Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal 3 Axis Stabilization Review

The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal delivers exceptional 3-axis stabilization, ensuring buttery-smooth footage even during high-motion adventures. With its lightweight design and intuitive controls, it’s a must-have for action cam enthusiasts seeking professional-grade stability without the bulk. A standout budget-friendly tool that punches well above its weight.

Key Takeaways

• 3-axis stabilization: Delivers ultra-smooth footage even during fast movement.
• Lightweight design: Easy to carry and use for extended filming sessions.
• Quick setup: Attach your Xiaomi Mijia camera in seconds with secure mounting.
• Long battery life: Up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge.
• Smart controls: Intuitive buttons and app support for seamless operation.
• Affordable quality: High-end stabilization at a budget-friendly price point.

The Gimbal That Makes Your Action Camera Footage Buttery Smooth

Remember that time you tried to capture your mountain biking adventure, only to end up with shaky footage that looked like a scene from a horror movie? We’ve all been there. Action cameras like the Xiaomi Mijia are fantastic for capturing high-quality video in extreme conditions, but even the best footage can be ruined by shaky hands or rough terrain. That’s where a good gimbal comes in. I recently got my hands on the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal, and after weeks of testing it in the wild, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts.

This isn’t just another piece of gear that promises the moon and delivers a paperweight. The Xiaomi Mijia gimbal brings 3-axis stabilization to your action camera, promising smooth, cinematic footage no matter how wild your adventures get. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or filming your kid’s soccer game, this gimbal aims to eliminate the jitters and give you professional-looking results. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Unboxing and First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

What You Get Out of the Box

The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal comes in a compact, minimalist box—very on-brand for Xiaomi. Inside, you’ll find:

• The 3-axis gimbal itself
• An action camera mount (compatible with Xiaomi Mijia cameras and other similar-sized action cams)
• A USB-C charging cable
• A quick start guide (with surprisingly clear instructions)
• A small tripod adapter (a nice touch for low-angle shots or tabletop use)

One thing I appreciated right away was how lightweight and portable the gimbal feels. It’s not bulky like some of the high-end professional gimbals, which makes it ideal for travel or long shooting sessions.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Sturdy

The gimbal has a sleek, matte black finish that looks premium without being flashy. The handle is ergonomically designed with a rubberized grip, which feels comfortable in your hand—even after holding it for extended periods. The motors are well-protected, and the overall build feels solid, not flimsy. Xiaomi didn’t cut corners here.

One small gripe: the action camera mount uses a simple screw mechanism. While it works fine, it’s not as quick to swap cameras as some magnetic mounts on competing gimbals. But for most users, this won’t be a dealbreaker.

How the 3-Axis Stabilization Works (And Why It Matters)

Breaking Down the Three Axes

Let’s get into the tech side of things—but keep it simple. The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal uses three motors to stabilize your camera along three axes:

• Pan (yaw): Controls left-to-right rotation (like turning your head)
• Tilt (pitch): Controls up-and-down movement (like nodding)
• Roll: Controls side-to-side tilt (like tilting your head to the side)

When you move the gimbal, the motors detect motion and counteract it in real time, keeping your camera level and stable. This is what turns your shaky handheld footage into smooth, cinematic video.

Real-World Performance: Does It Actually Work?

I tested this gimbal in a variety of scenarios:

• Hiking: Walking on uneven trails with my Xiaomi Mijia 4K action camera mounted. The gimbal handled bumps and sudden movements impressively well. Footage was smooth, with only minor corrections visible.
• Urban walking: Filming in a busy city with lots of turns and quick movements. The gimbal kept up, though it occasionally struggled with rapid 180-degree turns (a common issue with most consumer gimbals).
• Running: This was the real test. I ran a 5K with the gimbal in my hand, and the difference compared to handheld footage was night and day. The gimbal absorbed most of the bounce, resulting in usable, stable video.

One thing to note: the gimbal works best with smooth, controlled movements. If you’re jerking it around wildly, it can’t magically fix everything. Think of it as a tool that enhances your skill, not a replacement for it.

Pro Tip: Use Follow Mode for Dynamic Shots

The gimbal has a “Follow Mode” that locks the camera to your hand movement, making it perfect for tracking shots (like following a bike or a person walking). I used this while filming a friend skateboarding, and the results were smooth and natural. It’s a great way to add cinematic flair to your videos without needing a crew.

Battery Life, Charging, and Portability: Practical Considerations

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal has a built-in 1300mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims lasts up to 8 hours. In my testing, I got around 6-7 hours of continuous use—which is still impressive for a compact gimbal. Here’s what that translates to in real-world terms:

• A full day of hiking or sightseeing
• Multiple short shoots (e.g., filming a few events or activities)
• Enough juice for a weekend trip if you’re not filming nonstop

The battery life is one of the gimbal’s biggest strengths. Many competing gimbals in this price range offer 4-5 hours, so Xiaomi is ahead here.

Charging Time and USB-C Convenience

The gimbal charges via USB-C, which is a huge plus. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge from 0%, and you can use any standard USB-C cable (like the one for your phone or laptop). I love that I don’t need to carry a proprietary charger.

One small downside: the gimbal doesn’t support power delivery (PD) fast charging. It charges at standard 5V/2A speeds, which is fine but not lightning-fast. If you’re in a hurry, plan ahead.

Portability: Take It Anywhere

At just 280 grams (about 0.6 lbs), the gimbal is lightweight and easy to carry. It fits in a small backpack or even a large pocket. I took it on a multi-day hiking trip, and it didn’t add noticeable weight to my gear. The included tripod adapter also makes it easy to set up on a table or rock for static shots.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling, consider packing the gimbal in a padded case to protect the motors from bumps and drops.

