Don’t buy a gimbal! Tips for shooting video handheld.
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
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I'll probably get a gimbal someday, I just haven't tried one that was convenient enough for me to justify brining it everywhere with me.
What is your favorite gimbal?! Do you prefer handheld?
JesseDriftwood I might stop drinking that much coffee haha jk. Really nice video!
My favorite Gimbal is the DJI RoninS which I bought one month ago. One reason was that have 3 old Canon fd lenses which are soo shaky when using handheld even when applying all the tips (and I'm not bad at shooting handheld, I did it for 3 years). Even though I tried a Steadycam, I just think it's super handy to be able to put a telephoto lens on a gimbal or easily change the zoom a bit without having to rebalance the whole thing!😊 BUT: I think the biggest mistake you can make with a gimbal is to only use that for EVERYTHING - I think it shouldn't be used as an essential but as a tool that can make you footage better (or destroy it). You have to mix things up!😊
P.S.: your videos are awesome! You inspired me to shoot more stuff and make Instagram stories from it - you're soo inspiring!☺️
Try the osmo pocket, seems like your cup of tea
Ronin-S is my go to and it can hold my c100mk2 which is beast!! Literally use it on every shoot I do!
I just bought a Ronin S. It’s great for my B-cam (A6400). But the GH5 with the dual IBIS is incredible and I love the organic feeling of that footage. I feel like the gimbal slows me down compared to handheld but I also love it because it is quicker than setting up a jib or dolly. I love the gimbal for inverted, low angle tracking shots or push ins, and for panning time lapses.
Im in the no gimbal club too yay!!!!
your 120fps fix them all :D Love you Pete, you are such an inspiration !!!
Does that mean you sold the MōVI? 🙂
Then never use a gimbal let's see how cinematic you can shoot🤣🤣😂😂😁.
Go Pete!!!
Anti Anti Gimbal Club ✌️
I liked the part where you were a rapper.
ua-cam.com/video/5afiZEqT8Uw/v-deo.html
See this bro and say your opinion as a rapper or what do you feel after watching this video
That part scared me the most.
To each his own ~
Matt D'Avella lMFAO BRO I COULDNT FINISHED THE VID I HAD TO PAUSE TO LOOK FOR THIS COMMENT 😭🤣😂🤣
I liked the part where the video stopped and went on to another video...
That part was super funny!
"You have been the person that uses the lack of gear as an excuse to not just go out and create something that they wanna create." Guilty as charged. We need to understand that you as a creator is the best gear that you have. Great video, Jesse! Continue to inspire all creators out there!
I know you posted this video a long time ago, but I just discovered your channel at 2 am this morning and I have to tell you that it changed everything for me. I mean, I’ve always known that I had to lan my shots, but I’ve never really connected that thought process to getting smooth video. So I shot all day today thinking in those terms and my video looked better than ever. Thank you so much.
I loved when you said don't use "not having gear" as an excuse to not create, definitely something to keep in mind!
I was going to comment that too!!!! that just made me go outside and start filming !
At this time almost every creator has a gimbal, it seems to be the perfect time to use handheld to stand out from the crowd, 100% percent with you sometimes our tools make us loose time.
okay
You are definitely one of the creators I wished posted more. Keep up the great work.
Ditto
You're
Both get cookies for not being mean, ty :)
same! Jess, you're awesome and we need more of your awesomeness!
Mann...just found out about your channel. Finally, a content creator that emphasized on “knowing what to shoot” first before relying on something to help them like gimbal to deliver the story.
Subscribed!
8:38 "....and then I stabilize it and the whole world is warpin" roflmao 🤣. I totally have had that experience. Just funny to see someone express it in a video for the first time. 😂
I own a Movi pro and still shoot tons of stuff handheld. Setting up the gimbal takes a lot of time on set unless you have two cameras, one being dedicated for the gimbal. Not to mention the strain on your back carrying the thing for hours. You've given years of experience in this video with a lot of useful tips and thanks for mentioning practice, practice, practice.
Litterally watching gimbal reviews and this popped up. The universe is telling me something..🤔
Hey I love gimbals! But I’ve also built an entire career without every having owned one.
