ZhiYun Rider-M gimbal overview

As a professional travel video blogger, I frequently get this question:

“Mike, how do you get such smooth action shots in your videos?”

Well, the answer is that I use a number of stabilizing gimbals. I have a handheld gimbal with extending poles to capture walking or biking shots, and then I have the Rider-M gimbal by ZhiYun Tech. I frequently use this one for driving shots, although there are a number of other applications. With the included bracket, I can mount the Rider-M to any number of GoPro mounts, from the suction cup, to helmet and chest mounts. The ZhiYun Rider-M can also be mounted on a tripod, allowing the user to have a stationary camera, while pulling dramatic pans, tilts and 360 degree shots from the ZhiYun mobile app.

As I mentioned, I will often use the ZhiYun Rider-M for driving shots…as you watch the video below you will see all the various angles I often capture. Turning the ZhiYun unit on can be a bit tricky if you don’t know how, so I demonstrate this in the video as well.

One thing I don’t talk a lot about in the video is the ZhiYun mobile app (IOS and Android) that allows full control of the gimbal. Unlike some other wireless apps I’ve used that are often difficult to connect, such as controlling a camera, the ZhiYun app connects seamlessly in just a matter of seconds. There are some really slick features too, such as:

Up to 650° rotation range heading axis.
Flip feature (go from facing you, to in front of you to show the scene.
Ability to charge the GoPro camera from the gimbal.
AV output port for plugging in a viewfinder. The universal 3.5mm AV output port transmits real-time images so you can adjust shooting angles.
Two sets of batteries.
The price is around $275 on Amazon.

ZhiYun Rider-M Modes:

Following Mode: Pitch and roll axis is locked, pan axis rotates following the gimbal pedestal.
Locking Mode: Three Axis (pan, pitch and roll) are all locked.
Pan and Pitch Following Mode: Pan and pitch following mode: roll axis is locked, pitch and pan axis rotate following gimbal pedestal.
Turn Back Mode: Quickly rotates 180 degrees to either face the subject, or show what the subject is looking at.

If you have any questions about the ZhiYun Rider-M gimbal, or gimbals in general, please leave a comment below. If you own a ZhiYun gimbal, please share your experience.