Gimbal tips: smooth, cinematic camera movement

A gimbal like the DJI RS 5 stabilizes the camera on three axes, letting you move freely while footage stays smooth.

Balance first

Balance the camera on each axis before turning the gimbal on. A well-balanced setup uses less battery and performs better. Rebalance when you change lenses.

Choose the right mode

• Pan follow: the camera follows horizontal movement, ideal for walking.
• Pan and tilt follow: natural for most handheld shots.
• Lock: the camera stays pointed in one direction while you move.
• FPV: follows all movement for dynamic, rolling shots.

Walk like a ninja

Bend your knees, walk heel to toe and keep your elbows close. The gimbal removes rotation but not up-and-down bounce.

Classic moves

• Push in toward a subject
• Pull out to reveal a space
• Orbit around a person or product
• Lateral tracking alongside a subject
• Low-angle follow shots

Use a wide lens

Wide lenses, like 16mm to 24mm, hide small shakes better than telephotos.

Practice

Spend time practicing moves before a client shoot.