[Tech] Gimbal with a Camera vs Camera on a Gimbal
INTRODUCTION ^
Spare cash to spend? Deciding between "Gimbal with a Camera" and "Camera on a Gimbal" and trying to see which actually fits your usage. Continue reading and I may be able to provide you with an answer.
But before you go on, let's us get this clear at least. "Gimbal with a Camera" is referring to a device like the DJI OSMO POCKET 1 & 2, GO PRO HERO and DJI OSMO ACTION 1 & 2 (with digital stabilization). "Camera on a Gimbal" refers to an actual Gimbal where you attach your phone or standard System Camera/compact camera on it like the DJI OM 2/3/4 and MOZA.
To make the comparison fair, I shall use my older DJI OSMO POCKET 1 against the MOZA MINI MX with a last generation mid range flagship phone Xiaomi 11T. There will be series of tests that both will be put under. Sit tight and let's get started!
GEARS SPECIFICATION ^
The technical specification for both devices are too long to include all of it, therefore only the important specs that will affect the outcome will be listed for references.
DJI OSMO POCKET 1
Sensor: 1/2.3” CMOS, Effective pixels: 12M FOV: 80° F2.0, Format Equivalent: 26mm Controllable Range: Pan: -230° to +50°, Tilt: -95° to 50°, Roll: ±45° Max Controllable Speed: 120°/s
MOZA MINI MX
Sensor: NA; CAMERA PHONE USE, XIAOMI 11T 108 Mega-pixel, PDAF, f/1.8 FOV: FOV UNSPECIFIED / F1.7, Format Equivalent: 26mm (wide) Controllable Range: Pan: 340°, Tilt: 150°, Roll: 300° Max Controllable Speed: UNSPECIFIED
COMPARION FACTORS ^
We will have both sides going against each other using the following factors:
Panning
Walking
Walking Selfie Mode
Running
Running Selfie Mode
Up and down steps
Basic setting was used for the DJI OSMO POCKET 1 with (AFC - Auto Focus Continuous / Face Tracking On). Moza Mini Mx with (AFC - Focus Continuous / Manual Face Tracking). And in case you are wondering; NOPE, I did not use the 180° rule for smooth motion blur as I want to maintain as much as possible the most basic setting because most may not know what the 180° rule is and just want it for everyday use.
There is a need to mention that the point here is to compare the stabilization of the videos and not the quality of the videos in terms of sharpness, noise control and colors. Different phones will provide videos with different quality, therefore judging the results based on the video sharpness, noise control and colors may not be fair.
FACE-OFF ^
Panning
Walking
Walking Selfie Mode
Running
Running Selfie Mode
Up and Down Steps
CONCLUSION ^
From the results, it does seems unfair to compare any non-professional grade gimbal against a device like DJI OSMO POCKET. The stabilization is simply too good for the "Gimbal with a Camera" class of devices like DJI OSMO POCKET 1 & 2, GO PRO HERO and DJI OSMO ACTION 1 & 2 (with digital stabilization).
The only thing I noticed the "Camera on a Gimbal" like DJI OM 2/3/4 and MOZA that is on par with is the face tracking ability. Slow motion panning does feels alright too and quite equal between the 2. If you know the Ninja Walk, you will definitely be able stabilize the footages even more.
For normal everyday usage, either class of devices should be able to fit in well with the exception of action based video recording. For these, I will definitely recommend getting an action based device like GO PRO HERO and DJI OSMO ACTION 1 & 2 even the DJI OSMO POCKET 1 & 2 if you are not intending to do intensive sports skiing or wave-surfing or anything along the line.
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