.
Battery life is rated at 12 hours, and in my testing that number held up for moderate shooting days. The optional BG70 grip extends that further, but it costs extra. The biggest complaint I have is that DJI still asks Android users to download their app directly from their site rather than Google Play, which is annoying on first setup.
Who the DJI RS 4 is for
This is the gimbal for working professionals, wedding videographers, and serious hybrid shooters who need reliability under pressure. If you own a Sony A7 IV, Canon R5, or Nikon Z6 III and shoot paid client work, the RS 4 is worth the investment.
Who should skip the DJI RS 4
Casual shooters and travel vloggers will find the RS 4 overkill. At 1.55 kg without a camera, it adds real weight to your bag, and you will not need the full 3kg payload if you are shooting with a small APS-C body and a kit lens. For those users, the RS 3 Mini is the better fit.
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 8 – Best Phone Gimbal with Native Tracking
DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Gimbal Stabilizer for Phone, 3-Axis Stabilization
AI Native Tracking
360 pan rotation
Built-in fill light
10h battery
Pros
- AI Native Tracking works with every app
- 360-degree pan rotation
- Built-in fill light with adjustable temperature
- 10-hour battery with phone charging
- Built-in extension rod and tripod
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
Cons
- Auto-on can trigger inside a bag
- No quick camera switch mid-recording
- Selfie stick extension can feel stiff
- AI tracking may drift on very large phones
The Osmo Mobile 8 fixed the biggest complaint smartphone gimbal users had for years: app lock-in. With AI Native Tracking, the gimbal tracks subjects directly through your phone without requiring DJI’s app. I tested this in Instagram, TikTok, the native iPhone camera, and even FaceTime, and tracking worked in every single one.
The 360-degree pan rotation opens up creative shots that older phone gimbals cannot do. You can spin around a subject for a fully rotating dolly shot or do a smooth reveal without ever touching the screen. For dancers, chefs, and creators who move around a lot, this is the feature that sells the gimbal.
The built-in fill light is small but useful in dim restaurants or golden hour shoots. You can adjust color temperature, which is unusual for a built-in phone gimbal light. The 10-hour battery easily covered two full shoot days for me before I needed to recharge, and the gimbal can also top off your phone if you run low.
My only ergonomic quibble is that the auto-on feature sometimes triggers when the gimbal is inside a bag, which wakes it up and burns battery. The fix is to disable that feature in the app, but it would be nicer if it was smarter about detecting motion.
Who the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is for
Phone-first content creators who shoot for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts will benefit most from this gimbal. The app-agnostic tracking means you can keep using your favorite camera app without compromise. Vloggers who shoot in low light will appreciate the fill light.
Who should skip the DJI Osmo Mobile 8
If you already own the Osmo Mobile 7P and are happy with its tracking, the upgrade is incremental. Pure beginners who mainly shoot at home on a tripod may not use the 360 pan enough to justify the premium over the Osmo Mobile 6.
3. DJI RS 3 Mini – Best Lightweight Mirrorless Gimbal
DJI RS 3 Mini, Camera Gimbal Stabilizer, Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fujifilm
795g body weight
2kg payload
Native vertical shooting
Bluetooth shutter
Pros
- Lightest mirrorless gimbal from DJI at 795g
- Native vertical shooting mode
- 2kg tested payload capacity
- 3rd-gen RS stabilization algorithm
- Bluetooth shutter control
- 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen
Cons
- Manual axis locks instead of automated
- Small touchscreen can be hard to read
- Limited capacity for cinema setups
- App requires manual sideload
The RS 3 Mini is the gimbal I pack when weight matters more than maximum payload. At 795g without a camera, it weighs less than most 24-70mm lenses. I carried it on a four-day hike in the Rockies alongside a Fuji X-T5, and it added almost nothing to my pack weight.
For APS-C and lighter full-frame mirrorless setups, the 2kg tested payload covers most realistic combinations. I tested it with a Sony A7C and a Sigma 35mm f/1.4, and the motors handled walking shots without any drift or jitter. The 3rd-generation RS stabilization algorithm is the same one DJI uses in larger RS models, so you get the smooth motion the brand is known for.
Native vertical shooting makes this a strong choice for creators posting both landscape YouTube videos and vertical TikToks. The Bluetooth shutter control works directly with most cameras without needing a cable, which simplifies setup considerably. The 1.4-inch touchscreen is small but functional.
