GoPro Hero7, Hero6 & Hero5 Gimbals

Of course there is GoPro Karma Grip, which is a great combination with the drone, as it is already included. But what if you don’t go for the drone – is it still the best solution? There are so many GoPro Hero6 & Hero5 gimbals available. But there is no such thing as “the best” option, there is only the most suitable stabilizer for your situation and your budget. So think of the situations you gonna use it for:

• Do you use it only handheld or do you want to mount your cam (strap, bike,…)?
• Does it need to be waterproof?
• Do you want to be able to use it for your smartphone as well?
• Is it ok if the battery is built in or do you want to be able to change it?
• Which camera / gimbal controls do you need?
• What’s your budget? 300 USD ok? Or do you only want to spend 100 USD?

At the bottom you can find my conclusion which might help you with your selection. So let’s start with a list of GoPro Hero6 & Hero5 gimbals to choose from:

GoPro Karma

Let’s start with the most obvious one – GoPro Karma Grip. I think it’s an awesome solution to get the whole production kit within a backpack. Karma drone with a gimbal, that can be detached and mounted on the grip. So you don’t need several different products, it’s a kit for several situations. But Karma grip also has its downsides. The battery is built in and it is not splash proof.

GoPro Karma – Drone & Handheld Gimbal

Design & Mounting Options:
You have several mounting options: There is Karma Mounting Ring which surrounds the handheld grip and has a GoPro mount to attach it to your accessories such as suction cup mount, clamp,… It would be great to have a 1/4″ standard tripod thread at the bottom, which many gimbals offer.

GoPro Karma Extension Cable

In Spring 2017 an extension cable will be available. Not sure if the Mounting Rings are included, which you can see on in the picture above, or you have to be purchase them separately. That way you can mount head and grip separately to have a more compact head. With a price tag of  the extension cable is not cheap. You could get a gimbal for that price.

Special Feature:
The grip powers the camera, you can also charge both cam & gimbal, when Hero is attached. The grip also holds camera controls to start/stop recording, change modes and more.

Battery:
A capacity is not shown, battery life is stated with 1h 45 min. Note that the battery is NOT detachable!

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
+/- 90° tilt – I couldn’t find more info.

Remote Control:
The battery grip also includes 3 buttons to remote control your camera. There is no remote control for the head itself.

Demo Video:
You can find a comparison video with Remove S1 at the bottom of this article.

Pros / Cons:

Retailer / Price:

Wearable Gimbals

As for the third party gimbals, I’ll split them into categories. Wearable gimbals, that can also be mounted. Handheld Gimbals, that are primarily made for holding it in your hand and Smartphone/GoPro gimbals which can be used for both devices.

Feiyu WG2 – Waterproof & 360° Rotation

 Here’s my detailed review of Feiyu WG2

 

Zhiyun RiderM

Zhiyun is also well known brand when it comes to gimbals. RiderM is their wearable solution:

Zhiyun RiderM & GoPro Hero5

 Here’s my detailed review of Zhiyun RiderM

SLICK

In contrast to Feiyu WG2, SLICK can also be used with GoPro Hero4 within its underwater case. Might be an interesting option if you own a Hero4 and plan to upgrade to Hero5 or Hero6 later on:

SLICK GoPro gimbal

 Here’s my detailed SLICK Review

Design & Mounting Options:
The gimbal seems to be very compact and light (350g, 0.77lbs) and it is waterproof, so lots of possibilities for mounting! Slick will feature a GoPro mount at the bottom.

Special Features:
Slick features 4 operation modes: Pan follow mode, where the camera follows your right / left movements, pan & tilt mode where the camera keeps level at horizon but additionally follow up / down movements. Lock mode where all axes are locked and the cam is pointing in the same direction when you move. And a time-lapse mode is available for motion time-lapses.

Battery:
3 hour runtime is stated, the battery is built-in. (Note: the original kickstarter campaign promised a removable battery).

