Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Review

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer delivers silky-smooth footage for action enthusiasts, eliminating shakes and jitters even in high-motion scenarios. Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, it pairs seamlessly with Xiaomi action cameras, offering reliable stabilization without breaking the bank—ideal for vloggers and adventurers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Superior stabilization: Eliminates shaky footage for smooth, cinematic videos effortlessly.
• Lightweight & portable: Compact design ensures easy handling and travel-friendly use.
• Quick setup: Mounts Xiaomi Mi Action Camera in seconds for instant shooting.
• Long battery life: Lasts up to 8 hours, perfect for extended filming sessions.
• Intuitive controls: Simple joystick and buttons for seamless operation and adjustments.
• Affordable quality: Delivers premium performance at a budget-friendly price point.

Why a Handheld Gimbal Can Change Your Action Camera Game

Let’s be honest—filming on the move with an action camera like the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera is a ton of fun. Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail, biking through city streets, or capturing your kid’s first soccer game, the compact size and wide-angle lens make it easy to get dynamic shots. But there’s one problem: shaky footage. No matter how steady your hands are, life happens. You trip, you run, you turn too fast—and suddenly your 4K video looks like it was shot during an earthquake.

That’s where the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer comes in. It’s not just another gadget; it’s a tool that transforms your footage from amateur to cinematic. I’ve used it on everything from weekend hikes to family vacations, and honestly, it’s changed how I think about mobile video. In this review, I’ll walk you through my real-world experience with the gimbal—what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth the investment for your Xiaomi Mi Action Camera setup.

Design and Build Quality: Simple, Solid, and Surprisingly Light

First Impressions: Compact and Thoughtful

When I first unboxed the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer, I was struck by how compact it felt. It’s not bulky like some pro-level gimbals, which is a big plus if you’re already carrying a camera, extra batteries, and other gear. The body is mostly matte black plastic with rubberized grips on the handle—nothing flashy, but everything feels intentional.

The folding mechanism is smooth and locks securely in place. When folded, it fits easily in a small camera bag or even a large jacket pocket. I’ve taken it on three-day backpacking trips, and it never felt like dead weight. For travelers and adventurers, that’s a huge win.

Materials and Durability

The gimbal uses a mix of reinforced polycarbonate and aluminum alloy joints. After six months of regular use—rain, dust, and a few accidental drops—it still looks and works like new. The motors don’t show any signs of wear, and the hinges haven’t loosened. Xiaomi didn’t go overboard with premium materials, but they didn’t cut corners either. It’s clearly built for real-world conditions.

One small but smart detail: the rubber feet on the base. If you need to set it down mid-shot (say, to adjust a setting or take a breather), it won’t slide off a rock or picnic table. I’ve used it on wet surfaces, and it’s stayed put every time.

Mounting the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera

Attaching the camera is straightforward. The gimbal comes with a custom mount designed specifically for the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera. No adapters, no guesswork. Just slide it in, tighten the thumbscrew, and you’re ready to go. The fit is snug—there’s no wobble or play, which is crucial for smooth stabilization.

Pro tip: Always double-check that the thumbscrew is fully tightened before you start filming. I once forgot and lost about 30 seconds of footage to a sudden tilt. Not a disaster, but avoidable.

Stabilization Performance: Where the Magic Happens

Smoothness in Real-World Scenarios

Let’s talk about what really matters: how well it stabilizes. I tested the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer in a variety of situations:

• Walking and hiking: Even on uneven trails, the footage was remarkably smooth. The gimbal compensates for natural arm movement, so your video doesn’t bounce with every step.
• Running and biking: This is where it shines. I filmed a 5K run and a mountain bike trail. The horizon stayed level, and the horizon correction was spot-on. No jelly effect, no lag.
• Low-light conditions: In dim evening light, the gimbal kept the camera steady, allowing for longer exposure shots without blur. This is a big deal for sunset or night-time cityscapes.