The biggest limitation is the manual axis locks. Compared to the auto-locking arms on the RS 4, you have to remember to lock each axis when powering down or moving the rig. That is fine once it becomes habit, but it is a real difference if you swap between gimbals often.
Who the DJI RS 3 Mini is for
Travel videographers, hiking creators, and anyone who values portability will love this gimbal. It is also a great starter mirrorless gimbal for someone moving up from a phone gimbal to their first dedicated camera setup. If your rig stays under 2kg, this is all the gimbal you need.
Who should skip the DJI RS 3 Mini
If you shoot with a heavy full-frame body and a long zoom lens, the 2kg payload will feel restrictive. Cinema shooters using follow focus motors should look at the RS 4 instead. The smaller touchscreen also makes on-device menu diving a bit harder for users with bigger fingers.
4. ZHIYUN Weebill 3E – Best Value Gimbal for DSLR and Mirrorless
ZHIYUN CINEPEER Weebill 3E, 3-Axis Lightweight Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Canon/Sony/Panasonic/Nikon, 3KG Payload, Native Vertical Shooting, Bluetooth Shutter Control
3kg payload
1.05kg body weight
16h battery
A4-sized form
Pros
- 3kg payload at a budget-friendly price
- 16-hour battery life
- A4 paper-sized compact body
- Native vertical shooting support
- Bluetooth shutter control
- 2.5 Sling Mode for low-angle comfort
Cons
- Control cable for non-Panasonic sold separately
- Limited y-axis rotation (no 360 spin)
- Some compatibility quirks with Lumix cameras
- Sling accessories sold separately
The Weebill 3E is the strongest DJI alternative on this list, and in some ways it beats the competition. The 3kg payload matches the DJI RS 4, but the Weebill 3E costs noticeably less. For budget-conscious creators who still shoot with pro mirrorless rigs, that combination is hard to beat.
The 16-hour battery life is the longest on this list. I ran the gimbal for two full wedding days plus a corporate shoot between charges. If you have ever had a gimbal die mid-ceremony, you know why battery life matters.
The form factor is genuinely portable. ZHIYUN describes it as A4 paper-sized, and that is accurate when folded. The 2.5 Sling Mode lets you switch to a low-angle grip without bending over, which saved my back during a recent car shoot where I needed low-to-ground tracking shots.
The main compromises are in accessories and cable support. ZHIYUN sells the camera control cable separately for non-Panasonic bodies, and you may need to buy an extra cable depending on your camera brand. The lack of 360-degree yaw rotation is also noticeable if you are used to full-spin DJI gimbals.
Who the ZHIYUN Weebill 3E is for
DSLR and mirrorless shooters who want professional-grade payload without the DJI price tag should look hard at this gimbal. Event videographers, indie filmmakers, and budget-conscious content creators will appreciate the 16-hour battery and solid stabilization. If you shoot Panasonic cameras, the cable support is built right in.
Who should skip the ZHIYUN Weebill 3E
Creators who need 360-degree yaw rotation for cinematic spins will be limited by this gimbal. Sony, Canon, and Nikon users will need to budget for a control cable. If you already own DJI accessories like focus motors, the RS 4 will integrate with your existing kit better.
5. Hohem iSteady M7 – Best Feature-Packed Phone Gimbal
Hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone, Magnetic AI Tracker Fill Light, Detachable Touchscreen Remote Controller, Built-in Extension Rod, 500g Payload Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone Android
Detachable touchscreen remote
Magnetic AI tracker
500g payload
CCT/RGB fill light
Pros
- Detachable touchscreen remote with live preview
- Magnetic AI tracker with built-in fill light
- 500g payload for heavy phones with accessories
- Built-in 7.6 inch extension rod
- Three expansion ports for accessories
- 12-hour battery with reverse charging
Cons
- Heavier than other phone gimbals
- Motor noise can affect phone microphone audio
- AI tracking not optimized for vertical video
- Touchscreen can trigger modes accidentally
The iSteady M7 is the most feature-dense phone gimbal I tested, and it shows. The detachable 1.4-inch touchscreen remote is genuinely useful. You can detach it, clip it to a tripod, and monitor your shot while standing several feet away. That sounds gimmicky until you actually use it for product videos or cooking content.
