Camera gimbal, which one to choose, why is it needed? Gimbal to stabilize the camera on brushless motors
Vendor code: DJI-H33D-PH2Professional 3-axis gimbal DJI Zenmuse H3-3D Gimbal on brushless motors for GoPro Hero 3 and GoPro Hero 3+ cameras with the ability to connect to DJI Naza-M, Naza-M V2, A2 and Wookong-M pilot systems.
Due to its high precision, stability and easy connection, the DJI Zenmuse H33D is widely used in film and television productions, commercial filming, aerial photography, and more. Even if the multicopter is flying at high speed, the stabilization accuracy will not change. The angle control accuracy is within ±0.03° so that the photo/video image will be the best quality.
Attention! This kit comes with a gimbal mount for DJI Phantom 2 series quadcopters.
Attention! Unlike the standard version of the DJI Zenmuse H3-3D, the Phantom 2 does not come with a GCU as it it is integrated into the Phantom 2 board. If you use the gimbal on other platforms, then you need to purchase the GCU module separately. Owners of the DJI Naza V1 and Phantom 1 quadcopters must also use the DJI Naza V2 PMU.
26.02.2018
For fans of aerial photography, a quadcopter camera gimbal is one of the most important parts of the “organism” of a drone. This design stabilizes the image, saving it from distortion, vibration, noise. Technique has stepped so far that with the most aggressive flight it is possible to get the perfect picture. The secret is in innovative gimbals designed by engineers from leading quadcopter companies. We will consider the top models that have become bestsellers.
- Design. Lightweight and simple, made of aluminum and plastic. It has another mount for the FPV camera. On the back side, you can attach a video link transmitter for FPV broadcasting. Proper adjustment will improve the image in dynamic shooting from a quadcopter. The camera is secure.
- Control. The gimbal is designed to provide easy access to all controls.
- Compatibility: Ideal for DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom, Blade 350 QX and some other drones. True, analog models require a minor upgrade. By the way, some online stores offer this gimbal as a gift with the purchase of DJI Phantom 2.
pros
- Reliable fastening.
- Convenient management.
- Price.
Minuses
- Only for GoPro
findings
The great advantage of this quadcopter camera gimbal is the price. Now it only costs about $13. But this does not mean the lack of quality. According to the manufacturer, this is a modern three-axis mounting system for action cameras.
This action cam quadcopter gimbal is easy to control with a remote control and stabilizes the image in all three axes.
- Construction: Mounted on the drone with a vibration tie. Gives video stabilization along three axes, removes the “jelly” effect with strong distortions and inconsistencies.
- Control: Camera pan and tilt can be controlled in the air using the levers on the quadcopter's remote controller. In general, there is a stable operation of the system, which dampens the vibrations of a high-speed drone. Automatically rotates when the quad is tilted to ensure smooth video.
- Compatibility: As the name implies, it is compatible with the nimble Hubsan H109S quadcopter, which the pilots called the clone or alternative to the Phantom. For a second, this quadcopter can accelerate to 50 kilometers per hour, so high-quality video stabilization is important. Sharpened to install both the "native" Hubsan camera, and many varieties of popular action cameras.
pros
- Good stabilization on three axes.
- Compatible with action cameras.
Minuses
findings
Hubsan quadcopter is a reputable drone company, so their gimbals are the company's own design. They are sharpened, first of all, for their own product, and are compatible with many GoPros. Many drones have enhanced gimbal and camera protection. For example, in the H109S x4 PRO model, under unfortunate circumstances, the copter will smoothly land on the ground with a parachute. In this case, there will be no cracks on the suspension.
Traxxas ATON dual axis gimbal can rotate horizontally and vertically, i.e. there is no third axis. But for a fairly low price and it's great. It's designed for action cameras.
- Design. Pretty heavy, hard, fixed. Equipped with noisy collector motors, mounted on a gyro-stabilization platform to eliminate distortion during sharp turns of the Traxxas quadcopter, which can accelerate to 80 kilometers per hour. Installation is extremely simple.
- Compatibility: Installed on the Traxxas ATON high-speed quadcopter for GoPro Hero 3/3+ and Hero 4. Judging by the video reviews on YouTube, video enthusiasts have adapted it for shooting from a bicycle or just handheld.
- Control. The tilt angle of the camera, followed by holding the obtained position, can be controlled from the ground. The motto of the engineers of the creator company: "Discover new opportunities for shooting, increased clarity."
pros
- Price.
Minuses
- Noisy motors.
- No integrated transmitter.
findings
A simple and clear gimbal for a quadcopter with a camera does its main function well - to increase the clarity of the image, avoiding distortion.
3-axis gimbal designed for iLook, iLook+, GoPro and Walkera's Turnigy ActionCam series. It has high positioning accuracy, which is only 0.02 degrees.
