Maybe it’s just about what you trust more when you’re up there. For me, less tech means less to worry about when I’m already trying not to slide off a 10/12 pitch.
That’s fair—tech is great until it’s not. I’ve had my gimbal freak out in the cold too, and it’s always at the worst possible moment. The shoulder mount just feels more reliable, even if the footage isn’t as polished.
Curious—have you found any shoulder rigs that are actually comfortable on steep pitches? Mine always seems to dig into my collarbone after a while, especially if I’m moving around a lot or leaning over ridge caps. I get why adjusters want super crisp shots, but sometimes I wonder if they realize what it takes to get them on a windy roof in February.
Also, has anyone tried those gimbal covers or hand warmers taped to the motor housing? Not sure if that’s just wishful thinking or if it actually helps with battery life and freezing up.
Yeah, those shoulder rigs can be brutal after a couple hours, especially if you’re constantly shifting around on a steep slope. I’ve tried adding extra padding with pipe insulation—helps a bit, but it’s still not perfect. The gimbal covers and hand warmers do help a little with battery life, but once it drops below 20°F, things just get sketchy no matter what. Honestly, sometimes I just go manual and accept the shaky footage. Safety first.
Honestly, sometimes I just go manual and accept the shaky footage. Safety first.
I hear you on that—sometimes the tech just isn’t worth the hassle, especially in freezing temps. I’ve had gimbals freeze up on me mid-shoot, and then you’re stuck with a fancy paperweight. Shoulder mounts are a pain, but at least they don’t quit when the batteries do. I’ve tried swapping out to lithium AA packs for external power, but below 20°F, even those start to struggle. At that point, I’m just hoping my gloves aren’t too bulky to hit record...
Shoulder mounts are a pain, but at least they don’t quit when the batteries do.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve gotta push back a little. I’ve used both setups—gimbals and shoulder rigs—and while I agree shoulder mounts are reliable in cold weather, I’m not sure they’re always the better choice, especially if you’re on a tight budget like me. The thing is, even a decent shoulder rig can cost more than folks expect once you add counterweights and padding so it doesn’t dig into your collarbone. And if you’re shooting for more than an hour? My back’s usually screaming by the end of it.
Gimbals can be fussy in the cold, no doubt. I’ve had mine lock up before, too. But when they work, the difference in footage is night and day—especially if you’re trying to get smooth shots walking around your house or yard. For stuff like home walkthroughs (I do real estate videos as a side gig), shaky footage just makes everything look cheap. Sometimes I’ll just keep the gimbal inside my coat between shots to keep the batteries warm. Not perfect, but it helps.
On the flip side, there’s something to be said for just going handheld and embracing a bit of shake. Like
—I’ve done that too when nothing else would cooperate. Honestly, sometimes I think we all get caught up chasing “cinematic” smoothness when most people watching on their phones probably wouldn’t notice half the bumps anyway.“sometimes I just go manual and accept the shaky footage”
Bottom line for me: both have their headaches, especially in bad weather or if you’re pinching pennies. If you’re only filming now and then, maybe just stick with what’s simple and reliable—even if it means a little wobble here and there. But if you need those buttery-smooth shots for something important (or paid), fighting with a gimbal might still be worth it... as long as your fingers aren’t frozen solid by the end.
You nailed a lot of what’s been rattling around in my head. I do a fair bit of filming for job sites, and I’ve gone back and forth between shoulder rigs, gimbals... even just plain old handheld when I’m in a pinch. The thing is, none of these are perfect, especially when you’re out in the elements or trying to keep costs down.
Shoulder mounts—yeah, they don’t care about batteries, but I swear my neck and back have never forgiven me after a long day with one. And you’re right about the “hidden” costs—by the time you add all the weights, pads, and little bits to make it bearable, it’s not exactly cheap anymore. Still, there’s something reassuring about gear that just works no matter what. I’ve had some gimbals throw a fit at the worst possible time—one even just shut off halfway through a walkthrough because the cold zapped the battery. Not fun when you’re already freezing your hands off.
But honestly, I get why people love gimbals. When they behave, the footage is just so smooth it’s hard to argue with. For anything where you need to look professional—like those real estate vids you mentioned—it’s almost a requirement now. I’ve tried that trick with keeping batteries warm inside my jacket too. It helps, but sometimes I wonder if I’m spending more time babying the gear than actually filming.
I totally agree on not getting too obsessed with “cinematic” perfection. Most folks watching on their phones don’t notice (or care) about a little shake. Sometimes I think we’re all chasing this idea of flawless footage because we see it online, but in reality? Good enough is often good enough.
Anyway, I’d say you’re spot on—pick what works for your situation and don’t feel bad if it’s not the fanciest option out there. If your clients are happy and your back isn’t shot by the end of the day, you’re doing something right.