Last week, I had a chance to try out the FeiyuTech G6Max, a 3-axis stabilized handheld gimbal.

Some highlights of the G6 Max

- Offers a higher payload but is 20% smaller than the G6 Plus.

- Physical motor lock mechanism

- Multi Function "Magic Focus Ring" 2.0 with 25% increase in sensitivity

- Larger OLED Screen

- 9 shooting modes including: follow mode, inception mode, hunting mode, vertical shooting mode, motion time-lapse, self timer mode, lock mode, portrait mode

- Splash proof

- WiFi control and cable control

- 9 Hours of battery life

- Reverse charging

With a payload of 1200g you could easily mount a variety of mirrorless bodies and various lenses along with a Rode VideoMic. Unfortunately, Olympus bodies are not included in the compatible cameras list. I was able to mount my OM-D E-M1 Mark III, but the trouble is that the remote cable terminal cover is blocked by the tilt axis, and moving the release plate further from the base makes balance difficult. This gimbal is likely designed for more compact cameras, action cameras like GoPros and of course smartphones. For DSLR and heftier mirrorless cameras, you'd probably want to go for the FeiyuTech AK2000C with 2200g paylod or similar models designed specifically for DSLR and larger mirrorless cameras.

As someone who has never used a gimbal before, it is definitely worth reading the manual. This is not a plug-and-play type of device (nor is any gimbal) as you have to balance the axis before the first use. First balance the tilt-axis, then the roll-axis, then the pan-axis, then you are ready to use the gimbal. And although the app isn't required to use the gimbal it does open up more options and features, most notably the motion time-lapse.

The good news is, once you balance the three axes for your device, you're set. If you use multiple devices, you could just note the measurements for balance and quickly set with the quick release plate.

Between the quick release plate and physical lock mechanisms, it's easy to both set up and to break down and store. Some of the lock buttons are push down to lock while others are push up to lock, the more you use it, the more it will become second nature. You can set the lock without it being perfectly aligned, and it will easily snap into place.

The nine modes include: panning follow mode, tilting following mode, locking mode, hunting mode, vertical shooting mode, self-timer mode, 360 surround mode (all following mode), motion time-lapse, and inception mode. Traditional gimbals offer various stabilization but I can imagine the vertical shooting mode being used to increase the quality of a TikTok or instagram stories which tend to be more vertical. The motion time-lapse is a great way to add more interest to your time lapse. I can see this being used for wedding photography/videography. Inception mode is a little disorienting for me, but I can only imagine how disorienting it would be if you tried to record that kind of sequence without a gimbal!

The 9 hours of battery life is great, but even better is the ability to reverse charge. We all know how quickly video can consume battery life and when we use our smartphone for so many purposes, it's reassuring that the G6 Max can charge a smartphone so you can continue to record video throughout the day. And since the G6 Max charges via USB-C, it's easy to bring a portable charger to charge the G6 Max if you need to charge on the go. And just about every cable you could need, is included in the box.

For those looking for how-to's and more of the nitty-gritty details, the FeiyuTech YouTube channel has a dedicated G6 Max playlist and course their website has some in depth instructions. It can be purchased through Amazon, Manfrotto, direct from FreiyuTech among others. At time of this post, it's listed at $229.99