Looking for the best gimbal for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K? We’ve tested and reviewed the most recent gimbals for BMPCC 4K, and listed below are the top-rated ones.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K shoots a stunning DCI 4 K RAW footage, has a menu that is simple to use and only costs $1,300. You can film in either CinemaDNG RAW or ProRes to SD, Cfast 2.0, or external media with the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. At higher ISOs, the camera provides dual native ISO for less noise and can record up to 120 frames per second in windowed HD mode.
Your hopes are too high if you’re not swept away by those specs. It’s not ideal for a camera, but what would you hope for a $1,300 camera? Remember the “What would you get for $1,300?” mantra? “It’s a popular reaction to its shortcomings.
The 2nd camera in the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema line is the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. The original Pocket Cinema Camera shoots RAW or ProRes resolutions up to HD and actually works in several larger bags, but not with a lens attached. On the other side, this new camera wouldn’t fit in the pocket of a giant. It’s a clunky, big camera. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4 K has a 5-inch touchscreen and the Blackmagic OS, the industry-leading menu and operating system. Its form factor is that of a mirrorless hybrid video/photo camera, but it doesn’t take images, ironically. This reviewer’s first reaction is that it is just plain ugly. The image consistency, luckily, is much prettier than the actual style.
Best Gimbal for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
DJI RS 2 – 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
"The RS 2 gimbal is a modification of the Ronin-S with a 10-lb payload. Monocoque carbon fiber axis arms and a shorter grip handle with a smaller battery cartridge make it 25% lighter and more compact. The 20% more powerful motors support the Blackmagic Pocket 6K, Canon 1D X Mark III, Sony a7S III, and ALEXA Mini LF. DJI's website has a list of compatible cameras and lenses.
RS 2 has 1.4-liter engine ""Full-color LCD touchscreen for accessing gimbal settings and features like time-lapse and hyper-lapse.
DJI Titan stabilization algorithm improves RS 2 stability and smoothness. The SuperSmooth compensates for micromovements and increases torque to ensure fluid motion in applications with up to 100mm zoom lenses (optional lens support is required).
Each RSA port includes a NATO mount for rapid release attachment of specific accessories. The left and right gimbal sides have RSA ports. Focus wheel, twist-grip dual handle, and universal mount for mounting gimbal to an automobile, jib, or slider are supported accessories.
The iOS/Android Ronin apps have creative features beyond time-lapse and panorama. The Time Tunnel ""twists"" space and time via roll motion and hyperlapse. A track creates a repeatable camera path for staged shots. Force Mobile follows your phone's movements. Using the bundled RavenEye communication device improves Force Mobile's responsiveness. RavenEye's ActiveTrack feature displays a live image of your subjects on the touchscreen.
The RS 2 has a dual-layer Manfrotto plus Arca-Swiss camera mount with two quick-release plates. For social media content, you can adjust the gimbal to portrait orientation with a button. The RS 2 includes axis locks on each axis so you can balance one at a time. A fine-tune balancing knob lets you fine-tune your camera's balance.
The gimbal runs for 12 hours on a grip-mounted battery cartridge. Separate cartridges can be replaced. When you need to recharge the cartridge, you simply detach the grip from the gimbal. The BG30 grip supports PD and QC 2.0. DJI recommends a 24W, non-included charger. The battery charges at 24W in 1.5 hours.
The RS 2 comes with a splash-proof transport case for the gimbal and accessories. A 1/4-inch tiny tripod is provided ""-20 thread on the grip handle to operate as a stand or extension handle for two-handed gimbal maneuvering."
DJI RSC 2 – 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
"The DJI RSC 2 accommodates up to 6.6 lb of camera and equipment. DJI's website has a list of compatible cameras and lenses.
The RSC 2's motors are 50% stronger than the Ronin- SC's. The RSC 2 folds for underslung mode.
You can spin the gimbal over and utilize it underslung for low-angle pictures without attaching or detaching anything. The integrated gimbal handle features 14-hour built-in batteries. Batteries can be charged via the handle while the gimbal is in use (unless in extreme heat/cold). The handle may be recharged in two hours with an 18W fast charger (not included). Foldable gimbals make transportation and storage easier.
RSC 2's 1 ""OLED black-and-white screen and horizontal dial for adjusting focus with the same hand as the gimbal. Each side of the gimbal handle has a NATO mount with M4 threading for attachments like a suitcase handle.
RSC 2 employs DJI Titan's enhanced stabilization algorithm for better stability and smoothness. The SuperSmooth works with up to 100mm zoom lenses to complement the algorithm. SuperSmooth reduces micromovements and boosts torque for long lenses.
The gimbal incorporates two replaceable Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss fast-release plates. A tap puts your camera in portrait mode for social networking. The RSC 2 comes with an iOS/Android app that offers time-lapse, panoramic, and Roll 360, which spins your camera constantly along the roll axis. The optional DJI RavenEye transmission device offers remote 1080p video transmission, ActiveTrack 3.0 subject tracking, and other functionalities.
