Zhiyun Crane M3S - My Favourite Compact Gimbal

Crane M3S (affiliate): geni.us/ZhiyunCraneM3SMark
Today I talk about the newly released Crane M3S which has quickly become my favourite new gimbal. I LOVED the original Crane M3, and this one makes some nice improvements that make it even better for my use case.
Compatibility List: www.zhiyun-tech.com/en/compat...
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Gear I used to make this videos (affiliate)
Music
Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Lav Mic: geni.us/CMqKB
Lav WindMuff: geni.us/kxWL
Big Camera: geni.us/KnC8A
Vlog Camera: bhpho.to/3IqZQfz
Lights: geni.us/09LdgP2
Studio Mic: geni.us/A6XBJ95
Studio Mic Recorder: geni.us/WWv4Ld
contact: [e-mail]
#cranem3s #zhiyun #gimbal

[@dbmathis]

It was a sweltering summer day in the little town of Lensville. Old Grandpa Jenkins, his skin weathered by time and his eyes glistening with memories, sat on the creaky wooden porch of his old farmhouse. His faithful golden dog, Bessie, lay at his feet, enjoying the shade provided by the overhang. With a chilled mason jar of homemade lemonade in hand, Jenkins began one of his renowned tales. "Y'see," he began, his gravelly voice carrying the wisdom of years, "there was a fella I once knew. Samuel, his name was. He was a high-flying sorta man, worked for a decade in a specialized job that paid him a small fortune. Had a golden touch, this lad. But just as the sun sets, so did his luck." Samuel's job was a niche one. He was an artisan blacksmith, his work renowned in far-flung places, pieces that fetched a price as pretty as their craftsmanship. But blacksmithing, though it was an art, was a dying trade. When the small bespoke company he worked for folded, the blow was harsh. Samuel found himself floating in a sea of uncertainty. "But around that time," Jenkins continued, his gaze softening as he looked out towards the setting sun, "a white crane started appearing, as if by divine intervention. At the riverbank when he walked, perched on the fence when he drove. This crane was a constant companion, though neither he nor his wife knew what it signified. They took it as a sign, nonetheless." This was when the turn of fate occurred. Samuel and his wife made the brave decision to leave the past behind, journey thousands of miles away from their familiar surroundings, with only their dreams and courage as their traveling companions. "They decided to dive headfirst into a new career," Grandpa Jenkins said, a glint of admiration in his eyes. His next venture was in the hospitality sector. A quaint boutique hotel nestled amidst nature's bounty. A big leap from the hammer and anvil but a leap worth taking nonetheless. They chose this new location for its stunning array of nature, the flora and fauna as diverse as it was enchanting. This fascination with nature inspired a secondary interest in Samuel - filming the pristine wilderness that surrounded them. The vibrant wildlife, the timeless landscapes, the ever-changing seasons. It was poetry in motion, captured frame by frame. In the midst of his narration, Grandpa Jenkins chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that caused Bessie to raise her head, her amber eyes gleaming curiously. "And do you know what happened next?" Jenkins asked, his voice tinged with mirth. It was a moment of synchronicity when the white crane made its re-entry into their lives, this time in the form of the Crane M3S gimbal, a white bodied mechanical wonder that helped steady Samuel's shots and elevated his video quality, transforming his filming hobby into a secondary career. His KZbin channel skyrocketed in popularity, racking up millions of subscribers, all drawn to his mesmerizing depiction of nature and the tranquility that it provided. The crane had come full circle, from a mysterious sign at the beginning of their journey to a pivotal piece of equipment in his newfound success. The universe, it seems, works in ways we barely comprehend. Through a sequence of strange coincidences, we find ourselves guided, pushed and pulled in directions we never thought we'd go, towards destinations we never imagined we'd reach. As the sun sunk low in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard, Grandpa Jenkins concluded his tale. "So you see, the Crane M3S wasn't just a tool for Samuel. It was a symbol, a piece of a puzzle that came together to form a picture of his future. An actual crane, and a mechanical one. It was as if life was playing a cheeky game of charades with him, hinting at what was to come." The evening breeze rustled the leaves, the crickets began their nightly symphony, and Bessie thumped her tail in satisfaction at the story's end. Jenkins gave a contented sigh, a small smile playing on his lips. "The world sure is a peculiar place, Bessie. You never know where you'll end up, do ya?" And with that, the day faded into twilight, leaving behind the echoes of a story of faith, transformation, and the mysterious games the universe plays.

[@markwiemels]

We have the same name, we have the same favourite gimbal. It’s so freakin good.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's SO good. And so is the name Mark.

[@TheGhostSeeker]

My uncles name!

