DSLRPros has upped their game with a brand new brushless handheld smartphone stabilizer, the SwiftCam M3S. I’ve had a chance to test this unit and put it through its paces.
SwiftCam M3S Handheld Smartphone Stabilizer
When I first reviewed a similar product last year from DSLRPros, there were some design and quality issues that I had addressed, but the new SwiftCam M3S Stabilizer handles all those concerns and more.
The SwiftCam M3S is an electronic 3-axis handheld gimbal with brushless motors to stabilize your smartphone for use in shooting smooth video, right out of the box. The magnetic
The magnetic position locking helps keep the system stable and also secure when the device is powered off and in travel mode.
The spring-loaded holder fits all major smartphone brands without any special adapters or re-adjustments There is an included snap-fit counterweight for larger devices like the iPhone 6S.
The M3S comes with three easy-to-access shooting stabilization modes: Full Follow, Pan Follow and Full Lock. You can also simply hold the device and use the thumb joystick to pan and tilt or mount it on a tripod to control.
SwiftCam M3S Kit Includes
- SwiftCam M3S
- Mini Usb Cable
- Balance Plugin
- Startup Guide
- Flannel bag
This is the demo/promo video from the DSLRPros website:
My Test Results:
The SwiftCam performed really smoothly as expected. Compared to previous models of smartphone stablizers I’ve tested, this is hands-down a superb quality product – well designed and manufactured. The only negative thing I can find about this unit was when turning it upside-down to shoot down low, it didn’t always seem too “happy” about it and would rattle and dance a bit. Usually turning it off and back on would resolve it but doing a smooth rotationdown into position as was shown in their demo video didn’t always happen.
Battery life is really impressive. I think I’ve charged it only three times in over two months – took it to two conferences in my backpack and it holds a charge even if unused for weeks at a time. Not that I condone that type of abuse, but hey – we’re all human, right?
And I would highly suggest using a third-party video recording app like FilMic Pro instead of the built-in Camera apps, expecially in low light or high dynamic conditions that can’t lock down exposure/white balance, as you’ll see with my examples below. The built in video Camera app lacks many controls, adjustments and refinement.
Here are a few examples from my recent testing on the iPhone 6. Some side-by-side shots with another iPhone 6 (both running the default Camera app for video).
For anyone using their smartphone to capture videos for fun, school or work, this is one tool you really need in your backpack!
Get more information on the SwiftCam M3S Handheld Stabilizer from DSLRPros here.
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Jeff Foster is a published author of several how-to books and training videos in the motion graphics, animation and video production industries and is an award-winning video producer and artist. Visit his web site to learn more about his training methods, tips & tricks at PixelPainter.com