Zhiyun’s new CINEPEER product household is concentrated on offering reasonably priced gimbals and video lights for hobbyist videographers. In lots of instances, a low value means decrease high quality, however not within the case of CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E “Lite”, a strong and performing stabilizer with a beautiful design for under $249. For this cash, it helps even vertical video (portrait), essential for TikTokers.
Zhiyun made some vital modifications to its third-generation WEEBILL stabilizer to be able to make it extra reasonably priced. Whereas the 3S featured a built-in 1000 lux fill gentle and compatibility with the TransMount picture transmission system, the brand new 3E lacks these fancy further capabilities. The opposite noticeable change is the lacking lens help and built-in fast launch that permits seamless switching between portrait and panorama modes.
These days, most interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) include in-body stabilization methods, however these methods can solely compensate for digicam wobbles in a restricted method. Even when mixed with optical lens stabilization, they will’t match the smoothness of a 3-axis gimbal. Moreover, that includes seven stabilization modes, Time-Lapse, and Panorama capabilities, the Zhiyun CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E will unleash the creativity of any hobbyist videographer.
CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E assessment
Disclosure: I obtained this 3-axis digicam stabilizer in a product assessment collaboration with Zhiyun-Tech. Product specs and high quality could differ in response to the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’re going to get a unit that performs the identical as seen in my assessment.
To be cost-effective, the CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E is available in a not-too-fancy eco-friendly recycled cardboard field. Moreover, the components are protected by a CNC-cut foam case that may be reused for storage and transportation. Apart from the gimbal with the quick-release plate, the equipment features a mini-tripod and two USB cables (charging and digicam management).
At a look
When folded, the footprint of the WEEBILL 3E gimbal is just like that of an A4 paper. It roughly measures 36*12*27cm and weighs near a kg. It options a chic black-and-white colour scheme just like the Crane M3, a superb all-rounder vlogging gimbal. On the backside of the handler, three tripod mounts make it totally appropriate with the MasterMove grip, which permits for extra snug dealing with.
Sadly, the 3E Lite doesn’t inherit the 3S’s revolutionary portrait swap, which permits seamless transitions between horizontal and vertical taking pictures modes. On the CinePeer 3E, you could disassemble and mount the quick-release plate again within the place in response to your taking pictures mode (and, after all, rebalance the system).
The entrance panel has a small OLED display screen, two buttons (File and Mode), and a tiny 4D joystick. Menu and Energy buttons, together with a dial swap, are on the best facet. The adjustment wheel on the again, underneath the sensible set off, additional expands intuitive management with axis adjustment or digicam settings like ISO, aperture, and extra based mostly in your customized programming. Superior digicam management requires USB connectivity and works solely with appropriate cameras. The Weebill 3E additionally options Bluetooth connectivity for shutter management (begin/cease recording).
Every axe (PAN, Tilt, and Roll) is independently controllable, permitting you to border the right shot. The Sensible set off (urgent 3 times) means that you can toggle between regular and selfie mode.
Along with choosing between PF (Pan Fallow), L (Lock), F (Comply with), POV (Level of View), and GO modes, the gimbal has a “Handbook Reposition” mode during which the digicam may be rotated by hand to a sure angle. A Vortex (360°) mode permits the digicam to be rotated in a circle on its axis.
All of the controls are simply accessible with out breaking your fingers making an attempt to twist them in unnatural positions to achieve a sure button. The handler has rubber padding on two sides, permitting a superb grip. My setup (gimbal + digicam physique + lens) weighed greater than two kg, and dealing with with one hand was not very handy after even quarter-hour of use.
Key options
[Gimbal that Fits Well in Your Hand] As compact as an A4 paper, WEEBILL 3E is your good companion on the go. Its compact physique and ergonomically designed deal with make it a pleasure to hold and use, making hours-long filming classes a breeze.
[Professional-grade Stabilization Algorithms] Outfitted with ZHIYUN’s professional Algorithms, the WEEBILL 3E glides by buttery clean digicam strikes. Its potent motors can simply deal with main full-frame cameras.
[Sling Mode 2.5 and Native Portrait Switch] ZHIYUN CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E ushers in Sling Mode 2.5 with an attachable wrist relaxation and adjustable deal with, assuaging over 40% of fatigue whereas sustaining stability even at extraordinarily low angles. Prolong your attain as our customizable handles stretch, contract, and broaden taking pictures potentialities. The short-switch design facilitates vertical seize with out requiring further attachments.
