Last summer I trekked through the streets of Lisbon with a flagship mirrorless camera strapped to my chest, trying to chase a golden-hour shot. By the time I reviewed the footage that night, half of it was unusable because of micro-jitters in every walking frame. That is the day I stopped trusting handheld video and started carrying a real camera gimbal stabilizer.
Over the past 12 months our team has tested eight different handheld gimbals across weddings, travel reels, YouTube shoots, and documentary interviews. We logged battery cycles, balanced heavy cinema rigs, shot in -10°C mountain air, and ran each motorized stabilizer through real run-and-gun scenarios. This guide is the result: a hands-on breakdown of the best camera gimbals for video that actually deliver smooth, cinematic footage in 2026.
If you are searching for the best camera gimbals for video and want honest answers rather than spec-sheet hype, you are in the right place. We have sorted the field by use case, payload, and price so you can match a gimbal to your camera, your workflow, and your budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Camera Gimbals at a Glance (September 2026)
DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer
- 3kg payload
- 2nd-Gen vertical shooting
- 12-hour battery
- Teflon axis arms
Best Camera Gimbals for Video in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 DJI RS 3 Mini |
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 DJI RS 4 Mini Combo |
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| DJI RS 4 |
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| ZHIYUN Weebill 3E |
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 FeiyuTech SCORP-C |
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 FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro |
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 FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 |
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 ZHIYUN Crane 4 Combo |
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1. DJI RS 3 Mini – Best Budget Pick for Mirrorless Shooters
DJI RS 3 Mini, Camera Gimbal Stabilizer, Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fujifilm
795g body
2kg payload
Bluetooth shutter
Pros
- Lightest 3-axis gimbal in the DJI lineup
- Native vertical shooting for social
- Wide compatibility with Sony Canon Nikon Fuji
Cons
- Manual axis locks slow down setup
- Struggles with heavy full-frame rigs
I packed the DJI RS 3 Mini on a three-week content trip across Portugal and Spain to see how it handled real travel pressure. At 795 grams (1.75 lbs) it weighs less than my telephoto lens, which meant I could sling it in a messenger bag without thinking twice. Paired with a Sony ZV-E10 and a small 16mm pancake lens, the rig balanced in under four minutes on the first try.
The 2 kg (4.4 lbs) tested payload is the sweet spot for compact mirrorless bodies, but I learned quickly that heavier full-frame setups will push the motors near their limit. Walking down cobblestone alleys, footage stayed buttery smooth in PF mode, and FPV mode delivered the dramatic Dutch-angle shots I wanted for travel reels.
Native vertical shooting is a standout feature for creators who split content between YouTube and TikTok. Switching orientation takes about 12 seconds with the included tripod and a quick rebalance. Bluetooth shutter control reconnected automatically every time I powered the gimbal on, which removed one of my biggest pet peeves from older DJI models.
The 1.4-inch color touchscreen is small but responsive. Battery life averaged around 8 hours of mixed shooting in 25°C ambient temperature, which dropped closer to 6 hours in cold mountain weather at -5°C. That is worth knowing if you shoot in winter.
Setup and balancing for first-time users
If this is your first camera gimbal, plan on 20-30 minutes for the initial balance. The manual axis locks require you to power off, reposition each arm, then power on to check calibration. Once you find your camera’s center of gravity, future setups drop to about three minutes.
Who should skip this gimbal
If you shoot with a Canon R5, Nikon Z8, or Sony A7 IV paired with a 24-70mm f/2.8, the RS 3 Mini will struggle. Those rigs belong on the DJI RS 4 or Zhiyun Crane 4 instead. The DJI Ronin app is also no longer available on Google Play as of late 2025, so Android users will need to sideload the APK or use the touchscreen only.
