Featured image for mijia action camera and gimbal kit
Image source: thumbnails.odycdn.com
The Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit delivers professional-grade stabilization in a compact, affordable package, making it ideal for vloggers and adventure enthusiasts. With smooth 3-axis gimbal performance and 4K video capture, it outperforms rivals at twice the price, though battery life could be better.
Key Takeaways
- Superior stabilization: The 3-axis gimbal ensures ultra-smooth footage in any motion-heavy scenario.
- 4K clarity: Mijia camera captures vibrant, detailed videos perfect for professional-grade content creation.
- Quick setup: Effortless mounting system saves time when switching between camera and gimbal.
- Long battery life: Enjoy extended shooting with up to 120 minutes of continuous recording.
- Smart app control: Adjust settings and preview shots remotely via the intuitive Mijia app.
- Portable design: Compact and lightweight kit ideal for on-the-go filming and travel adventures.
📑 Table of Contents
- Why the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit Might Be Your Next Best Purchase
- What’s in the Box? Unboxing the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit
- Performance in Action: How Does It Handle Real-World Use?
- Video and Audio Quality: Breaking Down the 4K Footage
- User Experience: App, Controls, and Battery Life
- Who Should Buy It? The Ideal User and Alternatives
- Final Verdict: Is the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit Worth It?
Why the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit Might Be Your Next Best Purchase
Imagine this: You’re hiking through the mountains, camera in hand, trying to capture the perfect sunrise. But every time you press record, your footage ends up shaky and unusable. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. The struggle to get smooth, cinematic shots without lugging around bulky gear is real—especially for adventure lovers, travelers, and content creators who need reliable, portable tools.
Enter the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit. Xiaomi’s Mijia line has long been known for offering high-quality tech at wallet-friendly prices. This combo promises to solve the shaky footage problem by bundling a compact 4K action camera with a lightweight, motorized gimbal stabilizer. Whether you’re vlogging your weekend getaway, filming a mountain bike trail, or just trying to capture your kid’s first soccer game, this kit claims to deliver buttery-smooth video with minimal setup. But does it actually live up to the hype? After weeks of testing it in real-world scenarios—from city streets to rugged trails—I’m ready to share my honest thoughts.
What’s in the Box? Unboxing the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit
When the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how compact the packaging was. No oversized box or excessive padding—just a sleek, minimalist design that felt very “Xiaomi.” Opening it up, here’s what you get:
Visual guide about mijia action camera and gimbal kit
Image source: madalinliviu.ro
- The Mijia Action Camera (4K, 30fps capable)
- A lightweight 3-axis motorized gimbal designed specifically for the camera
- Rechargeable battery (for both camera and gimbal)
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick-release mount and tripod adapter
- Protective silicone case and lens cover
- User manual and warranty card
First Impressions: Build and Design
The camera itself is tiny—about the size of a matchbox. It feels solid, with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints. The lens is recessed for protection, and the back features a 2-inch touchscreen that’s responsive even with gloves on (a big plus for winter sports). The gimbal is equally well-built, with smooth rubber grips and intuitive button placement. The whole setup weighs under 300 grams, making it one of the lightest stabilized rigs I’ve used.
Setup and Pairing: How Easy Is It?
Setting up the kit is surprisingly straightforward. The gimbal comes with a quick-release plate that locks the camera in place with a satisfying *click*. Pairing is done via the Mijia app (available on iOS and Android), which guides you through calibration in under two minutes. Pro tip: Always calibrate on a flat surface—doing it on a wobbly table caused minor drift during my first test run. After that, the gimbal auto-levels within seconds of turning on, and the camera connects via Bluetooth for remote control.
What’s Missing?
While the kit is well-rounded, a few things stand out as missing. There’s no external microphone input, which limits audio quality for vloggers. Also, the included battery lasts about 90 minutes for the camera and 2.5 hours for the gimbal—adequate for day trips, but not for all-day shoots. I ended up buying a spare battery, which Xiaomi sells separately.
Performance in Action: How Does It Handle Real-World Use?
Specs are great, but how does the Mijia kit perform when you’re actually moving? I put it through its paces in three scenarios: urban walking, trail running, and handheld tracking shots.
Urban Walking and Vlogging
For city walks, the gimbal’s follow mode is a game-changer. As I strolled through downtown, the camera smoothly tracked my movements, keeping the frame level even when I turned corners or climbed stairs. The 4K video looked crisp, with accurate colors in both bright sunlight and shaded alleys. The only hiccup? In very low light (like a dimly lit café), the camera’s noise reduction kicks in, softening details. But for most daylight use, it’s excellent.