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
320° / 320° / 320°

Remote Control:
n/a

Pros / Cons:

Price:
It is available for pre-order now, shipping was shifted back several times (from originally March 2016) to now September 2017, price is 299 USD plus shipping on their website.

Sybrillo

Sybrillo is pretty similar to SLICK, but it offers a bit more options. At least they are promised as Sybrillo is still on pre-order.

Sybrillo Gimbal

Design & Mounting Options:
Sybrillo is also a waterproof, wearable solution where all 3 axes feature endless rotation! The bottom of the gimbal features 3 GoPro mounts, a 1/4″ tripod to GoPro adapter is included.

Special Feature:
Sybrillo features motion control and motion time-lapse. With motion control you can pre-define the head’s movement, in time-lapse mode also for longer durations. You just have to find your mark, frame your subject and create the sequence. Then determine the program length, angle, and camera-rotation range, and hit the Action button.
There will also be a VR-mode control, where Sybrillo follows the movement of your smartphone.

Battery:
There’s no info on battery nor runtime on their website.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
360° on all axes!

Remote Control:
You can control Sybrillo and camera with a smartphone app, even from a distance of 30m!

Pros / Cons:

Price:
Sybrillo launched a Kickstarter campaign which already ended. Shipment is expected in Summer 2017. (No typo, they still haven’t shipped – currently they state “shipping in 2018). You can find more infos and videos on their Website, where you can order for 299 USD.

REMOVU S1

REMOVU S1 3-axis-gimbal

Design & Mounting Options:
Removu S1 is both, a wearable and handheld gimbal. You can either use the head mounted with a GoPro mount, or you can attach it to the grip which also holds a joystick and a small display with battery info. Removu S1 is rainproof.

Special Feature:
Remove S1 features 4 operation modes: locking mode, pan follow & pan/tilt follow mode as well as inversion mode.

Battery:
Removu uses a 800mAh detachable battery.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
292° / 292° / 90°

Remote Control:
If detached, the grip operates as wireless remote (Bluetooth). With the joystick you can adjust the angle and you can select the different operating modes.

Demo Video:
You can find a comparison video with Remove S1 at the bottom of this article.

Pros / Cons:

Price:
It is available on Amazon:

Handheld Gimbals

Feiyu G6

Compared to GoPro Karma Grip, the already the older Feiyu G5 has some advantages: its splashproof and has exchangeable batteries. With the latest version Feiyu G6 you can additionally connect with your GoPro and change settings via the gimbal’s buttons!

Feiyu G6 – 3-axis, splash-proof gimbal

 Here’s my detailed Feiyu G6 Overview

Design & Mounting Options:
The grip holds a joystick to control the head and a display which shows not only the settings of the gimbal, but also the settings of your GoPro. The bottom holds a standard 1/4″ photo thread to attach G6 on a tripod or mount. On the side, there’s another 1/4″ thread to mount a smartphone holder.
A great new design feature compared to G5 is the lowered tilt motor. Now you have better accessibility and visibility of your touchscreen.

Battery:
Runtime is stated with 12 hours and the battery is exchangeable. The head holds another USB port which you can connect with your camera and charge it via the gimbal’s battery.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
360° / 360° / 320°

Remote Control:
Feiyu G6 features bluetooth & wifi so you can connect your smartphone to remote control the head.

Pros / Cons:

Retailer / Price Comparison:

• TomTop: 199.00 USD – Coupon Code: HY30SKG
  
• Geekbuying: 219.00 USD
• Gearbest: 229.00 USD
• Banggood: 219.00 USD
• Aliexpress: 229.00 USD – (official Feiyu store)
• Amazon:/li>

Previous Model Feiyu G5

To save some money, you can go for the previous G5 model. Remember you can’t connect to GoPro!