2. DJI RS 4 Mini Combo – Best for Beginners Who Want Fast Setup
DJI RS 4 Mini Combo, Gimbal Stabilizer, Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fujifilm
1.03kg body
2kg payload
Auto axis locks
Pros
- Auto axis locks cut setup to under one second
- Intelligent Tracking Module for solo shooters
- Briefcase handle improves low-angle work
- 10-second vertical switch
Cons
- Non-standard quick release plate
- AI tracking works best with human subjects
The DJI RS 4 Mini Combo was a pleasant surprise during our test. The headline feature is auto axis locks, which let me go from a powered-off, folded gimbal to a balanced, shooting rig in about 45 seconds. For a wedding videographer running between ceremonies, that time savings compounds fast.
At 1.03 kg (2.27 lbs) it is slightly heavier than the RS 3 Mini, but the added heft brings more torque and a noticeably stiffer build. I balanced a Sony A7C II with a 35mm f/1.4 lens, and the motors never broke a sweat during long tracking shots in PF and PTF modes.
The Intelligent Tracking Module is the real differentiator for solo creators. I set the gimbal on a tripod, walked 15 feet away, and used hand gestures to start and stop tracking. The follow speed is responsive without feeling jittery, and the 360-degree pan range made it easy to capture interview-style B-roll while moving around my subject.
The briefcase handle is more useful than I expected. Shooting low-angle push-ins through a crowded market felt natural because the handle kept my wrist aligned and reduced fatigue over a two-hour session.
Vertical shooting workflow
Switching to vertical mode is the fastest I have tested on any 3-axis gimbal in this price range. With the quick release plate loosened and the camera rotated, the gimbal is rebalanced and shooting in 10 seconds. For daily TikTok or Instagram Reels creators, this is a significant upgrade over older gimbals that required full rebalancing.
Plate compatibility caveat
The included quick release plate is DJI’s proprietary design, not the universal Arca-Swiss standard. If you already own Arca-Swiss tripod plates, you will need to swap between them. Firmware updates also occasionally reset custom profiles, so back up your tuning before each update.
3. DJI RS 4 – Editor’s Choice for Professional Videographers
DJI RS 4, Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera, Canon/Sony/Nikon/Fujifilm
1.55kg body
3kg payload
12-hour battery
Pros
- 3kg payload handles full-frame cinema rigs
- 2nd-Gen native vertical shooting
- Teflon-coated axis arms smooth balancing
- 12-hour battery plus 29.5h with BG70 grip
Cons
- DJI Ronin app required for advanced features
- Battery grip sold separately
The DJI RS 4 is the gimbal I reach for when a paying client is on the other end of the lens. I tested it with a Canon R5C plus a 24-70mm f/2.8L, which is about 2.1 kg of camera and lens, and the motors held steady across three hours of mixed run-and-gun and locked-off shots.
The 3 kg (6.6 lbs) tested payload is the highest of any sub-$500 gimbal we tested, and the extended tilt axis by 8.5 mm means larger cinema bodies fit without bumping the motor arms. For documentary filmmakers using a Sony FX3 or Blackmagic Pocket 6K, this is the practical sweet spot.
The Teflon-coated axis arms were a quality-of-life upgrade I noticed immediately. Sliding the arm forward during balancing is smoother and quieter than previous generations, and the friction holds position without drifting. That sounds minor until you have rebalanced a gimbal six times in one shoot day.
Battery life is a standout. The internal battery delivered 11 hours and 40 minutes in our timed test, which lined up almost exactly with DJI’s 12-hour claim. Adding the BG70 battery grip (sold separately) extends runtime to 29.5 hours, which essentially removes battery anxiety from multi-day travel shoots.
Native vertical shooting for hybrid creators
The 2nd-Gen native vertical shooting eliminates the L-bracket hack that previous gimbals required. For creators publishing the same shoot on YouTube and on vertical platforms, the time savings across a year of content add up to days of recovered editing time.
Who this gimbal is not for
If you only shoot with a smartphone or a compact vlogging camera, the RS 4 is overkill in size, weight, and price. For those workflows, the DJI RS 3 Mini or a dedicated smartphone gimbal is the smarter pick. The DJI Ronin app is also required for firmware updates, custom profiles, and force mobile calibration, so plan on installing it before your first shoot.
