So, you’re rocking the Panasonic GH4 – a legendary camera known for its incredible video capabilities, even years after its release. But let’s be real: handheld footage can look shaky, especially when you’re going for that buttery-smooth, cinematic feel. That’s where a gimbal comes in. It’s your secret weapon for professional-looking, stable video.
Finding the best gimbal for GH4 isn’t just about picking any stabilizer; it’s about choosing the right tools that complement your camera and workflow. Beyond the gimbal itself, crucial accessories can dramatically enhance your shooting experience, extending battery life and improving monitoring.
In this guide, we’ll dive into a top-tier gimbal option that pairs perfectly with your GH4, alongside three must-have accessories that will elevate your entire setup. Let’s get your GH4 footage looking its absolute best!
Zhiyun Crane V2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun Crane V2 has been a workhorse for filmmakers, and it remains an excellent choice for the Panasonic GH4. What truly makes it stand out is its robust build and impressive payload capacity, meaning your GH4 and a variety of lenses will feel right at home. This gimbal is designed to give you that incredibly smooth, shake-free footage, transforming your video projects from amateur to pro. Its intuitive controls and versatile shooting modes also mean you’re not just stabilizing, you’re creating.
Key Features:
– Optimized motor control handles cameras like the GH4 with ease.
– FlexMount System for quick and secure camera setup.
– Supports vertical quick release for high-quality vertical shooting.
– Upgraded built-in focus controller (servo follow focus sold separately).
– 0.96″ OLED screen for easy menu navigation and mode switching.
– Six versatile gimbal modes: Pan Following, Locking, Following, Full-Range POV, Vortex, and Go mode.
– Powered by 3 removable 18650 Li-ion batteries offering up to 12 hours of runtime.
Pros:
– Excellent stabilization performance for cinematic shots.
– Long battery life ensures extended shooting sessions.
– Solid build quality and durable design.
– Handles the GH4 and many lenses comfortably.
– Versatile shooting modes for creative freedom.
Cons:
– Can feel heavy during prolonged use with larger camera setups.
– Learning to balance a 3-axis gimbal takes some practice.
– Servo follow focus for digital control is a separate purchase.
User Impressions:
Users frequently rave about the Crane V2’s reliable stabilization and impressive battery life. Many appreciate how it handles the GH4 with ease, delivering incredibly smooth footage. While acknowledging the learning curve for balancing, most agree that the professional results are well worth the effort, making it a solid contender for the best gimbal for GH4 users on a budget.
Alvin’s Cables DMW DCC12 GH5 Dummy Battery to Ronin S Power Cable
When you’re out shooting with your GH4 on a gimbal, the last thing you want is a dead battery interrupting your flow. This Alvin’s Cables dummy battery is a game-changer because it lets you power your GH4 directly from your DJI Ronin S gimbal. This means you can keep shooting for hours on end, leveraging the gimbal’s battery power and significantly extending your camera’s run time. No more constant battery swaps! It’s an absolute lifesaver for long shoots, interviews, or events.
Key Features:
– Powers your Panasonic DMC-GH5, GH4, or GH3 directly from a DJI Ronin S gimbal.
– Significantly prolongs camera shooting hours or device service time.
– Cable Length: Max length of 35.4 inches (90cm).
– Power output: 12V, power input: 8V.
– Each cable is tested for short circuits and potential breakdowns before shipping.
Pros:
– Extends GH4 battery life dramatically when used with Ronin S.
– Eliminates the need for frequent battery changes.
– Reliable power delivery for uninterrupted shooting.
– Decent cable length for flexibility on the gimbal.
Cons:
– Specifically designed for DJI Ronin S; not compatible with other gimbals.
– Only works with Panasonic GH3, GH4, and GH5 cameras.
User Impressions:
Customers love the convenience and peace of mind this dummy battery provides. They highlight how it seamlessly integrates with the Ronin S, allowing them to focus on capturing the shot rather than worrying about power. It’s frequently cited as an essential accessory for professional GH4 users on Ronin setups.
FPV Micro HDMI 90 Degree Angled Male to Standard HDMI Female Cable (50CM)
Monitoring your GH4’s output on a gimbal often means using an external monitor. Standard HDMI cables can be bulky and interfere with your gimbal’s balance or movement. This FPV HDMI cable is a standout because of its super-light, flat ribbon design and its smart 90-degree angled micro HDMI connector. It’s perfect for tight gimbal setups, reducing snags and helping maintain proper balance, ensuring your footage remains smooth and your setup tidy.
Key Features:
– Available length: 50CM (Approximate: 19.7 inches).
– Flat soft ribbon HDMI cable for brushless gimbals, handheld gimbals, and drones.
– Super soft and very light (less than 5g).
– Low profile flat slim thin male to female HDMI extension.
– Micro HDMI Male 90 degree angled to Standard HDMI full HDMI normal HDMI female interface.
– Compatible with Panasonic Lumix GH4, Blackmagic BMPCC, Sony Alpha A5000/A6000/A7S/A7R.
– Strong anti-interference capacity with gold-plated pins.
– Important: Does not support 4K; please switch camera output to 1080p 30FPS.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and flexible, crucial for gimbal balance.
– Angled connector prevents cable interference in tight spaces.
– Flat ribbon design reduces tangles and clutter.
– Compatible with multiple popular camera models, including the GH4.
