Choosing a Budget ($50) Handheld Smartphone Camera Stabilizer

Lsnazzyviolet on 26/04/2018 - 21:31
Last edited 27/04/2018 - 06:04 by 1 other user

Hi guys, I'm looking for a cheap phone camera stabilizer that gets the job done, nothing fancy is required. I have shaky hands.
I have used Google Photos stabilise feature before, but hopefully a "steadicam" mount will do a better job? The shaking is noticable especially when shooting things close up.

Mainly going to use for filming:
- kids concerts, award ceremonies
- hiking and biking and skateboard adventures
- diy projects
- when the kids want to make vlogs

I currently have a xiaomi A1.
I have previously shot video on various Nexus, Samsungs, iphone 6. If they had auto stabilisation it was not enough.

Absolute maximum $50
Thanks for your help

• 

  bobbified on 26/04/2018 - 21:47

  +1

  Absolute maximum $50

  You're not going to get anything effective with that amount. Gimbals start at around $150, but if you search on gumtree or ebay, you might get lucky and find a cheapER second hand one. (It's still unlikely to be $50).

  Otherwise for that budget, you're probably looking at some old school C-shape looking thing with a balancing weight at the bottom!

• 

  Fiximol on 26/04/2018 - 22:37

  A cheap handheld 3 axis gimbal will cost around $100, though these guys are selling a Vimble C for $75 and they look reasonably reliable (210 feedback, 100%, last feedback was within the month and their sales history shows they sell similar products - though they do not appear to sell many things or often).

  It is by far the best way to go. You can try using a cheap monopod +/- pouch for stabilisation but that usually takes skill to use. Have a look here.

• 

  waterbottled on 27/04/2018 - 08:09

  What made you come up with the absolute maximum $50 mark? Have you looked at how much smartphone gimbals cost?

• 

  snazzyviolet on 29/04/2018 - 23:09

  Hey guys, thanks for your comments & suggestions.
  I have to admit I did no research on gimbals prior to posting, I had just heard about them casually. I had no idea so much tech went into those things!
  I chose the $50 mark since it is not something i will use often, and when i attend events i want to film i usually have someone with me with a steadier hand.

  Cheers