How does a gimbal work in a video shoot?

By Alvin Motilla

How does a gimbal work?

And what is a gimbal in the first place? What does a gimbal do that benefits the shooter? How do you balance a gimbal, regardless of its brand? Wondering about how to use a gimbal, so that it's worth it?

Let's get to know these and more about this camera stabilizer called, the gimbal.

But before we answer, "How does a gimbal work?", let's find out first what a gimbal is.

What is a camera gimbal?

A camera gimbal is a form of camera stabilizer that depends on battery power, to run its motors and sensors. It has a camera support that can pivot—or, rotate—in these directions…

1. up and down (or “tilt”),
2. left and right (or “pan”),
3. off-center angles (or “Dutch tilt”).

Because cameras differ in size, gimbal stabilizers also differ in size. So...

• there are small gimbals for small cameras, like smartphones and action cameras (such as GoPro). And...
  
  
• there are big gimbals for bigger cameras, like mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

In general, an electronic handheld gimbal, is lighter than the mechanical Steadicam stabilizer used in big film productions. Big studios typically use big motion picture cameras, which a handheld gimbal stabilizer couldn’t support enough.

Why is it called a gimbal?

That camera stabilizer is called "gimbal" because the word is simply a short name for, “motorized gimbal camera stabilizer”—or, “electronic gimbal camera stabilizer”.

And that’s all you need to know, when it comes to video shooting.

Why use a gimbal stabilizer?

"Why use a gimbal?" "What is a gimbal used for?"

The purpose of a gimbal is like a coin with 2 sides. Or better yet, like a two-edged sword. Meaning, when you use a gimbal, there are 2 effects on 2 different people…

1. The effect of gimbal shots… on human audience.
2. The effect on you… the video creator… when shooting with a gimbal.

The first effect relates to your audience’s viewing experience.

The second one, concerns your own gimbal user experience.

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Okay, the first “side”—or “edge”—of a gimbal’s purpose is…

To make your viewers experience pleasing, and smooth camera motion.

The thing is, the average audience can't tell, whether you used a motorized gimbal, or a mechanical stabilizer. How pleasing your camera movements to your audience's eyes, depends on how well you operate whichever device.

So, when it comes to our human audience, the purpose of a gimbal, is just the same as, the purpose of a mechanical stabilizer.

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Now, here’s the second “side”—or “edge”—of a gimbal’s purpose, in relation to you—the video shooter…

To make it easier and more comfortable for you, to stabilize your shots. By sparing you from using so much muscular and mental energy.

Remember... when you use a mechanical stabilizer, like the handheld steadicam, everything you do to stabilize your shots is manual.

But when you use a camera gimbal, you get help from its sensors and motors.

What does a gimbal do?

Here are some things that a gimbal stabilizer does, particularly for the video creator--or video shooter. Think of these as some of the benefits of using a gimbal...

• Whichever way you hold a gimbal, it keeps your camera upright and level.
  
  
• With the help of its sensors, a gimbal quickly responds to how you move it.
  
  
• And it neutralizes vibrations caused by your sudden movement, in a different direction.
  
  
• A gimbal gives your shots a smooth quality, making you think a gimbal has its own brain.
  
  
• An electronic gimbal also gives you a sense of stability. When wind blows on the gimbal, or when you stop walking while holding it, your camera remains steady.
  
  
• A gimbal can still offer you stabilized footage, even when you use it while riding a moving vehicle—like motorcycle, car, or speed boat.
  
  
• And, if a gimbal can do that in less favorable conditions, how much more in ordinary situations—like when you’re just walking while shooting?

How does a gimbal work?

First thing you need to know is... when videographers talk about gimbal, they usually refer to the 3-axis camera gimbal.

To them, this type of gimbal is so reliable, that they get stable shots in different circumstances. Even in conditions that can really make the camera wobble. That’s why the 3 axis gimbal is so common.

So, how does a gimbal work in video shoots?

How a gimbal works: Relies mainly on electronics for video stabilization.

The gimbal keeps your camera on an upright and balanced position, by electronic means for the most part.

You're not the only one who tries to improve your shots. When your gimbal notices jerks or shakes, it corrects them. So, you end up recording smooth and stable footage.

How gimbal stabilizer works: Has crucial parts that work together.

A gimbal has…

• electronics,
• sensors, and
• motors

… that work together to stabilize your shots.

Those parts work so well and silently. Which means, you get clean sound. Because the camera’s mic doesn’t pick up any noise, from the gimbal’s motors.

How does a gimbal work? Like it has a mind of its own.

