FeiyuTech G6 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal for Action Cameras REVIEW

In the past year, I’ve really tried to improve my skills as a still photographer with my DSLR. But I’m often reminded that big isn’t always better. In fact, sometimes the smallest of cameras can have the biggest impact. A couple years back, I invested in a GoPro Hero 5 and loved using it with its standard menagerie of accessories. I loved the quality of the video so much though, I decided to invest in a gimbal so that I could use it for more than just an on-body camera. I got the G5 series handheld gimbal from FeiyuTech and loved how versatile it was. Now, I’ve gotten my hands on the updated version of the gimbal — the G6.

DETAILS

The FeiyuTech G6 is a 3-axis handheld gimbal that is designed to work with most action cameras. It’s specifically designed for the GoPro Hero 3 thru 6 series action cameras but is also compatible with Sony RXO, Yi 4K, AEE and other action cameras that have similar dimensions. If you end up using a camera other than the brand names listed above, some functionality with the app may be lost. The gimbal features a dual-working connectivity mode with Bluetooth and WiFi. When you are on a production shoot, the G6 can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth at the same time as a WiFi signal from a GoPro Hero 6, GoPro Hero5, or RXO. You can even connect a Smartphone to the mobile device support as a viewfinder while using the G6. The G6 has the ability to control the camera through the app connection as well as setting up the frame rate, resolution, white balance, and ISO. The G6 has an impressive 12-hour battery life when a camera is not tethered to it, but as an added bonus, the gimbal can act as a power bank, too. So, when a camera is charging from the gimbal, too, the battery life of the gimbal goes down dramatically to around 5 hours.

SPECS

• Titling Angle: 360°
• Rolling Angle: 320°
• Panning Angle: 360°
• Tilting Increments : 2°/s ~ 75°/s
• Panning Increments : 3°/s ~ 150°/s
• Usage Time In Theory: 12 Hours (Charging the cameras when using: 5 hours)
• Weight: 336g (Not including battery, camera)

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN G5 AND G6 GIMBAL MODELS

While the two models of gimbal are virtually the same, the G6 really has some nice upgraded features. The chart below shows the main differences between the G5 and the G6 FeiyuTech Action Camera Gimbal.

G6 Gimbal G5 Gimbal Can be conneceted to GoPro 5 & GoPro 6 to control camera and camera operations Does not work Handle adds an LED display (can display Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. whether to connect,

stabilizer power, and current mode)

Has no display Adopts sliding arm to adjust balance Needs to install counterweight to level Handle side original one-quarter interface;
adds new positioning pin Has only one-quarter interface;
no locating pin Adopts oblique angle design and the framing is clearer Will block a little line of sight Battery life up to 12 hours Battery life up to 8 hours Can charge GoPro 5 and 6 Can only charge GoPro 3, 4, and 5 Back level adjustment button
can be controlled horizontally Does not Work

USER EXPERIENCE

Getting started with the G6 gimbal is pretty easy. You slide your GoPro into the camera support and balance it out before powering it on. Once you power it on the G6 should stabilize the camera so that you are ready to shoot. While you are using the gimbal to create a smooth video, you can use the joystick to move the gimbal into the position you are looking for. I did a variety of tests for movement. One of the first ones I did was just to walk through my house to see how the G6 handled basic walking movements. I was amazed to see how smooth and fluid the gimbal movements were. It just makes it feel like you are gliding from room to room as you are walking. There was no bumpy up and down movements or bobbing present while I walked. In addition to that, I actually shot some footage while driving. The footage came out brilliant and smooth.

The G6 is a very well-made piece of camera equipment. It is built to withstand standard action camera-style photography and is even splash proof. I can vouch for that claim as when I shot the driving footage, the road was wet from some rain showers that took place that day. It is only supposed to be ‘splash’ proof though and not completely waterproof. So, if you are on a beach and some surf splashed on you, the gimbal should remain operational. But, don’t expect that you can go swimming with the gimbal because it will not work afterward.

CONCLUSION

If you are looking for a gimbal for your action camera, I can recommend this model as it is easy to set up and use. If you have the G5, the G6 is a definite step up in my opinion. I love the upgrades from the previous model and think that it’s a solid investment in camera gear.

For more information, visit feiyu-tech.com/g6.
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Originally published at macsources.com on September 24, 2018.