I wasnt looking for a gimbal and this video popped up. Is the universe telling me something too?
JesseDriftwood my camera and lens doesn’t have Ibis nor Ois. Do you think it's still possible without gimbal?
Anabela Castillo I use these techniques all the time without IBIS or IS. So yes it can work, it’s just a bit harder and takes a bit more practice.
JesseDriftwood thank you Jesse! You are the best 🙌
Thanks for the tips Jesse. The aerobics hip swings were very funny.
If I may add a few tips for smooth movement (or more to the point, movement that doesn't lose the viewer) ... for outdoor live event work (without stabilization). These tie in with what you say
1. If you are panning in a crowd FOLLOW A PERSON WHO IS MOVING (the camera is an eye and it is watching because it is curious) ..... moving to follow a character will look natural.
2. At other times MOVE IN SWEEPING MOTIONS without looking at the viewfinder. Start before the point that will be your start point after the edit and sweep smoothly through the finish point. Not looking through the viewfinder means you won't be tempted to make little adjustments and you can avoid those changes of speed in the movement that make it look jerky. This can be done with the hips or keeping the arms out straight and twisting the body .... whatever you can do smoothly
3. BE EMPHATIC - LOOK DEIBERATE! Stop the movement in one go even if you don't end up exactly with the framing you intended. Don't make a little movement at the end to get the right framing. If the movement looks deliberate then people will buy it (this ties in with the video's point of "knowing your shot")
Do the shot again if you missed the framing you wanted to land on.
4. MAKE THE MOVEMENT MEANINGFUL. Move to give the viewer more information about the scene, keep things in frame that the viewer is fixed on (as determined by the story/shot).
5. EMULATE THE EYE. We naturally move our eyes around a scene when we are looking on in everyday life. A similar thing can be done with the camera, though this is more intuitive than technical. It requires you to be immersed in a scene as if you were watching without the camera yet you have the camera. It's like you forget you are using a camera at some level.
You can practise and see what you get, you may be surprised!
I agree completely! Gimbals are the best way to build a shelf full of gear that you “needed” to have, but never use. Smooth handheld footage existed way before gimbals were around.
This makes me feel better. Now I just need to work on the leg cramps as I move over thorny bushes and stuff. Thanks Jesse. Loved this
I would pay to watch this. One of the best 11 minutes use of my time. Learned so much 👍👍 just wanted to say a big thank you!!
Jessie, you're a king! I watch the ads untill the end for you 🙏
Dude, you are the true king! 👑 🙌
@@JesseDriftwood
Petition for The Most Underrated UA-camr Award...? Anyone? Let's do this!
100%
Purple Arrows nah that’s Evan ranft and me
All the way , Jesse has it all happening.
his videos are a perfect blend of enthusiasm, information, and fancy b-rolls, love 'em
6:55 the Ninja walk that what we call it 🚶♂️
Perfect summary of what more people out there should be doing! Everyone is trying to skip steps, and the truth is you just have to take it slow and walk on your toes!
Yup! Slow and steady.
Hey Jess. Everything you said was spot on. I do have to say that I love shooting handheld but the gimbal really does take so much shake out of the equation. I’m rocking the zhiyun crane2 and love it. But at the end as you mentioned shooting with a purpose and shooting for the edit makes a world of difference. Gimbal shots are amazing though. Who doesn’t love a good orbital shot!
Freakin amazing vlog Jess!
Your intros are never boring, idk why but they chilled haha that rap part, i am subbing
Thanks dude!
Agreed about "Make Happy". It's one of the best things I've ever seen.
This was super helpful! Mention of knowing your shot and being aware of your movement was top notch. Thanks so much!
Great advice, and your body of work backs it all up! Well done, Jesse
I still love gimbals! I just don't love people spending money on gear before they've learned the basics.
Also stabilization in post-production has improved so much within the past few years, across all major software releases, and it's only going to keep getting better.
Great advice Jesse, you’re right on all accounts
Yasss hand held all the way!!! Make me feel invincible and like I'm mastering my craft. I tell myself steady like a surgeon.
Excellent points. Thanks.
