This gimbal is the size of a bottle of water! Meet the Zhiyun Crane M3

Zhiyun Crane M3
(Image credit: Zhiyun)

Zhiyun has launched its latest "small yet mighty" gimbal, the Zhiyun Crane M3 – a three-axis gimbal that's the size of a 500ml bottle of water and features a built-in LED fill light and touchscreen control. 

Designed for camera phones, action cameras and full-frame mirrorless cameras (with certain lenses), the Zhiyun Crane M3 claims compatibility with "over 90% of mirrorless cameras". 

• Read more: Zhiyun Crane M3 review

Indeed, Universal TransMount Quick Release plates are available for the Sony A7 III, Sony A7C, Sony A6000, Sony A7S, Sony ZV-E10, Canon EOS M50 / Canon EOS M50 Mark II, Nikon Z fc, Fujifilm X-S10 and Fujifilm XT-4.

Promising a better user experience than the previous Crane, the M3's quick-release design facilitates seamless changing between camera types – as well as fresh batteries – without the need for rebalancing.

Upgraded motors with increased torque should deliver improved stability, with a new 1.22-inch full color touchscreen enabling granular adjustments to follow speed as well as settings such as portrait, go-mode and vortex mode.

The built-in receiver at the base can be paired with a transmitter module for wireless Bluetooth control of certain camera bodies, with a control wheel and joystick (to manipulate roll, aperture, shutter and ISO) offer simple one-handed operation. 

The Zhiyun Crane M3's built-in LED fill light, powered by heat generated by the device, is rated at 800 lumen – at its 6W peak it delivers 2600-5400K color temperature with a 90+ CRI. Magnetic light filter accessories are also available, adding further control to the illumination. 

Professional microphones can be easily and directly connected to the M3's TransMount Expansion Base, removing the need to add cables or weight to the camera itself. The gimbal comes with TransMount Shotgun Microphone as standard, with a 6.5mm audio jack. 

The Zhiyun Crane M3 is available now, starting at $369 / £369 (Australian pricing TBC) for the standalone stabilizer.

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.