[@MarkHuynh7]

Mark Gang

[@Jimmy_Wei]

And you have similar amount of subscribers, great

[@RealLupi]

I really appreciate your videos, keep up the good work!

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Mark! Thanks for making it

[@MollyFitzBrown]

Thanks for the info, looks nice!

[@andyelliott1866]

You can put that quick release plate on the crane M3 as well. Also I plug my camera into the gimbal so I do not have to change out batteries on a whole day

[@ramonanthony]

Awesome review as always. I'm happy to see that Zhiyun decided to incorporate the Bluetooth this time. This is a nice Gimbal

[@DannyRampage]

You convinced me to purchase the original M3, and it's incredible. Somewhat useless extra functionality due to limited uses, but I don't miss it. The extra weight capacity (sort of) is nice, but it works well with my A7C with the Sony 20mm, and Tamron 28-75 G2. When the M4 Crane comes out, then we'll see. Thanks again for another stellar video, Mark! Love the straight to the point reviews.

[@Pola509]

This badboy is arriving tomorrow. Can't wait to use it with my Sony Alpha 7IV which many different lenses. My go to lens at the moment is the 20mm 1.8

[@sheenatorno]

Hey Mark, great review. Do you think the M3 S can handle Canon M50 & Sigma 18-35mm? Just worried that it’s too front heavy. Thanks.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Definitely on my list of possibilities for a gimbal. Dougie is great for static but when I used it handheld wow was it bad. 😂

[@jorgenbjorn]

I just wanted to say THANK you for making a comparisson to the small DJI-version. My girlfriend is really looking into these two. Can I ask if you could please focus a bit on the vertical shooting options? I am myself looking into bying a ZV-E10, 11mm 1.8 and (perhaps) a M3S for dedicated vertical content. PLUS I would love to know if the M3S can hold a A7IV/A7SIII, 24-70 Sigma and a DJI mic set. I really want to know if it could support a setup like this as It would be pretty awesome for a light travel videojournalist setup :) Awesome Content btw! Kind Regards from Denmark Jørgen

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

With a mic pack and 24-70 and a lot of vertical content - the DJI is probably better. It’s a little bigger (not too much) but it holds a lot more weight and you can switch the arms for dedicated vertical video mode.

[@gastelumproductions]

Hello, Mark! Thanks for the video. I was about to buy the Crane M3, but since this just came out and its only $20 more I am undecided. I am planning on filming with an iPhone 11 Pro Max, BeastCage and some lenses and filters. I know the Crane M3 supports the weight. Now my main concern is that I was planning on buying the PGYTech quick mount to use it with both my tripod and the Crane M3. Unfortunately this quick mount (the one with the M3S) isn't compatible with it. I am assuming that putting a PGYTech quick mount over the M3S quick mount will just make my set up unnecessarily higher. I don't really need the bluetooth functions because I am using an iPhone. What would be your opinion? Should I save the $20 and purchase the PGYTech quick mounts, or do you recommend getting this new one? Thank you!

[@KINGDREYT]

What are you going with for the Sony FX30 specifically, this gimbal or the DJI RS3 mini? Looking forward to that comparison 💻

[@RodneyGracia]

Hi Mark! Thanks for the review. How does it feel with the ZV-E1? I was looking at the chart and they don't mention the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 as a compatible lens. I can't imagine it being a problem, but I'd love to see even a SHORT with that combo and your thoughts...

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The ZV-E1 works well - but the Tamron 28-75 is a pretty long lens which will make it front heavy and unlikely to balance. You'd probably be better off with the Ronin RS3 Mini with that combo

[@BrandonRico]

Nice haircut bro. I need to upgrade my m3 now 😪😅

[@Burzcasts]

I'm still using the Crane M2 with my ZV-E10 and works perfectly with all lenses except the very heavy ones.

[@iMarseilLe007]

Do you have sample videos?

[@markshirley01]

Im amazed at this little gimbal will balance my A7R5 and my Tamron 20-40mm (sony 24-70mm F4 is actually 100gm heavier) wow that is very handy

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yeah - to have such a little gimbal that doe that is amazing

[@pidezi]

Would you be able to do tutorials on portraits and other ways of photography? Thanks

[@shawnfoodfever]

thanks for great sharing 👍👍

[@IrfanKhokharFilms]

I just made you 300 likes on this video lol.. great review 👏👏

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

thanks!!

