Navigating the World of Gimbals: Top Picks for 2024

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As we move into 2024, the world of videography and photography continues to evolve, with gimbals playing a pivotal role in enhancing shooting experiences. This year has introduced some remarkable gimbals that cater to various needs, from professional filmmaking to casual vlogging. Let’s dive into the top picks for 2024.

1. DJI RS 3 Pro – The Ultimate Choice for Professionals

The DJI RS 3 Pro is a top-tier gimbal, ideal for professional videographers. Its high payload capacity, advanced stabilization algorithms, and compatibility with a wide range of cameras make it a favorite in the industry. The gimbal’s features, including a long battery life and quick release system, provide unmatched ease of use and efficiency.

2. DJI RSC 2 – Best for Easy Use

The DJI RSC 2 stands out for its user-friendly design, making it a great choice for those who prioritize ease of use. It supports a substantial payload and offers Titan Stabilization Algorithm for smoother footage. Its compact foldable design and 14-hour battery life with fast charging make it an excellent all-around choice.

3. FeiyuTech G6 Max – Reliable and Versatile

The FeiyuTech G6 Max is praised for its reliability and compatibility with various devices, including mirrorless cameras, smartphones, and action cameras. Its compact size, enhanced motor lock, and quick release system, along with an improved OLED screen, offer a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

4. ZHIYUN Crane M2 – Convenient and Compact

The ZHIYUN Crane M2 is an all-in-one gimbal that offers ultimate versatility. It’s an excellent choice for compact camera users who need a lightweight yet powerful stabilizer. This gimbal is perfect for travel and on-the-go shooting due to its compact design and ease of use.

5. DJI RS 3 – Balancing Affordability and Functionality

For those seeking a balance between price and performance, the DJI RS 3 is an excellent option. Suitable for most mirrorless cameras, it boasts a payload capacity of up to 3 kg and features like a 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen and 12-hour operating time. Its compatibility with an extensive range of cameras and lenses makes it versatile for various shooting scenarios.

6. DJI RS 3 Mini – Ideal for Lightweight Travel

The DJI RS 3 Mini is designed for hybrid mirrorless cameras, offering a great combination of lightweight design and robust functionality. It’s perfect for vloggers and travel photographers who need a portable and efficient stabilizer. With a 10-hour battery life and quick charging, it ensures uninterrupted shooting.

7. DJI RS 3 Pro – High Payload for Advanced Users

For those needing the highest payload capacity, the DJI RS 3 Pro is the go-to gimbal. It supports cameras weighing up to 9.9 lbs, making it suitable for high-end professional use. Features like a LiDAR focusing system, long-range wireless transmission, and an OLED touchscreen add to its appeal.

Conclusion

2024 offers a diverse range of gimbals, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you are a professional filmmaker, a content creator, or a photography enthusiast, there’s a gimbal designed to elevate your shooting experience. Stay updated with the latest in gimbal technology by checking out tech news websites and professional review sites for detailed insights.

The Best Drones for Photos and Video: Expanded Guide

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An assortment of drones flying in a vibrant sky at sunset, capturing diverse landscapes: a DJI Air 3 photographing the sunset, a DJI Mavic 3 Pro over a cityscape, a DJI Mini 3 near mountains, and an Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ above a beach.

Introduction

Drones have revolutionized photography and videography, offering unique perspectives and access to areas that were once out of reach for most creators. With the vast array of models available, choosing the right drone for your needs can be a daunting task. This guide aims to simplify this process, providing detailed information on the best drones for capturing stunning photos and videos.

Top Picks for Drones

DJI Air 3 – Our Top Pick

  • Key Features: Combines a high-quality main camera and a useful telephoto camera. It’s equipped with the latest autonomous technology, offering 360-degree obstacle avoidance. The drone is light and affordable compared to its features.
  • Why We Like It: The DJI Air 3 strikes the perfect balance between advanced features and ease of use, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users. Its obstacle avoidance system and dual-camera setup allow for creative flexibility in various shooting conditions.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Upgrade Pick

  • Key Features: Houses three cameras, including a Hasselblad-branded wide-angle lens and two telephoto lenses. It’s capable of capturing 5.1K videos and provides superior image quality in diverse lighting conditions.
  • Why It’s Worth the Splurge: For professionals or those seeking the highest quality footage, the Mavic 3 Pro offers unmatched camera capabilities and image quality. Its large sensor and high-resolution video capture make it a top choice for serious filmmakers.

DJI Mini 3 – Budget Pick

  • Key Features: Offers a 4K camera and a long battery life in a compact design. It’s just under the FAA’s 250-gram weight limit, making it ideal for travel.
  • Best For: Beginners or casual users. Its user-friendly interface and portability make it a great entry-level drone for those looking to explore drone photography without a significant investment.

Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ – Also Great

  • Key Features: Provides a 6K camera and up to 40 minutes of flight time. Known for having no significant security concerns and is available on the Google Play store.
  • Who It’s For: A fantastic alternative for those who prefer to avoid DJI due to security or privacy concerns. It offers high-quality video capabilities and a user-friendly experience.

Considerations for Choosing a Drone

  1. Camera Quality: Look for drones with higher resolution cameras and larger sensors for better image quality.
  2. Battery Life: Longer flight times mean more time to capture the perfect shot.
  3. Flight Stability: Essential for capturing smooth footage, especially in windy conditions.
  4. Size and Portability: Smaller drones are easier to travel with but may offer fewer features.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the drone meets local regulations, especially regarding weight and airspace restrictions.

Advanced Features

  • Obstacle Avoidance: Increases safety by preventing collisions.
  • Autonomous Modes: Features like follow-me and pre-programmed flight paths enhance shooting capabilities.
  • Gimbal Stabilization: Essential for smooth video capture.

Conclusion

The right drone can immensely elevate your photography and videography, offering perspectives and capabilities that were once impossible for the average creator. Whether you’re a beginner, a budget-conscious enthusiast, or a professional, there’s a drone out there that will meet your needs and help you capture stunning aerial footage.

Testing Alexmos SimpleBGC with Encoders Firmware 2.44B4

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Alexmos Encoder 2.44b4 Encoder Tab

Brushless Gimbal Motor with encoder for Alexmos SimpleBGC

 

Motors with SPI/PWM  Encoders

 

Brushless Gimbal Motor with encoder for Alexmos SimpleBGC

Brushless Gimbal Motor with encoder for Alexmos SimpleBGC

 

New Alexmos Encoder Firmware Upgrade

Alexmos Encoder 2.44b4 Encoder Tab

Using encoders with SimpleBGC board gives the following advantages:

1. Prevents motors from loosing synchronization and skipping steps.

2. Provides the information about frame angle and angle of the camera relative to frame, that can be

important for some kind of applications.

3. Can significantly decrease power consumption by using field-oriented control strategy to drive

motors.

4. Increases instant torque the same way.

5. Provides possibility to get information about the camera balance and makes automatic balancing

(with help of extra DC servomotors and moving counterweights).

6. Option to adjust camera position by hands.

7. Increase the precision of stabilization by applying FOC-specific compensations.

 

List of Supported Encoders

AMT203 – absolute (capacitive technology) 12bit, SPI communication

AS5048A,B – absolute (magnetic) 14bit, PWM, I2C or SPI communication, not assembled.

MA3 – absolute (magnetic) 10-12bit, assembled. PWM communication.