MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS Axes: Pan, tilt and roll (three) Battery: 2600mAh Approximate payload: 6kg/13.2lb Runtime: 12 hours Charging time: 1h 50mins Display: Fixed touchscreen OLED Connectivity: 2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.0, 4x USB-C, ZY Play app Dimensions (wxhxd): 340x70x280mm/13.4x2.8x11in Weight: 1.67kg/3.68lb
“The powerful motors mean the moves are instant, smooth and well-damped”
If the camera is connected through both control cables and Bluetooth at the same time, priority is given to control through the cable. The main screen allows setting and mode changes. Modes include the conventional pan follow, where the tilt- and roll-axis motors are locked and the camera rotates horizontally with the handle. Pushing the joystick up or down does control the tilt axis, while left/right also controls pan. Lock mode means all three motors are locked, and the camera orientation will not move when the handle is moved. But again, moving the joystick up/down or left/right does move the camera. There is also point of view mode, where all three motors move when the handle is adjusted and the joystick still works for camera control. Vortex mode sees the tilt-axis motor rotate upward by 90°, and the tilt-, roll- and pan-axis motors follow the rotation of the handle. Go Mode means the roll-axis is locked, and the tilt and pan motors quickly follow the rotation of the handle. There is also a mode for vertical filming. On the grip handle, a photo/video button activates autofocus and triggers filming or still photos if your camera is compatible. And the mode button cycles through the various settings. The trigger button found on the front changes modes, too, and can access selfie mode with a triple press. The powerful motors of the Crane 4 mean all these moves are instant, smooth, well-damped and easy to control. You can adjust the speed in the menu, too. As well as the touchscreen, the ZY Play app controls the device and lets you use it as a virtual joystick, plus
you can set time-lapse settings, shoot panoramas, control the camera and monitor video. When using portrait mode for social media-style shots, the camera and plate can be slid off the main gimbal arm and re-mounted vertically. This is speedy – and although the balance isn’t hugely affected, we did a minor rebalance. The high-torque motors could have coped regardless. If the camera is plugged in via a cable, it’s best to disconnect this and plug it back in after changing orientation. The Crane 4 has a 3200-lux fill light similar to the Weebill 3S, which is useful when shooting close to your subject. The light can be adjusted for brightness and colour temperature, and a small rubber diffuser pushes on top to make the light a tiny bit softer. But it does rob some power. Because the Crane 4 is Zhiyun’s professional gimbal, it’s compatible with accessories such as the Video Transmitter and follow focus motors. The extra weight from bolt-ons like these is partly why the payload is so great on the Crane 4. With powerful motors, the Crane 4 uses a 2600mAh battery that will run for an impressive 12 hours – and can be charged in under two hours with PD fast charging via USB-C. That’s a very long runtime, though you’d have to be super fit to carry it around for all that time. But for a pro wanting a top gimbal with ergonomic benefits, the Crane 4 is a great buy. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 A powerful gimbal that’s light, fast to set up and very smooth Pros: Performance, value for money Cons: Touchscreen on the small side
and centre of gravity. You can also manually set low, medium or high torque if you think you know better than the gimbal. We used auto and it worked flawlessly every time. Another welcome addition is Bluetooth shutter control, which allows wireless control of the camera without connecting a control cable. To do this, just turn on the camera’s Bluetooth and enter pairing mode. Then tap ‘Gimbal Setting’ from the touchscreen menu on the gimbal and follow the simple instructions. After camera and gimbal have paired successfully and connected for the first time, they can automatically connect in future use. The Crane 4 also comes with a set of connection cables for various cameras.
TAKE A REST The wrist rest and second handle take the strain off a long shoot
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