When filmmakers shoot everything on a gimbal

The gimbal we shot everything on (Zhiyun Crane 4)
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Special thanks to all the incredible people who made this video possible:
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0:00 intro
0:40 What you've got wrong about gimbals
01:25 8 shots to get on a gimbal
04:50 Stabilizer vs Handheld
05:00 Best lenses for a gimbal
05:55 Insane Macro lens set-up
06:50 Behind the scenes
07:12 Best mindset for gimbal cinematography
07:50 short film we shot with the CRANE 4
09:00 This STABILIZER IS INSANE
11:15 IBIS VS GIMBAL
11:57 How to film while using stabilizers
12:19 Biggest takeaway
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[@ZachRamelan]

What are your thoughts on gimbals? Are they over used? Not used enough?

[@oaktreesewede5152]

Since im on a TIGHT budget im trying to figure out how i can create one by myself , hahaha

[@user-xv4ws7nf8q]

@@oaktreesewede5152 Are you familiar with Lego Mindstorm NXT? Could be a solution😂😂😂😂

[@alexreadsthings5677]

I love gimbals, but love glide cams more.

[@waynosfotos]

I hear a lot of hate for gimbals, but I do feel this comes down to not learning to use it properly or using it incorrectly. People try to use it like "handheld" and this will give that mechanical look. I use It by thinking about the shot, then move the gimbal from point A to point B, this stops the sway you get with trying to hold still or with slow movements. Gimbals can also allow you to get speciality shots easily and quickly as you highlighted in this video. Tip, learn your follow functions.

[@JonackFilm]

over used

[@MonsterS4R996]

I'm a solo shooter. 90% of the time, I'm filming myself. Other 10% of the time, I'm filming non-moving objects, knives, motorcycles, etc. (Also shoots still photos) Naturally, most of the time (I'd say, 95% of the time, or more), the camera is on tripod. Another thing is, I work way too many days & too long hours, I don't have that much free time. Which means, I prefer minimal set up. Or else, while I'm trying to set up things, my free time is gone. So, in my current situation, gimbals really don't have a place. (Also, right now, I'm trying to concentrate on composition and lighting. Looking at a lot of Kurosawa's film. When both the camera AND myself are moving at the same time, I really can't clearly think about composition. How people do that? (Oh, and I'm using manual focus lenses , also.) Anyway, this is one of my favorite youtube channels. You shoot (kind of) minimalist set-up. In one video, you showed your lens set up, which consists only two lenses. (One zoom, one fast prime (for when good background separation is needed). That video is my favorite.

[@joejamesphoto]

Very nice! Loved the variety of shots you got. And thank you for mentioning using it for story rather than just flair.

[@zaymax_7]

I love this video a lot. I've never been more impressed by a youtube filmmaker on a video about gimbals. You've presented a new understanding about the use of gimbals as well as the downsides, and the importance of being intentional with gimbals as a a tool for storytelling and not just smoothness. I typically stir away from gimbals every chance I have as I live the feel of handheld and static shots combines more. You also explained how you have to keep practicing gimbal handling, and you have to really feel it as an extension. It's the same thing with handheld, and seen in your video, you definitely have more experience with gimbals than handheld. Your rig is not for handheld shooting, and your camera handling isn't the best, which is fine. However I still think that gimbals really have its time and place, and shooting handheld does not at all take away what you've mentioned. Proper handheld means no IBIS. A lot of people who shoot with the lumix S5 (including me) with amazing IBIS compared to sony, turn IBIS off because it's not natural. The philosophy of handheld isn't you holding the camera, it's more of you being the camera. You're 100% in control of where it's pointed at and how it will feel. It does take just as much time to master compared to a gimbal, but I think us filmmakers should strive to be a master of both even if we'll use one of them more

[@PavelMy]

yes, that's for sure, I noticed for myself that at first they shot too much from the gimbal, and now I understand more and more that I abused it, and that static hand shots often look better

[@SFTourGuide]

I recently bought a Zhyiun crane 3. It is a great gimbal if you are a world class body builder. It is soooooooooo heavy. Now, it has a purpose in my gear. you can put a camera with a heavy lens and it will balance no problem. My Crane 2 won't work with my 105 lens. I can even use my zoom lens and not have to rebalance it when I zoom in. Love that. It also has every goodie in the world, so much that I don't know where to start figuring it out. But I love the handle! I wish I had held off until the Crane 4 came out. It may not have as many goodies, but it looks like something I could use every day.

