Filming with a GoPro, or any other action camera can take a little practice and skill for the best results. One problem that we all share is that of camera shake and stability in our shots.
Whether we are a budding filmmaker with a high-end camera, or just a holiday-maker documenting a trip, we all want smooth, enjoyable footage. The best way to ensure this is to use some form of camera gimbal or stabilizer to keep the camera steady. There are lots of different types out there to choose from. I have reviewed some of the best in different categories to help you with your choice.
My guide is split between three categories. First I want to talk about the waterproof gimbals. There are many products with different claims about waterproofing and it can get confusing. I will help to uncover the truth and review 5 of the best models. Then I will look at some of the hands-free chest mounts that are available for those keen on their extreme sports. These models will vary in price to showcase the potential across the range.
Finally, there are 5 cheaper stabilization systems that may be of use to those on a budget. High-end gimbals aren’t cheap. These models are a little more affordable and still offer some great features.
Let’s start with the waterproof models, and why they actually mean by waterproof. There are a few Feiyu products here because they seem to be the company that actually tries to provide some form of waterproofing for its customers.
As you will see there are different approaches and it pays to check the capabilities before you buy. For example, it is splash-proofing, rain-proofing or waterproofing. I quickly learned that they all have different meanings when testing out different models. Let’s start with a splash-proof model.
What else does this splash-proof model offer to users?
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Cons:
Let’s start with those benefits for a moment. The build and design of this camera gimbal are pretty good. The highlight here is the one-piece construction across the body of the stabilizer.
This is what helps to ensure that it is truly splash-proof in those wetter environments. I had to laugh at the idea of “utmost structural solidness” because it sounds a little over the top. Still, I think this would hold up if I accidentally dropped it.
As for the downsides, there are some limitations on how you can use the cameras. This gimbal is compatible with many different action cameras and GoPro models. This is down to that adjustable mount.
However, the design means that the mode button on the GoPro isn’t accessible unless the camera is upside down. We also found that additional lens and filters make the camera too heavy.
There is a lot to like about this product. This is one of the ones that actually follows through on most of its promises and has a nice design. That doesn’t mean that it is the easiest to use though.
This next model is ideal to include next because it an upgraded, more interesting Feiyu camera. Upgrades mean better tech and more features, but they also mean a higher price tag. The upgrades come in a number of features and the combined specification is pretty attractive. This model has a bigger motor torque, which means that is more smooth than other models. There is also a new anti-shake device and a large capacity on the battery. This time the runtime can be up to 12 hours.
Why have I included this pricier upgrade in this discussion?
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Cons:
There really are lots of nice feature to this system that many experienced users will appreciate. The connectivity is something that I know many aspiring cameramen look for now. This does help to increase the ease of use and the connection seemed pretty secure to me.
I was able to control the camera in many ways, such as setting frame rate and taking the picture. I also like the clarity of the screen, which shows the specifications of gimbal and camera, working modes, battery life, Bluetooth connection and more.
The biggest problem for me was the waterproofing. Thankfully, I did a little research to double check the claim before I headed out on the wave. The product description says that this is “entirely” waterproof. It is not. This is splash-proof enough to handle a little spray and rain, but I wouldn’t try submerging it.
I also note that other others have had issues with the rubber covers on the screws and ports – which won’t help that waterproofing issue at all.
If you are happy to spend a little more money on a stabilization system, this could be a great choice. Those that are realistic about its capabilities will appreciate the functions and connectivity. Those that buy this purely for the waterproofing may be disappointed.
For our third model in this section on waterproof gimbals, I have stuck with Feiyu. As I mentioned before, this is a brand that tries to provide a range of different stabilization systems with a focus on waterproofing. Again, the waterproofing aspect is a little open to interpretation. Another reason that I stuck with the brand here was to see how well they were able to maintain the quality and the features on offer.
So why have we included this option in this guide?
Pros:
Cons
So the benefits first. Naturally, the cost is a benefit of this system over the model above. It may not have the same impressive tech, but it does outperform the G6 in other ways. There is plenty here for new users on a budget.
The use of the 360-degree shooting, panning, time-lapse photography means that there is plenty to play around with. It also helps that this is compatible with so many GoPro models.
