Best Action Cam GoPro Gimbals
Most of the best action cams including the GoPro range have inbuilt stabilization. The GoPro Hero 7 Black was even announced as a “gimbal killer” when it was first released.
However, whatever your action cam, a 3 axis gimbal will certainly add extra smoothness. Plus a action cam gimbal will allow you to shoot certain shots not possible without one.
One advantage is that the handle gives you extra reach. Using a GoPro for vlogging is easier with a gimbal. On it’s own, an action cam is great for POV sports activities. But in combination with a gimbal, the camera can be used for tracking/walking shots too.
1. Hohem iSteady Pro 2
The original iSteady Pro has been a favourite with action cam users for some time. It’s simple, it’s affordable and it provides smooth video. Now Chinese manufacturers Hohem have just released the iSteady Pro 2.
Easy to set up, the gimbal is splash proof and pretty durable, considering it’s one of the least expensive models currently available. The grip is comfortable due to a well shaped rubberised handle.
The iSteady Pro 2 comes with a range of familiar modes. This includes such features as Pan Follow, Pan & Tilt Follow, All Locked and All Follow. Also, Hohem say the iSteady Pro 2 comes with a 30% torque improvement.
Also, you can now customize all the settings using the Hohem Gimbal app. Fine tune roll angle, max speed follow, motor torque, dead area follow, joystick direction and so on.
In addition, the iSteady Pro 2 comes with a 4000mAh battery which offers longer working time – up to 12 hours. Unlike the official GoPro Karma Grip, the iSteady comes ready assembled in one piece. Just mount your action cam and start shooting.
Check Price of Hohem iSteady Pro 2 on Amazon
2. Feiyu G6
Stepping up in build quality (and also price range) is the Feiyu G6 action cam gimbal. Like the iSteady Pro 2, the Feiyu G6 is splashproof (and not waterproof as some reviews claim).
In terms of compatibility, this gimbal is said to work with almost every action camera on the market. However, for the Sony RX0 you will need to buy a special mount.
The Feiyu G6 also comes with a newly improved app can be used to control the gimbal. That said, this app will work fully only with certain action cameras. Like the iSteady Pro 2, the G6 has a 12 hour battery life.
The small OLED screen displays modes, battery life, bluetooth connection status and more. Modes include: Lock Mode, Pan Following Mode, Selfie Mode, Trail Timelapse Mode, and Panoramic Mode.
The higher price of this gimbal essentially buys you a better build quality and some extra modes. This extra build also comes with extra weight – about 100 grams more.
Check Price of Feiyu G6 on Amazon
3. GoPro Karma
GoPro make their own 3 axis gimbal called the Karma Grip. The Karma Grip gets its name from GoPro’s Karma drone. While the drone was something of a flop, they were able to salvage the drone’s gimbal and add a hand grip.
The Karma gimbal only comes with two shooting modes (pan follow and following) and is missing features like a pan/tilt joystick or selfie mode. However, inbuilt camera controls let you power on and off, change modes, start and stop recording and add HiLight Tags on the move.
Note, since the GoPro Karma can be detached from the grip, it can theoretically double as a wearable gimbal. However, as the Karma’s battery is located in the hand-grip you’ll need the extension cable (extra purchase). Plus, you’ll need to find a way to carry the handle/battery with you.
GoPro say the Karma Grip’s inbuilt battery powers both the grip and your GoPro for up to 1 hour and 45 minutes on a full charge. This is considerably less time than the other gimbals reviewed here.
Check the Price of the GoPro Karma Gimbal on Amazon
4. Wearable Action Cam Gimbals
A wearable gimbal is essentially like a regular gimbal but minus the handle. Wearable gimbals are often chest mounted using a special harness. Compared to handheld gimbals, wearable gimbals are lighter but come with a much decreased battery life.
The main advantage is being able capture smooth POV action footage whilst keeping hands free for the action you’re filming. However, you can also mount wearable gimbal to a hand grip so it can be used like a handheld gimbal.
The best two wearable gimbals we found are:
Note that the WG2 is waterproof which means it can be used underwater. FeiyuTech say the WG2 is verified IP67-Level waterproof and can work at a depth of 0.5 meters. So ok for scuba diving, surfing and filming in the rain but no good for deeper water activities.
There is also a FeiyuTech WG2X which is only splash-proof.
The Hohem XG1 has a 900mAh lithium-ion battery which lasts about 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, the FeiyuTech WG2 has a 1500mAh battery which lasts about 2.5 hours.
This is one of the best and most affordable action camera harnesses available.
5. Use A Smartphone Gimbal
We’ve already made a list of the Best Smartphone Gimbals on the market today. The 2 most popular smartphone gimbals by far are the Zhiyun Smooth 4 and the DJI Osmo Mobile 2.
Now, it’s actually possible to mount an action camera such as a GoPro Hero 7 Black to a smartphone gimbal. Here’s YouTuber Chungdha showing you how:
The problem with mounting your GoPro directly to the smartphone gimbal is that you can’t see the screen of the action cam. One solution then is to buy a mounting plate for the GoPro.
The mounting plate is smartphone sized, so it fits into any smartphone gimbal. You then mount the action cam to the plate. The screen of your GoPro will now be visible.
Check out the ParaPace mounting plate on Amazon.
Check out our Official Smartphone and Action Cam filmmaking KIT LIST.
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