Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM Review

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM delivers rock-steady stabilization for action-packed footage, making it a must-have for adventure enthusiasts. With its lightweight design, 3-axis gimbal, and seamless compatibility with Xiaomi Mi Action Cameras, it ensures smooth, professional-grade video in any environment—all at an unbeatable value.

Key Takeaways

• Stabilizes footage effectively: Eliminates shake for smooth, professional-quality videos.
• Compact and lightweight: Ideal for travel and extended handheld shooting sessions.
• Simple one-button control: Effortless operation with quick mode switching.
• Battery lasts 4+ hours: Reliable for all-day adventures without frequent recharging.
• Affordable price point: High value for budget-conscious content creators.
• Secure mounting system: Keeps your Xiaomi action camera safe during motion.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM

Let’s be honest: when it comes to action cameras, most of us think GoPro first. But Xiaomi? They’ve been quietly building a reputation for delivering solid, affordable tech—especially in the camera and stabilization space. So when I got my hands on the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM, I was curious. Could this budget-friendly gimbal actually hold up against the big names? Spoiler: it surprised me.

Right out of the box, the gimbal feels surprisingly solid. It’s lightweight—just under 300 grams—but the build doesn’t scream “cheap.” The matte black finish gives it a sleek, professional look. The handle is ergonomic, with a textured grip that feels secure even in slightly damp conditions. I immediately noticed the compact design, which makes it easy to toss into a backpack or even a large coat pocket. No bulky case needed. And yes, it’s compatible with the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera, but I was eager to see how it handled other small action cams—like the DJI Osmo Action or even a stripped-down GoPro Hero 9.

Design and Build Quality: Where Xiaomi Nails It (And Where It Misses)

Compact and Travel-Friendly

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM is designed for portability. At 288 grams, it’s one of the lightest 3-axis gimbals I’ve used. The folding mechanism is smooth—just unlock the arm, fold it flat, and you’re good to go. This makes it ideal for hikers, vloggers on the move, or anyone who hates lugging heavy gear. I took it on a weekend trip to the mountains, and it fit perfectly in my daypack. No extra space, no hassle.

Build Materials and Durability

The body is made of high-grade plastic with reinforced joints. While it’s not metal, it doesn’t feel flimsy. The motor arms have a slight flex, which is normal for lightweight gimbals, but they hold their position well. I accidentally dropped it once (from about knee height onto packed dirt), and it survived with just a minor scuff. The motors didn’t skip a beat. That said, I wouldn’t recommend tossing it in a suitcase with heavy gear—there’s no protective case included, which is a bit of a miss.

Ergonomics and Handling

The handle is slightly curved, which fits nicely in the palm. The rubberized grip helps, especially in humid conditions. One-handed use is comfortable for short bursts, but after 20-30 minutes, my hand started to fatigue—mainly because the battery is top-mounted, shifting the center of gravity upward. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable if you’re filming long interviews or walking tours.

Mounting and Compatibility

Here’s where things get interesting. The gimbal comes with a standard 1/4-inch screw mount, which means it’s technically compatible with most action cameras. I tested it with a Xiaomi Mi Action Camera, a DJI Osmo Action 3, and even a GoPro Hero 10 (using a third-party adapter). The Xiaomi cam mounted perfectly—secure and wobble-free. The DJI cam was a tight fit, but it worked. The GoPro? Required a little shimming, but it stabilized just fine. Just remember: if you’re using a non-Xiaomi cam, you’ll need to manually balance it, which takes a few extra minutes.

Performance and Stabilization: How Smooth Is It?

3-Axis Stabilization in Real-World Use

The MJWDQ01FM uses a 3-axis brushless motor system. In theory, that means it compensates for pitch, roll, and yaw. In practice? It’s surprisingly good. I tested it while walking on uneven trails, biking on a gravel path, and even during a light jog. The footage was smooth. Not “Hollywood smooth,” but definitely “watchable without nausea” smooth. For context, I compared it side-by-side with a friend’s DJI OM 5. The DJI was slightly better on bumpy terrain, but the Xiaomi held its own—especially for the price.

