GEAR MINI TESTS
MANFROTTO 300XM GIMBAL £612/$670 manfrotto.com Just when you think you’ve seen everything that’s possible with three-axis handheld gimbals, along comes yet another innovation. This time, it’s relative newcomer to the motorised gimbal market, Manfrotto, with the 300XM. Essentially, the unit splits in half! The bottom handle and controls separate away from the main gimbal parts by just unlocking a sliding lever. This lets you use the handle as a fully-featured remote-control unit – from a distance of up to a claimed 180cm/72in, although we got further than this. This splitting trick is enabled because the gimbal has two separate batteries – one in the head, one in the handle. They both charge together via a USB-C, although you can separate them if you want a super-fast recharge. Two batteries does make the whole package a bit heavier than some on the market, but it gives up to ten hours of operation. This seemingly random trick of splitting it in half actually has a
SPLITTING IMAGE Taking the control grip off lets you use it as a wireless remote control
real-world use, and that’s to work with the Manfrotto Move system of quick- release connections and to function with the Manfrotto GimBoom. The GimBoom is a boom pole for a gimbal, but if you just put a gimbal on one end, you can’t use the controls while the unit is being deployed for filming. Make changes via the Manfrotto smartphone app, but you end up juggling a phone and a weighty gimbal. Not ideal. Now, the gimbal part of the 300XM can be put on one end of the boom, and – using the included quick- release plates – you can fasten the control grip to the other end. This offers complete control at all times. The split technology allows you to fasten the gimbal to a tripod and control movements from nearby – but the app is still available. The choice is yours. The kit comes with seven cables, so if your camera is on the list – and most popular mirrorless cameras are – then you can control settings, trigger recording and AF from the handle or app. You can even use the separated remote- control handle to dictate the camera movement using just your hand, instead of the joystick. As a conventional motorised gimbal, the 300XM is easy to balance, straightforward to use and has a plentiful payload of 3.4kg/7.5lb. That’s pretty heavy for one-handed operation, so the kit comes with a second handle that slides on and is clamped down firmly. This delivers smoother results.
SPECIFICATIONS Axes: Pan, tilt, roll
QR plate: Manfrotto 501PL Material: ABS, aluminium Maximumpayload: 3.4kg/7.5lb Battery life: Ten hours Charging time: 2.6 hours Chargingmode: USB-C Connections: Wi-Fi, USB-C
Dimensions (wxhxd): 459.7x195.8x366.1mm/
PERFECT BALANCE The second handle makes a big difference in keeping steady
18.1x7.71x14.41in Weight: 2kg/4.4lb
The unit is largely controlled by a small touchscreen and a combination of joystick and a large, smoothly-damped wheel. It has all the usual pan, tilt, lock and follow modes. And two buttons – A and B – let you set start and end points for controlled moves. There are easy time-lapse settings, too. If you have used a gimbal before, you’ll have no problems with this one. As a stand-alone gimbal, the Manfrotto is powerful and offers smooth movements. But split it in half to use on the end of the GimBoom and a new world opens up. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 A great gimbal, with a unique trick up its sleeve Pros: Powerful motors, big payload Cons: Could be lighter
“The split allows you to fasten the gimbal to a tripod and control movements fromnearby”
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