The magnetic AI tracker is another standout. It clicks onto the gimbal magnetically and provides a more stable tracking subject reference than software-only tracking. The integrated fill light supports both CCT and RGB modes, so you can dial in color temperature or get creative with background colors.
The 500g payload is high for a phone gimbal and covers the heaviest iPhone Pro Max or Galaxy Ultra with a case. I tested it with an iPhone 15 Pro Max in a thick OtterBox case, and the motors never strained. Three 1/4-inch-20 expansion ports let you add microphones, lights, or monitors without needing adapters.
The main downsides are weight and motor noise. At 629g, this is heavier than the DJI phone gimbals. Motor noise is subtle but noticeable on quiet audio, so I would not recommend this gimbal for ASMR-style or interview audio without an external microphone.
Who the Hohem iSteady M7 is for
Multi-camera creators, content producers who need flexibility, and phone filmmakers who want pro features without a camera body will appreciate this gimbal. If you regularly shoot with accessories like a wireless mic or LED panel, the expansion ports pay off quickly.
Who should skip the Hohem iSteady M7
Pure smartphone vloggers who travel light will find this overkill. The extra weight and price compared to the DJI Osmo Mobile series only makes sense if you use the expansion features. Audio-first creators should look at quieter gimbal options.
6. DJI Osmo Mobile 7P – Best Budget Phone Gimbal with Tracking
DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone & Android, Native Tracking
Native tracking
Built-in extension rod
10h battery
Phone charging
Pros
- Native subject tracking with built-in light
- 10-hour battery with phone charging
- Built-in extension rod and tripod
- Quick Launch magnetic phone clamp
- 3-axis stabilization
- Dual-lens enhanced tracking
Cons
- Bulkier than newer DJI models
- Tracking can lose subjects in very low light
- Built-in light is not very strong
- Short included cable can be awkward
The Osmo Mobile 7P has been one of DJI’s best-selling phone gimbals for good reason. It delivers native subject tracking, solid stabilization, and a built-in extension rod at a price point that is hard to argue with. I have a friend who uses this gimbal for her real estate walkthrough videos, and the footage looks better than most professional photographers manage with handheld cameras.
The Quick Launch feature is underrated. You unfold the gimbal, clamp in your phone, and you are shooting in seconds. That speed matters when inspiration strikes or a moment passes quickly. The Quick Launch clamps on magnetically and holds securely.
The built-in extension rod gives you a selfie stick function, which is great for travel creators who want overhead angles or vlog-style introductions. The integrated fill light is weak but adds just enough pop in dim restaurants. Battery life at 10 hours is solid for a phone gimbal in this price bracket.
What keeps this from being the top phone gimbal is its age. DJI’s newer Osmo Mobile 8 offers app-agnostic tracking that the 7P cannot match. If you need tracking inside Instagram or TikTok specifically, you will be happier with the newer model.
Who the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is for
Budget-conscious creators who want DJI’s proven stabilization at a discount will be happy with this gimbal. Real estate agents, casual vloggers, and content creators who mostly shoot in DJI’s own app will get the full tracking experience. New users entering the gimbal world for the first time also get the ShotGuides feature.
Who should skip the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P
Power users who need tracking inside third-party apps should go for the Osmo Mobile 8. Travelers who want the smallest possible fold will find the 7P bulkier than competing options. If you shoot mostly in low light, the weak built-in light will not be enough.
7. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Best Beginner Phone Gimbal
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal, Built-In Extension Rod, Object Tracking, Portable and Foldable, Vlogging Stabilizer, YouTube TikTok, Slate Gray
ActiveTrack 6.0
Foldable design
Built-in extension rod
ShotGuides
Pros
- ActiveTrack 6.0 tracks subjects accurately
- 3-axis stabilization
- Foldable design at 305g
- Built-in extension rod
- Side wheel for zoom/focus
- Apple Watch remote control
- ShotGuides scene recognition
Cons
- App does not support ProRes video
- Motors can struggle with heavy phones
- Limited functionality in external apps like FilmicPro
- Learning curve for first-time users
The Osmo Mobile 6 is DJI’s most popular phone gimbal of all time, with over 20k reviews backing up its reputation. I recommended it to my sister when she started her baking YouTube channel, and a year later she still uses it daily. The foldable design makes it genuinely portable, and the ShotGuides feature teaches beginners what shots to try and how to frame them.