[@igorbankovic78]

Good Review 👍👍👍

[@KAPOPRO]

It is my best gimbal too, portable and light

[@lifewithloyang]

How would you compare this to the feiyu tech scorp mini? I have that gimbal right now and I like it but it's a little big which I don't really like so I'm debating if I want to keep it or not

[@zenphotocraftmedia8326]

Could you do a guide video how to set up how to set up the Sony camera to the Gimble Via cable to control the camera to control the camera on the gimbal

[@JoshSCG]

I currently have the Zhiyun M3, I’m debating on getting the RS3 Mini, M3S or the Weebill 3S. I shoot a lot of vertical video for Instagram content. What would you suggest? Portability is a high priority for me. Love the videos!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Probably the Weebil 3S. I find it has the easiest way to switch to vertical.

[@allstarbury]

Just want to ask question well 2 questions.Gimbal + ND filter + phone. We need more advanveced gimbal then for this weight ? Only iphone have this reflections when we are recording city in low light or every phone ?

[@TommyKinsey1972]

All of your F38 quick release videos led me to this: FALCAM F38 Camera Quick Release Plate for Zhiyun M3

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - definitely a great solution for the M3. I’ll probably use an f38 plate on this m3s as well

[@markshirley01]

Hi guys I have f38 clips is there a plate that will go on this gimbal from falcam - what is it called or do you have a link

[@davidpoo66]

Hi Mark, did you have any experience with Hohem MT-2?😮 Thx

[@imboredDB]

Hi Mark, anything else you recommend that takes arca swiss plate? Or is there a way around it?😮 Thx

[@timwynn6079]

Looking forward to the h2h comparison with the Dji mini2

[@Jareknphotography]

Anyway to mount a monitor and external mic to the side/handle of the gimbal?

[@DiogoReis]

Can the front trigger be used to lock mode when in another mode temporarily while pressing it like on a dji gimbal? I use that function with a friend's gimbal and like it...

[@sugarcastlecakesncrafts8411]

Please can you compare this with hohem isteady mt2 gimbal. I'm looking to buy my first gimbal and I'm torn between these two.

[@shubhampathak8220]

moza aircross s vs zhiyun crane m3s ? for sony a74 + sigma 16-28 f2.8 🙄 btw love your videos ;)

[@JohnMichael-gd2lh]

Hi Mark! I was able to snag the Crane M2S for a great deal ($160 brand new) literally the day before the M3S came out. Do you think it’s worth returning the M2S and buy the $300 M3S instead?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The crane m2s is great for smaller cameras. You can do the ZV-E0 and the Sony 11, Sony 15, Sony 10-20 f4, Samyang 12, sigma 30 and the kit lens. If you plan to use bigger lenses, get the crane m3s - if you plan to use any of those other lenses - keep that time M2S!!

[@ItsWhatIDo]

Ulanzi make quick release plates that are F38 compatible. I just bought one for my DJI RSC2

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - they do - they have one fir the M3 - but not yet for the M3S - so I just put my own plate on that one

[@zenphotocraftmedia8326]

With the zhiyun gimbals and the dji gimbals please. I am struggling to connecting and getting the controller n buttons to worth with my gimbals on the sony zve10

[@jopppsss]

Planning to get either the M2s or the M3s. Wondering if my A6400 + Viltrox 75 1.2 willnwork.

[@HellenLee-yz2oj]

You can refer this camera and lens combo compatible list:zhiyun-website-shenzhen.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/instruction/20231129/1701251289193-QNQAWfi5.pdf

[@mazzfotovideo]

Hi, between this and moza aircross S wich one it's Better? Thanks a lot.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

haven’t tried the Moza yet

[@benleong2008]

can i use peak design dual plate or manfrotto plate with this quick release system?

[@Soundwave857]

Not a fan of the quick release plate, I would have to add and rebalance it every time anyway since its not a acra swiss style plate. the old one at least allows to mount my own acra swiss clamp.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

You wouldn’t have to rebalance even if you remove the plate from the camera - because the base can stay where it is - and the plate goes on the camera the same place due to the way it’s made. I use a Ulanzi quick release plate with both the M3 or M3S

[@tedwardsadventures82]

Hi Mark, can you use the 11mm 1.8 lens supported on the m3s, I use the Sony zv=e10 as the body.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Oh for sure - perfect match

[@POVwithRC]

Seems like they fixed a few shortcomings on the Vanilla M3. Good.

[@POVwithRC]

And I have now purchased one lol

[@alexgoriatchenkov]

So the different is bluetooth and plate. I use Sony wireless remote (more control) anyway, and just unscrews camera from plate...(better anyway with no any plate on camera bottom). But original Crane M3 longer battery holding .