The RSC 2 includes a 1/4-inch mini tripod ""-20 thread on the grip handle to operate as a stand or extension handle for a two-handed gimbal operation. Included camera control wires allow for direct camera and function control from the gimbal."
DJI Ronin-S Essentials Kit - Camera Stabilizer 3-Axis Gimbal Handheld
"The Ronin-S Essentials Kit includes crucial accessories. The Essentials Kit saves money by excluding the focus wheel and other accessories from the basic Ronin-S bundle.
The DJI Ronin-S is a scalable ecosystem for DSLR and mirrorless camera integration into professional workflows. The Ronin-single-handed S's design allows for 8-lb camera payloads. DJI's website has a list of compatible cameras and lenses.
The front trigger, rear mode button, and joystick provide accurate gimbal control. The front trigger locks the gimbal when held, re-centers it when tapped twice, and turns 180° when tapped three times. Pressing the mode button activates three adjustable shooting modes with tunable speed and reaction. Sport mode offers extra-fast response times and gimbal movements up to 45 mph. The Ronin-S fits documentary, event, and feature film workflows and operates 12 hours on a single battery charge."
MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimabl Stabilizer
"The Moza Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer boasts new high-torque motors and a 9.25 lb weight capacity. High weight capacity enables more cameras and lens combinations. The optional Moza iFOCUS Intelligent Wireless Lens Control System offers standard and automated (with preset start/end points) focus and zoom control from the Moza Air 2.
Thanks to an inclined motor arm, the Air 2's camera LCD is unobstructed. The 12 physical buttons control the gimbal and camera and regulate shutter, aperture, and exposure compensation (where applicable). The joystick, smart wheel, and smart trigger are configurable for different shooting techniques. An OLED display shows most settings, customizations, and gimbal status.
The Air 2 has eight working modes, including pan and tilt follow (please see the Features section below for the full list). Sports Gear, FPV, Panorama, Tracking, and Inception are Moza's shooting modes. Inception lets you swivel the camera while zooming in.
Four bundled lithium-ion 18650 batteries power the gimbal for 16 hours. Replacement batteries are available. The Air 2 has an input connector for powering the gimbal and three output ports for powering the camera and accessories with optional Moza adapter cables.
Motion-lapse, tracking time-lapse, and zoom time-lapse are all available on the Air 2. Auto-tuning determines ideal parameters based on load.
Visual markings make the Air 2 easier to balance. A mechanical memory quick release helps adjust the camera without rebalancing the gimbal. The Moza Air 2 has 3/8""-16 threaded holes on the front and bottom for tripod installation and accessory attachment."
Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB 3-Axis Handheld Stabilizer Gimbal Redefine Stabilizer
"Zhiyun-Tech CRANE 3 LAB adds a handle to gimbal design. With a tiny tripod and its ergonomic grip, the CRANE 3 LAB may be used two-handed for stability. The handle lets you switch to underslung mode with one or two hands and take 360° roll photos as you approach a subject. The CRANE 3 LAB also has wireless video transmission and can stabilize up to 10 lb weights.
The CRANE 3 LAB supports two extra servos for focus and zoom via the side handwheel. All other controls and an OLED status screen are located on the handle. The free ZY PLAY iOS/Android app provides many of the same control options as well as panorama, focus time-lapse, motion time-lapse, long exposure time-lapse, camera settings, and more.
Wi-Fi on an iOS/Android phone or tablet enables wireless transmission. The CRANE 3 LAB wirelessly transfers 1080p footage from your camera to your phone. This feature works with some cameras; see Zhiyun-website Tech's for a list.
Zhiyun's LAB line includes TransMount accessories. The TransMount Phone Holder lets you mount your phone on the gimbal for ZY PLAY app monitoring. Other accessories include a camera belt and compatible monopods.
The gimbal has axis latch locks on each axis. This feature locks the separate axes to remember balancing positions after turning off the gimbal. So you won't need to readjust."
FeiyuTech AK4500 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
"The Feiyu AK4500 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer supports up to 10.1 lbs. more than the AK4000. It has an angled motor arm, so nothing blocks your camera screen and pans 360°, tilts 230°, and rolls 360°.
The gimbal's handle has a touchscreen LCD smart panel and a multifunction handwheel. The handwheel controls camera movement in pan and tilt modes and digital focus and zoom with compatible cameras. The handwheel can also operate an external focus motor. Feiyu's website lists compatible cameras for conventional operation and Wi-Fi focus/zoom.
The touchscreen LCD, joystick, and handwheel let you control gimbal settings. The Feiyu ON iOS/Android app (free download) enables you to alter settings and perform remote operations. The Hyperlink remote controller lets you control the gimbal up to 49' away via Bluetooth.
The gimbal's camera baseplate works with Manfrotto or Arca-Swiss plates. An extension rod comes with the AK4500, so you may hold the gimbal with both hands for certain shots. Or, use the provided tiny tripod to set the gimbal down."