Motor Response and Noise

The motors are quiet. You’ll hear a faint hum when it’s actively correcting, but it’s barely noticeable in outdoor environments. Indoors, in a quiet room, it’s more audible, but still not intrusive. The response time is quick—within half a second of turning it on, it’s ready to stabilize. One thing I appreciated: it doesn’t jerk or overshoot when you make sudden movements. It’s more like a gentle “catch” than a violent correction.

Follow Modes and Creative Options

The gimbal has three main modes:

• Follow Mode (Default): The camera follows your hand movements smoothly. Great for walking shots or dynamic vlogging.
• Lock Mode: The camera stays fixed in one direction, regardless of how you move the handle. Ideal for static shots or when you’re moving but want the subject to stay centered.
• POV Mode: The camera mimics your every move—like a first-person view. Perfect for action shots, like skiing or skateboarding.

I used Follow Mode most often—it’s intuitive and works well for everyday filming. POV Mode was fun for creative shots, like panning across a sunset while walking backward. Just be careful: if you move too fast, the motors can’t keep up, and you’ll get a bit of wobble.

Battery Life and Charging

The built-in 2600mAh battery lasts about 6-7 hours on a full charge. That’s solid for a gimbal this size. I used it for two full days of hiking (about 3 hours of filming per day) and still had 30% left. Charging is via USB-C, which is a win—no proprietary cables. A full charge takes around 2 hours. One tip: keep a power bank handy if you’re filming all day. The battery indicator on the handle is small but clear—three LED lights that show charge level.

User Experience: Controls, App, and Ease of Use

Physical Buttons and Interface

The gimbal has three buttons on the handle: power, mode switch, and a multi-function trigger. The power button is easy to find, even with gloves on. The mode switch cycles through Follow, Lock, and POV—each mode is indicated by a different LED color (blue, red, green). The trigger is my favorite: half-press to focus (if your camera supports it), full-press to start/stop recording. It’s responsive and well-placed.

App Integration: Xiaomi Action App

The Xiaomi Action App is required for firmware updates, advanced settings, and remote control. Setup was straightforward—download the app, turn on the gimbal, and pair via Bluetooth. The app lets you:

• Calibrate the gimbal
• Adjust motor strength (low, medium, high)
• Customize the trigger function
• Check battery level
• Remote control the camera (shutter, zoom, etc.)

The app is clean and easy to navigate. I didn’t need to read the manual. One downside: it’s only available in English, Chinese, and a few other languages—no French, German, or Spanish. Also, Bluetooth range is about 10 meters. Beyond that, you lose connection, which can be annoying if you’re filming from a distance.

Balancing and Setup Time

Balancing the camera takes about 3-5 minutes. The gimbal has two adjustment knobs: one for the vertical arm and one for the horizontal. I found the process intuitive—just slide the camera until it doesn’t tilt when you release it. For Xiaomi’s own action cam, it’s almost plug-and-play. For other cameras, you’ll need to tweak it. Pro tip: balance it on a flat surface, not in your hand. It’s easier to see small imbalances.

Image Quality and Camera Synergy

How the Gimbal Enhances Footage

A gimbal doesn’t improve image quality directly, but it does make your footage look more professional. Shaky hands? Gone. Bumpy terrain? Smoothed out. I filmed a sunset walk using my DJI Osmo Action 3. Without the gimbal, the footage was usable but had noticeable jitters. With the Xiaomi gimbal, it looked like it was shot on a dolly. The stabilization was so good, I could even do slow pans without a tripod.

Compatibility with Different Cameras

Here’s a quick rundown of how different cameras worked with the MJWDQ01FM:

Camera Model	Fit	Stability	Notes
Xiaomi Mi Action Camera	Perfect	Excellent	No adjustments needed. Auto-calibration works.
DJI Osmo Action 3	Tight but secure	Very Good	Required minor shimming. Motors handled it well.
GoPro Hero 10	Adapter needed	Good	Balancing took extra time. Slight wobble at max zoom.
Insta360 One R	Adapter needed	Fair	Bulky. Motor strain noticeable in POV mode.