• Banggood: 199.99 USD
• Geekbuying: 169.99 USD
• TomTop: 168.00 USD – Coupon Code: HY30SKG
  
• Aliexpress: 199.00 USD – (official Feiyu store)
• Amazon:

Previous Feiyu G4 Models

GoPro Hero5 is compatible with the existing “FeiYu G4 QD” – QD stands for quick dismantling.
Hero5 is not compatible with Feiyu G4, G4S or G4 GS models!

Smartphone / GoPro Gimbal

DJI OSMO Mobile 2

DJI is not only famous for their drones (Mavic, Phantom,…) but also their stabilised camera system Osmo. DJI’s OSMO Mobile 2 can also be used with GoPro Hero5 / Hero6 when using an adapter.

DJI OSMO Mobile 2 with GoPro Hero5 black

 Here’s my detailed DJI OSMO Mobile 2 Review

Design & Mounting Options:
The grip holds a joystick to control the head, a function button, record button and zoom lever. Osmo’s joystick can be used for both devices. The buttons only work when using a Smartphone!

Battery:
DJI Osmo mobile 2 holds a 2600 mAh built-in battery, which allows 15 hours of working time (under normal conditions and well balanced). There’s a micro USB port at the side of the grip for charging and a second USB port at the back to charge your camera!

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
320° / 310° / 160°

Pros / Cons:

Retailer / Price:

• DJI Store: 129 USD (free shipping)
• The adapter from PGY is available for 18 USD.
• Amazon:

Lanparte LA3D-S2

The S2 is the latest gimbal by Lanparte, which can be used for Smartphone & GoPro Hero5. LA3D2 is just for GoPro.

Lanparte LA3D-S2

Design & Mounting Options:
Lanparte LA3D-S2 is a very versatile gimbal. Not only you can use it with smartphone or GoPro, but also with handheld grip or wire connected. Additionally a wireless kit is available.
On top of the head, there is a GoPro mount, on the bottom of the grip is a standard 1/4″ tripod thread.

Difference between LA3D-S2 & LA3D2:
Advantage of the S2 is, that you can use it for GoPro & Smartphone, but you don’t fully see the screen of your GoPro. That works better with the LA3D2 model for Action Cameras, but it can’t carry a Smartphone.

Battery:
LA3D-S2 uses 2 exchangeable LIPO 18350 batteries for about 2 hrs of operation.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
300° / 260° / 280°

Remote Control:
If detached, the grip operates as wired or wireless (kit required) remote.

Pros / Cons:

Price:

Zhiyun Smooth Q

Smooth Q is the latest gimbal released by Zhiyun. It’s not only working for GoPro Hero5 black, but also for Smartphone and the price is very interesting!

 Here’s my detailed review of Zhiyun SmoothQ

Design & Mounting Options:
Basically Zhiyun Smooth Q is designed for Smartphones which you can easily mount. You don’t even need the adapter in the photo shown above. Smooth Q holds your GoPro without adapter. So this gimbal could be interesting for you if you plan to use it with your phone as well. If you use your phone and Zhiyun App there is a nice feature: Object tracking. Just mark a spot on your phone and the gimbal will follow it’s movements!

Battery:
The built-in 26650 Li-ion battery enables 12-hour continuous operation time. On the bottom of the grip is a USB port which you can connect to Smartphone or Action Camera to charge the device while in use.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
360° / 320° / 30°

Pros / Cons:

Price:

• TomTop: 99 USD / Adapter: 18 USD
• Geekbuying: 99 USD
• Gearbest: 99 USD
• Banggood: 99 USD
• Amazon:

Feiyu SPG

Feiyu SPG is a compact but robust gimbal as the body is made of metal. You need to use two foam pieces (included) to mount your GoPro, still with this option there is a small hole at the back to check framing. No additional adapter is needed. I think SPG is a very versatile gimbal and currently the one I use the most.

Feiyu SPG (new version) – Splashproof gimbal for Smartphone & GoPro

 Here’s my detailed review of Feiyu SPG and a video where I used it:

Design & Mounting Options:
If you don’t want to limit yourself to GoPro only use, this could be the right gimbal for you. Smartphone and Action Cam can be switched easily but you need either an adapter or the included foam pads. On the grip there is a joystick to control the head. What I really like is the 1/4″ thread for mounting – not only on the bottom, also below the gimbal’s head!

