Getting silky-smooth, professional-looking video footage is no longer just for Hollywood blockbusters. With cameras like the Panasonic GH5S, you’ve got a powerful filmmaking tool in your hands, capable of stunning low-light performance and incredible video quality. But even the steadiest hands can’t beat the magic of a good gimbal. If you’re looking to elevate your videography and capture truly cinematic shots, finding the best gimbal for GH5S is an absolute game-changer.
Why is a gimbal so crucial for your GH5S? Well, while the GH5S boasts fantastic internal stabilization, a dedicated gimbal takes things to an entirely different level. It isolates your camera from your movements, eliminating shakes and jitters, making your footage look incredibly professional whether you’re walking, running, or even shooting from a moving vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll dive into our top recommendation for the best gimbal for GH5S and also highlight a couple of crucial accessories that will complete your pro video setup. Let’s get your GH5S ready for some serious action!
Our Top Pick: The Best Gimbal for GH5S
When it comes to mirrorless camera stabilization, one gimbal consistently stands out for its blend of power, portability, and performance, making it an excellent choice for the Panasonic GH5S.
Zhiyun Weebill S Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless Cameras
The Zhiyun Weebill S is a standout contender for the best gimbal for GH5S thanks to its impressive payload capacity packed into a surprisingly compact and lightweight body. This isn’t just a basic stabilizer; it’s a meticulously engineered tool designed for demanding filmmakers. What truly makes it shine is its ability to handle heavier camera setups like the GH5S with larger lenses while maintaining a form factor that’s barely larger than an A4 sheet of paper when folded. This balance of power and portability is a dream come true for creators on the go.
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Key Features:
- Supreme Power & Greater Compatibility: Supports up to 3KG (6.6 lbs) payload, handling camera combos like the GH5S with larger lenses with ease.
- Lightweight & Compact: Weighs only 895g and folds down to the size of an A4 paper for incredible portability.
- Three-Axis Lock & Quick Release System: Features axis locks for faster balancing and storage, plus a popular two-in-one quick release plate for swift transitions.
- OLED Display for Instant Gimbal Settings: An intuitive display allows direct control over motor strength, follow speed, deadband, and more, without needing the app.
- 14-Hour Runtime & Camera Charging: Long-lasting interchangeable batteries and the ability to charge your camera in real-time for extended shoots.
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Pros:
- Excellent payload capacity for its size.
- Extremely portable and easy to pack.
- Quick balancing with axis locks and quick release plates.
- Intuitive OLED screen for on-the-fly adjustments.
- Long battery life and camera charging capability.
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Cons:
- Can take some practice to master all its features.
- The underslung mode might feel a bit awkward for some users initially.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Weebill S for its robust build, compact design, and impressive motor performance. Many GH5S users specifically highlight how well it handles their camera setup, providing smooth, professional footage even with heavier lenses. The quick-release system and the OLED display are often cited as major convenience factors that speed up their workflow.
- See it on Amazon here
Essential Accessories to Complete Your GH5S Gimbal Setup
While the Zhiyun Weebill S is fantastic on its own, certain accessories can significantly enhance your filmmaking experience and unlock even more possibilities for your GH5S. These aren’t gimbals themselves, but they are crucial for a truly professional rig.
EVO Gimbals Ultra Thin HDMI Cable, Reflex Ultra Thin HDMI
When you’re rigging up your GH5S on a gimbal, cable management is a real headache if you don’t have the right tools. Standard HDMI cables are often too stiff and bulky, snagging on gimbal arms or adding unnecessary weight and torque that can throw off your balance. The EVO ReFlex Ultra Thin HDMI cable is specifically designed to solve this problem, offering unparalleled flexibility and a super-slim profile that’s perfect for connecting your GH5S to an external monitor without interfering with your gimbal’s movement.
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Key Features:
- Ultra Thin 2.5mm Diameter: Built from high-grade silicone with flexible strands for superior strength and bendability.
- Designed for Camera Rigs: Ideal for gimbal, camera stabilizer, and camera rig applications where flexibility and compact routing are critical.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports 4K@60Hz video output via HDMI V2.0, including Ultra HD 4K, Full HD 1080P, 3D, Ethernet, ARC, and HDR.
- Optimal Length: 36 inches (920mm) provides enough slack for various setups without excessive cabling.
- Versatile Connectivity: HDMI Type A (standard) to HDMI Type A (standard) Male to Male connection.
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Pros:
- Extremely flexible and thin, preventing snags and balance issues.
- Supports high-resolution 4K video output.
- Durable silicone construction.
- Perfect for tight spaces on a gimbal setup.
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Cons:
- Premium price for a cable.
- The flexibility might make it feel less “rugged” to some, though it’s designed for durability.
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User Impressions: Filmmakers and videographers using gimbals rave about this cable, often calling it a “game-changer” for their setup. They particularly appreciate how it eliminates cable-induced balance problems and allows for cleaner, more professional camera rigs, especially when paired with external monitors for critical focus and framing.
- See it on Amazon here
FEICHAO Quick Release Plate Gimbal Base 15mm Double-Hole
For serious video production with your GH5S on a gimbal, especially when you need to add accessories like a follow focus, matte box, or external monitor arm, a robust base plate with rod support is indispensable. The FEICHAO Quick Release Plate Gimbal Base provides a solid foundation for your GH5S, allowing you to easily mount it to your gimbal while simultaneously providing a 15mm rod system for a multitude of other filmmaking tools. Its compatibility with the GH5S and smart design make it a versatile addition to any pro rig.
