Zhiyun, the world’s leading gimbal manufacturer for cameras and smartphones, is pleased to announce the launch of the CRANE 3S Gimbal. From intense chase shots to studio work, every shooting environment has its own special demands, requiring the most versatile equipment. Zhiyun’s original CRANE 3 LAB, the first generation of the gimbal with built-in image transmission, introduced new ways of holding and controlling a gimbal for creative filmmaking. But Zhiyun still felt that the gimbal could adapt even better to the strict and unpredictable filming environment.

The new CRANE 3S builds on Zhiyun’s heritage of innovation with a brand new modular design, and it offers a wider range of applications and more intuitive control.

An online debut will be happening on 20 March 2020 at 8:00 PM (GMT+8).

Unprecedented Motors for Unlimited Creation

Demanding shooting tasks may require the use of a variety of cameras and accessories in complicated shooting environments. CRANE 3S is re-engineered with new SUPER motors which allow it to handle a 6.5kg payload for more ambitious camera setups–including Canon EOS 1DX, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, and even Canon Cinema EOS, Sony FS and FX series, and Red Digital Cinema Cameras.

Modular Design for Flexibility and Cross-Compatibility

CRANE 3S features a modular design in the motor axis and handles. For larger cinema camera combos, users can attach the included extension module onto the roll axis. For smaller DSLR combos, the extension module can be removed to make the setup compact and portable.

The previous LAB series created a new way of holding a gimbal in underslung mode with the second handle. The CRANE 3S rethinks the structure and introduces a detachable second handle with two options: the EasySling Handle and the SmartSling Handle. You can either mount EasySling handle to extend the grip for more comfort upright & underslung operation or choose to mount SmartSling handle featuring an intuitive control panel and OLED screen, for direct camera & gimbal parameter adjustment, or combine them together.

The handle mods are easy to fit and remove, and both provide multiple thread holes in different sizes to mount accessories. The modular design makes CRANE 3S highly compatible with motorized dollies, jibs, cable cams, Easyrig, etc.

A New Battery Pack to Support Intense Shooting

With three 18650-format batteries, CRANE 3S can run for up to 12 hours. A DC-in power port on the battery compartment allows input of up to 25.2-voltsfor direct charging. To support long shoots with larger setups, Zhiyun introduces the TransMount PowerPlus Battery Pack, a compact yet fast-charging power bank for the gimbal and camera. This houses six 18650 batteries and independently provides 18 hours of runtime for the gimbal.

Dependable and Responsive System

Zhiyun’s CRANE 3S provides ultimate reliability that users can count on. The newly-designed locking system can lock all three axes without noticeable swinging. The modular design comes with double locks to ensure the setup is 100% safe. Larger lens support has been added to the zoom and focus system.

CRANE 3S is driven by a new algorithm which enables phenomenally responsive speed and smoothness. In fast action shooting, the CRANE 3S can resist high winds. The 55° tilted roll axis is designed for an unrestricted view and allows enough space to mount large cinema camera combos.

Image Transmission Module: Beyond Your Vision

Zhiyun TransMount Image Transmission Module is compatible with CRANE 3S. With the transmitter, the video can be streamed to up to three monitoring devices including smartphones. The ViaTouch 2.0 system in the ZY Play app bridges the communication gap between stabilizer, camera and monitoring devices, allowing you to adjust camera and gimbal parameters remotely and intuitively. The ViaTouch 2.0 system also enables a visualized remote motion control for the gimbal.

Pricing and availability

Three options are available for purchase at ZHIYUN official store:

CRANE 3S (with SmartSling Handle) at $739
CRANE 3S-E (with EasySling Handle) at $649
CRANE 3S Pro (with SmartSling Handle, PowerPlus Battery Pack, Zoom&Focus Controllers, Image Transmission Transmitter and Smartphone Clamp) at $1149

More info on Zhiyun website.