Comparison Zhiyun Crane M3S vs Zhiyun Crane M2S

— For smartphone. Mount for using a smartphone as a camera. Most often it is a kind of clamp, in which the body of the device is tightly clamped. Such clamps usually have a fairly wide range of adjustment for the width of the phone, which allows you to use this type of stabiliser with most modern smartphones, regardless of the diagonal. And some models can even work with compact digital cameras.

— For camera. Attachments designed for use with full-size cameras — SLR and mirrorless (MILC). Such cameras are quite large and have a thread mount for a tripod. All these features are taken into account in the design of the stabiliser.

— For action cameras. Stabilisers designed for action cameras — compact cameras used mainly for shooting dynamic scenes like sports, skiing, cycling, etc. Such devices, by definition, are designed for use in rather extreme activities, including surfing, skiing, paragliding, etc. However, the specific features of different stabilisers may be different, so before buying it's ok to clarify this matter separately. Note that instead of the general name “for action camera”, the stabiliser specifications may contain the names of specific models of action cameras for which the device is designed.

— With camera. Stabilizers equipped with their own cameras. These are integrated directly int...o the stabilizer's construction, eliminating the need for external devices for filming. Moreover, such models are inherently optimized for working with the built-in camera — at the very least, the user doesn't have to deal with balancing the load on the stabilizer's head. Note that the ability to remove and replace the camera with another is usually not provided, although there are occasional exceptions to this rule.

The range of forward-backwards tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the stabiliser.

It can be written in different ways.

The simplest option is when one angle value is indicated in the characteristics. This may mean that the camera can deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.

Another option is used when the angles of tilt forward and backward are not the same. In such cases, the horizontal position of the camera on a vertical steadicam is taken as zero, the “-” sign indicates the maximum angle of camera deflection back, lens up, and the “+” sign — forward, lens down.

The range of roll angles (to the side) supported by the stabiliser.

Can be recorded in two ways (See "Tilt angle")

The maximum length of time the device will work before it needs its battery to be recharged. It is worth considering that the manufacturer indicates the maximum time, which does not correspond to real indicators due to the conditions and intensity of use.

— Time lapse. The ability to use a stabiliser for shooting video in time-lapse mode. In this mode, shooting is carried out at a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes), due to which the effect of fast movement is achieved in the finished video (for example, a day from sunrise to sunset can fit in several minutes). However, this is the general principle of time lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different.

— Selfie shooting. The presence of a separate mode for shooting selfies.

— Sports mode. It allows you to use the stabiliser when shooting in extreme conditions, on the go and even while running. If you turn on the sport mode, the stabilizer begins to compensate for even deep and sharp frame deviations. Of course, an increase in the potential of the stabilizer affects the charge of the battery pack — the sport mode significantly speeds up the process of discharging the battery.

— Panorama. The presence of the mode of automatic shooting of panoramas in the design of the stabiliser. In this mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates, taking a series of shots, from which the finished panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas, but it can also provide the movement of th...e camera vertically.

— Fixing camera position. The ability to fix the position of the camera mounted on the stabiliser. Fixation means such a mode of operation in which the camera remains constantly directed in the same direction, regardless of the position of the stabiliser itself.

— Axis lock. The presence of an axis lock in the design of the stabiliser — in such a way that when turning along this axis, the camera will follow the movement of the stand. Such an opportunity is necessary in cases where there is a need for precise and operational control over the movement of the camera.

— Tracking mode. The presence of an automatic tracking mode in the stabiliser. By the name, in this mode the device automatically follows a certain object, turning the camera so that this object is constantly in the centre of the image, or at least in the frame. In this case, the subject for tracking can be set by the operator himself.

— Inversion mode. The presence of the inversion mode in the design of the stabiliser. This function, as the name suggests, allows you to turn the device upside down, keeping all its functions and the position of the camera.

— The control wheel allows you to speed up and simplify the setting of the stabiliser operating modes. The wheel is designed to complement the keypad, but in some cases, it can replace the buttons completely. Typically, the control wheel is used to adjust the sensitivity of the gimbal, as well as rotate and lock the camera mounting pad. If the optics are fully compatible with the stabiliser, then the control wheel can be used to adjust both focus with zoom and many other filming parameters.

— Time lapse. Shooting video in time lapse mode involves a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes). In the completed video, the effect of fast movement is achieved (for example, the day from sunrise to sunset fits in just a few minutes). However, this is the general principle of time lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different depending on the specific model of the stabiliser.

- Selfie mode. A separate mode for shooting selfies. This function can be implemented in different ways, depending on the purpose of the device. It is aimed at filming himself and the immediate environment of the operator.

- Sports mode. The mode is designed for high-quality shooting of dynamic scenes in motion. In sports mode, the stabiliser automatically compensates for frame deviations from the reference location, while the motor runs at the highest possible speed.

- Panorama. In this shooting mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates around its axis, taking a series of shots, from which the panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas. However, camera movement in the vertical plane can also be provided.

— Tracking mode. Automatic tracking of a...certain object by pointing the camera so that the shooting target is constantly in the centre of the image, or at least in the frame. The subject for tracking is set by the stabiliser operator.

— Inversion mode. This mode allows you to turn the device upside down, retaining all its functions and camera position. It will come in handy when shooting from atypical angles (for example, from the ground).

Foldable stabilisers can be neatly folded to a compact size, which is very convenient for storage and safe transportation. Both the handle and the mount of the stabiliser itself can be folded. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that such a design solution makes the stabiliser more vulnerable to mechanical impacts because over time the telescopic mechanism and swivel joints will begin to wear out.