The 10 Best Face Tracking Gimbals

Editor's Notes

March 11, 2021:

Due to a combination of availability issues and discontinued options needing to make way for new models, it wound up being a very busy round of updates. Some of the choices that we let go include the Zomei Stabilizer and Snoppa Atom.

We replaced the Hohem EA111088 with a newer version from the company – the Hohem iSteady Mobile – and we swapped out the FeiyuTech SPG2 for the FeiyuTech Vimble2S.

We retained the Zhiyun Smooth 4, which continues to be a well-reviewed and popular choice, but we also added its little cousin – the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 – to our list, feeling that it would be an interesting option for fans of the Smooth 4 who are looking for a small backup device, or just users who are simply looking for a compact selection. If your purchase mission is motivated by the latter reason, the MOZA Mini MX is another small-model new inclusion that might suit you.

Perhaps our most exciting addition this time around was the DJI Pocket 2, which was incorporated as a replacement for the DJI Osmo Pocket. The case could be made that neither of these options were suitable for this list, as their integrated equipment might make them something closer to an action camera than a gimbal. However, given their reasonable affordability and the option they both present to be used in conjunction with a smartphone, it seemed silly not to include one on our list, just to make sure that our users are aware of the option. The new model can shoot 4K video and 64-megapixel photos, and – with the addition of a separately-purchased case – can go up to 60 meters underwater.

If you aren’t planning on using your everyday smartphone with this gimbal, then you might be interested in our list of cameras for vlogging. Or, if you’d prefer to procure a dedicated mobile device just for this toy, then maybe you’ll be interested in our list of cheap smartphones.

June 03, 2019:

Extremely easy to set up and use, the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 has a variety of autonomous modes that will help you make professional-looking videos no matter your skill level. It only has a few buttons, which are easy to reach with your thumb, and it can accommodate a wide range of devices, including larger smartphones like the iPhone XS Max and Google Pixel 3 XL, as long as they aren't in thick cases. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 has a lot more buttons on its handle, which can take some time to learn how to use, but once you get the hang of it, you'll hardly ever have to touch your phone's screen to change modes or settings. It works quite well with the company's ZY Play app, but note that some of the functions, like time lapse and multiple exposure, don't work on some Android phones, and it can't shoot 4K video on Samsung devices. The Freevision Vilta-M produces super-smooth footage, even when you're moving at high speeds. Its app is easy to use and has a good selection of functions, including four types of panoramas, manual and automatic time lapses, a beautify mode for selfies, and a smart tracking feature called IntelliTrace. With its 360-degree unrestricted rotation, the Snoppa Atom allows you to track faces and objects without worrying about your subject moving out of range, and it has three different tracking modes: smooth movement, lock mode, and fast track. Its folding handle is convenient for storage and transport, and it has a long battery life of up to 24 hours.

Unlike most others, the DJI Osmo Pocket has a built-in camera for standalone use that can shoot 4K video, and the smartphone app has an editing suite that lets you add music, watermarks, and filters. It's incredibly small and lightweight, so you can easily use it with one hand, but it has a rather short battery life of about 2.5 hours. Also be aware that if you have a phone with a micro USB port, you'll have to buy an adapter separately.