Zhiyun Crane M3S and Weebill 3S add new functionality for creatives on the move

Zhiyun has refreshed its lightweight gimbal lines, announcing two new gimbals at once. The Zhiyun Crane M3S (buy here) is an update to the Zhiyun Crane M3 (buy here), which supports heavier cameras than its predecessor while still able to be used with lightweight smartphones. The Zhiyun Weebill 3S (buy here) is the update to the popular Weebill 3 (buy here), allowing for easy switching between landscape and portrait without having to rebalance your gimbal.

Zhiyun says that both gimbals have been “carefully developed” to simplify the technical aspects of filmmaking and using gimbals so that you can concentrate on the creative side of things. The Crane M3S is targeted towards vloggers and content creators that need to stay as small and mobile as possible. The Weebill 3S, while also small, is targeted towards more advanced content creators that need extra accessories.

Zhiyun Crane M3S

Gimbals seem to be coming out at a rapid pace these days, and the Crane M3S is no exception. The Zhiyun Crane M3S is the successor to the Zhiyun Crane M3, released only a year ago. Zhiyun says that it offers “the perfect blend of strength and grace” with Bluetooth shutter control and a new two-in-one quick release. At only 705g, it’s a very light gimbal in a compact package, capable of handling larger, heavier cameras like the Sony FX3 (buy here), Canon EOS R5 (buy here) and Nikon Z7 II (buy here).

One of the new advantages of the Crane M3S over the Crane M3 is that you can now replace the batteries in your camera without having to completely dismantle the gimbal. The new quick release plate design lets you open up the battery door by simply removing the camera from the gimbal. The plate remains attached to your camera the whole time and then slots right back in without needing to rebalance.

Built-in Bluetooth control allows you to fire your camera’s shutter or start and stop recording without cables or smartphones. Of course, this requires a compatible camera with built-in Bluetooth, although Zhiyun’s camera compatibility list doesn’t currently mention Bluetooth shutter support, just USB cable connectivity.

Zhiyun Crane M3S Specs vs Crane M3

Zhiyun Crane M3S Price and Availability

The Zhiyun Crane M3S is available to buy now for $299. A combo package including a Zhiyun backpack is also available to buy now for $359.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S

The Zhiyun Weebill 3S upgrades the Weebill 3 with a higher load capacity while still being able to support cameras as light as smartphones. It also features a new mounting bracket that allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical orientation on-the-fly without having to rebalance your camera each time. Like the Crane M3, the Crane M3S allows for easy switching to underslung mode with an adjustable handle and wrist support. It also allows you to easily switch to two-handed mode for maximum ease of use and comfort.

The Weebill 3S supports larger and heavier cameras as well as newer cameras, including the recently announced Nikon Z8 (buy here). You can see the complete compatibility list here. It includes the tenth generation of Zhiyun’s stabilisation algorithms, with customisable features such as smooth curves based on common scenarios and good shooting techniques. This provides for smooth and fluid movement in more situations.

Like the Zhiyun Crane M3S above, the Zhiyun Weebill 3S also supports Bluetooth trigger control directly. Start and stop recording or shoot photos right from the gimbal. It sports a 0.96″ OLED display to let you configure settings and see the current status of the gimbal, with a joystick for positioning the gimbal’s direction. A trigger button and adjustment wheel let you control a range of features and accessories, including focus motors.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Specs vs Weebill 3

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Price and Availability

The Zhiyun Weebill 3S is available in two packages. The basic gimbal package is available to buy now for $319. The combo package, which includes the sling grip, wrist rest and backpack, is also available to buy now for $439.