I find that using stabilization software that allows for adjustments of the various parameters can sometimes save shots w/o any jellification. Video editing has advanced a lot lately.
would you mind sharing which softwares & techniques you've found useful? (:
Dude you’re like PROGRAMMED to be a great UA-camr. Keep at it and keep it authentic and you’ll grow like crazy
Jesse , at 4:35 I laugh hard af , the beat kicked in and you went Millenia mumble rap on me 😂😂😂
When he said "maybe you're nervous, shaking" I thought he'd continue w Mom's Spaghetti lmao
missed opportunity! haha
Couple extra tips especially when shooting small and lightweight camera:
Pistol grip: Small extra grip underneath your camera makes wonders and it's cheap and won't take much space (goes to your pocket)
Strap: Using camera strap behind your neck and keeping it tight (firmly but still relaxed) reduces shake and helps certain movements and also your hands won't get tired so easily when doing careful, almost static moves. I have no experience but I would assume a little bit stretchy strap could work even better.
I shoot mostly photos, only some casual videos sometimes so gimbal hasn't been reasonable purchase. Pistol grip is really handy with photographying too, but I don't usually use strap in my camera since it's always in the way.
Yeah Jesse man, I really appreciate the planning and effort you put in here. These videos have a real structure to them that is well thought out and that's what's missing in a lot of other tutorials where someone just reads a spiel, this is dynamic and in that dynamism it's inspiring/
I was on the fence, and my dad who's a film grad told me the same thing. Thank you Jesse for the enjoyable, informative content!
4:32, That was awesome Sir...
For what I want to do, having a gimbal will make my life 10x easier, however not having one should not at all stop me from starting! Much truth in this
🤣🤣🤣🤣 You got me there when you started rapping? Awesome video.
First time here, so glad I found this.
I'm a novice mobile filmmaker and someone really discouraged my method _JUST_ because I don't have more equipment. I told him I thought less would be more since I'm still honing my craft and don't know exactly what I need yet. This person just went on to low ball my pov and the techniques I use. He's a seasoned photographer, it was more of a personality clash, but I still didn't take it too well.
This video means a great deal to me. Thank you
Subbed.
"i only use my hands, nothing else"
lol all dem innuendos
I tend to use a monopod a lot for my work. They are really useful and can be used a bit like a GlideCam to help lower the centre of gravity of the camera. I attach a small weight to the foot section of the monopod, loosen the tension of the video head and then hold the actual camera. The weight of the monopod then totally stabilises the footage. It's never going to be as fluid as using a true gimbal but with a bit of practise it can match the effect of a Glidecam in most shots.
that's a super neat idea man. thanks for sharing the knowledge
Your content is amazing Jesse. But I can't lie I got into you and subbed because you bring good energy to the platform. Definitely a fan and admirer. Keep it up buddy!
I'm one of those "won't shoot because of lack of equipment". Your video definitely gave me a push to just start!
Slwo motion helps make footage look stable too!
Lmao I had to stop at 4:37 and 👏 you get a thumbs up just for those Eminem bars 😂😂😂
Low-key he really went sicko mode
in the middle😂👏👏
Hahahaha that shit had me dying
My setup is a mirrorless camera with a small monitor and an Osmo Pocket. No big gimbal to lug around, but I can shoot some stabilized video if I want to. So happy with this setup!
God bless UA-cam and it's algorithms that sent me to this video. Really liked this one! Especially as someone who only shoots handheld (or tripod). Subscribing fo' sho'.
Oh and my heart dropped when you dropped that gimbal.
Ok, first of all I am impressed with the fact that you own a Realistic Stereo system. BIG THUMBS UP! Most Millennial's don't have a clue as to what a Hi-Fi Stereo is ... that alone kept me watching your video ..LOL Good video. It is so refreshing to watch the next generation of filmmakers be so creative. Keep up the great work JesseDriftwood.
Thanks Jesse, for the inspiration you give all of us to get out there and create!
You saved me!... I was about to spend money I barely have, in this difficult crisis, unemployed... Then I saw your video.
Thank you!!!!
4:30 he just started rapping 😂
What is that song name?
Tried your tips, they all worked... absolutely incredible- thank you!!
hahahahah @ 4:32 love it ...hahaha get em jesse!
