How to Balance Zhiyun Crane M3 (& Crane M3S) Gimbal
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- čas přidán 6. 12. 2021
- This great little compact Zhiyun-Tech CRANE-M3 (& M3S) 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer (Standard Kit) needs to be balanced and calibrated before use. In this video, I will show you how based on the instructions that comes with the gimbal (in the box and on their website). I don't yet have the specific release plate for either my Sony A7C or Sony A7 IV. I will be receiving one from Zhiyun-Tech, I chose the one for my A7 IV. The plate that came with the gimbal is generic and it's not so great because it too wide with too much room to budge. And it does affect the balancing a bit as you could see in the video.
I use Sony A7C with Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 on this Crane M3 to demonstrate the balancing process. (At the time of making this video, I have not yet received my Sony A7 IV which will be my main camera on this gimbal.)
Note: The newer model Zhiyun-Tech Crane M3S, with better designed baseplate, can still be balanced using this video as a guide. Nothing else changes in terms of physical design. - Věda a technologie
Was struggling with all other tutorial videos before this one ! Thank you so much 🎉
Thank you for your comment. I happy to hear that this video was helpful.
Thank you for the full detail tutorial. Getting a crane M3 as a new year's gift for my career.
Thank you. Hope you’ll enjoy this gimbal. I really like it. And thanks for commenting.
This is the most and only helpful video I have seen for this Gimbal! Thank you so so so much! It's past midnight and I could not get it to work at all. I have saved your video, liked it and also shared it to my brother. I've also selected notifications. Literally, most helpful youtuber ever. Thank you sooo much :) (Amazing, calming video with great soft background light music)
Oh, thank you very much for this comment. I really appreciate it, knowing that this video helped.
very helpful video, straight to the point and well explained and demonstrated. I was looking for exactly this video!
Thank you. Appreciate it. I’m happy this video was helpful.
This is a fantastic superb helpful video! Wow! NO one has done this for this gimbal: helping us to balance it. The way you did it is the best I've seen in completely taking out the guess work! Again, thanks so much!!! When I get the gimbal I'll be immediately going back to your video :)
Thank you, appreciate it. I’m happy this video can help. :)
@@TossSong Merci beaucoup Monsieur :D !
Thank you for commenting.
I watch this every time I mess with the balance arms on the gimbal. Thank you
Thank you for commenting, I’m glad this video is helpful.
I loved the way you taught. Love ❤️ from India 🇮🇳
Thank you very much for this nice comment. Appreciate it.
Thank you so much for this video Toss. I hate using instruction manuals and your video explained things to great detail and now it’s auto balancing!
Thank you for your comment. I’m happy this video can help. :)
Excellent video!just won my balancing after 1 hours of searching the right video 😊
Thank you for your comment, glad this could help.
Awesome Tutorial!! This is the best by far that I have seen anywhere! I'll be using this gimbal for an iPhone 13 Pro Max and GoPro Hero 10 for quick run & gun. Thanks again! Awesome job!! 👍😊
Thank you for this nice comment. Yes, run & gun with iPhone and GoPro would be great-I could imagine. :)
Did you find further tutorials on using iPhone pro max 13 with it?
The best teacher among others. Thank you so much for your help. Subscribed! 😊
Thank you. Very appreciate it. Happy this video helped. Again thank you for your comment.
@@TossSong I am still hit-and-miss though. Still find it difficult to set it up. 😢
Try to keep at it. For example, I was really no expert when making this video. But now, I’m just a litter better. Keep trying, I’m sure you’ll find it easier each time.
Thank you so much for this. I was lost until I found your tutorial. 🎉
Thank you for tuning in. I’m glad this was helpful.
This is perfectly explained, much appreciated!
Thank you for your comment. I’m really happy that this video helped.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ {after 3 days of finding a tutorial]
Thank you for your comment. Happy this helped.
OMG! You saved my life. Thanks a lot for this very helpful video! :)
No problem. Happy this helped. Thanks for your comment.
one month later still my go-to video for balancing. I would love this excellent vlogger to post more tips and uses for the crane m3. I've got twisting left to right when I carry it. Also, blockages and vibrations even after calibration, using Sony A6600 and sigma 30mm or sigma 18-50mm, both very small and light lenses.
