So, you’ve got your hands on the incredible Sony A6700, an absolute beast for both stills and video. Its advanced autofocus, stunning image quality, and compact size make it a dream for content creators. But let’s be real: even with its impressive in-body stabilization, capturing truly smooth, cinematic footage often calls for a dedicated gimbal.
If you’re on the hunt for the best gimbal for A6700, you’re already thinking like a pro. A good gimbal can transform shaky handheld shots into buttery-smooth, professional-looking sequences. While there are many standalone gimbals out there, sometimes the smartest solutions come in the form of power accessories or convenient bundles that truly unlock your camera’s potential.
We’ve picked out two intriguing options that, while not traditional gimbals themselves, are absolutely essential considerations for anyone looking to optimize their A6700 video setup for dynamic, stabilized shooting. Let’s dive in!
1. HangTon Ronin S Gimbal to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery for Sony…
When you’re out shooting with your Sony A6700 on a gimbal, especially for longer takes, the last thing you want is your battery dying mid-shot. This HangTon dummy battery is an absolute game-changer for extending your shooting sessions without interruption. It cleverly connects your Sony A6700 (or other compatible Sony Alpha cameras) to a Ronin S gimbal’s power output, providing continuous, stable power directly to your camera. This means no more frantic battery swaps and more focus on getting that perfect take. It’s perfect for filmmakers, vloggers, or anyone needing reliable, long-duration power on set.
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Key Features:
- NP-FZ100 dummy battery power adaptor for wide range of Sony Alpha cameras (A6700, A7IV, A7S III, FX30, FX3, etc.).
- Specifically designed to power your camera from a Ronin S gimbal’s 12V output.
- Regulates voltage from 12V to 7.2V-8.4V, safe for your camera.
- Replaces the standard Sony NP-FZ100 battery for continuous power.
- Cable length of 35-100cm provides flexibility for various setups.
- Ideal for long-time shooting sessions without battery interruption.
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Pros:
- Provides uninterrupted power for extended shoots.
- Eliminates the need for multiple camera batteries.
- Safe voltage regulation protects your valuable camera.
- Seamless integration with Ronin S gimbals.
- Enhances reliability for professional work.
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Cons:
- Requires a Ronin S gimbal to function as a power source.
- Adds a cable to your camera setup, potentially requiring cable management.
- Not a standalone power solution; relies on the gimbal’s battery.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the convenience and reliability this dummy battery brings to their gimbal setups. Many highlight how it dramatically reduces downtime on shoots, allowing them to focus purely on content creation. It’s often described as an “essential accessory” for serious videographers using Ronin S gimbals with their A6700.
2. Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera with 18-135mm Lens Bundle with…
Sometimes, the best gimbal for A6700 isn’t just a gimbal; it’s part of a complete package that sets you up for success right out of the box. This fantastic bundle not only gives you the powerful Sony Alpha 6700 with a versatile 18-135mm lens but also includes a compact gimbal stabilizer to get you started on your smooth video journey immediately. Beyond the stabilization, the A6700 itself is a marvel, featuring a new 26.0MP APS-C Exmor R sensor and the BIONZ XR processing engine, ensuring breathtaking image quality and vibrant colors. Its AI-powered autofocus system is revolutionary, offering incredibly accurate subject tracking – a feature that shines when your camera is mounted on a gimbal for dynamic shots.
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Key Features:
- Bundle includes Sony Alpha 6700 camera with 18-135mm lens.
- Comes with a 1.75Lb 1.4-Inch Gimbal Stabilizer to start shooting smooth video.
- Features a 26.0MP APS-C Exmor R sensor for exceptional image quality.
- BIONZ XR processor offers up to eight times more processing power.
- AI-Powered AF System with Real-time Recognition for superior subject tracking.
- Cinematic 4K/60p video capabilities with 6K oversampling for stunning definition.
- Includes a camera bag, software bundle, 128GB SDXC card, and 2-in-1 card reader.
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Pros:
- Excellent value, providing a complete camera and stabilization solution.
