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Want to make smoother, more professional-looking video? Then your first port of call is a gimbal, and the Zhiyun Crane M2 could be just the job for filming mountain biking.

Choosing a gimbal is a bit of a minefield. There are a lot of brands out there offering gimbals that work with various different cameras so, on top of trying to find the right gimbal brand, you also need to choose a gimbal that works with your camera, and then you have to ensure it has all the features that you want too.

Can one gimbal do it all?

Over the next few months, I’ve decided that I want to shoot more video, but the issue I had was I wanted a gimbal that was both small and powerful. I wanted a gimbal that would pack in my riding pack, but still, have the grunt to balance my Sony A6300 mirrorless camera.

To make my search even more tricky I didn’t want to spend a whole lot of money, AND I also wanted the ability to mount a GoPro or even a smartphone too.

In all honesty, I thought I was asking too much and looking for a gimbal that couldn’t possibly offer it all, but unbelievably I’ve found one and I have it on my desk next to me.

Zhiyun Crane M2

Small but powerful.

Zhiyun is a Chinese technology company that has been releasing gimbals now for a few years. The brand started with smaller mobile phone type gimbals, but over the years has increased it’s range to include full-size, full-feature products that rival DJI’s Ronin.

The M2 works with mirrorless cameras, mobile phones and GoPro action cameras.

The Zhiyun Crane M2 is a bit of a crossover product because it’s as small as the mobile phone dedicated gimbals the company makes but powerful enough to handle a mirrorless camera. On top of that though, the Crane M2 ships with mounts for fitting a GoPro or mobile phones, and if you do choose to shoot with your mobile you’ll get impressive features such as automatic targeting tracking.

After reading the specifications I was a little sceptical after all this is a gimbal that costs just £259 shipped, and ticks every box I wanted ticking. Before pulling the trigger I decided to check out a few YouTube videos of the Zhiyun Crane M2 to see if it was really up for balancing a mirrorless and surprisingly those reviews and tests proved it was.

Manual controls.

The M2’s powerful motors aren’t just to keep your camera steady but can also be manually controlled via buttons located on the handle.

Joystick and OLED display.

A joystick on the rear of the device enables manual movement over the gimbal which is great for tracking or panning shots. Below the joystick is a record button which will use Bluetooth to start recording on your camera, and next to that a mode button for flicking through the various modes the gimbal supports including a POV mode, GO mode for sports and fast-moving subjects and even a Vortex mode that spins the camera around for some very creative shots.

There’s also a trigger on the front of the handle which can be used to quickly tap from mode to mode, plus it has a triple tap feature that spins the camera around for vlog-style selfie filming.

The M2 easily handles a Sony A6300.

Depending on the camera that you set up with the Zhiyun Crane M2 you’ll also have remote control capabilities and from the handle, you’ll be able to shoot video, photos and even control the zoom. This does all depend on your camera though. I first tested it with the Sony A6000 but the firmware of the camera only allows photo controls remotely whereas the A6300 will run video and zoom too.

Axis locks help with packing the M2 in your bag.

The gimbal also packs useful axis locks for easy transportation and to aid balancing, and it ships with a phone holder, a screw-in mini tripod too, USB Type C wire, and the case it ships in is sturdy enough to use as a protective case.

As this is a first look I just wanted to run over a few of the features and tech specs of the Zhiyun Crane M2 with the aim to delve into a full review in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about the M2 though then let me know in the comments section below and I’ll answer then as fast as possible.

Watch this space for smooth new videos!

Zhiyun Crane M2 Features

Maximum payload: 720g

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 2.4G

Tilt Mechanical Range: 310° / Roll Mechanical range: 324°

Mechanical range: 360° unlimited rotation / Tilt Adjustable angle: -45°~ 260°

Roll Adjustable angle: -70° ~ 70° (Switch from landscape mode to portrait mode with a 40° angle)

Adjustable pan angle: -180° ~ 180° /Operating temperatures: -10℃ ~ 45℃

Battery Capacity: 1100mAh

Battery life: 6h

Charging time: 2h

Price: £259.00

Buy it from eBay ($179.00)

If you are thinking of venturing into videography and looking for an entry gimbal, check out the compact ZHIYUN Crane M2, compatible with a variety of lightweight mirrorless, compact, and action cameras, as well as smartphones.

