SJCAM gimbal gets set to steady action!
SJCAM Gimbal 2 video stabilizer is the perfect partner for action cameras
Actioncam specialist SJCAM has launched an updated version of it gimbal. The simply named Gimbal 2 is is designed to work with a range of action cameras – providing smooth handheld video footage.
The Gimbal 2 is compatible with SJCAM's own action cameras - including the SJCAM 7 Star that features in our round-up of best action cameras in 2018. But is also works with other popular models such as the such as the GoPro Hero series, the YI Cam and the Sony RXO.
Brushless motors
The much-improved SJ Gimbal 2 now comes with brushless motors are able to perform four different functions:
• Basic Follow Mode – this is the default function; a smooth horizontal-only rotation will occur towards the same direction as the Gimbal handle.
• Lock Mode – this keeps the gimbal locked in one particular direction. You can easily change the direction, pan and tilt using the joystick.
• Free Follow Mode – gimbal will follow according to the direction at which the handle is pointing, including up and down.
• Selfie angle – Pressing the mode button twice switches the camera direction toward the person holding it – which is said to be an excellent feature for vlogging.
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Unlike traditional servo gimbals, the brushless motors in the SJ Gimbal 2 are said to rotate more smoothly and react instantly for judder-free, stable-looking videos. The 3-axis stabilization gives you more range of motion (320° tilting, 320° rolling and 640° panning) – and the third motor greatly reduces vibrations as it helps to counter any unwanted movements in the yaw axis.
The battery will last up to 6 hours on one charge, and the LED lights easily show you how much battery is left at a glance. Any action camera mounted on the Gimbal 2 can be charged using the Gimbal’s battery. The Gimbal 2 can be controlled via a Bluetooth-capable smartphone via the SJCAM Zone app.
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.