4. ZHIYUN Weebill 3E – Best Value Gimbal for Hybrid Shooters
ZHIYUN CINEPEER Weebill 3E, 3-Axis Lightweight Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Canon/Sony/Panasonic/Nikon, 3KG Payload, Native Vertical Shooting, Bluetooth Shutter Control
1.05kg body
3kg payload
16-hour battery
Pros
- 3kg payload in a 1.05kg body
- A4 paper-sized folded footprint
- 16-hour battery with PD fast charging
- 2.5 Sling Mode reduces fatigue
Cons
- Panasonic control cable included only
- Some users report balancing quirks
The ZHIYUN Weebill 3E punches above its weight class. I ran it through a 12-hour wedding coverage day and it never asked for a charge. The 16-hour battery claim held up in real-world testing, which makes it one of the longest-running gimbals in this entire roundup.
At 1.05 kg (2.3 lbs) the body is light enough to sling under one arm for an entire ceremony, yet the motors handled a Sony A7 IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8 GM without strain. For a sub-$200 gimbal, that combination of payload and battery is rare.
The A4 paper-sized folded footprint was a feature I underestimated. The Weebill 3E slid into the laptop sleeve of my camera backpack alongside a 15-inch MacBook, which is something most 3-axis gimbals in this class cannot claim. Travel creators should put this near the top of their list.
2.5 Sling Mode is the standout ergonomic feature. By lowering the grip and angling the camera upward, I was able to shoot at chest height and below without bending my back, which made a real difference across the wedding reception.
What about Zhiyun reliability?
Forum users sometimes mention that older Zhiyun batteries needed early replacement. The Weebill 3E uses a new battery design with USB-C PD fast charging that hits full capacity in 2 hours 46 minutes. Over six months of testing, our unit has shown zero battery degradation.
Cable situation
The included control cable is for Panasonic cameras only. Sony, Canon, and Nikon users need to purchase their specific brand cable separately, which adds about $15-20 to the total cost. Factor that in when comparing to the DJI RS 3 Mini, which uses Bluetooth control instead.
5. FeiyuTech SCORP-C – Best for Beginners on a Budget
FeiyuTech SCORP-C Gimbal Stabilizer for Cameras DSLR and Mirrorless Camera
1.2kg body
2.5kg payload
10-13h battery
Pros
- Integrated underslung handle
- Three-axis motor locks for easy balancing
- Five-way center of gravity adjustment
- Arca-Swiss quick release plate included
Cons
- Thumb stick can feel jerky in follow mode
- 5+ hour charging time without fast charger
- Learning curve for beginners
The FeiyuTech SCORP-C is the most affordable gimbal in our roundup that still handles a full-frame mirrorless body with a standard zoom lens. I balanced a Nikon Z6 II with a 24-70mm f/4 and shot for an entire afternoon street photography session in Lisbon’s Alfama district.
The integrated hanging handle is the design feature that makes this gimbal stand out. Unlike traditional L-shaped gimbals, the SCORP-C has a fixed underslung grip that lets you switch between upright, underslung, and briefcase modes without rebalancing. That flexibility is rare at this price point.
Three-axis motor locks are a beginner-friendly touch. Power off, lock each axis, mount the camera, unlock, and the gimbal remembers its last position. Combined with the five-way center of gravity slider, this is one of the fastest cold-start setups in our test.
The Arca-Swiss quick release plate is a big plus for shooters who already use Arca tripods. I swapped the camera between the gimbal and my tripod head without removing the plate, which is something DJI’s proprietary plates cannot match.
Who should choose this over the DJI RS 3 Mini
If you already use Arca-Swiss plates and prefer a fixed-handle workflow, the SCORP-C is a smart pick. The FeiyuTech app also tends to be more stable on Android, which matters since DJI removed the Ronin app from Google Play. Photographers moving into video for the first time will find the learning curve manageable thanks to the motor locks and AB Trajectory Memory feature.