- The A6700’s advanced features (AI AF, 4K video) are perfect for gimbal use.
- High-performance sensor and processor deliver stunning image and video quality.
- Convenience of a ready-to-go kit for aspiring videographers.
- Versatile 18-135mm lens is great for various shooting scenarios.
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Cons:
- The included gimbal stabilizer is generic and might not be as robust or feature-rich as dedicated professional gimbals.
- Experienced users might prefer to choose a specific, higher-end gimbal separately.
- The focus is primarily on the camera’s capabilities, with the gimbal being an entry-level inclusion.
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User Impressions: Buyers are generally thrilled with the comprehensive nature of this bundle. They love getting started immediately with a capable camera and the basic stabilization needed for smoother footage. The A6700’s exceptional autofocus and video quality are frequently highlighted as major positives, making the included gimbal a bonus for immediate use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need a gimbal for my Sony A6700 if it has in-body stabilization?
A1: While the Sony A6700’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is excellent for reducing minor shakes, a gimbal provides superior stability, especially for movement-heavy shots like walking, running, or complex cinematic moves. It offers 3-axis stabilization, compensating for pitch, roll, and yaw, resulting in incredibly smooth, floating footage that IBIS alone cannot achieve.
Q2: What kind of gimbal is best for the Sony A6700?
A2: The best gimbal for A6700 will typically be a compact, lightweight 3-axis stabilizer designed for mirrorless cameras. Look for gimbals that can handle the A6700’s weight (plus lens) comfortably, offer good battery life, have intuitive controls, and potentially features like active tracking or advanced follow modes. Popular brands include DJI Ronin, Zhiyun Weebill, and FeiyuTech.
Q3: How can I extend my A6700’s battery life while using a gimbal for long shoots?
A3: The Sony A6700 uses NP-FZ100 batteries, which are robust but can drain quickly during intensive video recording. Using a dummy battery solution, like the HangTon Ronin S dummy battery reviewed above, is a fantastic way to power your camera directly from your gimbal’s battery, a V-mount battery, or an external power bank, ensuring uninterrupted shooting for hours.
Q4: Are gimbal bundles, like the one reviewed, a good deal for beginners?
A4: Absolutely! For beginners or those looking for an all-in-one solution, camera bundles that include a basic gimbal can be a great starting point. They offer convenience and immediate usability, allowing you to jump straight into creating smoother videos without the hassle of researching and purchasing each component separately. As you gain experience, you might then consider upgrading to a more professional gimbal.
Q5: What key features should I look for in a gimbal for the A6700?
A5: When selecting a gimbal for your A6700, consider its payload capacity (make sure it can handle your camera and lens), battery life, ease of balancing, portability, available shooting modes (e.g., pan follow, tilt follow, FPV), and additional features like a clear display, quick-release plates, and app integration for advanced controls.
Q6: Can the Sony A6700’s AI-powered autofocus work well with a gimbal?
A6: Yes, the Sony A6700’s advanced AI-powered autofocus system, with its Real-time Recognition, works exceptionally well with gimbals. This feature allows the camera to accurately track subjects even when the camera is in motion, ensuring your footage remains sharp and in focus during dynamic gimbal movements.
Q7: What kind of cinematic footage can I expect to achieve with my A6700 on a gimbal?
A7: With your A6700 mounted on a quality gimbal, you can achieve incredibly smooth, professional-looking cinematic footage. This includes fluid tracking shots, dramatic reveal shots, dynamic follow-me footage, and even complex orbital movements, all with greatly reduced shake and wobble, giving your videos a high-production value look.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best gimbal for A6700 isn’t just about the gimbal itself; it’s about building a system that allows your powerful camera to shine. Whether you’re extending your shooting time with a smart power solution like the HangTon dummy battery or kickstarting your video journey with a comprehensive bundle that includes a capable camera and a basic stabilizer, these choices significantly impact your creative freedom and the quality of your output. Invest wisely in your A6700 setup, and watch your cinematic visions come to life!