Hi, thank you for your comment. I’d myself would love to make more videos about this M3 when I get the chance. Appreciate your suggestion. I have had experiences with some blockages and also vibrations as well. By using a costume quick release plate (it’s not the one in this video, but another “Sony A7IV…”) things are much smoother in comparison. This compact gimbal is versatile but with some caveats. I know exactly what you mean.
Excellent video thank you. It might have been worth mentioning the Pan Axis balance - This is so that the Vortex Mode works correctly.
Thank you for your comment. I may do an update in the future. The release plate in the video is not so great (to long with tiny screw pivot) making it even more inconvenient to balance. If you notice in the video, I have to repeat adjustment sometimes to keep it still. Anyway thanks again.
All crane m3 tutorial This is very helpfull thank you.
Thank you for your comment. Appreciate it. :)
Best Best Best Video so far for this Crane M3 Gimble thanks a lot
Thank you very much for your comment, appreciate it.
Thank you for this tutorial
Thank you for your comment.
great video! thank you
Thank you for your comment. I’m happy this helped. :)
Thanks again for this awesome tutorial!! I have a question; Will harm come to the motors if the power is accidently turned on when in the locked storage position? Thanks. 👍
Hi, I have accidentally locked the axes Many times before, while it’s on-no problem with the motor. I could even hear the motor hissing many times. So, I’m sure you shouldn’t worry. I also have another bigger gimbal that I also locked while it’s on-again no problem with the motor.
@@TossSong Awesome!! That's great to know..... appreciate it!! 👍😊
No problem.
Question, so I have the RS3 for my bigger camera and I recently got this for the zve10 and for some reason I balanced it out did the auto calibration but when I move forward and backwards I still feel small vibrations , why is that ?
Normally I’ve experienced the vibrations because of one (or more) axis is still locked, because I forget. Do check if they are All unlocked.
Very well done!
Thank you much. Appreciate it. :)
thank you for your instruction, I'm wondering still the camera or rather gimple beeps and stops working
Hi, thanks for your comment. It may due to the gimbal defect. You might have to contact Zhiyun for that.
@@TossSong thank you for your reply🤙🤙
Finally a tutorial done very well. interesting and useful. One question: do you think I can use it with a Sony RX100 mk7?
Thanks in advance for your reply
Pasquale (Rome - Italy)
Thank you for your comment. Yes, you could use it for the RX100 series. 100% sure. It would work even better because it’s lighter. When you get the chance let me know after you tried it. Thanks again.
@@TossSong Hi Toss, many thanks for your quick reply. I will keep you informed.
Ciao.
Pasquale (Rome - Italy)
Great job and thanks!!!!
Thank you for your comment.
What (beginner) camera would u recommend using for the crane m3 instead of using a phone. Thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for commenting. I don’t know what brand or what price range you would go for…but I use Sony. An a6000 series or ZV-10 (or one) or full frame a7C-with a compact wide angle 24mm f/2.8 G lens would do well with Crane M3.
Bravo! Many thanks!
I'm glad you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching. 🙏
thank you so much for the help :)
Thank you for your comment.
I just received my crane m3 it is running hot. Where the power button is, is that caused from not being balanced precisely or is something wrong. I'm trying to balance a s22 ultra phone. Any help would greatly be appreciated
Hi, thanks for your comment. I have had experiencing heat when/after charging. I don’t remember or notice heat while using, may be because I’ve not been touching the power button area. Your phone shouldn’t be the issue, it’s too light, balancing correctly or not. I will try to testing it again and report to you here when I can.
My tilt (horizon) axis won't balance even when slid all the way forward. It still drops back (display faces down). What do? May smartphone is the Samsung flagship NOTE20U.
We’re able to get it to work with your Note20? I assume you tried sliding the phone out (or in more) before you proceed with balancing. It’s a bit tricky with a phone. There some videos out there with a phone and the M3. Let me know how it goes.
Thank you so much ❤
Thank you. I’m happy this helped.
Thank you from Turkiye 😀😀👍👍
Thank you for your comment. And for tuning in.