I compared it to handheld footage using just the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera. The difference was night and day. Handheld shots had a slight wobble with every footfall. With the gimbal, it looked like I was gliding.

Motor Response and Noise

The three-axis motors are fast and responsive. They adjust in milliseconds to sudden movements—like when I turned quickly to follow a bird in flight. There’s no noticeable delay, which is essential for action shots.

One thing to note: the motors do make a soft whirring sound when active. It’s not loud, but it’s audible in quiet environments (like a forest at dawn). If you’re recording audio with the camera’s built-in mic, you might pick up a faint background hum. For vlogs or interviews, I’d recommend using an external mic or recording audio separately.

Different Modes: Which One Should You Use?

The gimbal offers three main modes:

• Follow Mode: The camera follows your hand movement smoothly. Great for tracking moving subjects or walking shots.

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• Lock Mode: The camera stays fixed in one direction, regardless of how you move the handle. Perfect for panning shots or filming while moving sideways.
• POV Mode: Full 360-degree rotation on all axes. Ideal for creative angles or extreme action (think skateboarding or surfing).

I use Follow Mode 80% of the time. It feels the most natural and gives you the freedom to move while keeping the shot stable. Lock Mode is my go-to for landscape shots—like when I’m hiking and want to keep the camera pointed at a distant peak. POV Mode is fun for short clips, but I find it a bit overkill for everyday use.

Ease of Use and User Experience

Controls: Intuitive, But Not Perfect

The control panel is minimal but effective. There’s a joystick for manual camera movement, a power button, a mode switch, and a Bluetooth pairing button. All buttons are well-placed and easy to reach with your thumb while holding the gimbal.

One small gripe: the joystick is a bit stiff. It works fine, but it could be smoother, especially for fine adjustments. I’ve had to press a little harder than I’d like when making subtle tilts.

The mode switch (Follow/Lock/POV) is a physical toggle. I love this—no menu diving. Just flip it and go. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference in usability.

Battery Life and Charging

The built-in 2500mAh battery lasts about 8 hours on a single charge—more than enough for a full day of shooting. I’ve used it on multi-day trips without needing to recharge. When it does run low, you can charge it via USB-C in about 2 hours.

One nice surprise: the gimbal can also charge your Xiaomi Mi Action Camera while in use (if you have the right cable). I used this feature during a long hike when my camera battery was running low. It’s not a full power bank, but it’s enough to squeeze out an extra 30-40 minutes of recording.

Bluetooth and App Integration

The gimbal pairs with Xiaomi’s Mi Home app via Bluetooth. The connection is stable, and the app lets you:

• Check battery levels for both gimbal and camera
• Adjust motor torque (useful if you’re using a heavier lens filter)
• Calibrate the gimbal
• Update firmware

The app is simple and clean. No bloat, no ads. It’s not essential for basic use, but it’s handy if you want to fine-tune performance. Calibration is especially useful after long flights or rough handling. I do it once a month or after any major trip.

Compatibility and Accessories

Works Best with Xiaomi Mi Action Camera

This gimbal is specifically designed for the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera, and it shows. The mount, balance, and weight distribution are all optimized for that model. I tried mounting a GoPro Hero 9 (just to test), and it worked—but it was front-heavy and caused motor strain. Not recommended.

Stick with the intended camera. The fit is perfect, and you get the full benefit of Xiaomi’s stabilization algorithms.

Accessories You Might Want

While the gimbal comes with everything you need to get started, a few accessories can enhance your experience:

• Extension pole: Adds reach for selfies or high-angle shots. I use a 12-inch aluminum pole that screws into the bottom mount.
• External microphone: As mentioned earlier, the motor noise can interfere with onboard audio. A small shotgun mic or lavalier mic solves this.
• Quick-release plate: Makes switching between gimbal and other mounts (like a tripod or chest harness) faster.
• Lens filters: The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera has a standard lens thread. ND or polarizing filters work great with the gimbal, but make sure they don’t throw off the balance.

