Gimbals have become an essential tool for videography and photography, allowing you to capture smooth, stabilized footage on the go. Two popular options from innovative gimbal producer ZHIYUN are the WEEBILL S and the WEEBILL 3. But what exactly sets these two versatile gimbals apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the specs, features, performance, and price of the ZHIYUN WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 gimbals. Discover the key differences to determine which model is the best fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Weebill S | Weebill 3 |
| Dimensions (folded) | 276 x 206 x 75 mm | 255 x 205 x 60 mm |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (730g) | 1.2 lbs (565g) |
| Max Payload | 4.85 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| Battery Life | 14 hrs | 18 hrs |
| Axis Locks | Individual knobs | Quick snap locks |
| Included Accessories | Storage case, mini tripod, batteries | Storage case, mini tripod, batteries, lens support, camera riser, handgrip, extended grip, smart sling grip, rod clamp |
| Mobile App | ZY Play | ZY Cami |
| Camera Control | No | Yes, for select models |
| Price | $439 | $559 |
Overview and Shared Features
The ZHIYUN WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 are both compact, lightweight 3-axis gimbals ideal for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. They share robust motors with integrated TransMount interfaces to support a wide variety of setups.
Both gimbals can stabilize footage in three modes:
- Lock Mode fully locks the gimbal motors to remain fixed on the stabilized axis.
- Follow Mode allows the gimbal to follow the movement of the user’s hand on the tilt and pan axes.
- POV Mode locks the roll axis while the gimbal responds to handle movement on the tilt and pan axes, creating a first-person view effect.
An intuitive touch screen interface on both models provides control over parameters like follow speed, motor strength, and more. The WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 support timed motion lapses and motion memory for easily replicating complex camera moves.
Built-in batteries promise up to 14 hours of operation per charge. Both units also feature USB-C ports for convenient charging and firmware updates.
Also Read: Comparison Between Sony FX30 and A7SIII
Key Differences Between ZHIYUN WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3
So in broad strokes, the WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 share quite a few similarities in their core stabilization abilities and shooting modes. But let’s dive into the details to reveal where they differ.
Build and Design
While both gimbals sport a similar compact form factor, the WEEBILL 3 shaves off an additional 0.3 lbs for an ultra-lightweight body. Here’s how the physical specs compare:
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL S
- Dimensions (folded): 276 × 206 × 75 mm
- Weight: 1.6 lbs (730g)
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3
- Dimensions (folded): 255 × 205 × 60 mm
- Weight: 1.2 lbs (565g)
The lighter build of the WEEBILL 3 makes it a bit more comfortable to handle during prolonged shooting sessions. It’s especially advantageous when using smaller mirrorless cameras.
In terms of design, both gimbals allow you to position the camera above or below the handle. But the WEEBILL 3 adds a quick-release mounting plate and stronger tilt motor for faster transitions between underslung and upright shots.
The WEEBILL S has a single knob to lock each axis, while the WEEBILL 3 uses a quicker snap-lock design. For making adjustments on the go, the WEEBILL 3 has a slight edge.
Payload Capacity
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a gimbal is its payload capacity – how much weight it can stabilize without disruption.
The WEEBILL S supports an impressive maximum payload of 4.85 lbs. This allows you to mount professional DSLR and cinema cameras like the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III or Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K.
The WEEBILL 3 has a slightly lower max payload capacity of 3.6 lbs. But this is still enough support mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 III or Panasonic S5 when paired with a lens.
For larger camera and lens combinations, the WEEBILL S can provide more robust stabilization without straining the motors. But the WEEBILL 3 offers sufficient payload for most mirrorless and DSLR setups.
Battery Life
With onboard batteries, battery life is a prime consideration for handheld gimbals. Here’s how the WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 compare:
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL S
- 14 hours max operation per charge
- Battery: 26650 Li-ion
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3
- 18 hours max operation per charge
- Battery: 18650 Li-ion
While both offer all-day battery life, the WEEBILL 3 inches ahead with a 18 hours run time per charge. This allows you to shoot for longer without carrying extra batteries or needing to find a power outlet.
