Discover the Reasons to Cease Utilizing a Gimbal for Every Filming Session

Gimbals: A Filmmaker’s Best Friend or Worst Enemy?

Top Image Via Shutterstock.

When it comes to filmmaking gear, gimbals have revolutionized the industry in the past two decades. These stabilizing tools have become a staple for filmmakers, but are we relying on them too much?

Think back to a time before 2013 when powered gimbals were not readily available. The introduction of the Movi M10 at NAB 2013 changed the game, and suddenly everyone wanted to incorporate gimbal footage into their projects. However, unlike drone footage, gimbal shots don’t always stand out to viewers. Gimbals create a smooth, dreamy motion that blends seamlessly into the storytelling. But there are instances where gimbals are unnecessary.

As a filmmaker, I fell in love with gimbals when I first got my hands on a DJI Ronin. It transformed my shots and I started using it on almost every project. However, I soon realized that I was overusing the gimbal. It wasn’t always the right tool for the job, and it sometimes slowed me down when I needed to be nimble and adaptable. Despite its greatness, the gimbal has its limitations.

So, when should you stop using your gimbal?

When Consistently Sharp Focus Is Critical

Image via DJI.

Focusing on a gimbal can be a huge hassle. Unless you have a camera with great autofocus or a wireless follow focus system, maintaining sharp focus can be a challenge. You have to set your focus at a certain spot and maintain that distance from your subject, which can be frustrating when shooting with a shallow depth of field or tracking a subject’s speed. Changing focus can also throw off the balance of your gimbal and affect the movement of your shot.