What to know
- The DJI RS 3 Mini has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Zhiyun M3 has a battery life of up to 14 hours.
- If you need a compact and lightweight gimbal for mirrorless cameras or smartphones, the DJI RS 3 Mini is a great option.
- If you need a gimbal with a higher payload capacity for heavier cameras, the Zhiyun M3 is a better choice.
In the realm of filmmaking and videography, the choice of a gimbal can significantly impact the quality and stability of your shots. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun M3. Both gimbals offer unique features and capabilities, making it crucial to compare them thoroughly before making a decision.
Overview
The DJI RS 3 Mini is a compact and lightweight gimbal designed for mirrorless cameras and smartphones. It boasts an impressive payload capacity of 2.8 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of cameras. The Zhiyun M3, on the other hand, is a slightly larger and heavier gimbal with a higher payload capacity of 4.4 pounds. It is ideal for heavier cameras, including DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with larger lenses.
Key Features
DJI RS 3 Mini
- Compact and lightweight design
- 2.8-pound payload capacity
- 3-axis stabilization
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Quick-release plate for easy camera mounting
Zhiyun M3
- Larger and heavier design
- 4.4-pound payload capacity
- 3-axis stabilization
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C connectivity
- OLED display for easy menu navigation
Stabilization Performance
Both the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun M3 offer excellent stabilization performance. They effectively reduce camera shake and vibrations, resulting in smooth and stable footage. However, the Zhiyun M3 has a slight edge in stabilization performance due to its higher payload capacity and more powerful motors.
Camera Compatibility
The DJI RS 3 Mini is compatible with a wide range of mirrorless cameras and smartphones. It supports popular brands such as Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Fujifilm. The Zhiyun M3 has a broader camera compatibility, supporting both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It is compatible with brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and more.
Connectivity
The DJI RS 3 Mini features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for remote control of the gimbal via a dedicated app. The Zhiyun M3 offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB-C connectivity, providing more options for remote control and data transfer.
Battery Life
The DJI RS 3 Mini has a battery life of up to 10 hours, while the Zhiyun M3 has a battery life of up to 14 hours. Both gimbals support fast charging, allowing you to quickly power them up when needed.
Portability
The DJI RS 3 Mini is designed to be highly portable, weighing only 1.3 pounds. It folds down into a compact size, making it easy to carry around. The Zhiyun M3 is slightly heavier at 2.2 pounds and does not fold down as compactly, but it still offers decent portability.
Which Gimbal Should You Choose?
The choice between the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun M3 depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- If you need a compact and lightweight gimbal for mirrorless cameras or smartphones, the DJI RS 3 Mini is a great option.
- If you need a gimbal with a higher payload capacity for heavier cameras, the Zhiyun M3 is a better choice.
- If you prioritize stabilization performance, the Zhiyun M3 has a slight edge.
- If you value portability and ease of use, the DJI RS 3 Mini is a more suitable option.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for alternatives to the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun M3, here are a few options to consider:
- Ronin-SC: A compact and lightweight gimbal from DJI, similar to the RS 3 Mini but with a higher payload capacity.
- FeiyuTech AK2000S: A versatile gimbal with a high payload capacity, suitable for both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
- Moza AirCross 2: A feature-rich gimbal with a built-in transmitter, offering advanced control options.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which gimbal has better stabilization performance?
A: The Zhiyun M3 has a slight edge in stabilization performance due to its higher payload capacity and more powerful motors.
Q: Which gimbal is more portable?
A: The DJI RS 3 Mini is more portable, weighing only 1.3 pounds and folding down into a compact size.
Q: Which gimbal has a higher payload capacity?
A: The Zhiyun M3 has a higher payload capacity of 4.4 pounds, making it suitable for heavier cameras.
Q: Which gimbal is more affordable?
A: The DJI RS 3 Mini is generally more affordable than the Zhiyun M3.
Q: Which gimbal is better for beginners?
A: Both gimbals are suitable for beginners, but the DJI RS 3 Mini is more compact and user-friendly.