[@bentheremedia3011]

Incredible video! Some extremely valuable tips in here and your work speaks for itself. Only tip I would add is to avoid subspace warp with warp stabilizer whenever possible. You can see the trees warping at ~2:55. I usually either set it to "position, scale, & rotation" or I use something like reel steady or catalyst browse with the gyro metadata built into Sony cameras. I know that's probably a bit out of the scope of this video though since that's only specific to select camera models but I'd still recommend avoiding subspace warp when you can to prevent that wobbly look.

[@nickszeman]

Zach "The Gimbal" Ramelan does it again! 👏

[@heckensteiner4713]

Flippin' sweet shots!

[@mediebyg3844]

Such a beautiful storytelling shot.

[@juanReyes-dw1sm]

thank you for your hard work Zach! super informative

[@jwate]

I love gimbals, but I’m wayyy more confident hand held for events that only happen once. I should of bought a bigger gimbal, but the rsc2 is still going strong when I need one. Gimbal like a tripod is solid. Attach a monopod under the gimbal can come in handy too.

[@avx111]

this is the best advertisement I've seen for this gimbal yet, actual good shots.

[@jojoowens9309]

Awesome video, I'm currently using the Crane 2s to film my 1st Horror Feature "Boomer's Cell" and I can factually say that my gimbal has saved me a lot of time and money. I am an independent filmmaker that pays for everything from props to actors, I write, produce, film and edit my films, so I can't afford the sliders and such. Thanks for sharing and look forward to more of ur educational videos.

[@jmanchester]

Such a great video! Awesome look into how to use a gimbal for more than just saying you're using a gimbal

[@CPSWEDEN]

Love the macro shots!

[@KyleWhiteTV]

Really enjoyed this Zach! Thank you

[@GhostStealth590]

Been on plenty of shoots in the woods where the humidity is so high, you're dripping with sweat and not even an hour into the shoot. Can definitely relate.

[@flappytaco]

Fantastic work! I was gonna sell my gimbal as I just got the a6700 and was gonna rely on the in-body image stabilization. But now I'm gonna keep it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@aybee5908]

ArcaSwiss take off from DJI RS 3 to ArcaSwiss Tripod takes 10 seconds. Same back to Gimbal. Your dancing model is amazing, and very good camera job, too!!! The macro close up is a slider job for me (bit restless with gimbal).

[@Photoshopuzr]

Beautifully done and put together im surprised you dont have a monitor in there to keep focus, im impressed by the built in light. im in the works for the dji 3 but this option looks good as I shoot in the night. great video man. Gimbals for me is a must have tool and sorry I haven't used them before, like all tools you have to have the skills to use them properly..😄

[@ScottOmaVideo]

To add an external monitor, you have to remove the side handle on the Crane 4. There's only two "attachment slots" at the base of the gimbal, so you have to choose 2 of the 3: wrist rest, side handle, or external monitor.

[@paulg3388]

Great Video thanks. Just out of interest which Macro lens were you using for the eye shot?

[@tipsadvicesforactors8240]

Well done video. Great tip. Thank you, Zach.

[@VladimirLadev]

Gimbal newb here. This is great!!!!

[@WilliemBills]

you audio super coool, i own a holly lark too ...i have nort quite figured it ouy . great video bro

[@NINETY-97-SEVEN]

Loved the video bro! Did you use any mist filters? Would you recommend them? I have a tiffen black pro mist 1/4 for my sony 35mm f1.8 but it adds a blue tint to the shadows and it's so annoying to color grade in post.. but it adds nice bloom and highlights look softer 😅

[@RayNatsuki]

Love the video but I noticed your using the same portable mic system I have (when it was you and the woman walking) and they record one pan. One records left while the other does the right side, You can change that there'a a mode changer on the receiver just hit tht till it records stereo!

[@pudsboi5203]

Brilliant vid 🤙

[@juliandirector]

Hi @ZachRamelan you record that videos with manual focus or Automatic focus ? thanks in advance

[@smellbee4052]

Sad to see dust in your macro lens it kind of ruined the shot, does having an external screen helps detect that and then clean the sensor?

