Take your Cinematography to the next level without breaking the bank with the FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal – FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal Review
Moving camera shots greatly elevate one’s video impact. They can be used to reveal settings, shift points of view, show speed or action, but in general, what it does is help elicit emotion. However, as many video shooters know, it is hard to get a good moving camera shot with just the camera. The best way to accomplish moving camera shots are dollies, jibs, and Steadicam rigs, but the average videographer probably does not have the budget for the best gear. Most videographers and content creators use DSLR’s, and a great way to get close to those ultimate in moving camera rigs is with gimbals. There are gimbals like the DJI Ronin and the Zhiyun Crane, but both run well over $500. Which is far cheaper than usable Steadicams, jibs, dollies, but still kind of pricey for the average filmmaker. Luckily there’s the FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal.
The FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal easily matches and enhances the stability of any monopod gimbal, and rivals that of DJI’s Ronin. But comes in at almost half the price. Before I go into my FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal review, let me go over its key features.
-Weight/ Capacity: The AK2000C is fairly lightweight coming in at about 2.5lbs and support a camera up to 4.8lbs. The capacity is more than enough to hold a DSLR camera and a shotgun mic or a small panel light. It’s not enough to hold both, but there really isn’t a reason you should have both attached while shooting. The weight is very well distributed so it feels very stable and also doesn’t wear out the user too quickly.
-OLED Touch Screen: This touch screen allows for quick access to adjustments, control, and fast switching between shooting modes.
-Fast/Easy Access Shooting modes: One-click switch to portrait and “Inception” mode allow for fast and guaranteed placement of certain angles which open up a world of filmmaking possibilities.
-Cable Connections: The cable connections allow for a more stable connection and ensure rapid reaction of operating.
-WiFi/Bluetooth Connection: Allows for wireless control of the gimbal and camera via the app
-Long Battery Life: The battery is rated for 7-hours of work and 12-hours on standby. This allows for prolonged consistent use. The Type-C quick charging will have it at a full battery in 1.5 hours.
My favorite part of the AK2000C Gimbal is the variable speed of the panning and tilting. Being able to control the panning and tilting to such a degree helps with stationary and moving capture. If I were to shoot influencer style selfie videos, the panning and tilting would make for an excellent host cam tracker. The speed variation in combination with the “inception” mode makes for an incredibly cool camera trick. Which is all very intuitive which will give beginners the confidence to experiment and give more advanced users a trusty tool to help them create whatever they want. The pure control in combination with movements opens up endless opportunities for amazing footage.
The key factor that really locks in the AK2000C Gimbal is its stability. The features are awesome and very fun to use, but without the stability, they would be hokey gimmicks. As you can see in the videos, the stability works for all kinds of video footage. But most impressively it is flawless in “Inception” mode, which is easily one of the most advanced camera shooting techniques you can do with any gimbal.
In terms of base functions, AK2000C Gimbal executes masterfully. For a professional-quality gimbal, I have not found many that outperform the AK2000C Gimbal and any that do are well above the $229.99 price point. That being said, there are a few critiques I have.
The only issue I have with the AK2000C Gimbal is its connectivity to the camera and app. The gimbal to the app is simple and flawless, it is when connecting to the camera that it becomes a chore. The wired connection is not instant, which is a really pretentious complaint. But I am spoiled by instant installation whenever I plug in a USB/USB-C device. I don’t want to mess with the settings on the camera and the gimbal. Then there’s the Camera to the gimbal’s app, which is difficult to figure out. The connecting is simple, but actual operation afterward is a struggle. To be honest, you don’t need to use the app at all if you’re operating the gimbal. All of the controls on the rig and the touchscreen function perfectly without the app. However, for selfie/influencer type videos, it is fairly essential. It is by far the most time-consuming and complicated aspect of using the gimbal. It is infinitely more difficult if you compare it to using an Osmo gimbal and your phone. But again, it is unnecessary and not really a feature I expect many to be looking for. The AK2000C Gimbal is much more suited for content creators, not selfie-focused influencers.
One last thing, which is not so much a critique on the gimbal, but more of a tip on operating. Do not attempt to rebalance the camera in any way while the gimbal is powered. It says it in the instructions, but sometimes you just want a last-minute tweak. Don’t. Balance your camera prior to turning on the gimbal as the gimbal tends to attempt to rebalance and overcompensate when adjustments are made while it is turned on. It will continuously do little jerking movements until you turn it off and on again. It’s freaky as it feels like it’s going haywire, but it is easily avoidable and repairable and shouldn’t be a problem for anyone.
The FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal is an incredible rig for content creators. It stabilizes your camera movements as well, if not better, than comparable monopod-like gimbals and will be much kinder to you in price. It is an incredible tool for any DSLR shooter and very intuitive to use for filmmakers of all experiences. While the app could use work, it is absolutely unessential to the operation and use of the AK2000c. For the incredible quality and potential of content the AK2000C offers, as well as its unbeatable price, my FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal review gets a 5/5
The FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal is available on Amazon