- Design: The gimbal of the quadcopter is light and durable, made of aluminum alloy. Equipped with brushless motors, the main advantage of which is noise minimization and wear resistance. Easy to install.
- Control: Works in tracking and position holding modes. In whatever plane the quadcopter is rotated, the camera stands straight, looks forward. Works fully in three axes. If the copter is turned sharply, the camera will slowly level out. There is an output to control the gimbal using the remote control, you can change the angle of the camera. In the other two planes, it is not regulated.
- Compatibility with Walkera QR X350PRO, X800 and TALI H500 quadcopters.
pros
- Excellent stabilization.
- Excellent positioning accuracy.
- Brushless motors
- Lightweight construction.
Minuses
findings
Even at high speed, the gimbal for a quadcopter with a camera does its job: it stabilizes the image along three axes and dampens vibration. It can be used with many action cameras, which enhances the attractiveness of the gimbal.
This 3-axis quadcopter camera gimbal was designed for Panasonic GH4/GH3. Technically great. The smart system achieves a positioning accuracy of ±0.01°.
What is interesting:
- Design: The overall weight is reduced by getting rid of extra cables and integrating them into a clever system of inner rings. Designed for the camera, considering its weight and balance. This allows 360 degree torsion with +50°/-140° tilt and ±40° roll.
- Control. Three modes are available. The first is tracking, the gimbal is locked to one side, the second is directed to one point, and it doesn’t matter which way the drone turns. The third is FPV, when the gimbal is directed where the entire system of the copter is. An infrared sensor will allow you to remotely control the shutter. An IMU module is built into the gimbal. This is an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope and magnetometer in one bottle. They calculate the linear acceleration along the axes of the object to ensure maximum accuracy. The HDMI HD/AV module allows easy switching between HD (operated via DJI Lightbridge) and AV (operated via 5.8G video link).
- Compatibility with DJI S900 or S1000 quadcopters, DJI A2 and WooKong-M controllers.
pros
- Three control modes.
- Video link LightBridge.
- Innovative design.
Minuses
findings
The smart system of this expensive quadcopter gimbal aims for a perfectly clear image. But the shooting takes place in the sky, where the copter interacts with air currents. But this does not affect the picture in any way. She comes out perfect.
The 3-axis quadcopter camera gimbal allows you to use the capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark III, for which it is designed, at 100%. The quality of stabilization at an incredible level, positioning accuracy + -0.01. Harsh wind or rain with it does not matter.
- Design the suspension of the quadrocopter is greatly facilitated due to the fact that there are fewer cables. Most of them are inside the suspension. Internal slip rings also helped to get rid of the problem of excess wiring. The control is implemented for vertical rotation angles of ±360°, pitch - from -120° to +15°, roll ±25°, thanks to the cables integrated into the suspension tubes. There is a built-in IMU measuring unit, an infrared module and a servo.
- Control. The gimbal easily obeys the turn of the joystick on the control panel. It is controlled by three modes: holding direction, not holding direction and horizontal. They are easy to switch. The shutter is also controlled from the ground using an infrared receiver.
- Compatibility: Ideal gimbal for DJI S1000 quadcopter, compatible with A2 and WooKong-M controllers. The DJI Lightbridge Video Link is compatible with the video output system. FPV works in both HD and AV.
pros
- Three control modes.
- Video link LightBridge.
- Innovative design.
Minuses
findings
The 3-axis gimbal fits into the professional category, designed for operators and photographers with good control skills. This is a full-fledged technically perfect part in the "organism" of the drone, which allows you to take aerial photography to a new level. No matter how sharp the copter moves, the camera always looks straight and straight.
Aluminum two-axis gimbal for quadcopter to stabilize the camera on brushless motors. The BGC controller allows you to fine-tune the operation of the gimbal by connecting it to a computer via USB.
Characteristics
Calibration
- press the button 1 time to calibrate the accelerometer
- press the button 2 times to calibrate the gyroscope
- press the button 3 times and the current position will become the default position
- long press reboots
Note
- Turn on the gimbal when the camera is in a horizontal position. When connected without a camera, the gimbal will twitch randomly.
- Don't try to reflash
- Keep information about initial values when changing settings
Connecting to V303
We did not change the settings in SimpleBGC:
Gimbal settings from another batch that we liked more: 
Pressing the gimbal control buttons changes the RC_PITCH or RC_ROLL values: 
Power was taken from the battery balancing connector, but it is also possible from the connector near the USB on the bottom of the quadrocopter: 
To control the tilt of the camera up and down, connect to the left group of contacts. The purpose of each of the three pins is signed on the board. Hangers may be of different revisions and the group may be different. Search for the desired one by changing groups (left or right) with the gimbal turned off. If the pins are not signed, then see the instructions that come with the suspension. Usually, the pin closest to the edge of the board is the "ground", and the farthest is the "signal". 
