GH4 Sony A7s BMPCC DIY 3-Axis Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras

• • 60 Comments

I'm a fan of working with many of the smaller camera systems like the GH4, Sony A7s, BMPCC, and also a fan of 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizers. Yet when it came to an ultra portable one that offered tool-less adjustments and a full range of pan and tilt, there had been a gap with current products on the market.

Some of you may know that I had been making my own mini custom gimbals out of random parts found online. The small systems make it easier for me to travel and operate handheld for a long long period time without fatigue. As others seemed to be interested in the build, I decided to work with a few friends to make a frame kit available for others to build as well.

This kit which has been a work in progress has been designed to allow small cameras full range of motion, easy to balance, incorporates a camera QR system, and easy assembly disassembly. The frame kit is finally available and here's the latest update video.

Note: The frame has been revised with new motor housings and additional bearings that allow for better support and stability, but here are a few other (older) videos showing some of the features of the mini gimbal.

The 'Tiyaga' is a kit that requires assembly and a few additional parts to finish the build, but what you end up with is an affordable 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for small cameras around 2.5lbs. There is a discount price for Early-Birds, and only a limited amount of kits will be made. You can find additional information over at the website https://MiniGimbal.com.

tiyaga minigimbal frame kitminigimbal
find-price-button MiniGimbal 'Tiyaga' 3-Axis DIY Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras

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60 thoughts on “GH4 Sony A7s BMPCC DIY 3-Axis Gimbal Frame Kit for Small Cameras”

  5. Paul Abrahams

    Pre-ordered and have all parts on order... would I be able to replace the Lipo with a Lion power solution? Would make for easier travel with other gear. Don't like to have too many different charging systems. Most of my gear can charge/run off my Ankers (12v/5v). Cell phone, Cameras, Leds, Laptops, Tablets, Flanders (yes my 17" flanders will run for a couple hours off the Anker). Now I have a Phantom (my first experience with Lipo's) and now the Gimbal yet another Lipo and another different charger... Hmmmmm.

  8. Jorge

    Hey Emm,
    Can you recommend a balancing stand? I've seen your DYI Gimbal stand and am considering it but I'd prefer something more professional-looking since most I will be using it in from of clients.

  10. Emm

     Post author

    @Zak Forsman - Whoa, I believe the units are now out of stock. You would have to check with them to see if there's anything they can do.

  11. Zak Forsman

    Yeah, i saw that email in my spam folder today and logged in to check the order status to verify. but I didn't cancel anything. should I just place another pre-order or can this one be reinstated?

  12. Emm

     Post author

    @Zak Forsman - I checked with them, they say the order was cancelled by 'the buyer' last night. You should have received a confirmation email about this if you cancelled.

  13. Zak Forsman

    Just checked my order status and it says "cancelled"? Not sure why. Emm, can you help me get my pre-order reinstated?

  14. Emm

     Post author

    @Efex - No you can't use a Varavon cage with this gimbal or with the CAME 7800 gimbal. I'm just being nice here, but if you have to ask about the benefits of this gimbal compared to the CAMETV 7800 it might be better to go with a system that is ready-to-fly. This one requires a build process and tuning, and it takes a bit of research to be comfortable.

  15. Efex

    @ emm - A noob question.
    What benefits does this gimbal have over the came tv 7800?
    Can this gimbal be flown with a gh4 in a varavon armor cage.

  17. Emm

     Post author

    @Zak Forsman - Here's a cheap case plastic hard case that comes with foam and with the proper dimensions to hold up to a 16" 15mm Rod across the top. Room for the whole system and camera if you wanted to.

  18. Zak Forsman

    Pre-ordered! Can you tell me the dimensions of it, with top handle and everything. I want to know what size case to buy for it. Thanks!

  19. Emm

     Post author

    @Zak Forsman - It's hard to say, but it looks similar. If you really wanted it to work you could knock out the alignment pin and drill out your own holes. The plate just needs to mount a QR that allows adjustment for forward and back, and the plate is setup to slide side to side.

  23. Emm

     Post author

    @Vincent Follézou - You need at least 11Volts. The board can take up to a 6S battery (22V). But I always try to keep the weight down on my setup. The gimbal can balance better and it's easier on the hands. Even with my small battery I might get up to an hour run-time and swapping batteries is fast. I added a switch inline to my power, so quick to turn on and off. It only takes one second to boot.

  25. Emm

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    @Rene - I'm not exactly sure but i'm using the 130HS (hollow shaft) so I can run wires through the motors and prevent tangling.

  26. Emm

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    @Rodney - I like anything between 14" and 16". It's nice to go with a 16" rod since you can just move the handles inwards, or you can always cut a carbon fiber rod with a hacksaw if you want to make it shorter.

  27. Rodney

    Hi Emm, got mine pre-ordered. And noticed in your earlier videos that you had a smaller width 15mm rod than the later videos. What would you say is the smallest width I can go with if possible or similar to your earlier videos (I like the more compact look of your earlier prototypes)
    build list shows to purchase a 16" width.
    Oh do you have a link to the box needed for the control board. Just want to get everything before the gimbal arrives.
    Thanks again for all the hard work!

  28. Emm

     Post author

    @mike ford - Unfortunately this was designed with very specific motors. You cannot mount a larger one.

  29.

    first off, let me say... amazing work! This makes me so happy! Secondly, anyone with negative comments has never built a dslr 3 axis gimbal! I currently have one from hobbyking and it is unusable for most of my work because it requires tools to make any adjustments... balancing it out takes forever. Being able to balance without tools and having a quick release for the camera are the two most important things about these gimbals!
    Secondly, if I got larger motors such as: GBM6208H-150T would that allow for a heavier camera?