[@feedeevit]

I have it's predecessor, Crane 3 LAB. Probably the most versatile piece of equipment that I got.

[@ClintByrne]

Nice moves. I've been on gimbals since the first movie and really loves the flexibility it gives me.

[@scoutfpv]

Spectacular! Thanks for this. New sub!

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ghostvisualsphilliplopez.7114]

Amazing work and color grading! 🔥🔥. What pp?? And what camera do you have on the gimbal?!

[@hello-lb3vf]

I have advice specific to narrative filmmakers regarding gimbals. #1 most important thing: gimbal usage should be motivated. When you grab a gimbal, more often than not, you don't need one. Use a tripod.

[@chriskonjian]

I love the face you do while filming! 🥴

[@newtfilms_]

Everything looks great, Zach. You never fail to amaze us with everything you share with us! Btw, Is this the fx3? May I know what's your thoughts with the FX30? would you buy it?

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you so much!!! Never used the FX30 but it looks fantastic!!

[@JoeRussellProductions]

Which DSLR are you using in this video? The auto focus is on point.

[@carolynarredondo9061]

thank you!

[@ryansulak]

you keep mentioning macro lens, but what lens was it exactly? the shot looks great, thanks! do you prefer the crane over dji rs3 pro?

[@fernandorodriguez3734]

What kind of filters did you use?

[@JavierMadinabeitia]

Great video! but I can't unsee the dust mot you have on the sensor hhahaha!

[@Chanslam]

Quality vid 👍

[@theresemarkham9387]

Love your insights!!

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you!!

[@theresemarkham9387]

Your welcome

[@DaCount]

i came to see to learn something about the gimbal ... but the model is so amazing whatever she is doing hehe

[@NathanSimms-ku7ky]

Nice footage and great tips, but that one speck of sensor dust....

[@DiyPrincess123]

good camera man

[@jaredmeche6325]

Oof, dust on the lens at 4:24 😂. Funny thing about gimbals is at first glance, it looks like the easiest thing to get right... It isn't. It's easy to get carried away with how smooth all the movements are, you forget to keep them simple.

[@koogoocoo]

yeah im not super impressed by this guys "gimbal masterclass"... dust on the lens as you pointed out, that crane/jib example at 1:30 is out of focus, strangely composed and not even remotely smooth, and the majority of these gimbal moves feels amateurish and awkward. this video is more than anything a demonstration to me that while gimbals are fairly easy to use, they are incredibly difficult to use well. and im not sure this guy is very good at using gimbals.

[@Nynex]

impressive autofocus on that FX3!

[@entertainfast1408]

Verry nice i like your videos

[@henryrichie3388]

What ND filter do you always use?

[@chunhangtang]

I see you have a directional mic on your camera, so do you add steoro audio effect in post or do you just use the video from that mic?

[@SienbhaRymbai]

Color lut?

[@kingech_B15]

Dope

[@GlennVanderbeke]

Nice video Zach

[@randyalcalarucoba2593]

Hello, where can I get your overlays? HELP

[@jacksonnoahutube]

Nice work! Fellow AOD member here! What frame rate did you wind up shooting in, and for doc / feature work, what do you recommend? Also, thanks for that IBIS comparison; I really appreciated that.

[@kishorekumar3621]

what mic are u using Bro??

[@cinematools9621]

Great video. I found that dolly movements or any slow movements are still impossible to replicate unless you put yourself on some kind of wheel. The stabilizer space needs innovation.

[@mr.frandy7692]

There's a method of walking that I learned in marching band long ago that keeps the instrument from rattling around in your mouth as you basically have to powerwalk around the damn football field.. haha. It has served me well in gimbal work. Look it up on youtube if you're interested.

[@itsapinecone7280]

​@@mr.frandy7692ay yo me too lol. it works wonders with glidecam or other manual stabilizers(which honestly i prefer, they just feel more natural snd fufilling to me, plus are more durable and trustworthy)

[@taylorruss]

Gimbals are great when they work. But they're such a pain in the ass. So much so I'd try to keep it on the gimbal all day to avoid a lengthy changeover.