Thank you
Thank you for commenting.
Where can I get hold of a quick release plate for a Sony ZV1 to use on the Crane M3...?? Thanks
I believe you have to have purchased it on the Zhiyun website. If not, try and contact Zhiyun at their website, under “contact” and ask them (with proof of purchase). If you did purchase through them directly, then go back to their website and look for Crane M3. The detail is right on top. *However, I don’t see the ZV1, closest is the ZV-E10. Hope it works out for you.
@@TossSong problem with that is its not on the website, there are no quick release plates at all that I could see.. I checked.
@@TossSong much appreciated but the link drew a blank. This is more difficult then it should be..lol🤣
I don’t understand what’s happening. I check on my iPhone, iPad Pro and my MacBook. What’s going on?!
What is compatibility Zhiyun Crane M3 with camera Sony FX-30 and lenses Sony e11mm, Sony e15mm and Sony e10-20mm pz? Thanks
Hi thanks for commenting. From what I could tell, the Crane M3 can handle Sony FX-30 and each of those lenses just okay-though pushing it a bit. As far as compatibility for the camera, it’s only list the FX-3, but I think should work for the FX-30 (can’t confirm that). But as for operating it manually (pressing the camera buttons) while on the M3, it can handle it.
@@TossSong , hi. Many thanks. Well, I have Sony Zv-e10, but Sony FX30 is best
I also have ZV-e10, it will do best for sure. I tested Sony A7iv (about the same weight) before and it was fine. So, it shouldN’T be a problem with the FX-30.
@@TossSong I don´t bought gimbal yet. I am to try understand if Sony FX30 can make a good calibration. Sony a7 IV is more big and has more weight than Sony FX30.
i had a bad experience with gimbal weebill-s. And, I sold it. Because, I had a lot of trouble balancing weebill-s. And, now, my fear is having the same problem with the crane m3.
I see. I can’t say anything about the Weebill S. What I can say about the M3 is that it’s can handle full-frame with {shorter} lens okay.👌But hopefully is a better then the Weebill S.
has anyone tried with canon EOS R and lens 27/70mm. I cannot manage to balance it
thank you
Hi, thanks for your comment. I notice that your combination is 3.55 lbs (Canon EOS R + the 27-70mm) which is heavier than my combo. The heaviest I tested with the M3 is 2.65 lbs (Sony A7IV + Tamron 28-75 G2) and it works walking around, however with incomplete balance process. But it still works when not moving rapidly, or else you’ll here the motor.
Hope someone else can chime in with your combination.
Make a video with an A7III camera and its special plate, because it arrived but I can't calibrate it, it's too complicated, can you make a video balancing an A7III?
Hi, thanks for commenting. I will consider making another video on how to balance the Sony A7IV + 20mm f1.8 G lens sometime in the future. If you’re curious about if it works, see my “Low Light Testing with A7IV” video. It does. I don’t have the A7III. Again I will have to see. Thanks again.
You give me the link to buy the quick release plate for the A7III camera, because I just bought the Crane M3
Here, but read my other reply too: store.zhiyun-tech.com/pages/buy-crane-m3-get-a-dedicated-quick-release-plate-for-free-1
Hi. If you ordered on their (Zhiyun) website, you could get the plate for free. But if not, I could only find this page, there may be more coming on their website: store.zhiyun-tech.com/products/quick-release-plate-for-crane-m3?_pos=2&_sid=2aa2a40b1&_ss=r
@@TossSong thanks, I just ordered it through the official page with a note for the quick release plate
No problem. Glad I could help.
@@TossSong HELLO AM, IGO HOW LONG DO I DELAY IN THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PRODUCT, BECAUSE I PURCHASED IT SINCE 27TH AND IT STILL DOESN'T REACH ME, I'M IN MIAMI, ON THE PAGE IT TELLS ME THAT IT WAS DELIVERED BUT IT STILL DOESN'T GET ANYTHING ... YOU KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ?
What about burn in screen. The oled screen does not seems to switch off and is very bright. Also Oled screen does not like direct sunlight. I read comments from users already getting burn in screen on the battery icon.
