For creators using lightweight interchangeable lenses or compact cameras with fixed lens, the Zhiyun CraneM3 is an appealing gimbal. It starts at $369. Although it is slightly larger than the DJI OM 5 ($159), the Weebill 2 ($549) is a much smaller model. If you have an APS/Micro Four Thirds or APS-C camera, the Crane M3 is a good choice. We also like its built-in lights. However, its touchscreen can be finicky. In testing we experienced issues with our iPhone 13's balance.
Related Reading: Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD Review
Attractive Finish Makes You Stand Out
While most gimbals have a black or basic grey finish, the Crane M3 has a more fashionable look. Its striking white exterior is beautifully complemented by red and black accents. The M3 measures approximately 11.4x 8.2x 4.0 inches (HWD), and weighs 1.5lbs. It is easy to place in your bag, but it is also light enough to hold.
Zhiyun has three configurations for the Crane M3. Basic kit $369 includes the Crane M3, cables, cables and gel filters to the onboard flashlight. It also comes with an EPP foam carrying bag. Combo Kit (449) adds a phone case and swaps it for an EPP bag. The Pro Kit (649) includes all the items in the Combo Package, as well as a microphone for handheld use and an adapter that plugs into the gimbal.
Related Reading: Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Review
Jitter-Free Handheld Footage
For testing, I used the Crane M3 and the Sony ZV-10 to pair it with an iPhone 13. This stabilizer works well with smaller, swappable lenses cameras such as the ZV-10 and is also perfect for compacts such as the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Zhiyun has a camera compatibility list that lists full-frame models. However, they can only balance if lightweight prime lenses are attached. Zhiyun doesn't publish the maximum payload of the gimbal. However, most compatible kits are less than two pounds.
The size of your camera matters because of how gimbals work; for good results, you need to balance the camera's center of gravity along three axes. If you use a full-frame camera or a bulkier crop-sensor camera like the Fujifilm X-T4 or Panasonic GH6, you should step up to the bigger Zhiyun Weebill 2 or the Editors' Choice-winning DJI RSC 2; we haven't reviewed the new Weebill 3 or DJI RS 3 yet.
The slim Sony ZV-10E10 was easy to balance and center on my Crane M3. It worked well with small lenses, including the E11mm, E15mm and E10-20mm. The camera was stable without any audible or visible strain from its motors. The M3 and ZV–E10 made Steadicam-like video when I tested various camera movements.
The iPhone 13 was not as pleasant. The iPhone 13 was not balanced on all axes despite my best efforts. The gimbal performed well, even though it wasn't perfectly balanced. The motors failed to perform certain camera movements, especially when I switched from high angle to low angle. A slimmer gimbal, such as the DJI OM 5 and Zhiyun Smooth 4, is better if you're a smartphone designer.
An USB-C cable charges the M3's internal batteries. The battery can last up to 8 hours, but real-world performance will depend on how heavy the camera is, its balance, and your use of M3's light.
A single 1/4-inch thread handles an accessory mount, to which you can attach a high-quality monitor or smartphone. If you buy the Pro edition, you get an expansion port module; it has a second 1/4-inch thread and a storage compartment for the optional Bluetooth camera control module, as well as a 1/4-inch jack to plug in a mic.
Related Reading: Nikon Coolpix P600 Review
Handle controls
Although the Crane M3 features a touch screen display and some on-handle controls for navigating, compatible cameras are required to make use of these functions. Most Sony models are compatible with USB-C control, however, the ZV-10 and slim full frame a7C models require a $25 Bluetooth upgrade, along with recent models by Canon, Fujifilm and Nikon. They can be used with the gimbal but you will need the Bluetooth add on to access the on-handle control.
USB control works with only select Sony models: the a7 II, a7 III, a7R II, a7R III, a7R IV, a7S II, a7S III, a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500, a6600, HX90, RX100 V, RX100 VI, RX100 VII, and ZV-1. The compatibility list with the Bluetooth adapter is longer, but not entirely comprehensive. It doesn't include cameras from Olympus OM System at all, for example.
You can adjust the sundry settings of the gimbal using a compatible camera or adapter if you have one. The built-in light can be controlled by pressing down on the side wheel. This is a useful feature to fill with light. We also like the fact that there are multiple brightness levels and a color temperature.
The diffusion could have been a bit more effective. In indoor environments, the light is harsh and can cause eye strain. It also reflects in direct sunlight through your glasses.
A small square touch screen lets you change settings, but the interface is kludgy. The main menu breaks down into four panes: Mode, Balance, Info, and Settings. Tapping any of them takes you to a longer text menu—straightforward enough. But the text is small enough that you can't always be sure which setting you selected. You also need to be deliberate with your swipe gestures to navigate as swipes often register as taps.
If you find the touch interface frustrating—I certainly did—you can also swap settings via the Zhiyun Play smartphone app (available for Android and iOS). Remote control is available, so that you can make pans and other moves with your phone. This is a great option for situations where you aren't able to be there with your camera.
The on-handle joystick is another option for making camera moves; it works well, but I was disappointed by some inflexibility with the controls. For instance, you can't set the y-axis for inverted operation. I bungled more than a few upward pans by naturally moving the stick downward. Other gimbals offer the ability to invert the y-axis control to accommodate those who might be used to that style of control from a video game, for instance.
An Affordable Gimbal with Limited Compatibility
The Zhiyun Crane M3 is a budget-friendly option starting at $369 We like many aspects of the Zhiyun Crane M3, including its ability to balance correctly sized cameras and its white-red-and black color scheme. Most photo accessories aren't as concerned with design aesthetics.
But we've got a few complaints, too. We love the convenience of on-handle controls, but the M3 only works with a handful of cameras via the included USB cables. For other models, you need to buy a $25 Bluetooth add-on module, which isn't included in any of the three gimbal kits, to unlock these controls.
This limitation extends to popular vlogging cameras like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, the Panasonic G100, and the Sony ZV-E10. Zhiyun really should have included the Bluetooth dongle in the kit. The inflexible controls are also annoying; you're simply out of luck if you prefer an inverted y-axis, for instance.
In light of these negatives, our recommendation here is narrow. If you own a camera that pairs well in terms of size, it supports USB or Bluetooth control, and you don't mind the y-axis control, the Crane M3 is worth a look.
We currently recommend the DJI RSC 2 and Zhiyun Weebill 2 as alternatives; each is slightly bigger to better handle full-frame cameras and a larger array of lenses. We're working on reviews of their updated editions, the DJI RS 3 and Zhiyun Weebill 3.