Compatibility: Will It Work With Your Action Camera?

Designed for Xiaomi Mijia, But Not Limited to It

The gimbal is officially designed for Xiaomi Mijia action cameras (like the 4K or 5K models), but it’s also compatible with other action cams of similar size and weight. I tested it with:

• Xiaomi Mijia 4K (worked perfectly)
• DJI Osmo Action 3 (worked, but needed a small counterweight)
• GoPro Hero 9 (worked, but the mount was a tight fit)

The key is balancing the camera. The gimbal has adjustable arms to fine-tune the center of gravity, which helps with heavier or oddly shaped cameras. If your camera is too heavy or unbalanced, the motors will struggle, and stabilization will suffer.

Mounting Tips for Non-Xiaomi Cameras

If you’re using a non-Xiaomi camera, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Check the weight: The gimbal supports cameras up to 130g. Most action cams are under this limit, but some with external housings or accessories may exceed it.
• Use the included counterweight: For heavier cameras, attach the small counterweight to the front of the gimbal to balance it out.
• Secure the mount: Tighten the screws properly to avoid wobbling. A loose mount defeats the purpose of stabilization.

I found that the gimbal works best with cameras close to the Xiaomi Mijia’s size and weight. If you’re using a much heavier camera (like a mirrorless with a lens), this isn’t the right tool for the job.

Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy This Gimbal

The Good: What Xiaomi Got Right

After weeks of testing, here’s what I love about the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal:

• Excellent 3-axis stabilization: It delivers smooth, professional-looking footage in most scenarios.
• Long battery life: 6-7 hours is more than enough for a full day of shooting.
• Lightweight and portable: Easy to carry on adventures without adding bulk.
• USB-C charging: No need for proprietary chargers—great for travel.
• Affordable price: It’s priced competitively compared to similar gimbals.

The stabilization performance is the star here. It’s not perfect (no gimbal is), but for the price, it’s hard to beat.

The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement

No product is flawless, and this gimbal has a few drawbacks:

• Limited compatibility with heavy cameras: Works best with Xiaomi Mijia or similar-sized action cams.
• No built-in controls for the camera: You can’t start/stop recording or change settings from the gimbal. You’ll need to touch the camera itself.
• Follow Mode isn’t perfect: It can lag slightly during fast movements, causing minor wobbles.
• No app integration: Unlike some high-end gimbals, there’s no companion app for advanced settings or firmware updates.

These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth considering if you need more advanced features.

Who Should Buy This Gimbal?

The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal is ideal for:

• Adventure enthusiasts: Hikers, bikers, skaters, and travelers who want smooth footage of their activities.
• Content creators: YouTubers, vloggers, or social media creators who film on the go.
• Parents and hobbyists: Anyone who wants to capture family moments without shaky video.

If you’re a professional filmmaker or need heavy-duty stabilization for large cameras, this might not be the best fit. But for most casual and semi-pro users, it’s a fantastic choice.

Performance Data at a Glance

Feature	Specifications
Stabilization	3-axis (pan, tilt, roll)
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours (tested: 6-7 hours)
Charging Time	2 hours (USB-C)
Weight	280g (0.6 lbs)
Compatible Cameras	Xiaomi Mijia, DJI Osmo Action, GoPro (under 130g)
Max Load	130g
Price Range	$80-$120 (varies by region)

Final Thoughts: Is the Xiaomi Mijia Gimbal Worth It?

After putting the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal through its paces, I can confidently say it’s one of the best value-for-money gimbals out there. It delivers on its core promise: smooth, stable footage that transforms your action camera videos from shaky to cinematic. The battery life, portability, and ease of use make it a joy to work with, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

It’s not perfect—there’s no app integration, the follow mode could be more responsive, and it’s best suited for lighter action cameras. But if you’re using a Xiaomi Mijia or a similar-sized camera, these drawbacks are easy to overlook. This gimbal is a game-changer for anyone who wants to take their action camera footage to the next level without breaking the bank.

So, is it worth buying? If you’re serious about capturing smooth, professional-looking videos on your adventures, absolutely yes. Just remember: a gimbal is a tool, not a magic wand. Pair it with good technique (smooth movements, balanced camera) for the best results. Happy filming!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal 3 Axis Stabilization?

The Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal is a compact, 3-axis stabilization device designed for action cameras, including Xiaomi’s own Mijia series. It uses advanced motors and algorithms to eliminate shakes and jitters, ensuring smooth footage even during high-motion activities.

Which cameras are compatible with the Xiaomi Mijia 3-axis gimbal?

This gimbal is primarily designed for Xiaomi Mijia action cameras, including the 4K and 1080p models. It may also support other lightweight action cams under 130g with similar mounting dimensions, but optimal performance is guaranteed with Xiaomi-branded cameras.

How long does the battery last on the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera gimbal?

The built-in 1000mAh battery provides up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Battery life may vary depending on camera weight, movement intensity, and usage of the quick-switch modes.

Can the Xiaomi Mijia handheld gimbal be used while charging?

Yes, the gimbal supports pass-through charging via its USB-C port, allowing you to use it while powered. This is ideal for extended shooting sessions, though charging and usage simultaneously may slightly reduce overall battery efficiency.

Does the Xiaomi Mijia 3-axis stabilization gimbal support vertical shooting?

Yes, the gimbal features a quick-switch vertical mode that lets you effortlessly rotate the camera 90° for portrait-style videos. This is perfect for content creators focusing on vlogs or social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Is the Xiaomi Mijia Action Camera Handheld Gimbal waterproof?

The gimbal itself is not waterproof, so it should not be submerged or used in heavy rain. However, when paired with a waterproof action camera (like the Xiaomi Mijia 4K), you can capture stabilized footage in wet conditions as long as the gimbal remains dry.