Cody Casey
Balancing a gimbal is a crucial step in ensuring smooth and stable camera movements. While the specific steps may vary depending on the gimbal model, the fundamental principle remains consistent: achieving equilibrium across the tilt, roll, and pan axes. This intricate process involves meticulous adjustments to eliminate unwanted shake and create the illusion of the camera floating through the air. The pan axis, in particular, can be challenging to perfect, as it requires precise tweaks to prevent the camera from tilting left or right. With practice and patience, operators can master the art of gimbal balancing, harnessing the full potential of this equipment to capture breathtaking visuals.
How to balance the pan axis of a gimbal:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Unlock the pan axis |
| Step 2 | Loosen the ducktail knob on the top of the gimbal spine |
| Step 3 | Adjust the knob at the back of the gimbal above the battery pack to adjust the forward and back position of the spine |
| Step 4 | Check if the camera is top heavy or bottom heavy |
| Step 5 | Rotate the gimbal along the pan axis by lifting one side of the handle bar |
| Step 6 | If the camera does not swing, the axis is balanced |
| Step 7 | Tighten the ducktail knob to keep the adjustment in place |
| Step 8 | The pan axis is balanced when the camera stays in place |
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What You'll Learn
Adjust the tilt axis
Adjusting the tilt axis involves two separate steps. First, you must balance the tilt axis horizontally. Loosen the thumb screw on the quick-release plate so that the camera can slide forward or backward. Hold the horizontal arm on the tilt axis with one hand and adjust the camera's position until it is level and almost level with the lens facing forward. Tighten the thumb screw when the camera can remain still in this position.
Second, you must balance the tilt axis vertically. Loosen the thumb screws again and adjust the tilt axis until the camera can remain still with the lens facing up. Tighten the thumb screw when the camera is vertical to the ground.
The tilt axis is balanced when the camera stays upright vertically. When the camera no longer tilts, the tilt axis is balanced.
The tilt axis adjustment (TAA) is the orientation of the camera mount plate on the gimbal. It affects the pitch or up-and-down tilt of the camera. It is one of two calibrations that make up the tilt axis, the other being the roll axis, which controls the left-and-right tilt of the camera.
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Balance the roll axis
Balancing the roll axis of a gimbal requires careful attention to ensure the camera stays level. Here are the steps to achieve this:
Firstly, ensure the gimbal is securely placed on a tuning stand, facing outwards, with the camera attached and the power turned off. This initial setup is crucial for safety and stability. The camera should be securely attached to the gimbal, and any necessary adjustments to the camera's position should be made. This includes adjusting the tightness of the slide clamp with an M3 Allen wrench.
The next step is to locate the roll axis adjustment controls. This will typically involve locating a lever or knob at the bottom of the camera. By adjusting this lever or knob, you can control the left and right movement of the camera.
Now, you can begin the process of balancing the roll axis. Loosen the lever or knob and slowly move the camera to the left or right. Make sure that the camera stays centred during this process. Once the roll axis is balanced, close the lever or tighten the knob to secure the camera in place.
It is important to note that different gimbal models may have slightly different balancing procedures. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your gimbal for the most accurate guidance.
By following these steps and making careful adjustments, you can successfully balance the roll axis of your gimbal, ensuring stable and smooth camera operation.
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Unlock the pan axis
To unlock the pan axis, you must first ensure that the gimbal is switched off. The pan axis is the last of the three axes to be balanced. The first two axes, the tilt axis and the roll axis, should be balanced first.
To unlock the pan axis, you must loosen the ducktail knob on the top of the gimbal spine. This will allow you to adjust the forward and back position of the spine. You can then rotate the gimbal along the pan axis by lifting one side of the handlebar. If the camera does not swing, the axis is properly balanced.
The process of balancing the pan axis involves sliding the axis to the front when the camera tilts to the left, and sliding it backwards when the camera tilts to the right. The pan axis is balanced when the camera stays in place as you tilt the gimbal.
It is important to note that each gimbal is slightly different, and the process of unlocking and balancing the pan axis may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model of your gimbal.
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$135 $150
Adjust the camera's centre of gravity
Adjusting the camera's centre of gravity is a crucial step in achieving a balanced gimbal setup. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, assemble the gimbal and lock the axis. Place the gimbal upright on a table using its foot attachment. Remove any excess weight from the camera to ensure a more precise balancing process. Mount the camera on a mounting plate, adding or removing plates as needed to position the camera's centre of gravity as close as possible to the centre of the mounting plate. This step is important to ensure stability and reduce the potential for unwanted movement during operation.
Next, insert the plate with the mounted camera into the gimbal. The specific process may vary depending on the gimbal model, but generally, you'll want to slide it in from the front or use a drop-in mechanism. Locate the unlock/lock trigger on the tilt axis, usually found right under the camera, and slide it to the unlocked position while supporting the camera's weight.
Now, you can start fine-tuning the balance. Loosen the thumb screw on the quick-release plate to allow for adjustments. Hold the horizontal arm on the tilt axis with one hand and carefully adjust the camera's position until you find a level balance where the camera can remain still, with its lens facing forward. Tighten the thumb screw to secure this position.
The next step is to balance the tilt axis vertically. Loosen the thumb screws and adjust the tilt axis until the camera can stay still, even when the lens faces upwards or downwards. Once you achieve this balance, tighten the thumb screw to lock the position.
Finally, with the gimbal still turned off, pick it up and aim it forward. Unlock and balance the pan axis, which controls the left and right tilting of the camera. Adjust the camera's position on the axis until it stays level, regardless of the direction you tilt the gimbal. Lock the pan axis once you've achieved this balance.
By carefully following these steps and paying attention to the camera's centre of gravity, you can ensure a properly balanced gimbal that will provide smooth and stable footage for your filming endeavours.
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Check the power level
To check the power level of your gimbal, simply press the power button once. The light will indicate the power level, with 4 bars meaning the battery is fully charged. A green light means the battery is charged and the signal is normal, while a slowly flashing red light means the battery is getting low. If the red light is flashing quickly, this means the remote needs to be charged immediately.
It is crucial to balance your camera on the gimbal in the three axes to achieve fluid movement. The three axes are the tilt axis, the roll axis, and the pan axis. The tilt axis rotates vertically around the center of gravity, the roll axis spins horizontally from the center of gravity, and the pan axis rests on the vertical axis of the roll. Before turning on the gimbal, ensure that it is properly balanced. If it is not, the gimbal will not function properly.
To turn on the gimbal, press the power button once, then press and hold the power button again. The gimbal should spend a few seconds testing its motors and giving you the okay. The lights will remain lit, and the gimbal will beep.
If you are having issues with your gimbal not staying level, you can try performing an IMU calibration. Place your gimbal on a perfectly level surface and do a basic IMU calibration, followed by an advanced calibration. This should fix the issue.
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