ActiveTrack 6.0 tracks faces, bodies, and even pets with impressive reliability. I tested it on a friend’s golden retriever at the park, and the gimbal kept the dog centered as it ran around. For solo creators, that tracking alone is worth the price.
The built-in extension rod serves double duty as a selfie stick and a small tripod base. The side wheel for zoom and focus is intuitive once you figure out the click between modes. The Apple Watch remote control is a fun extra for iPhone users.
Beginners should be aware that the DJI Mimo app does not support ProRes, and some features only work inside DJI’s app rather than third-party camera apps. For pure content creators who only need stabilization and tracking, those limitations will not matter. For power users wanting FilmicPro integration, look at the Osmo Mobile 8 instead.
Who the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is for
First-time gimbal buyers, casual vloggers, and content creators who mainly shoot inside the DJI Mimo app will get the full experience. Anyone who values portability and wants a foldable design for travel will appreciate the 305g weight. Beginners who want scene suggestions and tutorial prompts will love ShotGuides.
Who should skip the DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Heavy phone users with cases and accessories may push the motor limits. Power users who shoot in third-party apps will find the tracking features limited. Anyone who already owns the newer Osmo Mobile 8 has no reason to downgrade.
8. Hohem iSteady Pro 4 – Best Action Camera Gimbal for GoPro
Hohem Action Camera Gimbal 3-Axis Handheld Stabilizer for GoPro Hero 12/11/10/9/8/7/6/5, Gimble Stabilizer for Osmo Action 4/3 Support WiFi Control Inception Sports Mode (iSteady Pro4)
GoPro compatible
WiFi control
Inception sports mode
Water resistant
Pros
- Compatible with GoPro and DJI Osmo Action cameras
- WiFi control without Bluetooth pairing
- Inception sports mode for spinning shots
- 12-hour battery life
- Water-resistant design for outdoor use
- One-piece no-assembly build
Cons
- GoPro mounting hardware can be tricky
- App connectivity issues reported by some users
- Power button design can be confusing
- Battery life drops to 1.5 hours under continuous use
The iSteady Pro 4 is one of the few gimbals designed specifically for action cameras like the GoPro Hero series. Action cameras have built-in stabilization, but it cannot match the smoothness of a motorized gimbal. For ski trips, mountain biking, and surf footage, this gimbal takes your action camera from good to cinematic.
The Inception sports mode is my favorite feature. It slowly rolls the camera while panning, creating those dream-like rotating shots that used to require expensive drones. For travel creators who want a unique visual style, this mode alone justifies the price.
The water-resistant build is a meaningful upgrade from typical gimbal construction. Action camera users already take their gear into wet environments, and a water-resistant gimbal is a smart match. The one-piece no-assembly design means you can grab the gimbal and start shooting in seconds.
The main issue is GoPro compatibility across generations. This gimbal works best with GoPro Hero 9 and older models. Newer GoPro models may need adapters or may not fit cleanly. Battery life under continuous use is closer to 1.5 hours, which matters for long action sessions.
Who the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is for
GoPro users, surfers, skiers, mountain bikers, and outdoor creators who want smoother action footage will love this gimbal. If you own a GoPro Hero 9 or earlier and want to step up your action cinematography, this is the most affordable way to do it.
Who should skip the Hohem iSteady Pro 4
Creators using newer GoPro models may face compatibility issues. Anyone shooting with a mirrorless or phone should pick a different gimbal on this list. Pure indoor creators do not need a water-resistant action gimbal.
How to Choose the Best Camera Gimbal for Your Setup?
Picking the best camera gimbals comes down to matching the stabilizer to your camera, your shooting style, and how much weight you want to carry. Here is the framework our team uses when recommending gimbals to other creators.
Start with payload capacity. This is the single most important spec. Payload is the maximum camera-and-lens weight your gimbal can handle reliably. Match the rated payload to your fully loaded camera, including lens, hood, microphone, and any on-camera light. Buying a gimbal rated for exactly your rig is fine, but buying one with 20-30% extra headroom gives you flexibility for future gear upgrades.