A gimbal works like it has a brain of its own, because of its built-in computer software. This software interprets what you’re doing with the gimbal. Like…

• when you’re shooting with it, and
• when you’re pushing its buttons, to give commands, on how it should respond to your movements.

In a way, this electronic “brain” can sense…

• if you’re making intentional camera moves, or
• if the movement is something that the gimbal should counteract.

The software, then, tells the motors how to move, to stabilize your shot.

How do camera gimbals work: Shot correction happens so fast.

The way a gimbal counterbalances the jolts, happens so quickly.

And when you review the recorded shot, your eyes may not even notice, that the “correction” has happened.

How does a gimbal work: The common 3 axis gimbal.

What is a 3-axis gimbal?

A 3-axis gimbal is a type of gimbal stabilizer that many videographers love, because of its strong capacity to stabilize the camera, in different situations.

On a 3 axis gimbal, there are sensors that assess what’s going on, on the 3 different axes.

So, what are the 3 axes? And how does a 3-axis gimbal work, when you're shooting videos?

1. Pitch axis

• It is where the up and down rotation of the camera happens.
• It is when you tilt the camera up or down.
• If there’s some disturbance in the “pitch” axis, the gimbal counteracts that.

How does a gimbal work, specifically the pitch axis of a 3-axis gimbal?

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2. Yaw axis

• It is where the side-to-side rotation of the camera happens.
• It is when you pan the camera from left to right, or from right to left.
• If there’s some disturbance in the “yaw” axis, the gimbal makes the needed correction.

How does a gimbal work, specifically the yaw axis of a 3-axis gimbal?

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3. Roll axis

• It is where the clockwise—and the counterclockwise—rotation of the camera happens.
• Imagine you rotate the camera from landscape to portrait, or the other way around. That’s the "roll" motion.
• If there’s some disturbance in the “roll” axis, the gimbal will make an effort, to level the shot with the horizon.

How does a gimbal work, specifically the roll axis of a 3-axis gimbal?

How does a gimbal work: What about the 2 axis gimbal?

Another type of gimbal is the 2-axis gimbal.

Unlike the 3-axis gimbal, the 2-axis gimbal stabilizer only affects…

1. the pitch axis—the up and down rotation of the camera, and
2. the roll axis—the clockwise, and the counterclockwise, rotation of the camera.

It’s not the business of a 2 axis gimbal, to manage the panning motion—or the ”yaw”.

So, when you use a 2 axis gimbal, it’s up to you to do the panning on purpose. And you need to do it well.

"Do I need a gimbal?"

Only you can honestly answer. But let me help you assess yourself if, indeed, you need a gimbal...

There are types of video creators and video shooters, who could honestly say “Yes” to, "Is it worth getting a gimbal?"

1. The smartphone-based video content creator

You're such a person if…

• You depend heavily on mobile phones—like iPhone or Android—to record videos. Or…
  
  
• You shoot with your smartphone, to upload videos to social media—like Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. Or…
  
  
• You have a social media channel or page, where you upload many smartphone videos.

You carry your phone, almost—if not—all the time. For you, it's your best and most accessible video camera. A gimbal for smartphones, in your case, will help you execute tracking shots smoothly.

Compared to a gimbal for bigger and heavier cameras, you'll find that a smartphone gimbal is cheaper. And so, more affordable.

2. The on-the-go video content creator

This is you if…

• You travel often.
  
  
• You love videography and adventure trips, and combine these 2 hobbies.

Because you love to travel, you prefer to carry light and portable things, like a small point-and-shoot camera—or a mirrorless camera.

Since you enjoy shooting videos while traveling, you can see it's practical to use a gimbal, together with your camera. Gimbal's electronics will help stabilize your shots, almost anywhere.

3. The vlogger (or, video blogger)

You're a vlogger who needs a gimbal if…

• You shoot a lot of selfie videos, while walking and making commentaries.
  
  
• Like the “on-the-go” content creator, you favor small cameras.

Because you take handheld, walking shots, it’s natural for you to want to smoothen those shots. So that your audience won’t get dizzy watching your videos.

A gimbal designed for small, lightweight cameras, is going to be an attractive solution for you.

4. The promising professional videographer

You're an up-and-coming pro videographer if…

• You’re seriously learning about, and gaining skills in, video production.
  
  
• You’re passionate about cinema, and cinematic language.
  
  
• You aspire to land a job—or make it your career—as a pro videographer someday.

Perhaps, you may not be that confident yet, to handle a manually-operated camera stabilizer—like the steadicam. So you want to practice and learn, first, filming smooth motion using a gimbal.