On the Internet, they wrote that it was enough to connect S to the white wire, but this option did not work for us. We have connected S(signal) to the white wire and GND(ground)(-) to the black wire. 
Never connect battery power directly or through the connector near the USB to the + and - pitch / roll channels.
2 axis gimbals for quadcopters are essential for camera stabilization and smooth video shooting. For each type of camera, there are different types of suspensions. It should be noted that gimbals are already included in the kits with quadrocopters designed for video recording. But if you decide to change the "native" quadcopter camera to a more professional one, you will have to buy a gimbal.
At the moment, there are both two axial suspensions and three axial ones. 2D gimbals stabilize the camera in two directions, and 3D, obviously, in three. They work at the expense of balancers, made mainly of aluminum. But if you do not know, then we will analyze each of them.
Two-axis suspension for Cheerson CX-20
Of the two axial suspensions, it is worth noting the Chinese model that goes to the Cheerson CX20. Designed for any camera with brushless type motors. Its weight is approximately 220 grams.
When assembling on some models of quadcopters, it may turn out that the gimbal presses on the chassis and blocks the USB input. This is easily corrected by simply filing the shock absorber plates.
It is advisable to glue the telemetry module on the side, thereby shifting it to the battery cover. In the case of the copter itself, near the battery unit, you will have to drill a small hole for telemetry and wires. The kit with the gimbal also includes a JST power wire, it needs to be soldered to the power regulator wire. Energy is supplied from the power module to the copter battery.
It is desirable to place the electronic circuit with the tilt sensor on the other side of the plate that acts as the base of the camera. Otherwise, you may encounter the fact that when orienting the camera down, the connector with the wire of the circuit will rest against the nearest plate and pull the camera.
You can use the SimpleBGC-GUI-2-2b2 gimbal adjustment software to adjust the controls. Basically, this adjustment is required when the camera is vibrating and the engine is squeaking due to excess tension. All you need to do is connect the gimbal to your laptop and load ready-made GoPro settings into the gimbal.
Naturally, when installing additional attachments on a quadrocopter, its weight increases. This leads to a reduction in flight time by about 15-20%. But the quality of the shooting will be excellent and stable.
DYS BLG2A Dual Axis Gimbal and Black CNC FPV
There is also a DYS BLG2A dual axis gimbal for GoPro cameras. Supports GoPro2 and GoPro3 camcorders. Has powerful brushless motors BGM2208-70. Made of aluminum alloy, which is characterized by high rigidity and durability of fixing the camera mount. The approximate weight is 240 grams, which is slightly more than the model described above.
Quite small dimensions, constituting 120x70x180 millimeters. Upper dampers provide additional stabilization to the quadcopter during flights. The entire assembly process takes no more than 60 minutes. Unfortunately, the controller board is not included in the package. But it has a fairly low price and a quality device.
Based on forum posts about cheap gimbals, people often buy universal Black CNC FPV gimbals that go with many popular types of quadcopter cameras. Just like the Cheerson CX20 model, it can take a bit of fiddling if it gets in the way of the chassis or covers the USB port. But, in general, the main problem for users is the large shaking of the camera and increased sensitivity during control.
A similar problem occurs with gimbals that have controllers from BASECAM Electronics. It is solved quite simply, similar to the option with Cheerson CX20. It is enough to install SimpleBGC_GUI_2_2b2 and upload the settings to the board.
Plastic suspensions from the manufacturer Walkera
In addition to aluminum hangers, there are plastic ones. The Walkera company, already known on the quadrocopter market, is actively developing plastic gimbals. They differ in low price (about 15% lower than aluminum counterparts) and low weight, which is only 160 grams. The strength of a plastic gimbal, of course, is slightly less than aluminum, but if your copter crashes into a hard surface and at high speed, which leads to gimbal breakage, then you can simply glue it with dichloroethane glue without losing initial strength, but this will not work with aluminum.
3D gimbals for GoPro
Three-axis gimbals have much better stabilization rates, but the price is obviously higher.
For example, the Zenmuse H3-3D gimbal is designed to hold GoPro3 cameras, including GoPro3+, for Phantom 2 series aircraft. Camera fixation accuracy can reach ±0.08˚. It also supports all flight controllers from DJI Innovations, including the Ace One, Naza H, and Wookong H helicopters.
Made of aluminum, which makes the suspension very durable and relatively light. Compatible with Flame Wheel flight platforms. Its dimensions are 97x95x73 millimeters and weighs 168 grams. The maximum processing speed is 130˚ per second.
It also has a built-in control module that allows you to rotate in the Tilt range from -130˚ to +45˚. New high-precision sensors in the built-in controller, encoders and brushless motor modules provide camera stabilization at the pixel level.
It is worth noting that a video made with a camera on a 3D gimbal may not be subjected to further processing. In addition, the gimbals have the ability to control independently of the quadcopter itself.