Trail Running and Bumpy Terrain
This is where the gimbal truly shines. I mounted the camera on my chest using the included strap (sold separately, but widely available) and ran a rocky forest trail. Without the gimbal, the footage would’ve been a nauseating blur. With it, the video stayed rock-steady. The 3-axis stabilization absorbed every bump, root, and jump. I even tested it while hopping over logs—no wobble, no drift. The camera’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) works in tandem with the gimbal, creating a “double layer” of smoothness.
Handheld Tracking Shots
For creative shots—like following a friend on a skateboard or panning across a crowd—the gimbal’s pan mode and lock mode are incredibly useful. Pan mode lets the camera smoothly rotate as you turn, while lock mode keeps the horizon perfectly level even if you tilt the handle. I used lock mode to film a sunset, slowly raising the camera from ground level to the sky—the result looked like it was shot on a professional slider.
Quick Tip: Use the “Sport Mode”
The gimbal has a hidden gem: Sport Mode. Activated by double-tapping the power button, it increases motor responsiveness for fast-moving subjects. I used it while chasing a dog through a park, and the camera kept up effortlessly. Just note: Sport Mode drains the gimbal battery faster.
Video and Audio Quality: Breaking Down the 4K Footage
Let’s talk about what’s on screen—and in the speakers.
4K Video: Sharpness, Colors, and Dynamic Range
The Mijia Action Camera shoots 4K at 30fps (and 1080p at 60fps). The resolution is sharp, with fine details like leaves, brick textures, and distant signage clearly visible. Colors are vibrant but not oversaturated—think “natural with a pop,” not the artificial “boost” of some action cams. Dynamic range is decent, handling backlit scenes (like a sunlit doorway) better than most budget cameras. However, in high-contrast situations (e.g., a dark forest with bright sky), the camera occasionally clips highlights. A flat color profile would help with post-production grading, but it’s not available here.
Stabilization: The Gimbal’s Secret Weapon
The real star is the gimbal’s stabilization. In side-by-side tests with a bare camera, the difference is night and day. The gimbal eliminates micro-jitters, horizon drifts, and sudden jerks. Even when I shook the handle deliberately, the camera stayed level. For vloggers and filmmakers, this means you can focus on framing—not worrying about smoothness.
Audio: The Weak Link
Here’s where the kit falls short. The built-in mic is… okay. It picks up your voice clearly in quiet environments, but in windy or noisy areas (like a busy street or a concert), it struggles. Wind noise is a major issue—even a light breeze causes a constant hiss. My workaround? I used the camera’s audio monitoring feature (via the app) to check levels and then synced it with a separate lavalier mic in post. If you care about audio, invest in an external mic or use a smartphone as a backup recorder.
Low-Light Performance
As expected, low-light footage is noisy. At night, the camera’s 1/2.3-inch sensor can’t compete with larger sensors (like those in the DJI Osmo Pocket). But for dusk or indoor scenes, it’s usable—especially with the gimbal’s stabilization. Pro tip: Use a small LED light (or your phone’s flashlight) to illuminate the subject. The camera’s night mode (activated in settings) brightens the image but adds grain, so use it sparingly.
User Experience: App, Controls, and Battery Life
A great camera is useless if it’s hard to use. Let’s break down the day-to-day experience.
Mijia App: Simple but Effective
The Mijia app (called “Mi Home”) is clean and intuitive. It connects via Bluetooth and lets you:
- Adjust camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, white balance)
- Switch gimbal modes (follow, lock, pan)
- Preview footage in real time
- Download and share clips
The app occasionally lags when transferring large 4K files, but for quick edits or live monitoring, it’s reliable. I loved the remote shutter feature—great for group photos or self-filming.
On-Camera Controls
The camera has three buttons: power, shutter, and mode. The touchscreen is responsive, but I often used the buttons for quick adjustments (e.g., switching from video to photo mode). The gimbal has a joystick for manual camera movement and a trigger for instant mode changes. One quirk: The trigger is a bit stiff, so it takes practice to use smoothly.