Low-Light and Fast-Motion Performance

The gimbal doesn’t have any special low-light features, but it does help reduce motion blur by keeping the camera steady. I filmed at dusk, and the stabilized footage had less shake-induced blur. For fast motion (like biking or running), the motors kept up well—until I hit a really rough patch. On a gravel road with potholes, there was a tiny bit of “jello effect” (a slight wobble in the frame), but it was minor. For most users, it won’t be an issue.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

Price vs. Features

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM retails for around $120-$150, depending on the region. That’s roughly half the price of DJI’s OM 6 or Zhiyun’s Crane M3. For the cost, you’re getting:

• Solid 3-axis stabilization
• 6+ hours of battery life
• USB-C charging
• App integration
• Compact, travel-friendly design

Compared to similarly priced gimbals, it outperforms many in stabilization and battery life. The only real competition is the Hohem iSteady X2, which is slightly cheaper but has a shorter battery life (4 hours) and fewer app features.

Who Should Buy It?

This gimbal is perfect for:

• Beginners: If you’re new to gimbals, this is a great entry point. It’s easy to use and won’t break the bank.
• Travel Vloggers: The compact size and long battery life make it ideal for on-the-go filming.
• Adventure Enthusiasts: It handles rough terrain well, and the build is durable enough for outdoor use.
• Xiaomi Action Camera Users: If you already own the Xiaomi cam, this is a no-brainer. It’s designed to work seamlessly.

Who should skip it? If you need pro-level stabilization (for filmmaking or extreme sports) or want to use heavy DSLR cameras, look elsewhere. This is strictly for action cams and small mirrorless setups.

Alternatives to Consider

If the MJWDQ01FM isn’t quite right, here are a few alternatives:

• DJI OM 6: More premium, with better app features and a built-in extension rod. But it’s heavier and more expensive (~$250).
• Hohem iSteady X2: Cheaper (~$90) and very compact, but shorter battery life and less powerful motors.
• Zhiyun Crane M3: Great for heavier cameras, but bulky and overkill for most action cam users.

Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem for Budget-Conscious Creators

After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM punches way above its weight. It’s not perfect—the battery placement could be better, the app could use more language support, and it’s not for heavy cameras—but for what it is, it’s impressive. The stabilization is smooth, the battery lasts all day, and the price is hard to beat.

I’ve used it for hiking vlogs, city walks, and even a few creative shots at the beach. Every time, it delivered stable, professional-looking footage. And the best part? I didn’t have to spend $300 to get it. If you’re on a budget, already own a Xiaomi action cam, or just want a reliable, no-frills gimbal, this is one of the best values out there. It’s not going to replace a $1,000 cinema rig, but for 95% of creators, it’s more than enough.

So, should you buy it? If you’re looking for a compact, affordable, and effective gimbal for action cameras, absolutely. Just don’t expect it to do everything—it’s a tool, not a magic wand. But for the price, it’s a tool worth having in your kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM?

The Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal MJWDQ01FM is a 3-axis stabilizer designed for action cameras, offering smooth footage by reducing shakes and vibrations. It’s compatible with various action cams, including Xiaomi’s own Mi Action Camera series.

How does the MJWDQ01FM gimbal improve video quality?

This gimbal uses advanced 3-axis stabilization to eliminate shaky footage, ensuring professional-grade smoothness for action shots. It’s ideal for activities like hiking, biking, or vlogging where steady video is crucial.

Is the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Gimbal MJWDQ01FM waterproof?

The gimbal itself is not waterproof, but it’s designed to work with waterproof action cameras. Always ensure your camera is properly sealed in its housing before using it in wet conditions.

What is the battery life of the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera Handheld Gimbal?

The built-in 1050mAh battery offers approximately 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Charging takes around 2 hours via the included USB-C cable.

Can I use the MJWDQ01FM gimbal with non-Xiaomi action cameras?

Yes, the gimbal supports most action cameras with a width of 24-30mm and weight under 130g, including popular models from GoPro and other brands. The adjustable clamp ensures a secure fit.

Does the Xiaomi MJWDQ01FM have a built-in selfie mode?

Yes, the gimbal features a quick 180° rotation function for seamless selfie shots. A single button press flips the camera, making it easy to switch between front and rear views.