[@Beyrouth_]

Honestly, I’m here for the dancing hippie

[@_burd]

I think that's the gist of what many are missing when it comes to using handheld gimbals properly. It's a mistake to think there is a 'gimbal' shot, it's more productive to think of the gimbal as one tool as a means to many different shots. That being said, the tendency to move the camera a LOT without shot motivation can become a crutch. Stillness and motion are things to carefully tune throughout a film as their cadence effects the viewer regardless of wether you intended it, so you can end up making the photography a distraction from the story. Like a lot of other aspects in film making, 'Less, done better, is more.'

[@rightmatt]

6:52 was my favourite scene 😆

[@regenosis]

Your comments about using yourself as a tripod and not having to deal with setting up tripods and height and position and angles etc is so spot on. This is why I prefer gimbals over sliders for the majority of cases. Sure, sliders are more stable if you need the odd macro product shots, but I find the difference is marginal and the amount of time needed to get the slider perfectly level by adjusting the 2 tripods holding it up, position, extra video head if you want tilt/pan, taking camera on and off of the slider etc is just too consuming and unnecessary.

[@jerryding6940]

what lens was that? How did you get such close up marco shots? I'm using sigma 24-70 but my min. focus can't get that close up

[@robinprobyn1971]

Buy a close up filter , screw it on the front .

[@Chase-Video]

85mm at 5:55

[@AdrianBond]

Classic Colnago! 🙂

[@Scenenexus]

please make a video on iso and exposure please

[@stevenfilmco-8567]

they talk about gimbals having a robotic look i think the lady dancing looks amazing cinematic

[@bkunal88]

the sensor dust is bothering me :(

[@HydroVector13]

0:05 gotta be more careful xD

[@benjamin.kelley]

As a wedding filmmaker, the worst is when a newer shooter (or one set in their ways and not striving to get better) says "I'm on gimbal all day", which translates to me as "I don't know what shots I want, or how to compose, so I'm going to use the gimbal as a crutch to try and save my unintentionally and indecisiveness". That being said with the right intention, focal lengths, movement, framing and compositions, gimbal shots can be really powerful in visual storytelling.

[@Y33HawGamer]

I personally hate gimbals. I like shooting handheld. Makes me feel I’m really there. Plus makes me work for the shot such as shifting my body etc. but I’m more of a cinamtic filmaker. In the world of everything being 8k , perfect stabilization etc imperfections can bring us back to reality and actually enjoy the content imo

[@Gloomwithaview]

So that is just your assumption. You know what they say when you assume… Gimbals like any tool is just that, a tool.

[@jpemile]

I hear you 100%. I actually clicked on this video so fast thinking “finally somebody’s talking about it” but it was not that at all 😅 But yeah, I mean beginners will do beginner things and it’s all good but I just hope more content creators could help them transition.

[@LuisFelipeBustilloVelasquez]

At the beginning of my career I always shoot on gimbal and 60fps , now I shoot at 24fps without gimbal, I always have the indecisiveness in my mind , but now I just trust more in me 😅

[@Amlilleberg]

🤟🏻

[@MichaelBouhnikProductions]

The best is when you dont have to rebalance your gimbal everytime you switch lenses, i managed to make my 20mm, my 35 and my 85 roughly the same weight so i can just swap lenses in less than 30 sec and be on the go

[@ScottOmaVideo]

how do you make them the same weight and weight distribution?

[@MichaelBouhnikProductions]

@@ScottOmaVideo by adding things like a sunhood or step up rings, uv filters or other things, until u see that you dont have to re balance.... the best thing also is since i am shooting on a canon R6, i use the adapter to ef lenses which includes a variable ND filter so its like I have interbal nd filter and when i remove the filter ring for low light scenes, i still dont have to rebalance my gimbal since it is in the center of the whole weight

[@GasWorksISO]

@@MichaelBouhnikProductions Or you could use matched cinema lenses.

[@MichaelBouhnikProductions]

@@GasWorksISO more expensive but mostly no autofocus and for gimbal work its very important

[@user-ik3bk4fj8w]

Nahhh you can do that only in your dreams.

[@ProdChikara]

Dope video! Sensor or lens needs cleaned tho lol.

[@ZachRamelan]

Haha good call! I noticed and cleaned right after I shot the video lol

[@dchawk81]

I'm new to gimbals but I bought it to maintain my horizon and stability as well as reduce shake to a minimum despite my flawed movements as a human being. I didn't buy it to blindly swing it around and make people nauseous.

