Gimbal Modes Explained | How to Pick the Right One?

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👉Here comes today's topic: What Are Gimbal Modes?

Gimbals open up a world of cinematic possibilities — as long as you can operate them correctly, that is. Indeed, gimbals are not nearly as complex as they seem. Most gimbals operate similarly, using a set of modes, each suited to particular filmmaking scenarios.

Simply put, most gimbals have four modes: Pan Follow Mode, Follow Mode, Lock Mode, and POV Mode. Some gimbals feature other special modes. The right mode can be selected, depending on what you plan to film.

Gimbal modes control how your gimbal behaves. For example, some modes restrict one or more of the pan, tilt, and roll axis movements in order to make shots more smooth. In contrast, some modes let you move in any direction, giving your gimbal a full range of motion. It is up to you to choose what mode is best to shoot with!!

🌞What Are Pan, Tilt, and Roll?
Before you learn about each gimbal mode, it is first important to understand what pan, tilt, and roll refer to. This is important because pan, tilt, and roll are the three different axis or directions that a gimbal can rotate.

1. Follow Mode
How It Works: Follow Mode allows a gimbal to pan from side to side as well as tilt up or down. This gives full freedom of movement on the pan and tilt axis, allowing the gimbal and camera to be free to face upwards or downwards or left or right.

🌟When To Use It
Full Follow Mode is ideal when you don’t want to be restricted. For example, when you want to rotate around a subject while tilting up and down. However, this mode can be a little too free at times. If you are not yet experienced at using a gimbal, you may want to use this mode sparingly and opt for the next mode on our list instead!

2. Pan Follow Mode
How It Works: Pan Follow Mode allows a gimbal to pan from side to side but not tilt up or down.
When set to Pan Follow Mode, the gimbal will attempt to keep the horizon at a flat, consistent level. In Pan Follow Mode, the gimbal will not move from this locked position.

🌟When To Use It
Pan Follow Mode is handy when you need to pan but not tilt. This means this mode is great for panning to follow subjects walking from left to right or vice-versa. It is also useful for capturing establishing shots. It is also great for following subjects as it allows you to keep the camera moving up or down but not tilt up or down.

3. Lock Mode
How It Works: Lock Mode doesn’t allow a gimbal to pan from side to side or tilt up or down. Because of this, Lock Mode can be very restrictive — making it somewhat unique.
🌟When To Use It
Lock Mode is great for shots that require no pan or tilt movement. For example, a shot taken from a moving vehicle of a subject running could benefit from Lock Mode.

4. POV Mode (Roll Follow Mode)
How It Works: POV Mode allows a gimbal to pan from side to side, tilt up or down, and rotate or “roll.”  This mode is similar to the Follow Mode except that it adds even more freedom. POV Mode adds the freedom to rotate or “roll” the camera. This allows you to capture “dutch” angles or fully “roll” the camera — capturing trippy rotating footage.

🌟When To Use It
POV Mode is ideal for capturing natural-feeling, point-of-view footage. For example, this mode can be used to create a shot from a subject’s point of view. This mode is also great for achieving the “barrel-roll” or “vortex” effect.

🌞🌞Other Modes: Selfie mode, wide angle mode, low angle mode...
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💪Practice Makes Perfect (Gimbal Footage)

Now that you know how each gimbal mode works, the next step is to practice using each of them.

While it is possible to understand each mode in concept, you won’t truly understand how and when to use each mode without sufficient practice.

Take some time to run through each mode.

If possible, find a subject to practice with — having someone to follow and film will help you to fully understand the pros and cons of each operating mode.

Happy smartphone filmmaking!

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