Feiyu G5 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Action Camera Review – Is It Worth It

The Feiyu G5 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal delivers exceptional stabilization for action camera enthusiasts, making it a top contender for smooth, cinematic footage. With its rugged design, intuitive controls, and compatibility with popular action cameras, it’s a worthwhile investment for creators seeking pro-level results without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Smooth stabilization: 3-axis gimbal delivers cinematic stability for action shots.
• Versatile mounting: Fits GoPro and similar cameras—ideal for multi-cam setups.
• Long battery life: Up to 8 hours—perfect for all-day shoots.
• Quick setup: Tool-free balancing saves precious time on location.
• Weather-resistant: Durable build handles harsh outdoor conditions with ease.
• Intuitive controls: One-button operation simplifies quick mode changes.

Why the Feiyu G5 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Action Camera Deserves Your Attention

Let’s face it—capturing smooth, cinematic footage on the go used to feel like a dream reserved for filmmakers with Hollywood budgets. But over the past few years, handheld gimbals have changed the game. And when it comes to balancing affordability, performance, and portability, the Feiyu G5 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Action Camera has quietly built a loyal following.

I first stumbled upon the Feiyu G5 while filming a mountain biking trip in the Rockies. My GoPro was mounted, my arms were tired, and my footage looked like it had been shot on a shaky cam from the 2000s. A friend handed me the G5, and within minutes, I was filming buttery-smooth tracking shots while riding singletrack trails. That’s when I realized: this little device isn’t just another gimbal. It’s a tool that turns amateur moments into professional-looking content.

What Is the Feiyu G5 and Who Is It For?

A Gimbal Built for Action, Not Just Hype

The Feiyu G5 isn’t a standalone camera. Instead, it’s a 3-axis handheld gimbal designed specifically for action cameras like the GoPro Hero 4, 5, 6, 7, and even the newer Hero 8 (with a slight modification). It stabilizes your camera using three motors—pitch, roll, and yaw—to eliminate shake, wobble, and vibration, no matter how bumpy the terrain gets.

Think of it as a personal cameraman who never gets tired. Whether you’re skateboarding down a steep hill, hiking through a forest, or filming your kid’s soccer game, the G5 keeps your footage steady. It’s especially popular among:

• Adventure vloggers who need smooth footage without carrying bulky rigs
• Travel content creators who want cinematic shots in tight spaces
• Outdoor enthusiasts (cyclists, hikers, skiers) who film on the move
• Beginner filmmakers looking for an affordable entry into stabilized shooting

It’s not for studio filmmakers or those using DSLRs. But if you’re using a GoPro or similar action cam, the G5 is a game-changer.

Real-World Use Case: Filming a Trail Run

Last summer, I used the G5 to film a 10-mile trail run through a national park. My GoPro Hero 7 was mounted, and I held the gimbal at chest level while running. The result? Footage that looked like it was shot with a drone or a professional rig. Even during steep descents and sharp turns, the horizon stayed level. The G5 didn’t just reduce shake—it eliminated it.

Design and Build Quality: Built to Last

Compact, Lightweight, and Rugged

The Feiyu G5 feels solid in your hand. It’s made of high-grade plastic with rubberized grips on the handle, giving it a secure, non-slip feel—even when you’re sweaty or wearing gloves. At just 1.1 pounds (500g) without the camera, it’s light enough for long shoots but heavy enough to feel substantial.

The folding design is a standout. Unlike bulkier gimbals, the G5 folds down to a compact size—perfect for tossing in a backpack. When folded, it’s about the size of a water bottle, making it ideal for travelers.

The quick-release system is another win. You can attach or detach your action camera in seconds using a simple lever. No tools, no screws—just a satisfying click. This is huge when you’re switching between handheld, chest mount, or helmet setups.

Weather Resistance: Ready for the Outdoors

Feiyu doesn’t claim the G5 is waterproof, but it’s weather-resistant. I’ve used it in light rain, dusty deserts, and even snowy conditions. While I wouldn’t submerge it, it handles splashes and light precipitation just fine. Just wipe it down after use.

