How I Get Smooth Video - Z1 Rider-M Gimbal for GoPro Review
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*Update* I have links to the new apps and everything below. I've been happily using this gimbal for every shoot I do now. http://www.sethsbikehacks.com/product/z1-rider-m-camera-stabilizer/ Some of you have been asking about how I'm getting such smooth videography all of the sudden. The answer is, I'm using a gimbal. This battery powered device uses a computer chip and a gyroscope to keep itself level with the horizon. It holds your GoPro and gives you really steady video, even if you’re running or jumping around with it. The super sweet shots we got in the commuter video were filmed on Domingo’s camera, which has a gimbal built in. In today’s video, we’ll take a look at my new gimbal, which was sent to me by Zhiyun Tech to use and review. I assume they didn’t send this to me out of the goodness of their hearts, they want a review out of it. So here goes, starting with the downsides. 1. It advertises having an app, but then the instructions tell you to download it from their website. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that would require having a jailbroken iPhone or a rooted android. Most of us are accustomed to getting apps from the app store or Google play store, and there’s no app to be found in either one. Supposedly all of the functions the app offers can be achieved other ways, so I guess I can live without it. 2. Also, the batteries get charged in an external device, so you need to mess with this cover and pop each one out to recharge them. It would be nicer to have a battery pack of some kind, instead of fumbling with these on the mountain bike trails. 3. Lastly, the only way to attach your go pro to this gimbal is without the protective housing. This normally wouldn’t be a big deal, but it’s called the “rider” m which I assume implies you can mount it to a helmet or a bike. In fact, it comes with this adapter that fits go pro brackets. Given the things I do, it might be a better idea to use it handheld. So with those points out of the way, let’s talk about what I like about the Rider M. 1. This freaking thing works great. Here’s me running behind emily at Oleta river state park. She looks like a badass. I’ve noticed that some other gimbals have a tendency to fritz out if you hold or twist them the wrong way, but this thing seems to stay level no matter what I do to it. 2. The unit itself is also really well constructed. It’s completely made of metal, and has a high quality feel to it. 3. It’s simple. You just turn it on and then use this other button to change modes. I haven’t tried calibrating it or using any of the more advanced functions, but honestly I haven’t needed to. 4. Also unlike some other gimbals, the motor is completely silent, so I can great audio without clicking and buzzing noises coming through on the video. This is huge since I like to pick up the sounds from the bike and nature whenever possible. 5. The batteries also last a real long time, and it came with extras just in case. So although they’re slightly annoying to change, I don’t need change them very often, in fact they outlast my GoPro. 6. I also like the fact that it comes with a really well made telescoping handle. I usually mount my phone to it and use the GoPro app to see what’s going on, although I guess their app is supposed to do that too. So taking everything into consideration, I really do love the Rider M, and I promise I’m not just saying that because it was sent to me for free. I had been looking into getting a gimbal, and the rider M is everything I had hoped for. It’s too early to say how to stands up to daily use, but it’s well constructed and hasn’t given me any trouble yet. So if you’re looking for a well built, quiet, reliable gimbal, then you may want to see what Zhiyun Tech has to offer. It was really cool of them to send this to me, and after only a few shoots it’s become an essential piece of camera equipment for me. Visit their site: http://www.zhiyun-tech.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=109&id=140 This is it: http://amzn.to/1PdJYJc
Comments
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Hi Seth! I'm following your channel for some time now. Really enjoy your videos! Great skills both on the bike and at making videos!
Do you just use the regular GoPro Chesty to mount the gimbal? Seems like I also get a Rider M for review. But I'm always struggling a bit with the stability of the chesty. It works for a GoPro but I cannot imagine how this would work with a gimbal: because of the additional weight and a center of gravity far away from the body. I have ideas in mind how to improve it but I wonder if this works for you right out of the box. Maybe my chesty has already lost tension. But it's an original GoPro. 2.5 years old. Have you done anything special to improve the stability? -
I know you need to have a "jailbroken" iPhone but you don't need a rooted android since you can install apk files by simply allowing it in the configurations.
Also... there's a controller you can buy for 35 bucks on amazon.
I know you'll say that some of us would need to pay extra and that sucks but this is one of the cheapest wearable gimbals I've seen if not the cheapest one. And great review by the way. -
Have you tried other gimbals ?
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* you don't need a rooted android *
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Hi Seth! Will this device fit on the GoPro chest and/or head strap? If so, can it do so with the GoPro protective case attached? I have an Android phone - so I can get the app? From where? Thanks! I plan on buying - depending upon your response! Thanks again.
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rider m or feiyu WG ?
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THATS FUCKIN COOL
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These things are too damnably expensive.
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hi, i just got mine, charged the batteries, it flashed blue and connected to the iphone app, after 2 min it got stuck and can not turn it back on again, it only flashes quickly but not blue.... any ideas how to reset that thing?
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100th comment
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Nice review man! Also your door with the Frenchie on it is awesome! I want a door with a Pug on it!
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Can I attach a hero session to the gimbal? If so I will purchase one. +Seth's Bike Hacks
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Seth, does this Rider-M come with the hardware for the GoPro Session?
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Just wondering you got this for free? :)
Im new to reviewing products but I have been in contact with Zhiyun tech and gave them an offer of exchange however there only going to give me a discount but not much compared to retail price.
They want to charge me 20% off and pay for it and still requesting me to make at least 3 videos.
Any tips and pointers ? What's your approach on getting products for no costs? -
just a note, the app is in Chinese, u might can find it in a Chinese app store, it's the same thing as what I'm using here in Canada, just because the law is difference, so that u can find a tens of apps u can't find in the western app store, just find someone who speaks the language, and set it up with a Chinese address:D
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Your Horizon is also always crocked and of balance i see here, ..i am
glad that i am not the only one having this problem with this M model.
Does your M model also keep going there after a few minutes , even after
you calibrated the gimbal? Your gimbal even has the same direction tilt
in the horizon as mine. -
Hey Seth, did this gimbal come with the battery charger? I'm sure it does but I am about to order and I wanted to make sure as I'd like to use it later this week. Thanks! - Lynn
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How long does the batteries last? Is there a way to mount an external power source? is there a way to mod in order to include the water proof housing? How about water resistance of the gimbal? Basically, my questions revolve around using it as a motorcycle DVR. I have my cam powered by a power bank. and I have 64gb card so recording long times isn't a problem with the cam but I am concerned about the battery life of the gimbal and what if it rains?
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Did you look into the feiyu? This seems smoother. I notice that the feiyu picks up bumps more, like quick jolts from walking and such and am not noticing it in the zhiyu. Do you see any jolts in your filming?
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