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The original is still amazing

[@SINANAvala]

Which is better for Sony zve10 + sigma 30mm 1.4 . M3 or M3s plz replay

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

both are good for the zv-e10 and sigma 30 - balance will be the same - the m3s has more features

[@PremiumMotoTV]

Isn't this quick release plate additional paid extras?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The gimbal itself comes with a quick release plate. But once it’s off, that plate won’t attack to anything else. It’s for being able to take the camera off and go handheld or for transportation

[@mvrruzzon]

I don’t understand why they don’t make it arca swiss compatible… it’s frustrating having to spend extra money on Ulanzi accessories to make it arca swiss compatible.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes - I rely on ulanzi for that as well.

[@clemens3388]

Can you make a Video about the Fujifilm x-s20?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

if I can get one in I will

[@qtben17]

Lcd is obstructed with a73 + 35gm (or 85 1.8) + nd / mist filter setup. I hav better luck with rs3 mini tho

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

good to know

[@schoeferfilm]

I have the Crane 3M for my small cams and the Crane 3s for my FX6 😂🏋️‍♀️💪🏼

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Nice!!

[@AprilClayton]

I didn’t know they made gimbals that small. I’m considering one. If I could set it up at home and bring it in my bag ready to go, I might try it.

[@WayofMJ]

had a question, can i use the f38 quick release plate on this gimble?

[@JasmineHuang-rt8vm]

No, it's recommended to use the original quick-release plate.

[@sammymorales6838]

How does it work wit Lumix S5ii

[@VideoStoryCreator]

Is the new M3S fully bluetooth compatible with the a6600? The M3 only controlled the shutter via wires. Shutter speed, aperture, etc isn't controllable 😞

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Bluetooth only controls the recording Stratton and stop. Shutter aperture and iso can be controlled by the connected wire - like the dji

[@VideoStoryCreator]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I have the M3, but haven't figured out how to control the shutter speed, aperture or ISO.

[@zhivu-vopreki]

Does someone know, does it work with panasonic s5?

[@JasmineHuang-rt8vm]

Yeap, the Panasonic S5 is in the compatibility list of the Crane M3S (at page 13): zhiyun-website-shenzhen.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/instruction/20230518/1684378348105-ipk8mjiw.pdf

[@kunalsen6361]

Can we put a L bracket on this gimbal to shoot in vertical mode?

[@HellenLee-yz2oj]

The gimbal with the Portrait mode to support vertical shooting.

[@CarnivoreKipp]

I tried it and the gimbal shakes even when balanced. I don’t know what I am doing wrong

[@HellenLee-yz2oj]

You can adjust the motor level to try.

[@cityos-creativo]

Few days ago i purchased the crane m3, days before, Zhiyun presents the Crane M3s...god...please Zhiyun, release a new firmware for control the sony cameras from gimbal 😢😢😢

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I’m sure you’d have time to return it - but honestly I never connect the cables. I just use gimbals for stability

[@syedalam4613]

Hi I'm very beginner. I want to blog my holiday video. I got cannon m50 mark ii and now i just Boughton Zhiyun carane m3s but im struggling to do basic setup. Please can you help me with setup guide. Thank you

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

check out this video - it will be the same process kzbin.infoJPIgU7DkRj0?feature=share

[@masum_rezaa]

Can I use Sony A6400+ Viltrox 33mm with the M3S?? please answer me Sir

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - that should be fone

[@JasmineHuang-rt8vm]

Here's the compatibility list of the Crane M3S: zhiyun-website-shenzhen.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/instruction/20230518/1684378348105-ipk8mjiw.pdf

[@MrBenBoomer]

This man knows his audience! Tiktokin and booty poppin! 😂

[@hellopsp180]

Still waiting for that head to head against the mini 3

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Doing it now actually. It’s a tough call between the two for sure

[@raghusonu143]

Does it work with sony zv e10 with sigma 16 mm.. waiting for ur rply . TIA

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes, it works. it’s at the extremes, but you can balance it

[@raghusonu143]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thank you ❤️

[@asilviavidal]

Missed opportunity when you turned the light off in the pitch dark of saying "OMG, who's that ugly person that just showed up on the screen?" 5:55

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣

[@Redaldia]

Thank you, Mark, but Feiyu Tech Scorp Mini it’s still a much better gimbal.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

that’s a good gimbal for sure.

[@TheOmnicPost]

Cable people :p They are so oldschool..

