Zhiyun's Camera-Charging Abilities: A Comprehensive Overview

The Zhiyun Crane 2 is a gimbal that provides smooth stabilization for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It has an intuitive OLED display, an 18-hour battery life, and supports camera/lens setups up to 7 lbs. Zhiyun also offers other gimbal models, such as the Crane M3 and the Weebill S, which have different features and specifications. One common question that users have is whether these gimbals can charge and control cameras, and it seems that, in some cases, they can charge certain camera models but not control certain settings.

Can the Zhiyun Crane 2S charge Sony cameras?

The Zhiyun Crane 2S is a gimbal for mirrorless and SLR cameras that offers strong stabilization and is easy to set up. It is compatible with a range of cameras, including Sony cameras like the Sony a7S III and the Sony a7 III.

While the Crane 2S can be used with Sony cameras, the extent of its charging capabilities is less clear. One source mentions that the Crane 2, the predecessor to the Crane 2S, can charge Sony cameras while also powering the gimbal. However, this feature is specifically mentioned in the context of the Sony a7 series, and it is unclear if this applies to other Sony camera models.

Another source, a user comment on Reddit, states that the Crane 2S can charge Sony cameras but cannot control settings like ISO, SS, and F-Stop. This comment specifically mentions the Sony a7III as an example.

Therefore, while there is some evidence to suggest that the Zhiyun Crane 2S can charge Sony cameras, the extent of this compatibility is not entirely clear and may vary depending on the specific model of the Sony camera. It is always a good idea to refer to the official product documentation or contact the manufacturer directly for definitive information on device compatibility and features.

Can the Zhiyun Crane 2S control Sony cameras?

The Zhiyun Crane 2S is a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer that is compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It is designed to handle large cameras such as the BMPCC 6K, Panasonic S1H, Canon EOS 1DX Mark III, and Nikon D850. The gimbal features a 0.96" OLED screen, a carbon fibre handle, and six gimbal modes: Pan Following, Locking, Following, Full-Range POV, Vortex, and Go mode.

The Crane 2S can control the zoom and recording function of Sony cameras but cannot control the ISO, SS, or F-Stop. It comes with a Sony camera control cable and is compatible with several Sony camera models, including the A7III, A7M3, A7R3, A7 III, and A9.

The gimbal also features a dedicated slot for installing an image transmission transmitter and supports digital focus control via the built-in focus wheel. The rotation dampening of the focus wheel is improved, enhancing videographers' muscle memory for pulling focus.

Overall, the Zhiyun Crane 2S is a versatile and customizable gimbal that can handle a wide range of camera setups and offers smooth and responsive performance.

Can the Weebill S charge a camera when connected with a USB control cable?

The Weebill S can be used with a USB control cable to connect and charge your camera. The cable connects your camera and gimbal, avoiding shaking to record the moving moment. The Weebill S can also be used to control the shutter, video, and zoom functions of your camera.

The Weebill S is compatible with a range of cameras, including Sony, Canon, and Sigma models. It is important to note that the correct USB cable must be used for your specific camera model. Some users have reported issues with generic cables, so it is recommended to use the official Zhiyun cable or a similar alternative.

Additionally, the Weebill S features an upgraded algorithm, stronger motors, and an intelligent ViaTouch 2.0 system. It also has an optional ultra-low latency HD image transmission module for professional monitoring and livestreaming.

The gimbal can be folded down, making it convenient for travel and easy to store in a bag. It is reasonably well-made, with solid buttons, switches, latches, and knobs. The weight of the Weebill S is 926g without the tripod and batteries.

In terms of battery life, the Weebill S offers up to 14 hours of use with its interchangeable and rechargeable batteries. It can also charge compatible cameras simultaneously.

Overall, the Weebill S is a compact, easy-to-use, and cost-effective gimbal for mainstream mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It offers a good combination of performance and features, providing smooth and stable shots for your camera setup.

Can the Zhiyun Crane M3 be charged with a power bank?

The Zhiyun Crane M3 gimbal is a portable yet professional stabilisation system for cameras and smartphones. It features a compact structure, a built-in dual-colour temperature fill light, an upgraded quick-release system, and a 1.22" touchscreen for single-handed operation.

The Crane M3's battery supports PD Fast Charge and can be charged with a power bank while operating at the same time. This means that users can enjoy up to 8 hours of runtime after just 2 hours of charging, and they don't have to worry about swapping out batteries.

The Crane M3 is compatible with smartphones, action cameras, compact cameras, and full-frame mirrorless cameras with certain lenses. It also has a wireless control function, where a built-in receiver at the base can be paired with a transmitter module for wireless control of mainstream cameras via Bluetooth.

The Crane M3 is an attractive piece of kit, with a modern white chassis and black and red accents. It is small and lightweight, about the size of a 550ml water bottle, but its upgraded motors with strong torque guarantee stable movements and filming with cameras in different sizes.

Can the Zhiyun Crane 2 be controlled with an app?

The Zhiyun Crane 2 gimbal can be controlled with the Zhiyun Assistant app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app connects to the gimbal via Bluetooth and allows for remote control of the Crane 2, displaying its status, calibration, firmware updates, and settings changes.

The app also enables object tracking, allowing users to select a stationary point and have the gimbal automatically keep the subject in the frame while filming. This feature is especially useful when moving the camera around a stationary object, as the user doesn't have to worry about controlling the gimbal and panning the head.

The ZY Play app is also mentioned in relation to the Zhiyun Crane, though it is unclear if this app is specific to the Crane V2 or if it can also be used with the Crane 2. The ZY Play app allows users to control the gimbal with the swipe of a finger, offering a user-friendly interface for gimbal control.

Frequently asked questions