Today we are taking a first look at the newly announced Zhiyun Weebill 3S. This will not be a full review (that will come in a few weeks after we have some time to work with the new unit and tests it for a while) but we did want to share some of the main differences between the Zhiyun Weebill 3S and the original Zhiyun Weebill 3.
Zhiyun gimbals
At this stage in the gimbal innovation game, it’s getting hard to surprise. Zhiyun’s strategy is to offer iterations that may appeal to a wider range of users. Their previous Weebill 3 was a powerful gimbal with interesting accessories. The newly released 3S version is more streamlined and features a few additions with a number of changes.
We haven’t had a chance to work with this gimbal yet, so an in-depth review will come later. This is a first-look video, so let’s see what’s new with the Weebill 3S.
Changes
The main change in the 3S is the smaller handle without a base. The combo kit includes a quick-release base with a side handle.
This is a telescoping handle that also swivels out for alternative handling. The lock on the old version wasn’t great. This one looks very similar. We’ll see after working with the gimbal if Zhiyun improved it. There is also a ¼’’ 20 mounting hole on the top of this handle (which could be used for a monitor for example), but, sadly, with no locating pins.
Zhiyun re-did the wrist rest for this version. It is now part of the removable base. It’s softer and features a one-handed mechanical adjustment knob.
With the base removed, the 3S definitely has a smaller footprint, but if you’re making a base, why not make it wide enough for the gimbal to stand on its own?
Another big physical change on the 3S is the cradle. There is now an option to reposition the camera vertically with a quick-releasing plate. There is also a vertical option in sling mode.
Another physical difference (we didn’t mention in the video above) is that the gimbal now has more room for longer cameras (on the Weebill 3 we could not balance a Canon R5C with a 24-70mm lens as it touched the motor on the back, with this gimbal we believe such a setup should be possible).
The small front light is still part of this setup, but Zhiyun removed the mic. Again, probably, because in most cases it’s not that useful.
Most of the buttons on the gimbal are in the same place. The power button is now up top and the USB-C charge port is on the side of the handle. A very welcome addition is the wireless record button. There is a section in the menu to connect to the camera. It took us a little bit of time to find a way to connect it properly to our Sony cameras but this might be more on Sony than Zhiyun.
Conclusion
After this first look at the Zhiyun Weebill 3S, we’ve had some good impressions, especially knowing how good their previous versions have been. With the innovations and a more streamlined body of the 3S, it’ll definitely appeal to a wide range of users.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal coming up in a few weeks!
Pricing and availability
The Zhiyun Weebill 3S Combo is already available on Amazon for $440.
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