If you are relatively unfamiliar with filming equipment, as I am, ZHIYIN's Crane M2 handheld stabilizer looks very promising at the first glance. Using my travel-friendly Canon M50 with an EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, which places in the Crane M2 camera compatibility list, I was thrilled to try out a gimbal that looked like it could occupy a permanent place in my equipment bag. With the aim of recording some of our personal travels, as well as a mix of photography and lifestyle vlogging, this seemed to be the missing piece in the puzzle that is amateur videography. However, this gimbal certainly isn't for anyone whose camera isn't on the list, primarily because of the size and weight. So, if that's you, check out other options that can handle your heavier camera, such as Feiyu Tech Ak4000.

Specifications

With a tagline of making "every one a true filmmaker of their daily lives," ZHIYUN has brought a three-axis stabilizer, which is designed to perform for multiple devices and for users of all levels. As noted, before you purchase it, make sure you have thoroughly checked if your camera and lens combination will be supported by the gimbal. The list includes a variety of Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and GoPro cameras weighing up to 1.58 lbs (an action cam mount is sold separately). The majority of cameras on the list allow taking photos, start and stop recording, as well as a zoom in and out option when using the gimbal handle. Make sure you carefully study the compatibility list so you are not left disappointed, because certain cameras have limitations, (for example, unavailable zoom control on HERO5).

Crane M2 also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi allows you to connect to your camera for greater filming control, and the Bluetooth lets your camera sync up with the ZY mobile app for iOS and Android, which is available free to download and use. The app offers not just a variety of remote control options, but also contains tutorials and more.

Gimbal boasts 360° pan, 310° tilt, and 324° roll rotation through six different modes:

PF (Pan Following Mode): allows the camera to pan as you turn the gimbal left and right

F (Following Mode): camera will follow the handle movements

L (Locking Mode): camera direction is locked

V (Vortex Mode): for those 360° barrel shots

POV (Full-Range POV Mode): allows 360° synchronous movement on all three axes

GO (Go Mode): capture fast movement

Lastly, it has an OLED display, which shows battery level, connection status, and your selected shooting mode. Other features include a quick-release camera mounting system, scale marks, and memory locks to make balancing easier for different types of cameras, and you can attach the mini tripod on the bottom to use it as a stand or if it's easier, for you to grip and control it. Packaging also includes a hand strap, smartphone mount clip, Micro-USB Type-C Cable, mini tripod, and quick release plate. Currently, it retails for $269.

First Impressions

Although I had previously used gimbals before when assisting on a shoot, I had never actually taken a brand-new one out of the box and blindly followed the included instructions from the get-go. I would be lying if I said the whole setup process was easy. In fact, it was very much far from it. I found the included instructions very hard to follow, so inevitably, I ended up looking at ZY's own tutorials on their app. But, even during the most crucial moments of setting up, the tutorial would quickly rush past it or not show a close-up of the action at all. I found this very frustrating as a first-time user and had to resort to looking for video tutorials elsewhere just so I could finally start using the gimbal.

Although my Canon M50 is included in the compatibility list, unfortunately, the process was made harder by the fact that the viewfinder on this particular camera as well as on the Canon M5 may interfere with the roll axis motor under balanced position (which means I cannot use the Vortex mode). Once I had it set up and once I learned how it works, the initial instructions became clearer, but as someone who's never done anything like that before, it can be a very frustrating process. I struggled to connect the gimbal to my camera, which may be due to my camera's connection more so than the gimbal itself; however, that meant I was not able to start recording by using the start button on the gimbal grip.

The gimbal itself I found to be very easy and comfortable to hold. The weight of it is a massive bonus in my book. Having held heavier gimbals, I know how tiring it can become, but this one was very lightweight to use and to hold. To me, it just seems like a great option for those who travel often and don't want to carry heavy equipment. Once I attached the tripod bottom, I didn't take it off, because it is that light, and I prefer having the option to safely put it down on the ground or use it as a tripod for filming certain clips.

The biggest issue I had with using this gimbal was the different filming modes. First of all, before you go out shooting, you need to understand what each mode does and which one to use. This was my first mistake, when I thought I would just learn it on the go, but looking back, I would recommend thoroughly reviewing each mode first. Secondly, changing the modes can be confusing too, because you don't simply run through each mode by pressing one button. Instead, you use a combination of tapping the trigger back of the handle and using the "mode button" to find the mode you're looking for.

Zhiyun Crane M2 gimbal handle

As for the footage, even though I had moments where I wanted to put it back in my bag and give up due to how the gimbal handled my specific camera, I still can't fault it too much when it comes to the quality of the actual material, which is something you've already come to expect from all gimbals coming onto the market nowadays. The weight of it makes it easy to use it for longer periods, and I enjoyed using it once it was all set up.