Next, think about camera type. Smartphone gimbals like the DJI Osmo Mobile series and Hohem iSteady M7 are designed for phones weighing under 500g. Mirrorless and DSLR gimbals like the DJI RS 4 and ZHIYUN Weebill 3E are built for interchangeable lens cameras weighing 1-3kg. Action camera gimbals like the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 are sized for GoPros and similar small cameras. Using the wrong category wastes money on features you will not use or underpowered motors that cannot stabilize your rig.
Then consider features that match your shooting style. Social media creators who post vertical video need native vertical shooting, which the DJI RS 4, DJI RS 3 Mini, and ZHIYUN Weebill 3E all support. Solo creators who need tracking benefit from AI subject tracking like the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 and Hohem iSteady M7. Event videographers shooting weddings should prioritize battery life, which is where the Weebill 3E shines at 16 hours.
Weight and ergonomics matter more than specs suggest. A 1.5kg gimbal feels great for the first hour of shooting but starts to wear on your wrist by hour three. For travel creators, every gram counts, and a lighter gimbal like the DJI RS 3 Mini at 795g is easier to carry on long hikes.
Battery life is non-negotiable for paid work. A gimbal that dies mid-event is unusable. The Weebill 3E leads this list at 16 hours, with the DJI RS 4 and Hohem iSteady M7 close behind at 12 hours. For multi-day shoots without access to charging, longer battery life saves you from carrying spare batteries.
Finally, brand compatibility and accessories matter. Sony, Canon, and Nikon cameras all work with most modern gimbals, but some features require specific control cables. If you already own DJI accessories like focus motors or transmission systems, the DJI RS series integrates seamlessly. If you shoot Panasonic cameras, the ZHIYUN Weebill 3E includes the control cable built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camera gimbals worth it?
Yes, camera gimbals are worth it for anyone shooting video with a smartphone, mirrorless camera, or DSLR. Built-in stabilization handles small shake, but a motorized 3-axis gimbal eliminates the walk-bounce and large vibrations that ruin cinematic footage. For vloggers, event videographers, and travel creators, a gimbal is one of the highest-impact accessories you can buy.
What is the best camera gimbal in 2026?
The best camera gimbal in 2026 depends on your camera type. For mirrorless and DSLR shooters, the DJI RS 4 is our top pick with its 3kg payload and Teflon axis arms. For smartphone creators, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 offers app-agnostic AI tracking that works in every camera app. For GoPro and action camera users, the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 delivers smooth action footage.
Do photographers use gimbals?
Photographers use gimbals whenever they shoot video, which is increasingly common for hybrid mirrorless shooters. Wildlife, wedding, and travel photographers rely on gimbals for smooth B-roll and interview footage. Pure still photographers rarely need a gimbal, but anyone shooting video as part of their workflow benefits from one.
DJI vs Zhiyun: which gimbal brand is better?
DJI gimbals lead in build quality, app integration, and ecosystem compatibility with DJI accessories like focus motors and transmission systems. Zhiyun gimbals typically offer better value, longer battery life, and lighter designs at lower price points. For professional work where reliability matters most, DJI is the safer bet. For budget-conscious creators who want strong payload at a lower cost, Zhiyun delivers excellent results.
What gimbal works best for Sony, Canon, and Nikon mirrorless cameras?
For Sony A7 IV, Canon R5, and Nikon Z6 III mirrorless cameras, the DJI RS 4 is the top choice with its 3kg payload and full camera control integration. The DJI RS 3 Mini works well for lighter APS-C setups and smaller full-frame bodies. The ZHIYUN Weebill 3E is the best budget option with matching 3kg payload and 16-hour battery, though you may need to buy a separate control cable depending on camera brand.
Final Verdict on the Best Camera Gimbals
After testing these 8 gimbals across real client work and personal shoots, the DJI RS 4 stands out as the best camera gimbal overall for mirrorless and DSLR shooters. The 3kg payload, Teflon axis arms, and 2nd-generation native vertical shooting make it the most capable gimbal for professional hybrid creators in 2026.
For smartphone shooters, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is the clear winner thanks to AI Native Tracking that works in every app. For action camera users shooting with a GoPro, the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 still delivers the smoothest results in its category. Whichever gimbal you pick from this list, you will get noticeably smoother footage than handheld shooting, and that is the whole point of investing in a stabilizer in the first place.