When gimbals first came on the scene several years ago, filmmakers were all of a sudden given the power to capture shots that they never thought possible. And as gimbal tech began to advance, those shooting on smaller cameras, including indie filmmakers, vloggers, and documentarians, were able to do the same with a lot more ease and for a lot less money.
Now that the market is saturated with so many different kinds of gimbal stabilizers, you might be wondering what to look for. Well, any professional will tell you that the most important feature of any gimbal is its ability to provide reliable stabilization. That's numero uno. Aside from that, though, versatility is key, especially for those who plan on using a gimbal to capture a variety of different shots. Furthermore, build-quality and design are important for those looking for something durable and lightweight enough to not only carry around on tough terrain but also operate for long periods of time. Lastly, price—as always, it has to be right.
One gimbal that checks off all of these boxes comes a company that has long been one of the most popular names in camera stabilization: Manfrotto. The company's 3-axis gimbal collection, which includes the MVG 220 and the MVG 460, provides you with the features required to capture complex, buttery smooth shots, as well as offer you the strength needed to handle even the beefiest DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Take a look at this promotional video to get an idea of what these gimbals have to offer.
Aside from their payload capacities, the MVG 220 and MVG 460 are virtually identical in every way. Both feature a dual quick-release for quick setup, 3-axis motor-lock design that makes balancing and storage more convenient, and an on-gimbal LCD touchscreen control panel that gives you the ability to change settings and shooting modes with ease.
More specifically, the touchscreen allows you to control photo and video capture, focus, zoom, sensitivity, white balance, and exposure value. You can also use it to switch between working modes, including "Inception," "Portrait" (for TikTok), "Selfie," and "Time-lapse."
Another great feature of the MVG 220 and 460 is the ability to control the pan, tilt, and roll axes, which is done using the joystick or the wheel located on the side of the gimbal. Speaking of the wheel, its primary function is pretty impressive, because it can be used in conjunction with Manfrotto accessories, namely the Focus Drive, to control the focus of your shots.
That touchscreen and the wheel certainly give these gimbals more than a touch of luxury (and practicality), but perhaps their most noteworthy aspect is their versatility. Every button and dial is customizable to give you the ability to program your unit according to your tastes. You can operate them in all of the shooting positions you've come to expect from top-tier gimbals, like underslung, upright, and flashlight. In fact, the MVG 220 and 460 kits come with a detachable arm that makes operating easier and more comfortable. You can also choose from three response modes, Normal, Smooth, and Sport, or you can create your own preset that fits your needs. Furthermore, you can control your gimbal manually or use the Manfrotto app to do it all wirelessly.
Key Features
- Max payload: 2.2 kg (MVG 220), 4.6 kg (MVG 460)
- Compatible with mirrorless and DSLR cameras
- Dual Quick release plate design
- 3 Axis motor-lock design
- LCD Touch screen control panel
- Multiple response modes (Normal, Smooth, Sport, and Preset)
- Customizable dials and buttons
- Vertical operation
- Multiple creative shooting modes, including Timelapse and Inception
- Wirelessly app control
- Compatible with Manfrotto accessories, including Focus Drive
If you really want to take your gimbal cinematography to new heights, take a look at the Manfrotto GimBoom, a boom arm that you can mount your Manfrotto gimbal in order to capture images that resemble the look of crane and drone shots.
This thing is made of lightweight carbon fiber, handles a 14.3 lbs max payload, has a standard 3/8” and 1/4” top attachment screw, can extend over 3.7', while the FAST Twisting Lock breaks it down to just 20".
This relatively inexpensive accessory can really give you the flexibility of getting different shots that a gimbal alone just couldn't. In fact, the detachable arm and mini-tripod, the GimBoom, and the variety of shooting modes available on the MVG 220 and 460 give you the ability to get more coverage than you might've thought possible with a single gimbal.
Check it out:
GimBoom, as well as both gimbal models, are available now. Manfrotto is also offering a Pro Kit with each gimbal that includes a follow focus and remote control for more precise focus and hands-free operation.
Manfrotto MVG 220
Manfrotto MVG 460
Manfrotto GimBoom
If you're looking for a powerful and robust handheld gimbal that can help you take your camera movement to the next level, then you might want to take a look at what's going on over at Manfrotto with the MVG 220 and 460.