The motors are sealed well enough to keep dust and moisture out, which is a big deal if you’re filming in rugged environments. One tip: avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain or saltwater. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth after each shoot helps extend its life.

Ergonomics: How It Feels in Your Hand

The handle is slightly curved, which fits naturally in your palm. The trigger button on the front lets you quickly switch modes or recenter the gimbal. The joystick on the side is responsive and intuitive—great for panning or tilting manually.

One small gripe: the handle doesn’t rotate 360 degrees. You can’t flip it upside down for low-angle shots like you can with some DJI models. But for 90% of use cases, the standard orientation works perfectly.

Performance and Stabilization: Where the G5 Shines

3-Axis Stabilization in Action

The core of the G5 is its 3-axis stabilization system. Here’s what each axis does:

• Pitch (up/down): Keeps the horizon level even when you tilt the gimbal
• Roll (side-to-side): Prevents barrel roll and keeps the frame upright
• Yaw (left/right): Smooths out panning movements

When all three work together, you get footage that’s so smooth, it almost feels unnatural. I tested it on a mountain bike ride down a rocky trail. The GoPro was mounted on the handlebar, and the G5 was held at chest level. The difference? The handlebar footage looked like a video game with motion sickness. The G5 footage? Like a professional mountain biking ad.

Multiple Modes for Creative Control

The G5 comes with several stabilization modes, each suited for different shooting styles:

• Follow Mode: The camera follows your hand movements. Great for walking shots or vlogging.
• Lock Mode: The camera stays locked in one direction, no matter how you move. Ideal for panning across a landscape.
• Pan Follow Mode: Only the yaw axis follows your movement. Perfect for horizontal tracking shots.
• Auto-Rotation Mode: The gimbal slowly rotates the camera—ideal for time-lapse videos.

Switching between modes is easy. Just press the mode button on the side. I used Pan Follow Mode to film a slow pan across a sunset over the ocean. The result was a 30-second clip that looked like it was shot with a motorized slider.

Low-Light and Fast-Motion Performance

The G5 performs surprisingly well in low light. While stabilization doesn’t improve image quality directly, it reduces motion blur by keeping the camera steady. I filmed a night market in Vietnam with the G5, and the footage was clean and usable—no jello effect or wobble.

For fast motion, like running or cycling, the G5 handles sudden movements well. The motors respond quickly to changes in direction, and there’s minimal delay. One tip: avoid jerky hand movements. Smooth, controlled gestures give the best results.

Battery Life, Controls, and Connectivity

Battery: How Long Does It Last?

The built-in 1800mAh lithium-ion battery gives you about 6 to 8 hours of continuous use. That’s more than enough for a full day of filming. I’ve used it on weekend trips without needing to recharge.

Charging is via micro-USB (not USB-C, which is a bit outdated). It takes about 2.5 hours to go from 0 to 100%. One downside: you can’t use the G5 while it’s charging. So if you’re filming an all-day event, bring a power bank or a spare battery (sold separately).

Pro tip: Turn off the gimbal between shots. It saves battery and reduces motor wear.

Controls: Intuitive and Responsive

The control interface is simple but effective:

• Trigger button: Double-press to recenter, triple-press to switch to selfie mode
• Mode button: Cycles through stabilization modes
• Joystick: Manual tilt and pan control
• Power button: Turns the gimbal on/off and shows battery level

The buttons are well-placed and easy to reach. I never had to look down to find them. The joystick is smooth and precise—perfect for making small adjustments to your framing.

Connectivity: Bluetooth and App Support

The G5 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the Feiyu Tech app (available for iOS and Android). The app lets you:

• Adjust motor strength and sensitivity
• Update firmware
• Calibrate the gimbal
• Control the gimbal remotely (limited range—about 30 feet)

The app is functional but not flashy. It does what it needs to do. One limitation: you can’t control your GoPro’s settings (like resolution or frame rate) through the app. You’ll still need to use the GoPro app for that.