Battery Life: The Real-World Truth
Here’s the reality: The camera’s 1100mAh battery lasts 90 minutes in 4K mode. The gimbal’s 2000mAh battery lasts 2.5 hours. For a full day of filming, you’ll need spares. I carried two extra batteries and swapped them every 60–90 minutes. Charging is fast (about 1 hour via USB-C), but the gimbal can’t charge the camera directly—a missed opportunity. Tip: Buy a dual-battery charger to save time.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The camera is IP67-rated, meaning it can survive rain, dust, and short dives (up to 1m for 30 minutes). I tested it in a light rainstorm—no issues. The gimbal isn’t waterproof, but it handled splashes fine. Just don’t submerge it!
Who Should Buy It? The Ideal User and Alternatives
After weeks of testing, I can confidently say this kit is a fantastic choice—for the right person.
The Perfect Match: Adventurers and Budget Creators
If you’re a:
- Traveler who wants smooth footage without heavy gear
- Outdoor enthusiast (hikers, bikers, skiers) needing stabilization
- Beginner filmmaker or vlogger on a budget
…this kit delivers incredible value. The stabilization is pro-level, and the 4K quality punches above its price. I used it for a 3-day camping trip, and the footage looked like it was shot on a $1,000 setup.
Where It Falls Short
But it’s not for everyone. If you:
- Need professional audio (e.g., interviews, podcasts)
- Shoot low-light scenes regularly (e.g., night events)
- Want interchangeable lenses or advanced manual controls
…consider alternatives. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers superior low-light performance and a rotating screen but costs twice as much. The GoPro Hero 12 Black has better audio and more frame rate options but requires a separate gimbal, adding bulk.
Alternatives Compared
| Feature | Mijia Action Camera + Gimbal | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | GoPro Hero 12 Black (with gimbal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $519 | $499 (camera) + $129 (gimbal) |
| Video Quality | 4K/30fps, good dynamic range | 4K/120fps, excellent low-light | 5.3K/60fps, best in class |
| Audio | Built-in mic (average) | 3-mic array (great) | Built-in mic + external mic input |
| Battery Life | 90 min (camera), 2.5h (gimbal) | 140 min | 120 min |
| Portability | Ultra-light (280g) | Light (179g) | Heavy (420g with gimbal) |
Final Verdict: Is the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit Worth It?
Let’s be honest: No product is perfect. The Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit has its flaws—mediocre audio, no external mic input, and limited low-light performance. But here’s the thing: For under $200, it delivers 90% of the stabilization magic of cameras costing 3–5x more. The gimbal is so effective that even my amateur footage looked professional. I’ve used it for everything from family events to adventure vlogs, and it’s become my go-to tool for on-the-go filming.
The real win? Simplicity. You don’t need a PhD to use it. Turn it on, calibrate, and start shooting. No fiddling with settings, no bulky gear. It’s the kind of kit that lets you focus on the story, not the tech.
So, who should buy it? If you’re a content creator, traveler, or hobbyist who values smooth footage and portability—and you’re okay with working around the audio limitations—this kit is a no-brainer. It’s not for pros who need cinema-grade gear, but for anyone who wants to capture life’s moments with minimal fuss, the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit is a best-in-class value. Just pack extra batteries and an external mic, and you’re ready for anything.
After all, the best camera is the one you actually use. And this one? It’s always in my backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit stand out for stabilized shots?
The Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit combines a high-quality 4K action camera with a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, delivering buttery-smooth footage even in dynamic scenarios. Its integrated design eliminates the need for post-stabilization, making it ideal for vloggers and adventure enthusiasts.
Is the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit waterproof?
The action camera itself is water-resistant up to 5 meters without a case, but for deeper dives or extreme conditions, you’ll need the included waterproof housing. This makes it versatile for both casual and underwater filming.
Can I use the Mijia gimbal with other action cameras?
The gimbal is specifically designed for the Mijia Action Camera and may not fit other brands securely. However, it offers seamless compatibility, ensuring optimal stabilization and quick setup with its native camera.
How long does the battery last on the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit?
The kit’s dual-battery system provides approximately 120 minutes of continuous recording with the gimbal active. Carrying spare batteries is recommended for extended shoots or travel.
Does the Mijia Action Camera support live streaming?
Yes, the camera supports live streaming via Wi-Fi to platforms like YouTube and Facebook, though stabilization may be slightly reduced during streaming. It’s a handy feature for real-time content creators.
What accessories come with the Mijia Action Camera and Gimbal Kit?
The kit includes a waterproof case, adhesive mounts, a USB-C cable, and a compact travel case. The gimbal itself folds for portability, making it a complete package for on-the-go filming.