What I Liked

Compact and lightweight, easy to pack and travel with

The variety of shooting modes

Decent battery life

Appropriate price considering it supports smartphones and action cameras, as well as certain mirrorless models

Suits beginners and vloggers

What Could Be Improved

More thorough and beginner-friendly tutorials

Easier and more logical way of choosing shooting modes

Full compatibility for all cameras included in the list for a better filming experience

Canon M50 mounted on a Zhiyun gimbal

Conclusion

Although I did not have the best start when trying to stabilize my camera or when trying to connect it to Wi-Fi, I'd be happy to put that experience past me, because this gimbal could be a really useful piece of equipment so as long as it fits your style of shooting and more importantly, it fits with your camera. As someone who is by no means attempting to get into professional videography, I did want something that can help make my personal video or photography tutorials footage more dynamic, and I can see this gimbal doing just that. The quality of footage obtained would be sufficient for me and my needs, and I would consider bringing it with me on shoots to potentially add brief video footage to the final gallery, too.

With a $269 price tag, I can justify the price if I were to make the most of all it offers, such as different shooting modes and support for smartphones, actions cameras, and mirrorless cameras. As someone who'd be using only one mirrorless camera for the time being, which also happens to not have the full compatibility with all features this gimbal offers, I am slightly torn; however, if I owned one of the other cameras on the list, I wouldn't hesitate. This gimbal is well suited for those who use videography as an addition to their lifestyle or even business and less so for those who specialize in pro video work and need to use more substantial camera and lens combinations.

If you think this is something you want to add to your kit, you can order your Crane M2 here.

Crane M2 can carry a variety of different cameras action cameras, smartphones, and mirrorless and DSLR cameras before you start balancing, you need to make sure that you attach our quick-release plate to your camera. You'll notice that the plate has two slots the longer slot is for installing larger mirrorless cameras and the shorter slot is for smaller compact cameras. If you are planning to use a smartphone you mount the quick-release plate to the included phone holder balancing is quick and easy. Loosen the quarter-inch screw at the bottom of the quick release plate hold the tilt access arm lightly and push the camera to move forward or backward until the camera stays still and floats freely once this access is balanced lock it into place with the thumbscrew we will use the same method to balance the following access and balance points making micro-adjustments so your camera floats freely on our gimbal. You can also mark the balance position for easy and quick balance adjustments for the next time.

To unlock the true power of the Crane M2, you will need to connect it to the zy play app on your mobile device this is a free app available for download through your App Store of choice before connecting be sure your gimbal is powered on power on by holding the power button above for three seconds once you've opened that click the connect your device button，you will be prompted with a Bluetooth connection window from there you can select the Crane M2 and begin pairing after you can select your device type camera or smartphone. If you‘re using a compact or mirrorless camera you will be greeted with the interface in order to connect be sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your camera, once connected you will be able to control photo start/stop along with zoom control all from the grip of your gimbal double-click the record button to take a photo single press will start and stop your recording.

If you are planning on using your smartphone on the M2 you will be greeted with this interface you can select various shooting options and modes such as time-lapse panorama and tacking mode.

If you are interested in Crane M2, welcome to www.zhiyun-tech.com .

Crane M2 is the world's most flexible handheld gimbal designed to fit any lightweight camera system. Silky-smooth footage has never been easier just snap in your camera balance and start shooting so you can turn those shaky shots into Crane M2. It supports a wide range of smartphones, action cameras, and compact cameras. Crane M2 is compact so you can stay lightweight and with its new positioning locks on the rolling access, you'll never waste another minute rebalancing on the setup with its creative shooting modes. You can go solo with selfie mode just three quick taps and you're ready to start sharing your own show with the world. The Crane M2 with loads of gear gain remote control of the gimbal through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so you can frame your shots without any hassle over cables or adapters and with its intuitive OLED display you have all the info you need right in front of you like a cinema camera in the palm of your hand Crane M2 gives you the power of professional filmmaking with one simple device so say goodbye to shaky footage and say hello to a new era of content creation built for everyone.

Zhiyun Crane-M2 is the most compact and versatile gimbal compatible with multiple-devices. We would show 5 unique things of Crane-M2 in the following article. The first thing is the ultimate versatility. Crane M2 makes it such a unique and revolutionary product the crazy thing about this gimbal is you can through so many different devices on it from action cameras.

If you are interested in Crane M2, welcome to www.zhiyun-tech.com .