But maybe—for more ease of use and comfort—you'd settle for a gimbal, eventually. Even if it means, you need to buy an expensive gimbal for your big, heavy video camera.

5. The run-and-gun video shooter

You're most likely this kind of shooter if…

• You love this particular mode of filming—moving fast... carrying the fewest production tools possible... and flowing almost like water, from one shooting angle to another.
  
  
• You shoot many real-life subjects, events, or situations. Or, you shoot documentaries.
  
  
• You shoot mostly in uncontrolled environments. You don’t have much control over your subjects, the people, the happenings. You’re not operating in a Hollywood-like studio, which is a controlled environment.
  
  
• You don’t want to bother securing permits, just to capture some simple shots you need for your project.

Since you don’t want to bring too much equipment for the shoot, you pick up tools that won’t hinder your footwork. Tools that let you quickly execute motion shots.

So, you may favor using an electronic gimbal.

It doesn’t mean, you’re unskilled at handling, the manually-operated steadicam stabilizer.

It simply means, you opt to work in a certain fashion—the “run-and-gun” style. Or, what others call, “the guerilla style of filmmaking”. To you, it’s very practical to shoot this way, because of the uncontrolled environments you’re in.

6. The action-sports-wildlife shooter

You're an action, sports, or wildlife shooter if…

• Most of the times, you record videos of fast-moving subjects. They could be people who do skateboarding, biking, motorcycling, etc.
  
  
• Your hobby is to record your own "point of view" —or, POV—shots, while performing some fast action, like cycling.
  
  
• You happen to be working in the sports field, as a sports videographer. Or, you're lucky enough to become a wildlife videographer.

These are some of the situations, where using a gimbal just makes sense.

The electronics and the automatic feature in a gimbal, will make your shooting life easier. You’ll be able to focus more on filming your video content.

Of course, the gimbal size will depend on your camera. A small action cam—like Go Pro—will only need a small gimbal. But, a big professional cinema camera, will need a larger gimbal, to cancel the camera shakes.

How to balance a gimbal

It is sensible to prepare the gimbal stabilizer, and practice using it first—before you can use it well, in real-world situations.

An average person simply cannot learn, develop, and refine the needed skills overnight. It takes time…

• Time you need to invest in rehearsing how to prepare, and operate a gimbal stabilizer. And...
• Time away from your "real-world" video shoot, or video coverage.

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Here's how to set up and balance a handheld camera gimbal...

1. Keep your setup to the minimum.
2. Choose your camera and lens combination, and stick with it—when using an interchangeable lens camera.
3. Securely mount your camera on the gimbal plate.
4. Balance your camera, by making gimbal adjustments—one axis at a time.
5. Make some markings on your gimbal, by using a pen or pieces of tape.

Now, let's discuss them one by one...

1. Keep your setup to the minimum.

Include just the basic camera itself. Or maybe, the camera and a small external mic mounted on it.

Remove the lens cap, the camera strap, and the lens hood—just like what you do, when setting up a handheld steadicam stabilizer.

2. Choose your camera and lens combination, and stick with it—when using an interchangeable lens camera.

Why?

Because different lenses have different weights.

Let's say you settled for a lens to attach to a mirrorless camera body, or a DSLR camera body. And you set up the gimbal. But then, you replaced that lens on a whim with a different one.

You now have to set up your gimbal again—making the needed adjustments and fine tunings. Which could be a hassle.

3. Securely mount your camera on the gimbal plate.

But, make sure not to overwind anything, when doing so. Because...

... You don't want cracks on your camera, or on your gimbal.

4. Balance your camera, by making gimbal adjustments—one axis at a time.

On a 3-axis gimbal, the first axis is where the tilting, or the up and down rotation of the camera happens. This is called the "pitch axis".

The second is where the panning, or the side to side rotation of the camera happens. This is called the "yaw axis".

And the third axis is where the clockwise, or counterclockwise rotation of the camera happens. This is called the "roll axis".

What you want to achieve is this—the camera stays level, even if you move it into whatever position.

5. Make some markings on your gimbal, by using a pen or pieces of tape.

Those marks will serve as your reference points. They'll help you easily and quickly assemble, and disassemble your gimbal.

How to use a gimbal - so that it is worth it?

Here's some tips to make owning and using a gimbal, really beneficial and enjoyable…

• Plan your shots before you shoot.
• Prepare the gimbal.
• Make efficient use of gimbal's battery power.
• Use gimbal in combo with other tools you may have.

Now, let's discuss them one by one...