Had a good ‘lol’ during the post stabilization deferment. “Sometimes your whole world is shaking” haha. Someone make this a meme
So because of my physical disability (yes I do have hands 😉), I walk with a limp and an up-and-down motion that needs stabilization. Not to mention my camera is a Fuji XT-3 and it doesn't have IBS. With the fancy DJI Gimbles, would it be able to help with this, or would it be a waste? Great video Jesse.
Chandra Pivo - likewise, I've had 5 hip surgeries and have to walk with a cane (otherwise I wobble)... I also use the X-T3 for some video and I'm considering a gimbal, although so far about 50 percent of my videos are on a tripod). Looking at the Ronin-SC, but not all the features available for the X-T3.
@@billcoughlin5664 why aren't the features available for the xt3? I was looking at the new gimbal as well. Wow that's a lot of surgeries!
@@ChandraPivo I have to say that after doing a lot more research, and given that I'm really don't do that much video, I'm seriously looking at the Osmo Pocket instead of a gimbal. Gimbal setup looks too time consuming .... However, then I look at the quality of the video out of the X-T3 and think that perhaps I'll use the X-T3 on tripod for some videos :) I really like the size of the new Crane M2, unfortunately, the X-T3 with a lens exceeds the weight capacity.
such a good topic for a video! I got a gimbal as soon as I started getting serious about filmmaking, it's so easy to find yourself relying on it too much and end up with a lot of footage that's steady but clearly lacking something. currently taking a step back to work on my composition and going handheld most of the time. thanks for the tips - that's exactly what I needed to understand at this point!
Great video, as always Jesse. You did not mentioned camera fps, without slowmo it's a bit harder don't you think? Ciao
Thinking the samething. Handheld looks smooth in high frame rate.
I actually meant to bring up the frame rate thing but decided to cut it and make a separate video about that. Lots of the shots I showed here were real-time. And if I do slow them down I almost only ever use 60fps.
Thanks for the reminder to those reading!
@@JesseDriftwoodgot it, thank you for your kind answer Jesse, i really appreciate what you are doing on YT and IG: N.1 vlogger ever, hand down. all my best, waiting for future vid :-) ciao
This is exactly what i have tried to explain to so many people. Such a perfect video!!
This is what i needed!! Thank you and just subbed! Keep the awesome content coming
Now part of the no gimbal club since Feb, so much fun to hear tips and also advice about it. Very motivating and perfect video has always!
ayyyyy 4:31 can someone loop this into a track please?
"panning or tilting or pushing or pulling"
Can't stop playin it😂 It would be awesome for a "filmmaking song".
please let us know
Anyone know the sound background? I want to download it !
Puchukhukaka
@@benny6022 - That's it, that's the title!
I use my fluid head and handle as a mock shoulder rig - it works a treat and is lightweight and of course is able to double up if I need to use my tripod or monopod.
Good stuff!
@@JesseDriftwood Jesse top stuff - keep it going 😎👌
Super amped to watch this. You accidentally uploaded it at 1am though - 😂😂 - I’ll watch it in the morning... I mean I’ll watch it again in the morning but with sound. 😁
Cody Wanner hahaha I appreciate you because I know you let the video play through without watching so as not to negatively affect my watch time
This guy gets it
A monopod hanging from the bottom of the camera will reduce shake fairly well, reducing higher frequency movements but augmenting low frequency movements if the monopod starts swinging. Where a gimbal really helps is crane or jib shots that are really hard to do well by hand.
"And today's video is brought you by...DJI Ronin S"...that would have been funny
lololol
5:47 "Know what you're going to shoot" Such a good tip
Just wana tell you, you are amazing
I’m so happy Jesse is finally posting frequently now. 😃
Your video gives gimbal makers a run for their money 😬
Thanks for the tips! Keep posting Jesse!
The rapping part made me like the video even before you taught me anything 😂😂😂❤❤
Wow, @JesseDriftwood! Love how you showed your foot movement when gaucho walking. I had never paid attention to walking on the balls of my feet, and was heal-toing the movement. UGH. This will make the movement a ton smoother when filming! I also like how you showed locking the elbows, using your torso along with using your wrists to pan/tilt. Beautifully done! Thanks for these tips! We too are in the no-gimbal club! Just found you in a suggested video on the YT Home Page, subbed & belled! Look forward to checking out more of your vids (as this was the first!)