Bluetooth pairing is quick and stable. I’ve never had connection issues, even in crowded areas.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

The Good: What the G5 Does Right

• Excellent stabilization: Smooth footage in almost any condition
• Lightweight and portable: Folds down for easy transport
• Durable build: Handles dust, light rain, and rough use
• Long battery life: 6–8 hours is impressive for a gimbal
• Affordable price: Priced below premium competitors like DJI
• Easy to use: No steep learning curve

The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement

• Micro-USB charging: No USB-C, which feels outdated
• No in-use charging: Can’t power while filming
• Limited app features: Can’t control GoPro settings
• No 360-degree handle rotation: Limits low-angle creativity
• Not waterproof: Can’t be submerged

These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth noting if you’re comparing the G5 to higher-end models.

Comparison Table: Feiyu G5 vs. DJI Osmo Action 3 vs. Zhiyun Crane M2S

Feature	Feiyu G5	DJI Osmo Action 3	Zhiyun Crane M2S
Price	$149	$299	$229
Battery Life	6–8 hours	160 mins (2.7 hrs)	6–7 hours
Weight	500g	145g (camera only)	550g
Charging Port	Micro-USB	USB-C	USB-C
Weather Resistance	Splash-resistant	16m waterproof	Splash-resistant
App Control	Basic	Advanced (full camera control)	Advanced
Best For	Budget-conscious creators, GoPro users	All-in-one solution	DSLR/mirrorless + action cam

As you can see, the Feiyu G5 offers the best value for GoPro users who already own a camera. It’s not as feature-rich as the DJI, but it delivers 90% of the performance at half the price.

Final Verdict: Is the Feiyu G5 Worth It?

After months of real-world testing—mountain biking, hiking, vlogging, and even filming a friend’s wedding—I can confidently say: yes, the Feiyu G5 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Action Camera is worth it.

It’s not perfect. The lack of USB-C and in-use charging are minor frustrations. The app could be more powerful. But when it comes to core performance—stabilization, portability, and ease of use—it delivers where it matters most.

If you’re a GoPro user who’s tired of shaky footage, the G5 is a no-brainer. It transforms your videos from “home movie” to “professional-grade” with minimal effort. And at under $150, it’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your gear.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a sports car and never take it on a road trip. The G5 is your road trip. It’s the tool that helps you capture the moments that matter—smoothly, clearly, and beautifully.

So, is it worth it? If you value smooth footage, durability, and value for money, then absolutely. The Feiyu G5 isn’t just a gimbal. It’s your ticket to better videos, one stabilized shot at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Feiyu G5 3-axis handheld gimbal stand out for action cameras?

The Feiyu G5 combines a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer with 4K action camera capabilities, offering buttery-smooth footage even during high-motion activities. Its unique modular design allows compatibility with GoPro-style cameras, making it versatile for adventure enthusiasts.

Is the Feiyu G5 waterproof, and how does it handle outdoor conditions?

While the gimbal itself isn’t fully waterproof, the included 4K camera is splash-resistant (IP68-rated with housing). It’s ideal for hiking or light rain but requires a waterproof case for underwater use or heavy downpours.

How long does the Feiyu G5 3-axis gimbal’s battery last?

The built-in 2200mAh battery delivers 4–5 hours of continuous stabilization, depending on usage. Spare batteries are recommended for full-day filming, with quick-swap capability for uninterrupted shooting.

Can the Feiyu G5 stabilize footage from other action cameras?

Yes! The G5’s adjustable mounting bracket supports most GoPro Hero models and similar action cameras (5–8 oz). Its 3-axis stabilization works universally, though optimal balance requires manual adjustment for non-Feiyu cameras.

What accessories come with the Feiyu G5 handheld gimbal?

The package includes a mini tripod, USB-C charging cable, camera mounting screws, and a carry case. Additional accessories like extension poles or external mics can be attached via the built-in 1/4″ threaded port.

Does the Feiyu G5 have follow modes for vlogging or tracking?

Absolutely. It offers 4 modes: Pan Follow (for horizontal movement), Lock (fixed framing), Follow (all-axis tracking), and Vortex (360° rotation). The responsive modes suit dynamic vlogging, sports, or creative transitions.