Cons:
– Does not support 4K resolution (requires 1080p 30FPS output from GH4).
– Relatively short length might not suit all setups.
– Specific 90-degree angle requires checking camera port orientation.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise this cable for its minimal weight and incredible flexibility, which are vital for maintaining gimbal balance and avoiding cable snags. While the 1080p limitation is a common point of discussion, most find it perfectly acceptable for on-gimbal monitoring where 4K isn’t always necessary.
Permanent Angled Micro HDMI 90 Degree Male to Standard HDMI Female Extension Cable
Very similar to the previous FPV cable, this Permanent Angled Micro HDMI cable offers another excellent solution for connecting your GH4 to an external monitor on a gimbal. Its primary advantage lies in its specific 90-degree D-1 orientation and the fact that both HDMI ends are removable. This flexibility, combined with its super lightweight and flat ribbon design, makes it an ideal choice for minimizing bulk and ensuring your GH4 stays perfectly balanced on its stabilizer.
Key Features:
– Angled Micro HDMI 90 degree (Micro HDMI D-1) to standard HDMI female extension cable.
– Flat soft ribbon HDMI cable designed for various gimbals and aerial photography setups.
– Super soft and very light (less than 5g).
– Low profile flat slim thin male to female HDMI extension.
– Both HDMI ends are removable.
– Compatible with Panasonic Lumix GH4, Blackmagic BMPCC, Sony Alpha A5000/A6000/A7S/A7R.
– Strong anti-interference capacity with gold-plated pins.
– Important: Does not support 4K; please switch camera output to 1080P 30FPS.
Pros:
– Extremely lightweight and flexible, perfect for gimbal applications.
– Angled connector helps with cable management and balance.
– Removable HDMI ends offer some modularity.
– Good signal quality for 1080p monitoring.
Cons:
– Does not support 4K resolution (only 1080p 30FPS).
– Requires checking the specific D-1 micro HDMI orientation for your GH4.
– Short length might necessitate an additional standard HDMI extension if your monitor is far.
User Impressions:
Reviewers highlight its effectiveness in reducing cable bulk and maintaining gimbal equilibrium. The specific angled design is a major plus for cable routing, and users find its lightweight nature indispensable for smooth camera movement. The 1080p limit is noted but usually accepted for its intended monitoring purpose.
Maximizing Your GH4 Gimbal Experience
While the Zhiyun Crane V2 stands out as a strong candidate for the best gimbal for GH4, remember that a great setup goes beyond just the stabilizer. The right accessories, like a dummy battery for extended power and lightweight, angled HDMI cables for external monitoring, are crucial for a seamless and professional shooting experience. They address common pain points like limited battery life and messy cable management, allowing you to focus on capturing stunning, stable footage with your beloved Panasonic GH4.
Frequently Asked Questions about GH4 Gimbals
Q1: Why do I need a gimbal for my Panasonic GH4?
A1: While the GH4 has some in-body electronic stabilization, it’s not comparable to the fluid, cinematic motion a 3-axis gimbal provides. A gimbal eliminates jitters, shakes, and creates smooth, professional-looking tracking shots, pushes, and pulls, making your video much more engaging.
Q2: What should I look for when choosing a gimbal for my GH4?
A2: Key factors include payload capacity (ensuring it can handle your GH4 and desired lens), battery life, ease of balancing, available shooting modes, and whether it has features like follow focus capabilities or a robust quick-release system. Compatibility with accessories like dummy batteries and angled HDMI cables is also a plus.
Q3: Can the GH4’s internal stabilization work with a gimbal?
A3: Generally, it’s recommended to turn off the GH4’s in-body stabilization (e.g., E-Stabilization) when using a mechanical gimbal. Having both active can sometimes lead to conflicting movements and produce “jello” effects or other unwanted artifacts, as the camera tries to correct movements already being handled by the gimbal.
Q4: How long does a gimbal battery last with the GH4?
A4: Most gimbals, like the Zhiyun Crane V2, offer impressive battery life, often 10-18 hours on a single charge. However, powering your GH4 directly from the gimbal (via a dummy battery like the Alvin’s Cables one) will slightly reduce the gimbal’s operational time, but significantly extend your camera’s run time.
Q5: Are dummy batteries and angled HDMI cables really necessary for a GH4 gimbal setup?
A5: While not strictly “necessary” to make the gimbal function, they are highly recommended for professional or extended shoots. A dummy battery prevents constant camera battery swaps, saving time and hassle. Angled, lightweight HDMI cables prevent cable snags, keep your setup tidy, and help maintain perfect gimbal balance, which is crucial for smooth footage and preventing motor strain.
Q6: Can I use an external monitor with my GH4 on a gimbal?
A6: Absolutely! Using an external monitor is highly recommended for critical focusing and framing. You’ll need an HDMI cable (like the ones reviewed) to connect your GH4 to the monitor, and ideally, a small, lightweight monitor that doesn’t add too much bulk or throw off the gimbal’s balance.
Q7: Does the GH4 support 4K video when used on a gimbal?
A7: Yes, the Panasonic GH4 can record 4K video internally, and output 4K via HDMI. However, be aware that many of the lightweight, flexible HDMI cables designed for gimbals (like the ones reviewed above) might be limited to 1080p output due to their compact design. Always check the cable’s specifications. If you need 4K monitoring, you might require a different type of cable or setup.