- Brian (+ Erin too)
Currently traveling in Ecuador
Thank you! Caught me as I was THIS CLOSE to buying a gimbal for my first Sony vlogging camera. I'll just try some more creative approaches first!
this video was toooooooo goood.. toooo good.
8:37 i lost it when your hands went all over the place HAHAHAHAHA love the video bro, thanks for the tips!
I learned to use MY hands first and now I can.. um..
Not sure how I've never stumbled across your videos but this was top notch. Seriously such good flow and story telling. I loved it! New subscriber!
Jesse, enjoyed this video! I'm in love with simplicity. I do all my filming with my smartphone. Although I own a smartphone gimbal (Zhiyun Smooth Q2), I shoot mostly without it. I'm fascinated with body techniques that can mimic gimbals. Love your style! Thanks for sharing your hard work with us. 🙂👍
Did I just hear you say, ‘mambo jambo’ ??? I’m glad to hear you speak my home language Swahili....
superb videos man pls continue to post more content ure amazing
Thank you so much! I am currently beginning my filmmaking adventure and I have considered getting a gimbal. But your tips are spot on and I am excited to try to execute them in my upcoming events!
You’re a human gimbal! I love it! LOL
Thanks for the tips! I don’t have a gimbal yet and it’s hard to get steady shots. I’ll try these out! :)
This was all kinds of brilliant!!!
It is honest and like it. It is the confidence when you know for certain what to do from beginning to next,
Why buy a gimbal when you could get a used mobility scooter for practically the same price and them sh*ts have baskets built in!
Because he needs something to drop off the top of his head, Duh.
Great tips and great content Jesse!
Five minutes into the video and I haven't seen the first tip! Dude I'm gone.
K bye!
That tip for using your torso instead of using your hands to pan is great. I can feel the difference even without a camera
"I am not anti-gimbal"
*Put 'Don't buy a gimbal! as the title of the video*
Yup. I still agree with that. I think gimbals are amazing, but when you are first starting out, you probably shouldn’t buy a gimbal.
I use a 4th axis stabilizer (takes out the up/down jolting/jittering from walking) it is a hand held spring loaded stabilizer. Works great and only $30 on ebay
Rob K Which stabilizer is it?
@@loucasloucaides I customized it to attach to my GoPro HERO7. and took off the tri-pod/arm. and attached it to my recumbent trike with t-cycle.com brackets.
ebay.com/itm/Gimbal-Stabilizer-4th-Axis-Stabilizer-for-3-axis-Phone-Gimbal-OSMO-Mobile-2-US/202563176944?
Check out my youtube video showing it in action. I'm bouncing all over the place, but the footage is perfectly stable and smooth. Only achievable with a 4th axis stabilizer..
There is another stabilizer by ScottyMakesStuff or something like that.. (can't remember his name and his product is expensive (made for DJI OSMO and impossible to buy in the USA) He claims they are working on a GoPro adapter.. Doubt it will be ready for market in the next couple years. LOL . PEACE
Just found you - subscribed before 60 seconds went by. New fan, man. Thanks for the tips!
I did the exact same thing!
You’re such a great teacher Jesse! Thanks for bringing more content to UA-cam besides teaching us by examples in instagram, really appreciate it!
Loved the vlog parts too, not annoying at all!
4:32 oh my gosh haha, total gold right there. So good.
I find it really helps to have the camera strap around my neck and push the camera away from myself with both hands.
I know a lot of people use this technique but I never use camera straps, I just find them annoying most of the time.
Oh, they’re annoying for sure ;)
Awesome video Jesse! Great combination of entertaining and informational
Wow, thanks a lot, I was thinking of buying a gimbal, which is over my budget , but now I've learned to use what I have, thanks jesse
Someday when it’s not out of your budget than definitely consider it, but on the meantime there is still SO much you can do without it.
@@JesseDriftwood Thanks a lot.
Thanks Jesse, you are the first one I cone across that shows actual body movements for B-Roll.
Everyone just shows the finished B-Roll.
This is the REAL how to.
Thanks, now I got something I can try out. :-)