Zhiyun Weebill 2 camera gimbal allows you good reason to dump DJI
Camera-stabilizer-maker Zhiyun announced the Weebill 2 motorized three-axis gimbal on Thursday. The new model is an update to its Weebill-S and, although it continues compact like that model, it features a new rule layout, stronger motors, an updated algorithm and improved axis locks. It’s also the first to have a 2.9-inch flip-out lustrous touchscreen that lets you control your camera and, when paired with the company’s TransMount Video Transmission transmitter, you can use it to monitor your shot and activate a one-touch Smart Follow feature to track your subject.
The Weebill 2 starts at $549 for the gimbal and a handheld tripod, but you’ll be able to get a Combo package that adds a carrying case and a quick-connect sling grip cope for $649. Going up to $899 is a Pro kit that includes everything in the Combo plus the video transmitter and a focus/zoom rule motor. A $1,099 kit adds Zhiyun’s MasterEye to the Pro kit, which is a motion controller combined with a monitor and image receiver. The Weebill 2 will start at £509 in the UK and AU$899 in Australia.
The new layout and touchscreen keep all your systems both in reach and out of the way.
Zhiyun
The gimbal uses an Infineon-made sensor that, combined with upgraded motors and its core algorithm, is able to precisely compensate for micro-jitter and quickly up stabilizer response, Zhiyun said in its announcement. It can cope a payload of up to 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds). All of this should make it perform better than the Weebill-S, but combined with the redesigned controls you’ll have even more reason to upgrade.
Most of the Weebill-S’ systems are on the handgrip, which means they’re under your hand at what time you’re using the stabilizer and more easily pressed accidentally. With the Weebill 2, the joystick to control your camera’s residence is within easy reach of your thumb. A rule wheel to the rear of the joystick lets you adjust axis, aperture and ISO or zoom and after focus if you have the optional motor attached. A switch in between the stick and wheel lets you snappily switch stabilizer modes, and next to it is a relate button.
A trigger in front repositions your camera or flips it to selfie mode beside other things. And then there’s the rotating flip-out touchscreen that lets you rule even more of the gimbal’s features including setting up time-lapse and indicate control. Basically, you don’t need to connect your visited and use an app to fully control this gimbal.
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Zhiyun switched to a built-in rechargeable battery for this model, which can run for up to 9 hours and can be snappily recharged by USB-C in 1.6 hours. Plus, you can disconclude to use the stabilizer while it charges. If you need swappable batteries and a longer runtime, though, you’ll want to consider the Weebill-S or higher-end Crane 2S.
The Weebill 2’s stamp falls between category leader DJI’s $499 RSC 2 and $849 RS 2 but the features come closer to the latter and blow intellectual past it when it comes to the touchscreen and control layout.