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣

[@Duc1198YamR1]

Zhiyun M3s or DJI RS3 Mini? 🤔

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I’ll test them head to head, I prefer the smaller setup of the m3s - but the rs3mini is more versatile

[@HangarQueen]

So they've updated their quick-disconnect mechanism -- but AGAIN used a proprietary design. WhyOhWhy don't they offer a standard Arca-Swiss mount built into the gimbal? So that you can easily move the camera from gimbal to tripod to whatever else, standardizing on Arca-Swiss? FWIW, I made my own for my ZV-E10 to mount to my Crane M2S using Arca-Swiss: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqTHmJKvr8donZI (Warning: quite long. It was one of my first vids, before I got a little better at editing/timelapse.)

[@TexpatOTG]

It's getting hard to find a gimbal that isn't a built-in battery disposable. I'm still using 3 year old gimbals that have user replacable 18650 batts. I am still not buying products with built-in batts. Built-in batts only are a benefit to the manufacturers bottom line.

[@darkwin_ph]

Everything is about what u prefer, I actually like more built-in battery cause i already have old flashes with four AA battery and is the most gross thing on the world, overheating and constantly fail

[@PawFromTheBroons]

2:14 That's INCREDIBLY inefficient, really. Instead of listing it as up to X kilos, you have to hope they maintain and update their list, or do your own conversion of bodies + lenses they already support into actual weight just so you know which you'd be able to balance.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It's really less about the weight and more about the form - if it's a long lens for instance - sometimes it gets too front heavy. Or if the camera body is too bulky, that presents an issue balancing toward the back of the gimbal. It's the trade-off for having something small and light. You can't just stick any old camera and lens on it.

[@CristoforoBonissone]

🙏👍👍

[@studioshafer]

Zhiyun forced me to try out their gimbals at NAB 😭

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I hope they used you in the promo shots!!

[@Life_of_John]

I will not buy any gimbal until they use standard arca swiss. Simple. Think I'll look at decent monopod for now. Thanks zhiyun! Lets be honest, most here are watching from a youtube vloggers point of view. Gimbals are really for film making. Who here is doing that! Over priced and heavy bulky gimbals are just over hyped! And I'd like to see all these reviewers with their free gifts create content. Yes, actually create and use the equipment and show us their work. Or am i just a old moody git?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

most reviewers aren’t filmmakers. they spend their days reviewing devices and learning how they work and compare to others. Filmmakers make films and generally don’t know how their gear compares to other products or care how anyone else might use it or have time to make KZbin reviews about a $300 product. There are acting coaches, pro sports trainers, film teachers, classes for dp’s, etc. None of these people do the “pro work”, but they are professional teachers. It’s like saying the baseball coach shouldn’t coach because he doesn’t play in the game. Good reviewers are good at reviewing and know all of the competing products on the market because they review them all. That is a benefit you will get from no one else.

[@Life_of_John]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis You could of just called me a moody git. Still subscribing, still love ya content. X

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🤣🤣

[@stephenartner]

You can try the Feiyutech AK2000C, it's a great small(ish) gimbal that natively takes Arca-Swiss with no adapters required.

[@Life_of_John]

@@stephenartner I'll look into it now, thanks. Currently using my gopro 11 for vlogging and the zve10 for b roll !

[@ramonanthony]

First? 😅 do I get a free crane m3s?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

haha - I'll let you know

[@ramonanthony]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis certainly better than a "no". 😁

[@noisackda2564]

Welcome back home, Mark. The gimbal is clearly too small for your manly hands. I'll DM you my address to send over.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it's in the mail

[@noisackda2564]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis You're my favorite Mark.

[@atifjubaer]

Take my Crane m3 and give this one 😂.. ❤ LOVE YOU MARK

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

haha

[@YaYousef5]

I bought this gimbal based on your video and I regret it. The quality feels cheap. Making adjustments to balance the gimbal is extremely annoying because of the low quality design. One of the plates wobbles even after I lock it down with the power of Juggernaut but it will still moves out of position. And then even after all of that, my Sony A7c with the 20mm 1.8 seems too heavy and imbalanced for this gimbal. It doesn't work correctly like with other gimbals. It's crappy and I don't recommend people buying it unless you're going to use APS-C cameras with small lenses. I'm returning it.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it is meant for small cameras. I still love mine. being so small and light, it won’t feel like a metal gimbal, but that’s to save weight. try the DJi RS3 mini. it’s heavier and bigger, but it probably has that sturdy feel you’re looking for.

[@YaYousef5]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Update: I bought the DJI RS3 and oh my god it's SO much better. There's a fine adjustment knob for tilt that makes it a lot faster and easier to balance the gimbal. The quality feels muchhhhh better like a premium product, and it has smoother performance. I highly recommend it over the Crane M3S. Yes, it's heavier, but it's built so much better and it's so much easier to use that it's not even a competition.

[@NickinNashville]

you talk about your looks a lot my dude....

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I know, right?? I mean, someone’s got to