I don’t really know about it. Yes, the screen on the gimbal is always on when turned on. Hopefully we get firmware update for it. We may have to tape it in the meantime.
@@TossSong it is not only the direct sunlight but also a permanent display of the same things at the exact same place. Like battery level or s text. If the screen does not switch off, zhiyun has a big problem in front of them. I bet they don’t cover the gimbal against burn in like all the lg sony panasonic manufacturer for their tv. The oled technology is bad and not adequat for gimbal screen or computer screen. Dji with the rs2 provides a better lcd screen. Strangely their rsc2 has an oled. But their top of line RS2 has a lcd color display touchscreen
I agree. I remember DJI has an option to turn on or off for general screen auto sleep. This is how it should be for the M3. Zhiyun has to step it up. I’ll try to contact them about the possible update.
Hi thank you for this awesome video. Really helped. 🙏. I'm unable to connect my Camera to Gimbal through cable to use record button on gimbal. When I turn on my PC remote on my Sony a7c it always says 'usb not detected'. Could you also make a video or help me connect my camera to gimbal.
Thanks for commenting. I have to see what I could do, can’t promise anything. I never intended to connect my camera to the gimbal in the first place. I always operate each one separately. I’ll see what I can do. If anything, I reply to you here. Thanks again.
Sony a7c has type C port. Not sure if it's a multi port. The cable provided with crane M3(type C - type C) looks like charging cable and not a multi port cable. Any way to fic this would be of great help.
only way to connect now is with crane m3 cable that comes in the box crane supplies 3 cables no wireless connection yet possible except through wireless piece that comes with $660 dollar kit
Yes. Out of those cables only one cable fits the camera and the gimbal(type C to typeC) which upon connection says, USB cable cannot be detected on my camera. I ordered a Micro USB to type C adapter. Hoping that should work. Will keep you posted.
You cannot control a7c with the m3. It is indicated on the documentation. And there is no bluettoth feature like on the m2 right now. Anyway when you activate pc remote on sony cameras you lose ibis and face detection. I would not connect the cable with a7c. They talk about a bluetooth module but we don’t know if it will work with a7c because it use a usb-c plug, and sony has different processing management for camera with usb-c. With a7c and sony camera it is better to not use any gimbal control whatever the brand if you don’t want to loose any feature. Weebill s can control a7c (with firmware above 2.05 i think) but the sony firmwares on all sony camera does not allow ibis and face detection with pc remote on (at least at 4k resolution, it is possible it could work at 1080p). The m3 don’t allow control at all of the a7c because it does not have the sony multi port. You can look on the user reviews, it will confirm what i say. Also another detail, if you use the camera inversed on any gimbal, you loose face detection on sony camera.
Been trying to balance the tilt access for hours now for my iPhone 13 Pro Max. No matter what position I move it to it stays backwards at least 70% away of being upright where it belongs. At first I thought that it may be my PolarPro VND filter therefore, I removed it. Just about to the point of returning the gimbal........Extremely frustrating.
Sorry, that seems though. I don’t have the 13 Pro Max. Would it possible to add on more weight or use a heavier iPhone mount? Just a thought that this may help.
@@TossSong Thank you for your help. I have three different phone clamps; Simple light weight spring loaded one, PolarPro Lightchaser w/ thumb remote and a lockable aluminum one. Balancing is the best with the light one without a case on the iPhone but still about 20% off from being right. With the PolarPro case on without the VND filter the other two clamps make it around 70% off. With the case on, I performed the other two axis adjustments and did a calibration which was successful. Looked at the balance meters which showed the Tilt / Back being yellow but, close to red on the meter. I also noticed a constant very light vibration holding the gimbal while sitting still and panning around. Also, the tilt axis motor felt slightly warm. I'm sure this is all due to the balance being off. I'm at a complete loss in regards what to do other than returning the M3. Frustrating to say the least. Thanks again for your help, appreciate it.
Thank you for commenting.
@@rapaent Did you ever find a solution? I'm having the exact same experience, due to the arm not being long enough.
Because it won't balance horizontally, I know its a strain of the motor. A front heavy lens on a mirrorless camera would solve that, but not for smartphones with very a shallow depth.
