It seems that the crowded gimbal market just got even more saturated with the brand new Benro X-Series line of gimbals. Unlike other rivals, the Benro offerings have a unique foldable design and range from small models for smartphones, all the way to a bigger two-handed gimbal for larger camera builds.
Each of these models brings some unique features to the table, so let’s take a closer look and figure out which one is the most suitable for your specific workflow and production needs.
Benro 3XS and 3XS Lite
These are the smallest gimbals in the lineup. They both feature an innovative foldable design and are compatible with most smartphones on the market.
Furthermore, you can keep your phone charged while shooting with the Benro 3XS by plugging it directly into the gimbal itself or even charge it wirelessly (if supported) via the dedicated pad built into the gimbal clamp. The built-in 2000mAH battery that powers both the 3XS and 3XS Lite offers up to 24 hours on a single charge.
Beyond that, the gimbals’ companion app provides extensive smartphone control, including over the gimbal head and shutter, record, zoom and focus functions as well as an instant rotation between portrait and landscape orientations.
Both the 3XS and 3XS Lite come equipped with a 3.5mm mic jack which makes it much easier to capture high-quality sound on the fly and balance the entire setup with more freedom of movement while shooting.
If you don’t need the wireless charging, you can grab the 3XS Lite model that is also $30 cheaper than its sibling. The Benro X Series 3XS Lite is selling for $99 and the 3XS for $129.
Benro 3XM
The 3XM gimbal is specifically designed for mirrorless cameras weighing up to 3.9 pounds. The model itself weighs 1.9lbs and features an interchangeable battery that lasts around 13 hours per charge.
Like its 3XD and 3XD Pro counterparts in the series, the model also has a foldable design that enables the unit to be rotated 90-degrees for ideal use in underslung mode.
The companion smartphone app gives you quick access to a multitude of functions and shooting modes which along with the foldable design and high precision stabilization make the 3XM the perfect fit for rapid deployment and use when combined with your favorite mirrorless camera. The Benro 3XM will set you back $399.
Benro 3XD and 3XD Pro
Last but not least, come the bigger 3XD and 3XD Pro models of the series. The 3XD is designed for DSLRs with a total capacity up to 8.3lbs and it features the same 90-degree adjustable handle offered on the 3XM, but also provides a 45-degree roll motor offset to increase the camera’s rear LCD visibility.
Unlike the 3XD model, the 3XD Pro comes with a T-shaped dual-handle with support for underslung and handlebar configurations. This model can also be rotated 90-degrees and eliminates the need for a balancing stand.
Users can plug a microphone directly into the 3.5mm input located on the handlebar or near the gimbal head of the 3XD. Additionally, the model features mini HDMI ports near the gimbal head and on the crossbar for displays mounted on the gimbal’s mounting points. The Benro 3XD and 3XD Pro are currently available selling for $499 and $699 respectively.
[source: Benro]
B&H Order Links:
- Benro 3XS 3-Axis Smartphone Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- Benro 3XS Lite 3-Axis Smartphone Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- Benro 3XM 3-Axis Mirrorless Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- Benro 3XD 3-Axis DSLR Single Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- Benro 3XD Pro 3-Axis DSLR Double Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
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