[@Fairyland.Entertainment]

yeah I think a gimbal with an additional tri/monopod is better than building/buying dollies

[@RedStar89]

Gimbals are great when used properly. I had so many gimbal users who ruined mny of photos during weddings just because they feel they need to keep walking every single time.

[@peterplantec7911]

Nice Job Zach. This was a well-thought-out professional presentation. I use a Zhiyun gimbal. They are very fine tools. I don't think they are used enough. Many bloggers do handheld shots of e-bikes and hikes etc where the jostling is all over the place. Gimbals can be cheap and should be used more often IMHO. I used to write a column for low-budget film makers at Studio Daily Magazine...I often recommend gimbals. Best.

[@SaxSpy]

can you do a cinematic challenge video that has 0 slow mo?

[@ZachRamelan]

That’s a fantastic idea Lol! That said… I love slow mo way too much

[@SaxSpy]

@@ZachRamelan it looks good! i only say bc most of my work is real time and my favorite youtubers do slowmo😅

[@beygoproduction]

👍

[@alphafilms_at]

i wanna know if you bought it with your own money or if this is a ad.. was not mentioned..

[@dchawk81]

He said in the beginning that they gave it to him.

[@harpenfluit]

Love the video, but could you make the dialogue of the BTS footage mono? It's not very pleasant to listen to with headphones. :)

[@rrjegannath115]

0:05 sometimes motion blur needs to be avoided...😅

[@theuktoday4233]

now you just sit down for 5 maybe 20 minutes while I attempt to balance this new lens on the camera gimbal

[@kanohane]

Bro's nose is going to break the lens in that thumbnail...☠️

[@Cestariarts]

5:55 not a Macro lens, but a normal lens with extension tubes

[@writhracing1642]

don't forget to clean your sensor when using macros lenses

[@igorm1980]

Hey friend, for ten or more years the gimbal was my favorite piece of equipment, but since using the Sony FX3, I only use the gimbal in rare situations. The camera has a gyroscope, and the free Catalyst Pro is the perfection of a tool. Most of the shots you made in the video can be done much more creatively and, best of all, much faster without a gimbal...especially shorter movements like dolly and the like. Also, you can put the lens you want at any time without wasting time balancing the gimbal. I think you already know all that, so try playing with the best camera without a gimbal...your hands will hurt less!

[@joeldiaz141]

6:50 ?

[@thehighestsoapbox7561]

No lighting?

[@FabianMepic]

Stop doing these Videos. They have to good quality for KZbin.... No, really nice Tutorial, with cool shots, a lot of experience and we can see you put a lot of work in it. Keep it up and I appreciate your time, you put in this project 💯

[@ZachRamelan]

Haha thank you so much!!! Hope ya learned something. I appreciate you watching ❤️

[@user-ik3bk4fj8w]

The best, the model, she is so sensual

[@Cestariarts]

1:32 would be nice if the subject was in focus

[@renestrgar]

You can use gimbal and do a steady shot, you.

[@AutoFOCUSED.]

Wait --- the eye shot could have been done just as easily handheld, no? That was the only think that confused me about the video. Beautiful shots, nonetheless.

[@ZachRamelan]

Doing macro handheld is really tough! Not impossible, but with small cameras, the jitters are really annoying. Thank you soooooo much!

[@user-bx2pm9ls4v]

there is some dirt on your 85mm lens. left upper side.

[@ZachRamelan]

Haha, 100000th person to notice this! CLEANING LENS NOW!

[@landonhall9931]

Im a gimbal hater. Ive started to really disike the way most gimbal footage looks, but its a tool. If you use the tool right it will do the job well. It is essential for me shooting shorts by myself because i can program camera moves very easily

[@alexbeltrao2535]

sensor is veeery dirty

[@j.michaelphotography4883]

please clean your sensor

[@ZetaVisual]

you have a big spot of dust in your sensor

[@joeckjacob7060]

bro you are intentionally making the hand held look shitty by not playing it in slow mo. i wonder why ?! feels disingenuous tbh . not saying that the gimbal doesn't make those shots better . BUT... you get the idea

[@bryaneditiontv600]

3:16 isn't that shot a bit intimate and revealing?