Zhiyun Tech has announced a 4th generation version of their Crane gimbal stabilizer. The Crane 4 combines a lightweight form with heavy-duty support for stabilizing camera payloads over 13.2 pounds.
The Crane 4 has taken lessons learned from the previous generations and has been redesigned with a longer arm length, extended quick-release plate for greater support, and stronger balance motors to provide a more stable image while the camera is on the move.
The Crane also has a new balancing algorithm that provides greater balance with an easier setup time.
Image Credit – Zhiyun Tech
Zhiyun has also made it easier to switch between portrait and landscape modes and extended camera support with the quick-release plate.
The axis arms offer 360° Pan, 207° Tilt, 70° Roll rotation, and are cloaked in silicone for protection during camera movement, and there’s even a magnetic wrench that has been stored in one of the arms for making adjustments on the fly.
The gimbal also has a bright 1.22” color touchscreen, a front dial, and a joystick for easy adjustment of settings like gimbal motion, ISO, shutter, and aperture settings, as well as timelapse and motion-lapse control.
Camera operators can also set the motor torque, smoothness, follow speed, and joystick speed of the gimbal.
Image Credit – Zhiyun Tech
Zhiyun has also included a 3200 lux bi-color 10-watt LED light for even subject lighting during camera movement, and there’s a sling grip handle for an additional point of contact that helps during two-handed mode for more excellent stabilization.
Users can also add an LCD monitor through a magic extension arm courtesy of the 1/4-20 thread in the camera’s handle, as well as a rosette that can be used for the optional wrist rest.
Other features include a USB-C connection, compatibility with Zhiyun’s follow-focus extension, and wireless transmitter control.
The Crane 4 enjoys a battery life of up to 12 hours through four 2600 mAh batteries, with PD fast recharge time of less than two hours, giving shooters all-day performance and recharging during lunchtime.
Image Credit – Zhiyun Tech
The Crane 4 weighs just 3.6 pounds and can support a wide variety of cameras including the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, Nikon Z8, Panasonic LUMIX S1H, and Sony a7S III.
The Crane’s USB-C connection can also support other cameras that weigh below the 13.2-pound payload limit.
Image Credit – Zhiyun Tech
Finally, users can control the Crane 4 and a mobile device through the Zhiyun ZY app, with a virtual joystick, motion sensor, and video control, via Bluetooth 5. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Pricing and availability
The Zhiyun Tech Crane 4 gimbal stabilizer is available now at a retail price of $669 for the standard camera kit, which includes a mini tripod, dual quick-release plates, multiple control cables, a fill light diffuser, and various screws and tools.
The Combo Kit retails for $749 and adds a wrist rest, sling grip, and storage bag.
[Source: Zhiyun Tech]
Order links:
- Zhiyun CRANE 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Standard Kit (B&H)
- Zhiyun CRANE 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Combo Kit (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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