Accessories
The included accessories can also differentiate the gimbal experience. Both units come with essentials like a storage case, mini tripod, and batteries.
However, the WEEBILL 3 packages a more extensive range of accessories:
- Quick setup guide
- Storage case
- Mini tripod
- Batteries -Lens support
- Camera riser
- Handgrip
- Extended grip
- Smart sling grip
- Rod clamp
The additional accessories allow for more mounting flexibility and comfort when operating the WEEBILL 3. The lens support and camera riser are particularly useful for balancing top-heavy camera setups.
Mobile App Control
ZHIYUN offers mobile control apps for iOS and Android to unlock advanced features and custom settings.
The WEEBILL S utilizes the older ZY Play app. It provides gimbal calibration, parameter adjustments, time lapses, and more.
The WEEBILL 3 uses the newer ZY Cami app. Alongside most of the same functions, ZY Cami introduces integrated camera control for certain models. This allows you to adjust camera settings like ISO and aperture directly through the gimbal.
For the latest and most full-featured app experience, the WEEBILL 3 has an advantage. But both gimbals offer capable mobile control integration.
Price
As you would expect, the lighter and more advanced WEEBILL 3 comes at a higher price point:
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL S
- MSRP: $439
- ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3
- MSRP: $559
The $120 premium for the WEEBILL 3 gets you upgraded design, lighter weight, longer battery life, and more extensive accessories. The additional cost may be worth it for photographers and videographers using the gimbal professionally.
But the WEEBILL S still offers robust performance and great value at a lower price, particularly for content creators on a budget.
Also Read: Choose Between Canon EOS R10 And Canon EOS M50 Mark II.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference is that the Weebill 3S has a higher max payload capacity of 6.6 lbs compared to 3.6 lbs on the Weebill 3. This allows the 3S to support larger camera and lens combinations. The 3S also has reinforced motors and improved algorithms for steadier stabilization. But the standard Weebill 3 is lighter and more compact.
The WEEBILL-S is the newer upgraded model. Key improvements include 30% more motor torque for better stabilization and support for a heavier max payload of 4.85 lbs. The WEEBILL-S is also lighter at just 1.6 lbs vs 2.5 lbs for the Weebill 2.
The Weebill 3 has a maximum payload capacity of 3.6 lbs. This allows it to support mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 III and smaller DSLRs when paired with compact lenses. Larger camera and lens rigs may exceed the payload limit of the Weebill 3.
The Weebill LAB is designed for cinematic movement with advanced features like remote inertial control and POV mode for replicate handheld camera motions. The WEEBILL-S is more of an all-around gimbal for general photo/video use. The LAB supports a higher max payload of 6.6 lbs. But the WEEBILL-S is over 1 lb lighter in weight.
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Conclusion
The ZHIYUN WEEBILL S and WEEBILL 3 both present versatile options for stabilized mirrorless and DSLR filming. While they share core features like 3-axis stabilization and handy motor controls, there are some notable differences:
- The WEEBILL 3 has a lighter build and quicker-release design that’s ideal for fast-paced handheld shooting.
- The WEEBILL S supports a heavier camera payload, making it suitable for larger camera/lens setups.
- Longer 18-hour battery life on the WEEBILL 3 lets you shoot all day without swapping batteries.
- The WEEBILL 3 comes bundled with more useful accessories for expanded mounting options.
- Upgraded mobile app integration on the WEEBILL 3 enables remote camera control over certain models.
The WEEBILL 3 justifies its higher price with improved portability, extended battery life, and bonus accessories. But the WEEBILL S remains a strong choice if you shoot lighter cameras or are on a tighter budget.
Ultimately, choose based on your payload needs, desired features, and available funds. Either advanced gimbal will unlock new creative possibilities for professional-grade stabilized footage!