Zhiyun Crane M3S Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless Camera

Inheriting the lightweight and portable design of its forerunner, the CRANE-M3 S by Zhiyun has undergone enhancements to accommodate full-frame lens cameras, action cameras, and smartphones.

With a 360° pan, 305° tilt, and 314° roll rotation, the CRANE-M3 S introduces optimized axis locking for precise control.

Whether embarking on an adventure or capturing moments on the go, this gimbal provides convenience with a 1.22″ color touchscreen, onboard controls, and a Bluetooth-powered wireless shutter.

Effortless camera access is facilitated by a quick-release system, offering two adjustment forms that eliminate the need for rebalancing when accessing your camera’s battery.

The built-in fill light, boasting a 1000 lux output and adjustable color temperature, enhances your shooting capabilities, making the CRANE-M3 S a versatile tool for various scenarios.

ZHIYUN CRANE-M 3S: Key Features Unveiled

The Zhiyun Crane-M 3S stands out with a suite of remarkable features tailored for filmmakers and videographers.

Its three-axis gimbal system guarantees stability and equilibrium, ensuring the capture of smooth footage even in motion.

Prioritizing portability, the Crane-M 3S is impressively compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 705g, inclusive of the battery.

Boasting a robust payload capacity, the Crane-M 3S accommodates a diverse range of mirrorless camera and lens combinations, accommodating popular setups like the Sony A7 III paired with a 24-70 f/2.8 lens.

Versatile in its capabilities, this gimbal caters to various devices, from smartphones to mirrorless and lightweight DSLR cameras.

Thanks to Zhiyun’s efficient lock and balance adjustment system, setting up the Crane-M 3S is a swift and straightforward process.

The Crane-M 3S introduces multiple shooting modes, including pan follow, locking mode, following mode, and POV mode.

Enhancing user control, it features a multi-directional joystick and a panning wheel for manual adjustments.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the settings options for creating automated panoramic images or time-lapse sequences.

Equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, the Crane-M 3S offers an estimated runtime of up to 7.5 hours when paired with a camera and lens similar in weight to a Sony A7 III with a 24-70 f/2.8 lens.

Conveniently charged in just 2 hours through USB-C PD, it supports wireless control via the dedicated ZY mobile app.

This allows for remote control, customization of settings, and compatibility with wired or Bluetooth shutter control for select cameras.

Zhiyun Crane M3S Specifications

Build & Handling Excellence

Despite its reasonably affordable price tag, the Zhiyun Crane-M 3S surprises with a build quality that exceeds expectations.

The main body, constructed from sturdy plastic with a soft grip, imparts a solid and well-designed feel. In contrast, the 3-axis stabilizer boasts a robust metal construction.

Similar to other Zhiyun gimbals, the ability to lock the axes proves invaluable for travel and initial camera balancing during setup, ensuring stability.

These locks are secure and held up well during transportation in a backpack.

Notably, the sliders for balancing the gimbal exhibit improved flexibility compared to previous models.

The Crane-M 3S sliders move with ease, allowing for precise adjustments without the stiffness encountered in earlier gimbals.

Locking mechanisms with thumb-press levers keep the sliders secure during shooting, although they may unlock in transit.

Function buttons on the main handle provide control over various shooting modes, complemented by a side wheel for adjusting fill light brightness and color.

A custom wheel on the front facilitates smooth panning. While these buttons and wheels may feel slightly plastic-like with a bit of rattle and mushy feedback, their performance remains flawless.

A standout feature is the touchscreen, offering an intuitive and user-friendly control experience. The menu system, while not overwhelming, allows in-depth customization for those seeking absolute control.

However, a potential drawback is the risk of accidental touches during use, prompting consideration for a lock screen feature in future models.

The design of the Crane-M 3S may be a matter of personal preference, with its stylish and cool appearance aligning with Zhiyun’s brand.

Primarily targeted at vloggers and content creators, the standout design may not suit every professional setting. A desire for a sleeker, all-black version is expressed, providing users with a more understated option.

The combo bundle includes a premium-quality carry case/backpack, albeit with a design that may be considered feminine/childish, prompting a wish for a regular case option.

Impressive Performance

In terms of performance, the Crane-M 3S proves to be a standout, offering a user-friendly experience right from the initial setup.

The setup process is remarkably straightforward, involving the locking of axes, camera attachment, and sequential unlocking and balancing of each axis.

Even as an experienced stabilizer user, I managed to balance my Fujifilm XT-5 in under a minute, showcasing the gimbal’s efficiency. Following the alignment, the 3S allows for a calibration check to fine-tune the motors for specific camera loads.

During actual shooting, the Crane-M 3S provides a comfortable grip, enabling one-handed shooting based on your camera and lens combination.

For my Fujifilm XT-5 with a Fujinon 24mm f/1.4 lens, one-handed shooting was feasible for short bursts, with a preference for a two-handed setup using the attached tripod as an additional grip.

Lighter setups or smartphones facilitate easier one-handed shooting, and alternative gripping options are available by attaching the tripod grip or any accessory with a ¼ inch screw to the gimbal’s side.

The footage captured with the Crane-M 3S is exceptional.

Despite my camera’s in-body image stabilization and lenses with optical stabilization, the gimbal outperformed handheld shooting in terms of smoothness and stability.

Panning shots exhibit silkiness, and the gimbal truly excels during more intense movements such as walking or running, effectively absorbing jolts and bumps.

The stabilization modes, including pan, pan follow, POV, and lock, function precisely as anticipated.

While it may take inexperienced gimbal users some time to adapt to each stabilization mode, those familiar with gimbal shooting can seamlessly dive in and start creating.

The joystick provides smooth movement with three speed settings, offering ease in achieving a polished sweep.

Personally, I found the front wheel on the gimbal to be my preferred method for achieving a slow and steady pan while stationary.

Lastly, a noteworthy mention goes to the fill light, surprisingly powerful for its size. The variable color temperature proves highly useful, and the light’s dimmable feature enhances flexibility.

While the light can be somewhat harsh, causing shadows, especially on faces, having any light in low-light situations outweighs having none at all.

Final Verdict

The Zhiyun Crane-M 3S stands out as an excellent choice for vloggers and content creators seeking an effective and budget-friendly solution to elevate their footage’s professional quality, whether shot on a mirrorless camera or a smartphone.

Despite its lightweight design, the gimbal boasts significant power, accommodating a wide range of mirrorless camera and lens combinations.

The user-friendly controls, featuring intuitive buttons and dials for swift adjustments, along with a convenient mini touch screen for settings, make it an ideal gimbal for beginners.

Captured footage is notably smooth, providing a noticeable improvement over handheld shooting.

Even when compared to in-body and lens stabilization, the results from the M 3S demonstrate enhanced stability, particularly during more pronounced movements.

However, one-handed operation with mirrorless cameras can be physically demanding.

The Crane-M 3S impresses with its sturdy construction, modern, and stylish appearance, although the availability of a darker color option would be a welcomed addition.