  31. Rene Gallo

    Hi @emm, just a quick noob question, the motors you linked cost about 39 bucks, but I found some for 29 bucks, the only difference is in the weight, expensive - 110g, and cheap ones -93g, is that smthng I should watch out for, or is that not a problem? also in the name is BGM4108-130T vs BGM4108-130HS.
    thanks a lot!
    looking forward to the frame! great build!
    cheers

  32. Emm

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    @Thomas - You can weigh your system, but sounds like it would work well. The Rebel series cameras are lightweight.

  33. thomas

    First, thank you for all your videos, I am learning a lot.
    Sorry if this is a redundant question but would this kit field a canon t3/4/5i series with light len(s), no crazy run and gun shooting?
    Thank you!

  34. Emm

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    @Scott - First, many people already own many of the parts 15mm handles, 15mm rod, manfrotto QR plate, etc. so they can save a lot.

    Second, you don't need to choose the parts that I use, you can save hundreds if you choose other parts.

    Third, this item doesn't ship for another 4 weeks, so you've got time if you decide to go this route, but it sounds like this is not a project you should tackle.

  35. Scott

    Why is there no version with all of the kit pieces included? I don't want to have to deal with shipping 20 items separately, even if free shipping. There's risk of items not showing up, lost, delayed, etc...

  36. Emm

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    @RG84 - Yes this would work great with both of those cameras, and again no tools required to balance the setup.

  37. RG84

    I'm using a Gh3 and G6 so this fits my needs. Also the portability is important. Once again thanks for all the feedback and help, I know it's taking away from your DJI Inspire flight time. LOL

  38. Emm

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    @Robb - There's no joystick only because I didn't add one. You can add one if you want. Yes it has 'follow mode' as it uses the exact same control board and software as the CAMETV and Birdycam2 gimbals. It's all in the programming.

  39. Emm

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    @mike_tee_vee - No RTF from my side, but i'm perhaps you can talk someone else into building one for a few bucks extra. The build video was 45 minutes, but a lot of that was just talking about the parts. I'm able to build, wire up, and tune these things in around 45 minutes now since I had practice. It's not very difficult to setup, the hardest part is PID tuning (which is the same case for many gimbals).

  40. Emm

     Post author

    @RG84 - The price is going to vary depending where you get your parts. You don't have to use the same exact parts as I do. You can find cheaper 15mm clamps, handles, rails, batteries, and battery charger. In fact you could save hundreds more if you don't use what I use. If you are flying a DSLR camera or heavy setup, you would be better off with the CAMETV.

    If you have a small camera and willing to go through the build process then this new frame works great. In fact once you get the motors wired and sensors mounted, it uses the exact same controller and software as the CAMETV so it may be very familiar to you.

  41. Emm

     Post author

    @RG84 - There's a 15mm rod at the top, so you can add another handle in the middle if needed. I just grab the rail, so I don't have one extra thing to put together.

  43. RG84

    You did it Emm, THANKS!!! after watching your build video I feel confident in assembly, but waiting for the the vids on adding the Alexmos and joystick. The CAMETV 7800 deal right now at $1380 with stand, battery charger and case has me wondering, but is it worth it when it comes time to set up, All the vids on the Came seem like they take forever to balance. That's what's has me wanting to get this. So once all done, your system should be around, $1,100?

  44. mike_tee_vee

    Emm, any plans to release a fully assembled, ready to fly version of this project? I'm sure it would sell like hot cakes!

  46. Emm

     Post author

    @A - I can move swiftly with my A7s but I would not recommend a a full on aggressive run. I will try to shoot some samples in the next few days of me using it.

  47. A

    Emm - I was planning on doing some more aggressive movement (running with it). Camera mounted would be the A7. Would you recommend your kit or would another gimbal such as the Cametv 7800 be more appropriate for my application.

  48. Brandon

    Hi Emm,

    What stand are you using in the video? I'm looking to purchase a steady and affordable stand. Thanks

  49. Emm

     Post author

    @Sitha - There are plenty of stronger motors on the market, but that adds costs and requires a bigger battery. At the moment the frame is designed specifically for the 4108. If you have to fly a heavier system I would look into the other gimbals such as the Birdycam2 or the CAMETV 7800.

  50. Sitha

    @Emm, Are there any other motors that are bit stronger for use for heavier camera? I like the compact size of it, which is the reason this would be perfect for me.

  51. Emm

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    @Daniel Hughes - Maybe or maybe not. It is what it is at the moment. The good news is that there are a number of great RTF gimbals on the market for those who don't want to build.

  53.

    If you took it to kick starter. I am positive you could get the manufacturing cost down enough to sell them for $700-800 assembled and still be able profit. buying parts and CNC work in bulk dramatically reduces costs. just my two cents.

  54. Emm

     Post author

    @Sitha - It's optimized for lighter weight cameras. I have used my heavier cameras for basic walk-n-talk follow shots. So If you are trying to use a heavier system, I would suggest that you don't attempt anything too aggressive.

  56. Emm

     Post author

    @Daniel Hughes - You can find some kits out there for that price if you want to build one from scratch. Won't have all the bells and whistles though. I know, i've tried many of them. If there was another RTF gimbal out there at that final price, I would have been using it by now.

  57.

    ouch! $500 for the frame an a additional $446 for motors, controller board and accessorizes. Would have loved to see the price of the frame for around $200-250. or a full kit assembled for around $700-800

  60. Tony

    Congratulations Emm... you must be sooo relieved. I unfortunately already blew my cash on a nebular 4000, but at this price, I'll probably get one of these too, just not for a little bit. Best of luck and great job, as always. You da man!

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