I just got this Sony a7IV for my trip to Tokyo in three weeks but honestly I'm kind of panicking. Every time I try to film anything it looks like an earthquake is happening and I know I need a gimbal thing but I am so lost. I spent like three hours looking at DJI and Zhiyun models and they all look the same to me and I dont want to buy something that breaks because the camera is too heavy. My budget is like 400 bucks tops because I already spent way too much on the camera itself. Sorry if this is a really basic thing but I have no idea where to start. What gimbal should I actually buy for the a7IV that wont make me go crazy trying to set it up?
Omg congrats on the a7IV! That camera is literally amazing and youre gonna have the best time in Tokyo!! I totally get the panic tho because nobody wants shaky footage of Shinjuku or Akihabara. Since you're worried about weight and setup being a total nightmare, you seriously have to look at the DJI RS 3 Mini 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer 4.4lb Payload. It is a total lifesaver and fits your budget perfectly! I've been using DJI stuff for years because honestly they are the only ones I trust not to drop my gear. I'm always super paranoid about my camera falling but the locking mechanisms on this specific model are fantastic and feel really secure. Love that peace of mind.
^ This. Also, I gotta disagree with the previous suggestions. I've tried many gimbals over the years and niche brands often have buggy software. For Tokyo, you want reliability. In my experience, the DJI RS 3 Mini 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is the best bet under $400. It handles the a7IV weight easily and isn't a total nightmare to balance. It is light, which your arms will thank you for after walking Shinjuku all day.
Quick reply while I have a sec... honestly if you are worried about reliability and that camera weight, you might want to consider the Zhiyun Weebill 3S Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. It's slightly more robust than the mini versions and I have found the motor strength to be much more consistent for a full-frame setup like the a7IV. Be careful with those tiny gimbals because if you put a heavy lens on later, they just wont keep up and the motors might overheat. I would suggest this one for your trip for a few reasons:
Late to the party but I totally agree that sticking with the big names is better for peace of mind. In my experience, I've tried many setups over the years and cheaping out usually ends in disaster. One time a motor gave out because my lens was too heavy... it was a nightmare.
Bump - same question here
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.