[Customizable Buttons and Bluetooth Shutter Control] Set shortcuts to quickly toggle between widespread taking pictures modes or activate specialised motions on the press of a finger. Primarily based in your customized programming, the adjustment wheel additional expands intuitive management with axe adjustment or digicam settings like ISO, aperture, and extra. Management your digicam wirelessly with the WEEBILL 3E by way of Bluetooth. Seize pictures and begin/cease recordings effortlessly with the contact of a button.
[Long Runtime] The built-in 2650mAh batteries boast sufficient capability to deal with even the longest filming on a single cost. Creators can sort out as much as 16 hours of working time per full cost. You too can function whereas charging in order that your creativity by no means stops.
Pricing and availability
WEEBILL 3E is accessible to order immediately, and like all Zhiyun CINEPEER merchandise, it’s priced competitively in comparison with what’s on the market available on the market. You may order it from the producer’s web site for $249 within the US and € 279, £ 249, AU$ 389, or ¥ 44,000 (JPY) in the remainder of the world. Meant to be reasonably priced, there may be solely a regular bundle with out deluxe combos this time. All CINEPEER merchandise may also be ordered from the corporate’s official Amazon retailer.
Zhiyun CINEPEER 3E: Balancing
Every gimbal should be correctly balanced for the particular digicam and lens mixture you’re utilizing, making certain the load is centered over the motion axes and stopping the gimbal motors from turning into overloaded. To simplify the method, a mini tripod is included, and every axis has a lock swap, permitting you to stability them individually.
As an alternative of describing the balancing course of step-by-step, I feel it’s extra helpful to share Jason Hermann’s video, which is a wonderful tutorial for individuals who have bought their first gadget. If the 3E is your second or third gimbal, you’ll most likely be capable to stability it your self in lower than 5 minutes, the method being just like most related stabilizers.
You will need to pay nice consideration to the stability as a result of it is dependent upon the standard of the stabilization, the working time, and even the lifetime of the motors. Inconveniently, you could re-calibrate once you swap from panorama to portrait or vice versa or from a wide-angle to a telephoto lens.
Auto calibration will moreover fine-tune every motor’s torque in response to the load of the carried digicam and lens.
Zhiyun CINEPEER 3E: Battery life
Two 2600 LIION batteries energy each Weebill gimbals (3E and 3L). Whereas the 3E advertises a runtime of as much as 16 hours, the 3L has solely 12 hours. Do not forget that battery life varies in response to the payload and balancing.
I had no situation utilizing the gimbal for a few hours throughout my every day assessments for the entire week. In case you are on low energy, you’ll be able to nonetheless use it from an exterior energy financial institution by the Kind-C charging port. The WB 3E helps QC and PD USB chargers, charging it between two and three hours.
Extra superior capabilities with a devoted cellular APP
As with most different ZHIYUN gimbals, the CinePeer E3 is supported by a smartphone app – on this occasion, the ZY Play app.
The ZY Play has 5 foremost capabilities:
Wi-fi axis management (Digital joystick or Movement)
Distant digicam management (Take photograph or begin/cease recording)
Time-lapse video
Panorama and waypoint video
Firmware improve
The app’s consumer interface is fundamental; actually, it has not advanced a lot in the previous couple of years since I began utilizing it.
Zhiyun CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E digicam compatibility
By design, the CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E gimbal is appropriate with most Mirrorless cameras in any lens mixture (after all, enormous telephoto lenses are excluded). It will probably additionally deal with compact DSLR cameras with a max payload of as much as 3kg (6.6 lbs). The desk beneath reveals the cameras that Zhiyun has licensed to be appropriate with this gimbal.
Sony
A1, A9, A9II, A7M2, A7R2, A7S2, A7M3, A7M4, A7R3, A7R4, A7R5, A7S3, A7C, A6600, A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100, ZV-E10, ZV-E1, ZV-1, ILME-FX3
Nikon
D850, D780, Z fc, Z50, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z30, Z8
Canon
5DS, 5DS R, 5D MIII, 5D MIV, 6D MII, 6D, 80D, 90D, 800D, 850D, 200D II, R50, R, R5, R6, RP, R7, R8, R10, M50, M6 MII
Panasonic
G9, GH5, GH5s, GH6, S5, S1, S1H
OLYMPUS
X-T3, X-T4, X-T5, X-H2s
FUJIFILM
E2
SIGMA
FP
The newest digicam compatibility listing, together with Bluetooth digicam management capabilities, may be discovered within the Cinepeer 3E obtain part. Firmware updates, calibration instruments, and consumer guides are additionally accessible on this web page.
Pattern footage captured utilizing the Zhiyun Cinepeer Weebill 3E gimbal