Let’s deal with that elephant in the room and the lack of waterproofing in this waterproof system. It is rated as an IP67, which means that it should be fine for 10 minutes underwater at a depth of 1 meter. But, the brand says it is “forbidden” to use it the sea. I have read reports from those that used this in salt-water – it is not worth it. Then there is the remote. We’ll hold our hands up here and say we didn’t spot the word optional in the brackets the first time, so that was a disappointment.
A recommendation depends on your aims. If you want to explore underwater for long periods, then no. If you want a cheaper, user-friendly gimbal that is fine for a few photos in the pool, then yes. This has a potential for newcomers but is limited for the more experienced user.
With this next product, we move onto a different brand and a different term. This time the system is built to be “rain-proof”. So what does this mean? According to the designers, both the motors and body should be fine in wet weather – a small amount of water on the stabilizer, but not submersion.
The idea here is that this makes it well-suited to snowier conditions, so should be great for skiers and snowboarders that want to film their adventures and new tricks.
Does this product compare favorably to the other models in this guide?
Pros:
Cons:
It seems that the manufacturers of this Removu camera knew what they were doing. There is some great attention to detail with the design of the 3 axis stabilizer, the quality of the brushless DC motors and the rotary sensors. An added benefits that we all had some fun with was the detachable wireless joystick remote control.
This let us play with the shots in a different way. The battery life was decent enough, an average of 4 hours for most of our needs, but the added bonus here was that I could swap out the dead for a spare and keep filming.
The weight of this system was something that I could get used to with a little time. It is noticeably heavier, but not so much that it is an annoyance. The bigger issue was that the model I tried seemed to develop a mind of its own. I found that it wanted to drift clockwise a little, even when I had put it on lock. I don’t know what was going on in that direction to catch its interest so much.
Yes. While the drifting and weight can be a bit of a pain, it is worth looking for fixes or putting up with them for the other benefits. This is a well-designed gimbal with some nice controls. It is also one that finally lives up to its waterproofing claims.
Finally, in this section on the best waterproof gimbals, I have included something that is a little bit different. Some waterproof gimbals are designed to be used in a normal handheld manner but are safe for use in water or if there is an accident. Others are deliberately designed for underwater use. There is a frame with two grips for the hands and a plate for a camera. This plate is protected by a dome for underwater shots.
Does this model offer the performance and shots that users are hoping for?
Pros:
Cons:
This system is waterproof up to 30m and designed to capture 50/50 images while swimming and snorkeling. I found that the anti-slip stabilizer tray was pretty easy to handle and I was happy with the majority of the shots generated.
The biggest benefits for me, personally, was that the brand took the time to add some helpful accessories. There are 12 anti-fog inserts which can help keep the dome clear, which adds to the clarity of the shots. There is also a cleaning cloth.
The biggest problem for me was that the dome wasn’t as scratch resistant as I had hoped. It took a bit of a knock while we were in the water one day. Maybe I was more careless than I thought, but I didn’t expect it to scratch up like that.
I have also seen reports for new users that wish that there were better instructions with this product. There is a lot to learn here, especially with this different type of footage. The poorly written manual could put a lot of people off.
This underwater stabilisation system has its benefits. This is a great way to learn a new approach to photography and the design is pretty good. You get a lot for your money, but there are cheaper alternatives out there. Be careful with this and you could go far.
So far we haven’t heard an awful lot from GoPro in terms of these gimbals and stabilization systems. We have plenty of other brands keen to offer support for a GoPro camera, but no product from the brand itself. There was no product in the waterproof line – mainly because I wouldn’t trust the official GoPro gimbal anywhere near water.
There isn’t going to anything in the cheaper gimbal category either because official products are that much more expensive. Still, there is this official chest mount. This is an upgrade from a previous GoPro model, with a slight adaptation to the buckle.
What does this official model offer that is so helpful?
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Comfort isn’t something that many brands talk about. The models below are adjustable for a good fit, but there is little else of note in the materials. Here we have a harness that has padding and breathability. I’m not sure this makes a huge difference when wearing a wetsuit, as I was, but I can see the potential benefit.
I also liked the ease of use in the buckles system. We were promised a quick-release, even with gloves on – it did not disappoint. Overall, the build and design are pretty good. There is a minimalist feel that many will like.