I’ve built a small “gimbal kit” with these items, and it’s made filming way more efficient. No more fumbling around mid-trip.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

Price Comparison with Alternatives

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer sits in the mid-range price bracket. It’s more affordable than premium gimbals like DJI or Zhiyun, but more expensive than generic knockoffs. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Xiaomi Mi Gimbal	Generic $50 Gimbal	DJI Osmo Mobile (Action Cam Version)
Price	$99	$50	$159
Build Quality	Solid plastic/aluminum	Flimsy plastic	Premium aluminum
Stabilization	Excellent for price	Moderate (wobbles at high speed)	Excellent (best-in-class)
Battery Life	8 hours	4-5 hours	10 hours
App Support	Yes (Mi Home)	Rarely	Yes (DJI Mimo)
Camera Compatibility	Xiaomi Mi Action Camera only	Universal (with adapters)	Universal (with mounts)

For Xiaomi Mi Action Camera users, the Xiaomi gimbal is the sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s far more reliable than budget options. And while DJI offers slightly better performance, the Xiaomi model is $60 less—and for most users, that extra cost isn’t justified.

Who Should Buy It?

You should consider this gimbal if:

• You already own a Xiaomi Mi Action Camera
• You want smooth, professional-looking footage without spending a fortune
• You film outdoors, travel, or do vlogs
• You value portability and ease of use

You might want to skip it if:

• You use a different action camera (GoPro, Insta360, etc.)
• You only film static scenes (like time-lapses on a tripod)
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify $100 for a stabilizer

For me, it was absolutely worth it. The improvement in video quality made my travel vlogs more engaging, and I’ve started using the camera for client work—something I wouldn’t have done before.

Final Verdict: A Reliable, No-Nonsense Stabilizer for Xiaomi Fans

After months of real-world use, I can say this: the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer delivers exactly what it promises. It’s not flashy, it’s not over-engineered—it’s a solid, dependable tool that makes your videos look better, no matter the situation.

The stabilization is excellent for the price, the battery lasts all day, and the build quality holds up under real stress. The app integration is simple but useful, and the folding design makes it perfect for travel. It’s not without minor flaws—the joystick could be smoother, and the motor noise is a consideration—but these are small trade-offs for a gimbal that just works.

If you’re a Xiaomi Mi Action Camera owner who wants to step up your video game, this gimbal is a smart investment. It won’t turn you into a Hollywood director overnight, but it will eliminate the shaky, distracting footage that ruins so many great moments. Whether you’re filming your next adventure, a family event, or a creative project, the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer gives you the freedom to move—and the confidence that your shots will look smooth, professional, and ready to share.

In a market full of overpriced gadgets and underwhelming knockoffs, this one stands out for being honest, effective, and just plain good at what it does. And sometimes, that’s the best compliment a piece of tech can get.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer?

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is a compact, motorized device designed to eliminate shaky footage when shooting with action cameras like the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera. It uses advanced stabilization technology to deliver smooth, professional-quality video.

Is the Xiaomi Mi gimbal compatible with other action cameras?

While optimized for Xiaomi Mi Action Cameras, this gimbal also supports other lightweight action cameras via its universal mounting system. Check your camera’s dimensions and weight to ensure compatibility.

How long does the battery last on the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal?

The built-in 500mAh battery offers up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it ideal for extended outdoor filming sessions. Charging takes approximately 2 hours via USB-C.

Can the Xiaomi Mi gimbal handle fast-paced action or sports?

Yes, the gimbal’s high-torque motors and responsive stabilization system are designed to keep up with dynamic movements, whether you’re biking, skiing, or running. It effectively counters shakes and vibrations for smooth footage.

Does the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer support vertical shooting?

Absolutely. The gimbal can be easily adjusted to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting modes, perfect for vlogging or social media content creation.

Is the Xiaomi Mi gimbal waterproof or weather-resistant?

The gimbal itself is not waterproof, but it features a splash-resistant design for light rain or dusty conditions. For underwater use, ensure your action camera is housed in a waterproof case.