HomeMacityDigital Photo Zhiyun Crane M3 is a more complex stabilization gimbal than those you are used to using for a smartphone: even if the basic setting is the same, here we have the possibility to mount three different types of camera systems (Zhiyun states that it is compatible for command management with 80% of mirrorless cameras on the market), an action cam and finally a smartphone also the size of an iPhone 13 Pro Max thanks to 3 special slides on which to insert the devices.
A second peculiarity of Crane M3 is the presence of a 800 Lumen / 6 watt LED light that allows you to have an auxiliary lighting source at any time without having to resort to an external spotlight. In the equipment of the version we received there are preu 6 magnetic attack filters able to add a touch of warmth or color to the shots.
For those who want to connect additional accessories there is a 1/4 inch connection on one side to match illuminators and microphones with suitable brackets.
The third peculiarity is a touch screen easy to navigate that will allow us to manage all the automatisms and above all to calibrate the stabilizer to adapt it to the camera and its different configurations when changing lenses. Obviously, if you use a smartphone or an action camera, the setting is much simpler and more immediate. 
The stabilizer is sold in three versions, a base to be used only with a camera, a more advanced and finally a top version that has a Jack input adapter and a specialized microphone on board which, however, was missing in our equipment. .youtube.com / watch? v = r0nm00N9fl0 & t = 4s
Crane M3 was created for the lightest mirrorless cameras (even full frame) and you have to take this into account when choosing compared to the many other gimbal models in the Zhiyun range.
Standing in front of the advanced versions backpack 
The controls 
Screen on 
Main menu 
Positions and rotations 
Options 
Power on and USB with 3/4 screen 
Dials and buttons 
Three-quarter view with rings 
The side with USB-C 
The additional pod for the microphone 
USB connection and microphone to the camera The weight of the gimbal is in fact only 730g and the dimensions when closed are: 24.1 x 155 x 72.5 mm with a total bearable weight of 2.2 Kg. 'power supply is not included) starting via USB-C and with a 25 Watt PD power supply you will have a full charge in 1.5-2 hours which ensures a total use of 7-8 hours. Thanks to the customized hotshoes it is possible to change cameras without having to redo the calibration. The bag available in the two top versions is very well made and allows you to carry even a small camera body and a lens.
Calibration
Following Zhiyun's instructions the operation should be simple but it all depends on the volume of the camera you use, the lenses and your ability to handle sleds, blocks and movements. Honestly, we found the operations a bit cumbersome and the adjustment on the three axes is not so easy and immediate, especially in the management of the tilt. Once the camera + gimbal set has been calibrated, the movements are very “soft” and their selection is very convenient with the screen and easily managed with the Joystick that has different response settings. It must still be said that the management with the sled allows you to store the gimbal and the camera separate and reunite them without having to recalibrate everything and also you can operate on the battery or memory cards and also on video connections, transfer etc without having to repeat the operations from scratch. It is clear that if you have to change your perspective, the whole thing must be rebalanced from scratch and the operation could take up precious time.
Positions and rotations
Controls
Given that you can control the movement with the Joystick on board, you can use a remote control via Bluetooth or the ZY Play App. Bluetooth and USB-C can also be useful for controlling the camera with an abundance of dials that can handle aperture, shutter, ISO and of course zoom in compatible cameras. In reality, thanks to the touch screen you can do without the smartphone since you can manage the shooting mode with the classic options for locking the axes, rotation in portrait mode, vortex mode and tracking speed. The version we received also had the microphone pod with a full Jack connection, useful for connecting a standard interview microphone or shotgun (which the company sells as an accessory). In any case, in the equipment you will also find a useful series of microphone adapters. 
Power on and USB with 3/4 screen
In use
We were able to try the Gimbal with two different types of accessories, a Canon mirrorless which unfortunately did not support all controls available for the sony but which in any case has benefited from the stability and comfort of use of the very light handle with very fluid controls and two medium-large-format smartphones that can be easily managed with the appropriate slide. The small dimensions of the latter obviously allow to manage the entire excursion on the axes and combined with the front LED make the whole a very comfortable tool for shooting in any condition. The length of the gimbal and the combination with its ultra-stable stand to be used also as a side bar if mounted in the thread next to the main axis make the whole very versatile.
Conclusions
As we have seen it is not very simple calibrate the stabilizer for all camera configurations and in some cases the combination of releases and sleds may require the help of a second person. If you use a camera with a versatile zoom or one always with the same lens, management is simple while the use of multiple lenses could waste valuable time. The presence of interchangeable slides, on the other hand, makes it easier to switch from one shooting system to another when you have the alternative with smartphones and action cameras. The supply of accessories is absolutely satisfactory and if you are lucky enough to have one of the cameras indicated at maximum compatibility it becomes an absolutely versatile shooting tool. The low weight allows you to handle the stabilizer and camera without ending the day with joint pain obviously you cannot use very heavy cameras (over 1.5 kg). The mirrorless cameras that are able to make the most of it are the Sony which, thanks to the dedicated cables, receive all the commands necessary for shooting such as focus, zoom and shooting / video shooting in addition to charging via USB-C which is also possible for models of other brands. In conclusion, an excellent tool for Vloggers who want versatility and for those who want to travel light with a level instrumentation.
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Retail price
Crane M3 will soon be available at ZHIYUN dealers in Italy that you find listed i on this page and on the ZHIYUN online store on Amazon. Standard package : Crane M3 + standard tripod – 399 €
Combo package : Crane M3 + Tripod Plus + Smartphone sled + TransMount sled EasyGo backpack – 499 € (to be verified)
Pro package : Crane M3 + Tripod Plus + Smartphone sled + TransMount TransMount sled – Shotgun microphone + TransMount Expansion Base sled + EasyGo backpack – 699 € (to be verified)
TransMount Quick Release custom sleds are available for these models: Sony α7M3; Sony α7C; Sony α6000; Sony α7S; Sony ZV-E10; Canon M50; Nikon ZFC; Fuji X-S10; Fuji XT-4.