The main issue here is that the position of this new buckle may not be in the best place. It creates a slightly asymmetrical feel that can compromise the balance of the camera. The impact may depend on the fit and the model of camera.
There is also the fact that there isn’t much else to this harness. This is a higher price because of the name, while cheaper models throw in extra features and bags.
If you are used to the GoPro way of doing things, this camera harness could be a great choice. The design and fit are difficult to criticize beyond the placement of the buckle. It is a thoughtful design, otherwise, and could help a lot of budding filmmakers.
Next, I want to move onto something that is nice and affordable with a lot of great features. Chest mounts are a great way to offer a little stability in the water, or during enough sports, while keeping your hands free for the task at hand. You can get on with your sport and know that the camera is rolling.
Essentially, all you really need here is a secure harness system, a mount and the chance to make a few adjustments. This Nordic Flash model may not cost a lot, but it does offer some great advantages.
Why are we starting this section with this model?
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Cons:
One of the things that I liked a lot about this camera chest mount is that it has a big thumbscrew adjustment system. This never looks that great, but it means that there are fewer issues adjusting the mount. This is especially important in cold weather or in the water.
This means I had more peace of mind over the safety of the camera. This also came from the build and overall quality of the product. This mount has a strong base, aluminum components and I had no problem at all with the buckles on the harness.
As for the problems with this system, there is little to say from a personal perspective. The first thing to mention is the fit. Once we read that this was a “one-size-fits-all” option we decided to test that theory.
It was a comfortable fit for most of us, but we do wonder how larger users may cope if wearing those over thick wetsuits.
The only other potential problem here is that this doesn’t seem to be compatible with that many versions of the GoPro, or many other cameras.
There is a lot to like with this model. There is that risk that this isn’t going to fit, and that it won’t be suitable for your camera. But, this is true for any system. This is actually a pretty well-designed system that can offer good stability at a low cost.
For this next model in this chest mount category, we head up the price range a little with this interesting model from Stuntman Action Cameras. This model raises the bar a little from the previous option in terms of the design, materials, and adjustments. There is a 360 ball joint and thumbscrew to change the camera height, a polyurethane chest plate, and fully adjustable straps.
It certainly looks like a sturdier, more professional model than some of the other camera mounts in this guide. This is why we had to try it out.
How does this chest mount compare to the cheaper options?
Pros:
Cons:
The main benefit with this chest mount is the way that this larger chest plate adds to the stabilization. The idea here is that this polyurethane plate can absorb shock against the body a little better. This, in turn, should reduce the shake and keep the camera stable. This certainly seemed to be the case when we tried it out.
We were also pleased to find that this plate, the mount, and the straps felt durable. Another benefit here is the addition of the direct adaptor so you can use this with even more camera models.
I was quite pleased with this system because of the stability offered and those adjustments. Yet, I have seen comments from those that were a little disappointed with the results. I will admit that there is nothing revolutionary about the footage compared with other top models. But, there are no glaring issues either.
Another issue brought to my attention is with the shape of that chest plate. This really is a big, flat sheet of material in the middle of the chest, so may not be that comfortable or practical for female wearers.
Perhaps we should have seen those potential issues coming with the brand name “Stuntman”. It seems that this is a great option for action men that want to improve the stability of their shots and not pay too much for the privilege. Women may need to look elsewhere.
This CamKix harness is a fully adjustable system that is designed to be compatible with a wide range of GoPro models. This even includes the GoPro Hero 7, which some cheaper harnesses can’t handle. There is a simple release that allows for a quick, secure attachment.
The harness also comes with J hook mount, which allows for more camera angles, as well as a cloth bag to carry it around in. Users can also adapt the fit via a series of adjustment points and buckles on the shoulders and the chest strap.
How does this option compare to the pricier chest mounts?
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Now, you may be like me and wonder why this product needed the color option of bright yellow. There are so many chest mount harnesses that are purely black. I couldn’t understand why you would want to stand out so much in the water.
Well, I was reminded that some people like to wear these on the road. I guess that this increased visibility would also be good if the camera was lost somewhere, but I can’t see this coming undone. The quality in the strap and camera mount are pretty good.