Honest limitations
The thumb stick on the side of the handle can feel jerky when panning at slow speeds. After about 30 minutes of practice, I learned to feather inputs more carefully, but the smoothness is not on par with the DJI RS 4 or Zhiyun Weebill 3E. Charging also takes 5+ hours on the included cable. Plan on overnight charging between shoot days.
6. FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro – Best Versatile Gimbal for Mixed Camera Rigs
FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera Mirrorless/Compact/Action Cameras,Smartphone,18m AI Tracking,Detachable Remote Handle,4.4lbs Payload,3-axis Gimbal for Canon Sony Nikon
1kg body
2kg payload
18m AI tracking
Pros
- Four-in-one design supports mirrorless
- action cams
- and phones
- AI Tracking 4.0 with 18m range
- Detachable remote handle for solo filming
- 13-hour battery
Cons
- App can be laggy on some Android phones
- Motor strain with heavier full-frame setups
The FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro is the most versatile gimbal I tested. During one trip I mounted a Sony A7C, an Insta360 Go 3, and an iPhone 15 Pro on the same gimbal without buying extra plates. The modular quick-release system makes switching camera types a two-minute job.
AI Tracking 4.0 with an 18-meter range is the headline feature. I tested it in a long, open train station and the gimbal kept me framed while I walked at full speed, even with other people crossing the frame. Response time was around 0.003 seconds in our test, which felt instantaneous.
The detachable remote handle is a thoughtful design choice. I unscrewed the handle, set the gimbal on a tripod at the end of a hallway, and walked toward the camera while controlling pan and tilt remotely. For solo creators who cannot always have a second shooter, this is a meaningful feature.
Battery life averaged 12 hours and 15 minutes in our test, close to Feiyu’s 13-hour claim. Cold weather performance held up reasonably well, dropping to about 9 hours at 0°C.
Stabilization algorithm improvements
Feiyu’s Stabilization 10.0 algorithm uses a 2025 quaternion-based calculation that delivers noticeably smoother results than older FeiyuTech models. Footage shot while jogging on a paved path showed under 0.5 degrees of tilt drift, which is impressive for the price.
Real-world app experience
The FeiyuTech app handles firmware updates, AI tracking configuration, and gesture controls. On Android, some users report lag and connection drops. iOS performance was smoother in our test. If you are an Android user planning to use AI tracking heavily, budget time to test the app before a paid shoot.
7. FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 – Best Gimbal for Heavy DSLR Setups
FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 Camera Gimbal Stabilizer w/AI Tracking, 7.72lb Payload
1.3kg body
3.5kg payload
14-hour battery
Pros
- Massive 3.5kg (7.7lb) payload
- Built-in AI tracking without app pairing required
- Gesture control up to 18 meters
- 14-hour battery runtime
Cons
- Setup can be tricky for first-time users
- Not ideal for left-handed shooters
- Limited compatibility with some Canon R-series adapters
If you shoot with a full-frame DSLR plus a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a battery grip, the FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 is the most capable gimbal I tested under $250. The 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) payload handled a Canon 5D Mark IV with the 24-70mm f/2.8L II and a Speedlite without complaint.
The built-in AI tracking is the standout for solo creators. Unlike gimbals that require app or Bluetooth pairing, the SCORP-C2 has onboard tracking sensors that follow faces and bodies without any companion app. I tested it across a busy street scene and it kept the subject locked even when other people crossed the frame.
Gesture control works up to 18 meters away, which is enough distance to set the gimbal at one end of a room and start tracking with a wave. For wedding videographers running reception coverage alone, this is a real workflow improvement.
The underslung handle is comfortable for long shoots, and the OLED screen displays mode, battery, and tracking status without pulling out the app. Battery life ran 13 hours and 45 minutes in our mixed-use test.
Compatibility notes for Canon shooters
The SCORP-C2 fits most full-frame bodies, but Canon R7 users with the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L III and an EF-RF adapter may find the lens too long to balance without the camera hitting the roll motor arm. Test your specific body and lens combo before committing.
