The motion timelapse mode is particularly good fun: it allows you to record a timelapse video while automating the movement of the camera from one point in your scene to another for a more dynamic-looking result. Furthermore, over built-in Bluetooth, the camera syncs up with a free-download ZY Play mobile app for iOS and Android for additional capabilities.

There’s less of a difference between footage stabilised on the Crane-M2 and the electronic image stabilisation (EIS) you get on a decent action camera. Featuring a more easy-to-use quick setup system and smart lock design, as well as six creative operation modes, CRANE-M2 easily goes wherever you go and offers endless possibilities to your everyday creation. I found this very frustrating as a first-time user and had to resort to looking for video tutorials elsewhere just so I could finally start using the gimbal. Then you have POV (point of view), where you control all movements of the camera with the handle – pan, tilt and even roll. That’s why we’ll make it in our best interest to offer you the very best option should you find them cheaper.Once I attached the tripod bottom, I didn't take it off, because it is that light, and I prefer having the option to safely put it down on the ground or use it as a tripod for filming certain clips.

Here, the camera follows the direction you point it in, keeping it dead level, and allows you to adjust the tilt axis using the joystick. Although I did not have the best start when trying to stabilize my camera or when trying to connect it to Wi-Fi, I'd be happy to put that experience past me, because this gimbal could be a really useful piece of equipment so as long as it fits your style of shooting and more importantly, it fits with your camera.Over a wired connection, the gimbal is able to power a supported camera and control its zoom, shutter, and video start/stop functions. One thing to make sure, check to see that you’ve screwed in the handle all the way, if it’s even loose by a hair it’ll turn off. The new quick release plate works very well this definitely has a lot of nice design changes over the previous model. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to capture footage and zoom in and out using the controls on the gimbal’s handle. If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget.

The CRANE-M2 features a quick release camera mounting system that lets you secure or remove your camera at the push of one lock button. Inside the box is the gimbal itself and selection of accessories: one mini tripod, which attaches to the bottom of the gimbal’s handle; a USB-A to USB-C cable; a wrist strap; and a spring-loaded clip for holding your smartphone safe and secure. Once I had it set up and once I learned how it works, the initial instructions became clearer, but as someone who's never done anything like that before, it can be a very frustrating process. Smaller, more lightweight, the CRANE-M2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer from Zhiyun-Tech is designed for compact cameras, smartphones, and action cams up to 1. With the aim of recording some of our personal travels, as well as a mix of photography and lifestyle vlogging, this seemed to be the missing piece in the puzzle that is amateur videography.You can also control the gimbal movements with the free-download ZY Play mobile app for iOS and Android, providing remote control over many functions of the gimbal and filmmaking features such as time-lapse, panorama, and slow-motion capture. All this is packed into a high-density foam carry case that protects the gimbal and its accessories from damage during transport. To make every one a true filmmaker of their daily lives, ZHIYUN brings a new handheld stabilizer designed for multiple devices for users of all levels. The M2 S packs all the great features of the M2 and adds even more functionality, including a higher payload, longer runtime, PD fast charging, a smaller handgrip, stylish two-tone design, Bluetooth 5 support, a redesigned quick-release camera plate, and a built-in LED light. Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.

To me, it just seems like a great option for those who travel often and don't want to carry heavy equipment. It isn’t too big or heavy, it’s comfortable to hold, even with a heavy camera mounted, and all the controls – a joystick for controlling camera movement, plus trigger, record and mode buttons – are sensibly positioned so they’re easily reached with your thumb or forefinger. The Zhiyun Crane M2 S is a small and portable gimbal with only 549g net weight, as large as a bottle, it also has the portability of the Crane M2 and the tech from the Crane M3. The quality of footage obtained would be sufficient for me and my needs, and I would consider bringing it with me on shoots to potentially add brief video footage to the final gallery, too.The Zhiyun Crane-M2, with its three-axis stabilisation and host of features, does more than just smooth out shaky video, however. Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. If you’re new to gimbals, the Crane-M2’s setup process might take a little while to get your head around; it’s certainly not as simple as the DJI Osmo or one of Zhiyun’s more basic gimbals to get started with. Next up is Go mode, which is a more responsive version of POV but keeps the camera level, locking off the roll axis. I looked at the batteries, and there was a bit of oxide on the contacts, which I managed to clean with a coin, I think.