I have the same problem with my flagship Samsung. It won't slide far enough forward to balance and keep dropping back.
How the hell do you connect to the camera for rec control?....
Hi thanks for commenting. I don’t really connect my camera(s) to any of my gimbals I own. I hate the wiring and the Bluetoothing. I only operate on the cams directly. But there are info on the right most column of this pdf that may be helpful: zhiyun-website-shenzhen.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/instruction/20211108/1636366338737-5wy4KBGr.pdf
Keep failing auto calibration, any suggestions?
I assumed you tried re-balancing it. If it works without auto calibration, then it should be fine. But I know that you want everything to work. You may want to reach out to the company itself. Anyway try again and let me know. Thanks.
What if the auto-calibrate fails every time?
Hi, thanks for your comment. My first thought is that the camera isn’t balanced correctly. Try to make sure for every axis, it’s Not lean off on one end or the other. If the camera is balanced (all axis are “centered”) properly, then the gimbal maybe defected. Try again if you can.
Did you ever resolve this I too am having massive issues auto calibrating
Found a FLAW in the new Zhiyun Crane M3: when built-in light is turned up anything above 50% (to 100%) brightness, the handle (or motors) vibrate. From 1% to 49% brightness, it's fine. I'm using my iPhone 13 Pro Max with SmallRig Cage. BALANCE CHECK multiple times: manually and autocalibration. 100% repeatable. Confirm on YOUR end please? :) Thanks!
Hi, so I did tested with an iPhone X (my mom’s w/ heavy Otto case, I have a 12 mini) with a mount with light above 50%, and no vibration. And I also tested with a lighter Olympus Pen E-Pl 10, no vibration. Now, my Crane M3 DO vibrate (I could feel it) here and there no matter what camera I use, and with or without the light on. Light or heavy camera but especially with heavy lens (see my other videos) when sudden movements like turning rapidly in certain modes. So I think it’s normal since it’s a compact stabilizer. Love to hear if anyone else can give some additional inputs.
@@TossSong Interesting. Tomorrow I’ll try adding a little gimbal weights to make my iPhone a little bit bottom heavy and do all balances. Note: my built-in light going above 50% and feeling a soft “brrrrrrrrr” is a strange effect. Maybe the energy from the lights is taking away from one/all motors and changing the motor torque? I’ll email their headquarters as well and see what they say. (I did upgrade my Firmware their first day I got it (a few days ago).
That’s possible. Yes, try and contact Zhiyun-tech support and see what they say. Possible firmware may help. The next update should also shut down (or automatically turn off) the OLED screen because some people are noticing burn-in screen. I don’t use it too long in a session, so I haven’t experiencing it.
@@TossSong Burn-in is a characteristic of OLED. There is no way around it, except to limit time on a static display.
which camera is that one? Thx
Hi, the camera here is Sony A7C and Sony 40mm f/2.5 G (compact lens). Thanks for your comment.
@@TossSong thought perhaps it maybe the A7c. Thx
No problem.
@@TossSong With my Sony 7III & 7IV Not much room when on this gimbal. Clearly this is made for smaller form factor camera models.
I agree. But an A7IV and a compact lens like 24mm f2.8 G lens would actually be okay for a walk around…but not ideal for various complicated angle shots. No matter, an A7C which I use on this gimbal is ideal as long as the lens on it is compact.
good video...I i ever get a gimbal and maybe this one...I wont be buying another one. It takes so much time to balance
Thank you. I agree, it does take time. I only use it when needed and it’s a chore to set it up (balancing it). But I’m getting used to it and fast. :)
If you’re having trouble with the auto calibration make sure all the locks are unlocked
Good advice, in the beginning I had to learn from this myself. Thanks for your comment.
@@TossSong thanks for the vid!
gracias te exlicas bien pero yo hablo mejor que tu
Thank you for your comment. Glad this helped.
Thankyou sow much man! Sry for my engleashe! You are a legend!
Thank you much for your comment.
Where is button record from this gimbal? I dont see :((
You would have to connect by wire. And I believe there’s a gesture for pressing the main trigger button. Unfortunately, I’m a simple man controlling it on the camera always.