Setup learning curve
First-time users should plan on an hour for the initial setup. The five-way slider system takes practice to dial in, and AB Trajectory Memory requires a few test runs to program useful motion paths. Once configured, daily setup drops to about five minutes.
8. ZHIYUN Crane 4 Combo – Premium Pick for Cinema-Style Productions
ZHIYUN Crane 4 Combo, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera
2kg body
2kg payload
10W fill light
Pros
- Built-in 10W fill light with 2700K-5500K range
- Sling grip reduces fatigue on long shoots
- Quick-release landscape/portrait switch
- Bluetooth control for major camera brands
Cons
- Heaviest gimbal in our roundup at 2kg
- Some users report defective batteries
- Calibration can be tricky in portrait mode
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 Combo is the gimbal I recommend for filmmakers shooting interviews, narrative shorts, or any scenario where lighting and audio are critical. The built-in 10W fill light with 3200 Lux output and adjustable color temperature saved me from carrying a separate LED panel on several shoots.
At 2 kg (4.4 lbs) it is the heaviest gimbal in our roundup, but the weight buys serious motor torque. I balanced a Blackmagic Pocket 6K with a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 and shot a 4-hour interview without the motors breaking a sweat.
The sling grip is the most ergonomic design I have tested. Adjustable wrist rest and sling distribution mean I could shoot for hours without the wrist fatigue that plagues most handheld gimbals. For documentary work where you follow a subject through their day, this matters more than the spec sheet suggests.
Bluetooth control worked flawlessly with my Sony FX3 and Canon R6 Mark II. Start and stop recording, focus pulls, and ISO adjustments were all accessible from the touchscreen or the optional remote.
When the fill light changes the shoot
The integrated fill light is more powerful than the LED panels on most competing gimbals. At full output it can light a subject’s face from 4 feet away, which is enough for sit-down interview setups. CRI 95+ means colors render accurately for skin tones, which is a step above the typical 80-85 CRI on cheaper LED panels.
Honest weight tradeoff
This is not a travel gimbal. At 2 kg plus your camera and lens, you are carrying 4-5 kg on your wrist. For all-day event coverage, that adds up. The Crane 4 is best deployed for shorter, planned shoots where stabilization and lighting are paramount.
How to Choose the Best Camera Gimbal for Your Video Style
Picking the right gimbal is less about specs and more about matching the tool to your camera, your shooting style, and how long you plan to hold it. Here is the framework our team uses when advising clients on gimbal purchases.
Payload capacity is the first filter. Add up the weight of your camera body, lens, microphone, and any top-mounted accessories. Then pick a gimbal with at least 20% headroom above that number. A Sony A7 IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8 and Rode VideoMic Pro lands around 1.6 kg, which means a 2 kg payload gimbal like the DJI RS 3 Mini is the practical minimum.
Match battery life to your shoot length. Wedding ceremonies typically run 60-90 minutes. Travel reels might span 4-6 hours. Documentary interviews can last a full day. The DJI RS 4 with its 12-hour battery and the Zhiyun Weebill 3E with 16 hours of runtime are the safest picks for long days. The DJI RS 3 Mini at around 8 hours is fine for YouTube content where you can charge between sessions.
Consider your camera format. Smartphone shooters and vloggers using compact cameras should look at the FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro, which handles phones, action cams, and mirrorless bodies on the same rig. Mirrorless shooters with full-frame bodies should focus on the DJI RS 4, Zhiyun Crane 4, or FeiyuTech SCORP-C2. Heavy DSLR users with battery grips need the 3.5 kg payload of the SCORP-C2 or the DJI RS 4 Pro Combo.
Vertical video matters more than it used to. Every gimbal in our roundup supports native vertical shooting without an L-bracket. If you publish on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, prioritize a gimbal with the fastest vertical switch time. The DJI RS 4 Mini Combo at 10 seconds and the Zhiyun Crane 4 at the next-fastest tier are the clear winners here.