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Key Features:
- Wide Application Scope: Compatible with popular mirrorless cameras including the Panasonic GH5S, Sony A7C, and Fuji XT4.
- Integrated 15mm Rod Support: Features a 15mm diameter guide rod hole for mounting follow focus systems, shading boxes, lens supports, and other accessories.
- Protective Rubber Pads: Four silicone protective rubber pads on the bottom prevent scratches and ensure a secure, non-slip installation.
- Durable Construction: Made from anodized Aluminum alloy for the base and high-strength carbon fiber for the 30cm tubes, ensuring durability, lightweight performance, and corrosion resistance.
- Includes 30cm Carbon Fiber Rods: Comes with two universal 15mm diameter tubes, ready for your rod rail support system.
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Pros:
- Provides a stable platform for adding filmmaking accessories.
- Compatible with GH5S and other popular mirrorless cameras.
- High-quality, durable materials (aluminum alloy, carbon fiber).
- Protective pads prevent camera damage.
- Includes carbon fiber rods, adding great value.
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Cons:
- Adds a bit of weight and bulk to the overall setup.
- Requires some understanding of camera rigging for optimal use.
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User Impressions: Users find this quick release plate and gimbal base to be incredibly sturdy and well-built, making it a reliable foundation for their GH5S rigs. The inclusion of the 15mm rod support is a significant advantage, allowing them to expand their setup beyond just the camera and gimbal. Many appreciate the secure fit and the peace of mind offered by the protective rubber pads.
- See it on Amazon here
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gimbal for Your GH5S
While we’ve highlighted our top pick, here are some general considerations to keep in mind when selecting any gimbal for your Panasonic GH5S:
- Payload Capacity: This is paramount. Ensure the gimbal can comfortably support the weight of your GH5S plus your heaviest lens and any essential accessories (like a monitor or mic). Overloading a gimbal leads to poor performance and motor strain.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life means fewer interruptions during shoots. Look for gimbals with 10+ hours of runtime, especially if you’re on location all day.
- Portability & Weight: You’ll be carrying this, so a lighter, more compact gimbal is a huge plus, especially for travel or long shoots.
- Ease of Use & Balancing: Some gimbals are quicker and easier to balance than others. Look for features like axis locks and quick-release plates. User-friendly controls and a good app are also beneficial.
- Advanced Features: Consider if you need features like object tracking, time-lapse modes, or advanced motion control.
- Build Quality: A robust build ensures durability and reliability in various shooting conditions.
Conclusion
Pairing your Panasonic GH5S with the right gimbal can truly transform your video production, opening up a world of creative possibilities for cinematic storytelling. The Zhiyun Weebill S stands out as an excellent choice for the best gimbal for GH5S, offering a fantastic balance of power, portability, and features. And don’t forget those essential accessories like the EVO Gimbals HDMI cable and the FEICHAO quick release base; they’re the unsung heroes that complete a truly professional and functional camera rig. Invest wisely, and get ready to capture some truly breathtaking footage!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need a gimbal for my Panasonic GH5S if it already has image stabilization?
A1: While the GH5S has excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a gimbal provides 3-axis mechanical stabilization that completely isolates the camera from your movements. This results in far smoother, more fluid, and professional-looking footage, especially during complex movements like walking, running, or panning. IBIS helps with minor shakes, but a gimbal eliminates larger motion artifacts.
Q2: What is the most important factor when choosing a gimbal for the GH5S?
A2: Payload capacity is arguably the most critical factor. You need to ensure the gimbal can comfortably support the weight of your GH5S, your chosen lens, and any additional accessories you plan to mount (like an external monitor, microphone, or wireless video transmitter). Always check the gimbal’s maximum payload and compare it to your camera setup’s total weight.
Q3: Can the Zhiyun Weebill S really handle the GH5S with larger lenses?
A3: Yes, the Zhiyun Weebill S is designed with more powerful motors and advanced algorithms to handle popular mirrorless camera setups like the Panasonic GH5S with professional zoom lenses (e.g., 24-70mm f/2.8 equivalents). Its 3KG/6.6 lbs payload capacity is more than sufficient for most GH5S rigs.
Q4: Are the HDMI cable and quick release plate really “essential” accessories?
A4: While not strictly necessary to operate the gimbal, they are essential for a professional and efficient workflow. An ultra-thin HDMI cable prevents snagging and balance issues when using an external monitor, while a quick release plate with rod support allows you to easily mount your GH5S and add critical filmmaking accessories like a follow focus, matte box, or wireless video systems, significantly enhancing your shooting capabilities.
Q5: How long does it take to balance a GH5S on a gimbal like the Weebill S?
A5: With practice, balancing your GH5S on the Zhiyun Weebill S can be done in just a few minutes, especially thanks to its 3-axis locking system and quick-release plates. The initial learning curve might be a bit steeper, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a very fast process.
Q6: Can I control my GH5S from the Weebill S gimbal?
A6: Yes, the Zhiyun Weebill S offers extensive control over your camera via its integrated buttons and joystick, or through the ZY Play app on your smartphone. You can control functions like recording start/stop, focus, zoom (with compatible lenses/accessories), and various gimbal modes directly from the gimbal’s handle.
Q7: Is a lightweight gimbal always better?
A7: Not necessarily. While portability is a huge plus, you also need a gimbal with sufficient motor strength and payload capacity for your specific camera and lens setup. A gimbal that’s too light might struggle with heavier camera combos, leading to unstable footage or motor strain. The ideal balance is a gimbal that’s light enough to carry but strong enough to do the job.
