Top 5 List of The Best Handheld Steadicam Stabilizers

best handheld steadicamIn this article you will learn what is the best handheld steadicam that fits anyones budget. You’ve surely tried to keep non-stabilized cameras steady with your hands, but the footage just keeps coming out blurry no matter how hard you try. And yet, there are so many videos online where people look just amazing and everything is in its place. Well, no one achieves that without assistance. When you see a stunning video, you can assume that they use a steadicam. Using a steadicam is the best way to obtain smooth footage.

Still, even if you are already aware of this and have experience or wish to start using a steadicam for your video shooting job or hobby, you need to choose the right one. Choosing one of the many steadicams available at the moment is can be challenging, so I am here to help you base your choice on my extensive testing and research. Let’s have a look at 5 steadicams I have checked out.

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Beholder DS1 Handheld Stabilizer 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal

beholder-ds1-handheld-stabilizer-3-axis-brushless-gimbalWhen you are a professional camera operator or at least aiming in that direction, the first thing you must check in a stabilizer is the load it is capable of holding up. This considered, I put this on the beginning of my research. The first reason why the Beholder DS1 Handheld Stabilizer 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal is on this list is that it is specially designed to hold cameras up to 3.8 pounds.

You can use this stabilizer with:

  • Nikon D810 and D800
  • DMC series
  • Canon 5D and 7D
  • NEX series
  • GH4 and GH7
  • Sony A7 series

You’ll be happy to hear that this particular device also allows you to easily switch the cameras by releasing, moving and adjusting the base plate without needing to use extra tools to achieve balance. This applies to changing the camera lenses, too.

With this device, you have 4 different modes:

  • Follow mode to track your movements
  • Lock mode to lock the camera in place
  • Inverted mode to turn the camera upside down
  • Briefcase mode to hold the Gimbal closer to the body

So, I am not only speaking of what I think is the best designed and compact steadicam. I am speaking of 4 modes choice, quick release base plate, controllable joystick, 360-degree product views and glide motion effects.

SUNRISE Shoulder Pad DSLR Rigs DSLR Cage Camera Shoulder Stabilizer DSM-802

sunrise-shoulder-pad-dslr-rigs-dslr-cage-camera-shoulder-stabilizer-dsm-802The second choice is the SUNRISE Shoulder Pad DSLR Rigs. In this case, we have a highly professional steadicam that comes with adjustable base plate, counterweight feature, comfortable handle and ergonomic shoulder pad. The connecting parts of this particular device are made of CNC connecting part, which allows the stabilizer to be durable.

The steadicam is not only light wear and good to look at, but it is powder coated with aluminum, which makes it smooth. The grips are comfortable and allow flexibility and the product comes with 3 weights on the back that are removable.

Glide Gear DNA 5050 Video Camera DSLR

glide-gear-dna-5050-video-camera-dslrIf you have a camera that weight between 2 and 7 pounds, the Glide Gear DNA 5050 Video Camera DSLR is a great choice for you.

This unit is specially designed to allow free-floating shots with great steadiness.

It is also light wear, but offers many other advantages aside from these ones:

 

 

  • It works with a variety of cameras, both regular and compact
  • You need no tools to attach the camera to the unit
  • The machine parts of the stabilizer are of tight tolerance, which means the Glide Gear DNA 5050 is precision tooled
  • You can easily adjust it to your needs
  • The platform can be extended or retracted without resulting in pendulum wings

Originally, this stabilizer is created as a two handed equipment. This means that you should use both hands on the camera and the stabilizer to make amazing videos.

Fantaseal DC+DV+3-in-1 Camera Steadycam Mount

fantaseal-dcdv3-in-1-camera-steadycam-mountThe Fantaseal has an extremely powerful cell phone clamp mount that allows you to hold your cell phone steady. Additionally, you can control the GoPro by using the GoPro APP and do this without the remote control!.

We are speaking of a highly advanced shooting system for low angles shooting for:

  • All DSLR cameras
  • Compact cameras
  • DV
  • Action cameras

If you wish to make low camera position, steady images and videos, this is your solution. It has a removable Mini Ball Head Hot Shot Tripod adapter, which you can use to attach the flash, video lights, LED lights and microphones

This unit has a quick release GoPro Buckle Plate that you can use to attach your GoPro camcorder to the steadicam. It is the perfect platform for:

  • GoPro
  • GoPro Hero/ Hero 3/ Hero 3+/ Session/ Hero 4/ Hero 5
  • TomTom Bandit Garmin Verb XE for 4K shooting
  • GoPro Hero + LCD

Movo SG100

movo-sg100The last, but not the least! The Movo SG100 is a steadicam that is designed to enable smooth camera movements and a run-and-gun video shooting style. And not only that. This stabilizer is light wear and has an ergonomic design, which will help you stabilize easily. The maximum capacity is 5lbs, so you can actually use this last one if you have a mid-sized or small camera, too.

Generally, the Movo SG100 has the following advantages:

  • It allows users to shoot smooth videos by stabilizing the camera
  • Its shoulder pad is cushioned, so you will experience no fatigue or pain
  • The construction is aluminum
  • It supports up to 5lbs of weight
  • It is suitable for DSLR and small and medium-sized camcorders

So, which one will it be? From what I experienced while using these, I think this is a very difficult decision. However, regardless of what you choose, you are picking one of the best DSLR stabilizers online. So, the only thing you can do wrong is not ordering one!