There are some mixed comments about the fit of this harness. When we tested it out as a group, we didn’t have too many problems. There are always those concerns about how heavy-set men or women of a certain shape might feel in this product.
None of us had any issues, but I have seen online comments from those that struggled with the design. Despite this, there is no doubt that there is plenty of room for adjustment within its range. There are plenty of buckles and they are easy to use.
This is a surprisingly good option for such a cheap price. There is more to this than you might expect from the price point – in both the features and the quality. It won’t fit everyone, but there are enough adjustments to give it a try.
If we are going to talk about affordable chest mounts for GoPros, we have to talk about the AmazonBasics brand. I am a recent convert to this area of the Amazon range. I thought that this was a place where we might find products with the bare minimum in functionality and quality at a fair price.
Why have I added this product as the last of these chest mount stabilizers?
Pros:
Cons:
There are lots of harnesses and gimbal brands that will talk about the “unique” viewpoint as their unique selling point. Most of the time I would say that they need to cut this out. They are all bringing the camera down to chest level in a hands-free method, so it’s not unique.
However, this one seemed to place the camera a little higher than normal which I felt added to our shots. I guess this may depend on how you wear it. I was also pleased with the overall ease of use with the different adjustment points and the mount for the camera.
The biggest problem that I need to address here is the poor quality of the materials. I like the amount of elastic in the straps, as this provides a little more give when finding the right fit over a wetsuit or lifejacket.
But, this could get a little loose with time. The buckles also feel a little flimsy. Reports from those that used this for longer period suggest that it might not take long for them to snap off.
A recommendation here is a tricky thing. On the one hand, there is no doubt that this offers some great stability and shot for a very low price. There are some nice elements for those that aren’t looking for a durable project for long-term use. Still, those issues with the buckles are a problem.
In this final section, I want to look at some of the more affordable camera stabilization systems for GoPros that are available. There are lots of great models at the higher end of the scale, including those from GoPro themselves. However, this isn’t always an option, especially for those new to the game.
So why have I included this option in this section on the cheaper products?
Pros:
Cons:
Let’s start with all the positive aspects of this gimbal. I was surprised at the quality of this device. There are products that cost a lot more – maybe even twice as much – that don’t use this sort of build. One-piece designs help with water-resistance, they also add to the stability.
This well-built system also has a much longer battery life than I expected. 12 hours is more than enough for even professional needs. I particularly liked the built-in battery indicator that lets you know how long is left.
There is a lot about this product that I loved. Sadly, there were also some things about it that I didn’t love. My biggest issues were the size of the screws on the mounting plate. I have tested lots of different models and I like those that use the thumbscrews, something big and manageable when your hands are numb from the cold water.
These are too small and takes a while to tighten it all up. I have also read that it takes a little time to learn all the different functions if you are completely new to this sort of product.
Absolutely. This isn’t the cheapest in this guide, but it is certainly a well-built, cheaper alternative to some of the top products that are in this guide. The extended battery life and the attention to detail on the build will suit a lot of more experienced users.
Right from the start, I need to point out that there is a clear limitation to this product and a niche market. There are many brands that create these handheld stabilization devices for use with all kinds of camera. Then there are those that very much just for their own brand.
We see this with GoPro and also with this YI model. This gimbal is compatible with the YI Lite, YI 4K+ and YI 4K Action Camera only. This is a small audience. But, we felt we should try it out because of the price and the potential.
What does this cheaper camera gimbal have to offer?
Pros:
Cons:
It seems strange to mention the battery life as a pro here after we just discussed the 12-hour life on the product above. This gimbal has a 2-4.5 hour of battery life, depending on which function you are using. On its own, this isn’t that great.
However, there are two lithium-ion batteries so you can keep swapping them out as needed. I also liked the different controls and functions. There isn’t anything weird and wonderful here, but you can change the pan, tilt, and zoom with ease.
The biggest problem that I had with this model was with speed. Once you start to pick up the pace, it gets a little harder for the system to handle the movement and compensate. The shots get a little shakier and less professional.
Newcomers may be able to find the upper limit and work within this parameter. Those that need this for high-octane sports may struggle a little more. Some buyers may also be a little disappointed that you don’t get much else here other than the extra battery.
