Introduction

A gimbal is a handheld device resembling a selfie stick—its purpose is to assist filmmakers and photographers in capturing stable images and videos. Depending on the model, you may mount smartphones, DSLRs, and action or compact cameras. The axis make professional results achievable regardless of how the gimbal is held, which is nearly impossible with hand-held cameras or smartphones.

Zhiyun has been making gimbals since 2014, and we were lucky enough to have thus far tested two Zhiyun models, the Crane 3 LAB and Crane 2. As such, we know about the usability and build quality of Zhiyun products. Gimbals not only have to be small and lightweight, but user-friendly. The Weebill-S also is for normal users and professionals who don't mind a little more complexity for more functionality.

Weebill is Australia's smallest bird, which is why Zhiyun named its new and small gimbal after it. The gimbal's rear-end also looks like a bird's beak. Despite its smaller dimensions, Zhiyun claims these motors to have 300% more torque while being 50% more responsive than predecessors.

The Weebill-S is compatible with plenty of available mainstream DSLRs and mirrorless cameras; combos like the Sony A7Ⅲ with the FE 24-70 mm F2.8 or the Canon 5D4 with the EF 24-70 mm F2.8 can be mounted, and are easily balanced on this small giant. Compared to previous gimbals from the company, it also uses an improved high-precision algorithm, intelligent ViaTouch 2.0 system, and ultra-low latency HD image transmission module. Moreover, it supports both electronic focus and mechanical focus/zoom control, has touch controls, and a build-in control panel. Its small footprint and weight combine well with its ergonomically designed handle, and the option to remove the tripod base for a second handle results in more comfortable sling-mode shooting sessions.


This gimbal comes in three versions with different price tags:

• The Standard Package: $439 in the States and €399 in the EU
• The Zoom & Focus Pro Package: $519 in the States and €499 in the EU
• The Image Transmission Pro Package: $679 in the States and €599 in the EU

Value and Conclusion

The Standard Package includes the following items:

• Weebill-S stabilizer
• Quick release plate
• Tripod
• 18650 batteries (2600 mAh per unit) x2
• 18650 battery charger
• Camera backing base
• 1/4-20 screws x4
• ZW-Micro-002 camera control cable
• ZW-Mini-002 camera control cable
• LN-MBUC-B01 camera control cable
• ZW-Multi-002 camera control cable
• Type-C USB firmware upgrade cable
• Quick start guide
• Storage case

The Zoom & Focus Pro Package includes the items above, along with the Zoom/Focus (Max) servo, while the Image Transmission Pro Package also includes a phone holder, an image transmission module, and several HDMI cables to connect the gimbal to the mounted camera.


The Weebill-S came in a carton box with a smaller white carton package inside.


At first glance, the package does not seem to offer any protection, but there is a sturdy black storage case with individual pockets for all the components inside. I didn't quite like the case because of its holes; it feels as though a misplaced item might fall out at some point.


The only item that came in a separate package was the image transmission module.


A single page that goes over all available accessories and a service guide with global contact information are also included in the package. A short quick start guide with basic instructions in six different languages is also provided. The user manual must be downloaded from the company's official website. There is no need to stress over the assembly since it is pretty straightforward. Take a look at Zhiyun's illustrated quick start guide and it will be a walk in the park.

Closer Look

The Weebill-S has the same footprint as a sheet of A4 paper, making it very compact in comparison to previous Zhiyun models, such as the Crane 3 LAB. As such, we have a lightweight, small device with the same functionality as the larger Zhiyun gimbals. The body is made out of aluminium alloy and high quality plastic. Both aluminium and plastic are lightweight, so the Weebill-S only weighs 1.11 kg (2.44 lb). Even though light, it appears to be solid enough to handle heavy cameras without any problems.


There is no information on the maximum payload. Zhiyun just provides several camera-lens combos, none of which exceed 2 kg. The maximum payload depends a lot on how the camera is installed on the gimbal. The better the installation, the less stress is put on the motors, so pay extra attention to properly balancing the camera on the gimbal. Thankfully, the Weebill-S can assist you in that regard with its auto-torque-adjustment function. Intelligent AutoTune automatically recognizes the weight of the setup and auto-tunes its power to best suit the camera setup. A compatibility camera-lens table with examples of how to mount and adjust the motors is available on the company's official website.


The main handle of the body is pretty small, but it incorporates a control panel, dials, buttons, and an OLED screen for on–the-flight adjustments. Additionally, there is a USB port for firmware updates and built-in tripod on the lower end of the handgrip's handle. The handle with the buttons and the display is set to a fixed position that cannot be altered.


The company logo is printed onto the right side of the horizontal bar, and the model name makes an appearance on the left side.


The tripod can be removed and mounted on the horizontal bar for shooting in sling mode. The three legs of the tripod/base are covered in PU faux leather for a more comfortable grip in any of the shooting modes.


Most of the buttons on the gimbal are multi-functional. The table above details each button's functionality. As one might have figured out by taking a quick look at the table, familiarization with the functions of each button is essential.


On the vertical handle is a control wheel. If the mounted camera is compatible, you can use this wheel to control the focus electronically without using the Follow-Focus Servo. If you have mounted the TransMount Servo Zoom/Focus controller, the wheel can also be used to control it.


A four-way joystick under the OLED display controls the camera/lens on the stabilizer. The dial under the joystick is multi-operational and has the shutter button in the middle. By pressing the inner circular button of the menu dial-wheel down halfway, you auto-zoom, and pressing it down completely takes the picture. Next to the OLED screen is a button with a red circle. To start or stop a video recording, press it once.


Three anodized red aluminium latches on each axis can be locked in place individually, which makes the balancing act even easier. Like with the Crane 3, the camera can be left on the gimbal and set aside until the next shooting session, as the axis can be locked in place for the gimbal to be used as a camera stand as well.


The quick-release plate is Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss compatible. Moreover, the two thumbscrews that caused slight problems when removing cameras on previous Zhiyun gimbals have been moved lower horizontally, which is certainly better and makes mounting and dismounting the camera a breeze.