I get where you’re coming from, but I actually prefer a gimbal for tight spots—like when I’m filming up on a steep roof or around awkward ductwork. It takes a minute to balance, sure, but the footage is way smoother, especially if you’re moving around a lot. Shoulder rigs are solid, but I always feel like I’m bumping into stuff or knocking it off my shoulder when I need to grab tools or materials. For me, the trade-off is worth it if I’m after clean shots, even if it means one more thing to wrangle.
- Totally get what you mean about the gimbal being smoother, especially in weird spots.
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“Shoulder rigs are solid, but I always feel like I’m bumping into stuff or knocking it off my shoulder when I need to grab tools or materials.”
Same here—shoulder rigs make me feel like a clumsy robot when I’m crawling around the attic or trying to squeeze behind the furnace.
- Gimbals are a pain to balance (I’ve spent more time fiddling with mine than actually filming some days), but once it’s set, it’s hard to beat for steady shots.
- Only thing is, my arms get tired holding a gimbal for longer projects. Maybe I just need to hit the gym more... or invent a third arm.
- Shoulder mounts are way faster to throw on and off if you’re jumping between filming and fixing stuff. But yeah, they’re not great in tight corners—mine once knocked over a paint can. That was fun to clean up.
- For me, if I’m doing quick before/after shots or walkthroughs, shoulder rig wins. If I want that “HGTV reveal” look, gimbal all the way.
- Guess it depends on how much patience (and upper body strength) you’ve got that day.
- Gimbals are awesome for those smooth, cinematic shots, but yeah, my arms start shaking after 10 minutes.
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“Shoulder mounts are way faster to throw on and off if you’re jumping between filming and fixing stuff.”
This is key for me—on a roof, I’m constantly swapping between camera and tools.
- Gimbal’s great for reveal shots, but I’d rather not risk dropping it when I’m up on a steep pitch.
- Shoulder rig’s bulky, but at least it’s less likely to roll off the shingles if I set it down.
- If only someone would invent a gimbal that clips to your harness...
Honestly, I’ve tried both on steep roofs and neither one’s perfect, but here’s how it usually goes for me: If I’m climbing up and down, shoulder mount wins just because I can chuck it on and off fast. Gimbals look slick but man, they’re a pain when you’re balancing on 8/12 pitch and suddenly need to grab a pry bar. Plus, one gust and that thing’s rolling down the shingles like a bowling ball. If someone invents a harness clip-on gimbal, I’ll be first in line... until then, I’ll stick to what doesn’t make me sweat buckets or risk my gear tumbling into the neighbor’s yard.
I’m with you on the shoulder mount, especially for anything involving ladders or awkward footing. I tried a gimbal once when I was documenting my own roof inspection (first time up there, nerves and all), and it was just too much to juggle. The footage looked great until I nearly lost the whole rig sliding down a couple shingles—definitely not worth the stress.
Shoulder mounts aren’t perfect, but at least you can drop them fast if you need both hands. Plus, they’re way less likely to get banged up if you set them down quick. Gimbals are awesome for smooth shots on flat ground, but roofs are a different beast. Maybe if you’re shooting a commercial or have a spotter, but for regular home stuff? I’d rather have something simple and sturdy.
Honestly, I’d trade a little bit of camera shake for peace of mind any day. If someone ever does make that harness gimbal you mentioned, though... that could change things. Until then, I’ll stick with what keeps my gear (and me) in one piece.