Zhiyun launches new Crane M3 3- axis gimbal for smaller cameras and cellphones

Zhiyun launches Crane M3 3-axis gimbal
(Image credit: Zhiyun)

Today Zhiyun launched the Crane M3 3-axis gimbal aimed at content creators who use smaller DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and cellphones. Measuring just 11.3 x 6.1 x 2.9-inches and weighing just 1.5 pounds without the quick release plate and included tripod. Its lovely white and black esthetic is stylish; it can easily be stowed away in your backpack and provide smooth footage while on the move. 

Zhiyun claims that the Crane M3 is compatible with over 90% of mirrorless cameras, featuring stronger, reverse loaded-loaded motors that provide more torque and 3-axis stabilization. The M3 has a  brand new in-built dual-color 800-lumen LED temperature lighting and a professional audio port to aid content creators even further.  

Zhiyun has been kind enough to send us a review unit, and we will be putting it through its paces in the days to come. The Crane M3 comes in three kits; the standard costs $369, which comes with the gimbal and tripod. The Combo package will run you $449 and arrives with the Crane M3, Tripod Plus, cell phone mount, Trans mount, and easy go backpack. The Pro package kit will set you back $649 comes with everything in the combo kit but adds a handy shotgun microphone. 

The other cool feature of the Crane M3 gimbal is the 1.22-inch color touchscreen that allows users to change settings, "enabling parameter adjustments to a range of gimbal mode settings (portrait, vortex mode, and go-mode) as well as follow speed. The intuitive display panel also indicates operational camera status, connection to the gimbal, and battery levels." We will have the full review of the Crane M3 3-axis gimbal soon. 

Mark Anthony Ramirez

Mark has spent 20 years headlining comedy shows around the country and made appearances on ABC, MTV, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, Food Network, and Sirius XM Radio. He has written about every topic imaginable, from dating, family, politics, social issues, and tech. He wrote his first tech articles for the now-defunct Dads On Tech 10 years ago, and his passion for combining humor and tech has grown under the tutelage of the Laptop Mag team. His penchant for tearing things down and rebuilding them did not make Mark popular at home, however, when he got his hands on the legendary Commodore 64, his passion for all things tech deepened. These days, when he is not filming, editing footage, tinkering with cameras and laptops, or on stage, he can be found at his desk snacking, writing about everything tech, new jokes, or scripts he dreams of filming.