Plan your shots before you shoot.

If a particular video project won’t need gimbal shots, then don’t bring a gimbal. Carrying it all the time during the shoot soon gets tiring. And you may accidentally leave it somewhere.

Is there some motivation from the story, to record smooth camera motion? Does the proposed video require you to capture clean tracking shots, of fast-moving subjects? Then, bring and use your gimbal.

Prepare the gimbal.

You don’t want to miss crucial moments when covering an event. And you don’t want to slow down a video shoot, just because you’re constantly adjusting and fine-tuning your gimbal.

So, don’t let a tool that’s supposed to help you, get in the way of content creation and storytelling.

Make efficient use of gimbal's battery power.

You’ll want to use your gimbal as long as possible, during your shoot.

What you don’t want is, when you still have camera movements to do, you can’t do them anymore. Simply because your gimbal ran out of power.

Gimbal’s battery drains faster than it should, when gimbal's motor works so hard. It works so hard, when compensating for a shaking camera, mounted on a poorly balanced gimbal.

So, to save battery power, make sure to set up your gimbal properly, so that its motor works efficiently.

Use gimbal in combo with other tools you may have.

Camera stabilizer devices, and other video production gear, are tools for conveying your thoughts, and expressing your feelings through video.

You may have a gimbal. But, if you also have other stabilizers, one of them may help you better execute needed shots.

A slider, or an improvised dolly, can do things similar to what a gimbal can do. And there could be subtle differences in the effects, that these video stabilizers can give. You’ll learn more about this by practice.

The point is…

… The story or content, and your take on it, will help you decide which tools at your disposal, you’re going to use.

And one day, you may find yourself using production tools, in combination with each other. It’s like combining different ingredients, to cook and serve good food.

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When not to use a gimbal

There are situations where owning a gimbal may not be worth it. And, if you already own one, there are times when it’s not worth using it.

Sometimes, instead of asking, "How does a gimbal work?", or "When do you use it?", you also need to ask when NOT to use it.

1. When all you want is to shoot or record some decent videos.

If that’s the case, perhaps what you just need is a tripod, a monopod, or a steady pair of hands.

Buying a gimbal might be excessive in your case. It’s better if you invest your money in something else, that will truly serve a clear production purpose.

If you can’t clearly see what you’ll use the gimbal for, maybe you don’t need it… yet.

2. When you’re just after the smooth and pretty look a gimbal can give your shots, so you’re overusing it.

In this case, you already own a gimbal, but you’re mindlessly using it—you’re using it for all your shots.

You’re somehow convinced, that good-looking shots is all you need to show your audience. But that's not the case.

3. When your circumstance demands you to be discreet when shooting.

Let's say you’re using a large motorized gimbal for a big video camera, when shooting documentaries. These tools attract too much attention from people around you. (I like to call it, “the swashbuckler effect”.)

In a controlled studio environment, it doesn’t matter. Everyone in the production team knows, you have to use the bulky gear. It’s in the production plan, and in the shooting script.

But, in uncontrolled environments, you usually have to make yourself less noticeable. Even though people know you’re shooting some video.

4. When you can’t see how a cinematic gimbal shot that you’d love to do, will relate to other shots in the video presentation.

As a video creator, your ultimate goal is to present your human audience a story that resonates with them.

If your smooth gimbal shots contribute nothing to the story, (Wait, you have a story to tell, right? ;-) )… then those shots could appear isolated, or irrelevant to your audience.

A smooth motion shot made with a gimbal, is just one of the many ingredients you put together, to form a coherent presentation.

Conclusion - "How does a gimbal work?"

So, what are some takeaways we can get from this article, "How does a gimbal work in a video shoot?"

• First, a gimbal is a form of camera stabilizer that depends on battery power, to run its motors and sensors.
  
  
• You--the video shooter--are not the only one who tries to stabilize your shots. Your gimbal's electronic "brain" as well. Because when it notices jerks or shakes, it corrects them.
  
  
• Using a gimbal stabilizer has effects both on your audience's viewing experience, and on your gimbal user experience.
  
  
• Videographers particularly love using a 3-axis gimbal, because it allows them to get stable shots in different circumstances. Even in less desirable conditions.
  
  
• It helps to understand how "pitch", "yaw", and "roll" axes work, when we use a human head as an analogy.
  
  
• There are types of video creators and video shooters, who honestly need to own or use a camera gimbal.
  
  
• A gimbal stabilizer is just one of the video production tools at your disposal. Understanding your video's story or content will keep you from overusing any of those tools--including the gimbal.