A recommendation here depends on your purpose. We have a product that is great up to a point – both in terms of compatibility and its ability to handle speed. Still, those taking thing slowly can appreciate the controls and the interchangeable batteries.
First of all, don’t be fooled by the name of this EACHSHOT product. The brand is keen to market this a smartphone gimbal – most likely because this gives it a bit of a USP over some of the other brands.
There is a focus on turning an iPhone into an action camera. Yet, this plate is also compatible with a number of GoPro Hero models and Xiaomi Yi action cameras.
So what is it about this product that makes it a hit with action camera users?
Pros:
Cons:
In all honesty, I could have added this product to the waterproof gimbal section. There are aspects of the build that are just as reliable, and you might argue that this is more honest in its claims. It can hold up to splashes and snow as needed.
It has also been tested at different temperature ranges and still rotated at 45 degree Celsius and minus 15. There are also some well-designed controls to help users switch between photo and record, to zoom in or out and to get into selfie mode. This makes a big difference to the footage for those new to those sort of device.
Moving on to the downsides, there have been a few software issues with this system. This is definitely one of the buggiest systems that I have tried. I know that we shouldn’t expect perfect reliability from this sort of price point.
Still, it wouldn’t take much to sort out these errors with a few patches. I can see these bugs annoying the more experienced user more than those not used to these gimbals.
However, newcomers may have their own problems with the learning curve on this product. I have read stories of users watching YouTube videos to get this to work. Not a good sign!
This is a great option, and not just for those that want to adapt their smartphones into action cameras. The design of this gimbal will suit GoPro users to and there is that great use of weatherproofing. The only downside is that you may have to study the functions online first.
Above we saw that there are cheaper alternatives available for some of the top design ideas. We had a model that was splash-proof enough to rival its more expensive counterpart. I also wanted to test out a product that had the build to go underwater – like some of the handheld trays above – but did so at a lower price point.
How does this option hold up to the competition?
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Cons:
It isn’t just the low cost that makes this an appealing option for those that want to play around with their action cameras. There are some nice elements to the design that isn’t too far off from those that we saw in the section above.
There is enough stability here thanks to the balance of the device and the use of the anti-slip handles. The videos that we produced looked better than we expected. It is also stronger than I had anticipated. There is an aluminium build where it counts the most and some good connections
Now to the downsides of this product. This is so cheap because this really is an entry-level model. It seems that the idea here is to buy this basic mount, play around with the features and work from there. I am sure that you can get a pretty good system going with time.
There are compatible domes and other elements that can increase the functionality. But, this takes some time and extra cash. Speaking of functionality, I must point out that this doesn’t have as many features and controls as some of the other options here.
There are some clear pros and cons to opting for this cheaper version. I would say that this is great for those that want a project. This is a starting point that can only get better with some additional funds and adaptations.
For our last model, I want to talk about something a little different. We saw above that there are products that have dual purposes. There was the smartphone stabilizer that doubled up as a model for GoPros as needed.
This is a little different for a couple of reasons. The first is that there is a manual approach which gives this a different feel.
The second is that this was built primarily for larger DSLRs, but also works on smaller action camera. In fact, I read that this is in fact best for GoPros and action cams, not DSLRs, because of the size and weight of the cameras.
Why have I included this manual model in this guide?
Pros:
Cons
There are some great benefits in using a manual gimbal such as this. There is no risk of mechanical failure or dead batteries and you have full control of the shot. The design and the use of the counterweights mean that this should offer that smooth motion that users need. The lack of motor also means no motor noise to interfere with the shots.
I will admit it, it took us far too long to realise why our first piece of footage was quieter than normal. There is also the added bonus here that a manual system requires less tech, so that in turn lowers the cost for the consumers.
Still, there are some downsides to choosing a manual model like this one. If you are like me, you are probably used to pushing some buttons and letting the gimbal do the work.
This one is a hands-on experience and it takes some practice to get it right. The system works on basic physics – which is fine unless you are someone that flunked basic physics. The camera also relies heavily on this feature as its selling point. There isn’t much else going on to add to any shots.
If you are sick of software glitches, motor noise and expensive gimbals, this could be a breath of fresh air. However, this all depends on whether you are prepared to put the work in to learn the motions and perfect those shots.