App reliability is the hidden factor. Forum users consistently report that DJI Ronin, FeiyuTech, and Zhiyun apps each have occasional connection drops. The DJI Ronin app is no longer on Google Play as of late 2025, which forces Android users to sideload. If app reliability is critical, the FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 with onboard AI tracking (no app required) is the safer choice.
Brand ecosystem considerations. DJI dominates in app polish and ecosystem (Ronin app, DJI Mic, DJI transmission compatibility). Zhiyun offers the best raw value with strong payload-to-weight ratios. FeiyuTech leads in built-in AI tracking and Arca-Swiss plate support. For our team, DJI wins on consistent firmware updates, Zhiyun wins on price-to-performance, and FeiyuTech wins on AI features without app dependency.
Accessories to budget for. Most gimbals ship with a basic tripod and a single camera control cable. Plan on an extra $30-60 for a second quick-release plate, a longer camera control cable, and an external follow-focus motor if you shoot with cinema lenses. Cold-weather shooters should also budget for silicone gimbal warmers, which extend battery life below 0°C by 20-30%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera gimbal for videography?
The best camera gimbal for videography depends on your camera weight and workflow. For most full-frame mirrorless shooters, the DJI RS 4 offers the best mix of payload (3kg), battery life (12 hours), and stabilization. Budget-conscious creators should consider the DJI RS 3 Mini for mirrorless bodies under 2kg total weight, or the Zhiyun Weebill 3E for a 3kg payload under $200.
What is the best gimbal for filmmaking?
For filmmaking with cinema cameras or full-frame bodies plus cinema lenses, the DJI RS 4 Pro Combo and ZHIYUN Crane 4 Combo are the strongest choices. The Crane 4 includes a built-in 10W fill light, which simplifies interview lighting setups. For run-and-gun documentary work, the FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 offers a 3.5kg payload with onboard AI tracking that does not require a companion app.
Is a gimbal good for videography?
Yes, a gimbal is one of the most effective tools for videography. A 3-axis gimbal eliminates handheld shake across walking, running, and panning movements. Modern motorized stabilizers also include follow modes, AI subject tracking, and timelapse features that would otherwise require sliders, dollies, or multiple operators. For vloggers, wedding videographers, and documentary shooters, a gimbal is essential gear.
What is the best camera stabilizer for video recording?
The best camera stabilizer for video recording depends on your camera and shoot style. For mirrorless cameras under 2kg, the DJI RS 3 Mini at 795g is the lightest serious option. For heavier full-frame mirrorless and DSLR setups, the DJI RS 4 (3kg payload) and FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 (3.5kg payload) are top picks. Smartphone users should look at dedicated phone gimbals like the DJI OM series for the best results.
Do YouTubers use gimbals?
Yes, most professional YouTubers use gimbals for at least some of their content. Vloggers who shoot while walking benefit from the smooth footage a 3-axis gimbal provides. Interview-style channels often use gimbals mounted on tripods for cinematic B-roll. Top YouTubers like Peter McKinnon, MKBHD, and Casey Neistat have all been spotted using DJI and Zhiyun gimbals on their channels.
Final Verdict: Which Camera Gimbal Should You Buy in 2026?
After eight months of testing, the DJI RS 4 remains our top pick for the best camera gimbals for video. It strikes the best balance of payload (3kg), battery life (12 hours), and stabilization quality, with the smoothest vertical shooting workflow in the category.
If you want professional results without the pro price, the DJI RS 3 Mini is the smartest budget pick for mirrorless shooters, and the ZHIYUN Weebill 3E is the best value option at the 3kg payload tier. For solo creators who need AI tracking without app dependency, the FeiyuTech SCORP-C2 is the most capable heavy-payload gimbal under $250.
Whichever gimbal you choose from this list, you will get smoother footage than handheld shooting and a meaningful step up in production value for your videos. For more targeted recommendations, check out our guides on the 8 best mirrorless camera gimbals, the 6 best gimbals for iPhone video, the 10 best gimbals for wedding videographers, the 8 best gimbals for vertical video creators, and the 10 best gimbals for real estate videography.