Handle Functions

The design of the rear handle results in a lot of flexibility, although it might look a bit odd at first. You only need a hand to hold the gimbal, especially for low-angled shots, and have the other free for other tasks. Both sides of the handle are covered in an uneven surface to keep the palms from slipping away.

Operation Shooting Modes

A gimbal offers more than just stabilized shooting with its three axis. As such, we have more than three different shooting modes:

Pan Follow (PF) Mode: The gimbal pans right/left and follows our movement, while the tilt and roll axis are locked. The PF button is on the side of the front, above a trigger.

Lock Mode: Every axis is locked, and the camera points in a specific direction. The L button is found at the front of the gimbal and under PF mode for the same trigger.

Follow Mode: The gimbal's pan and tilt axis follow all our movements since both are unlocked; it is the first button on the left side of the handle.

We also have the PhoneGo button, which increases motor responsiveness and has each mode react to our moves faster. In order to accelerate the gimbal's responsiveness, just hold that button down for as long as you want to use this mode. Another button for shooting from a 45° angle from both sides of the gimbal is Point of View (POV). With a single click, we enter or exit POV mode. By clicking again, we return to our previous mode. By tapping the POV button twice, the roll axis moves 360° degrees, which is Vortex mode. By using the joystick, we may take control of the camera's Vortex movement. Finally, the RE button resets the motors to the original position of the mode we are in.


Using the handle, we can adjust shutter speed by clicking the TV button, set the aperture value with the AV button, or adjust the ISO.


We may also alter the gimbal's settings, such as adjust the motors, Follow Focus wheel, joystick, zoom rocker, proceed to the gimbal's calibration, angle motor tuning, or update the Follow Focus & Zoom firmware.


Next to the OLED screen is a button with a red circle. To start or stop video recording, press it once. To take a picture, depress the circular button of the menu wheel halfway for auto zoom and all the way to take the picture.



Utilizing the Zhiyun Play app, we get even more shooting options, along with the remote control option of the Crane 3. Connecting a smartphone with the gimbal, or another device through Wi-Fi, is like having another filmmaker on set. One person can hold the gimbal, while another does the shooting through a smart device from a distance, adjusts the gimbal's parameters, or even changes and modifies shooting modes.