Battery:
Feiyu SPG holds an exchangeable 3000 mAh , 3.7V battery, type 22650, which allows 8 hours of working time. In contrast to Feiyu Vimble C that’s a huge benefit, where the battery is built in. A micro USB port at the side of the grip supports power via power bank. Another way to extend operational time of your gimbal.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
360° / 320° / 320°

Pros / Cons:

Price:

• TomTop: 125.99 USD
  
• Geekbuying: 199.99 USD
• Gearbest: 153.99 USD
• Banggood: n/a

GoPro Gimbal Adapter

I’m using this adapter for GoPro and Smartphone gimbals from PGY. It’s made of metal and features a 1/4″ photo tripod mount. Check the max. payload of your gimbal, Gimbal & GoPro Hero5 weight is 237g, the adapter alone is 120g.
The touchscreen of GoPro Hero 5 is fully visible and can be touch accessed. All buttons are accessible as well as the USB-C & microHDMI door, but you can’t open the battery door. Price is 18 USD.

PGY Adapter for GoPro and Smartphone Gimbal

Wewow Sport X1 / Soocoo PS2

If one axis is enough for you and you want to try an affordable model, take a look at Wewow Sport X1:

Wewow Sport X1 Gimbal

Design & Mounting Options:
Whew Sport X1 is a very small and light wearable gimbal. The cheapest of the GoPro Hero5 Gimbals I listed. It offers stabilization of one axis and is ideal for mounting with the GoPro mount at the bottom. It lasts speeds over 200 km/h so a nice use-case could be on a motorcycle to keep the horizon steady. According to the pictures it also seems to be possible the hold it sideways. So you could mount it on a mountain bike to stabilize the bumps.
You can either mount the camera with the GoPro mount or with a clamp, which also holds a smartphone.
(Soocoo P2 is manufactured by Wewow, it’s the same product).

Battery:
Runtime is stated with 6 hours, Wewow Sport X1 holds a 500mAh battery which is built-in.

Pan / Tilt / Roll – Angle:
Wowed Sport X1 has one roll axis which rotates 360°.

Remote Control:
n/a

Pros / Cons:

Retailer / Price:

• Banggood: 84.61 USD (Soocoo P2)
• Gearbest: 86.57 USD – (Soocoo P2)

Other Video Reviews

Here’s a nice review and comparison of GoPro Karma vs Remove S1:

Here’s a video I did with Zhiyun Rider and Hero4 (have to do a new one soon):

Conclusion

As you can see there are many different gimbals available and all of them have different pros and cons. In general I prefer wearable gimbals (Slick or Feiyu WG2) so I can mount my GoPro in any situation. It’s easier to put it on a chest strap or mount it on a bike without having a large grip. Still I have the option to attach it to a tripod/selfiestick/pole to use it handheld. Of course then you don’t have the option to control the head, as the controls are included in the grips and the batteries are smaller.

The waterproof models are great in combination with the waterproof Hero5 so you can also use them in wet environments. They are not meant for diving, where you have slower movements underwater anyway, but it’s a great feature in wet environments. Think of going snowboarding or doing water sports.

If you plan to use you gimbal handheld most of the time, Karma Grip offers the option to control the GoPro via grip which is convenient. On the downside it is not splash proof and the batteries are built in.Here comes the new Feiyu G6 into play. You can control your GoPro and it is splashproof and offers exchangeable batteries.

When a gimbal seems to be a “nice to have” accessories to you, but you don’t plan to use it that often, take a closer look at the Feiyu SPG or Zhiyun Smooth Q. You are not limited to your GoPro, you can also use them with your Smartphone and they don’t have a big price tag. I’m very satisfied with my SPG as I’m flexible to use with different devices.