Feiyu G4 Review - 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal

First impression of the Feiyu G4

The Feiyu G4 handheld gimbal was kindly made for this review by TOMTOP.com provided.

What's in the box

The Feiyu G4 is delivered well and securely packaged. All accessories and the motors of the gimbal are embedded in foam and thus protected from damage in transit. The scope of delivery includes the gimbal, 4x 900mAh rechargeable batteries IMR 18350, a suitable charging station with USB cable, the USB flash dongle for uploading new firmware, two USB bridge cables for video transmission and for charging the connected camera, two replacement threads, as well as an English-language operating manual and a warranty card. A hard case is not included. This is only supplied from the Feiyu G4S.

Workmanship and hands-on

The processing of the Feiyu G4 is successful. The anodization is clean and smooth, the threads of the connecting pieces grip well, and the control buttons also have a good pressure point and sit without play in the housing. The bracket of the camera insert can be removed and is connected to the insert by two extended threaded screws. This slot fits perfectly with the entire GoPro series, but also with comparable cameras from the brands SJCAM, ThiEYE etc. You should make sure that the housing height of the Action Cam does not exceed 4.1cm.

The power button on the Feiyu G4 is somewhat inconvenient. This was hidden at the lower end, where there is also a thread to attach a possible extension. So if you want to use an extension, the gimbal must be switched on before you attach it. The sealing cap of the USB connection also has a negative effect. This small rubber cap is simply attached and is not permanently connected to the gimbal. If you are careless, the rubber cap is quickly lost.

Overall, my first impression of the Feiyu G4 3 gimbal is very positive. It fits comfortably in the hand, has a good weight and the workmanship is convincing.

OPERATION

Before starting up, you should definitely read the information cards and the operating instructions. It is essential not to switch on the gimbal without the camera inserted, as otherwise the "brushless motors" will be damaged and the joy of using the new gimbal will be quickly lost.

If you have inserted two of the four 18350 batteries and connected the Action Cam to the gimbal, it is immediately ready to go. The gimbal is operated via a multifunctional control button. There is also a remote control as an extension, which can also be purchased. The Action Cam can be charged using the power supply of the gimbal using one of the two bridge cables supplied. The second cable is used for video transmission.

Features

 In total, the Feiyu G4 gimbal offers four operating modes. Here is an overview including an explanation of the individual modes.

 Heading Following Mode: The camera gently follows slight movements to the right and left. Vertical movements, on the other hand, are compensated so that the camera is held in position. The maximum heading (horizontal direction of movement) is around 320 °.

 Heading and Pitch Following Mode: The camera follows both right and left movements as well as movements up and down. The maximum inclination is also 320 °, with the roll axis being limited to 100 °.

 Heading Lock Mode: All movements are blocked. The camera is held in position throughout.

 Inverted Mode: This allows the gimbal to be used in the opposite direction.

All modes can be activated using different key sequences using the multifunctional one-button operation.

First recordings with the Feiyu G4

Commissioning was easy for me and my first recordings were also impressive. As soon as you have an overview of the individual modes, the change is smooth. The motors were already well calibrated when they were first commissioned and, overall, they work accurately. Nevertheless, a small irregularity in the motors became noticeable, especially with extreme movements. Especially when a motor is loaded too much, it is quickly overwhelmed and you can feel the gimbal vibrate slightly. This problem can also occur if the batteries are bad or too weak. Nevertheless, the video recordings remained free of interference.

firmware

The firmware of the Feiyu G4 is updated regularly. To perform an update you need a Windows computer, the latest firmware and the included dongle. The software required for updating as well as the firmware can be downloaded from the website of the manufacturer. The update process is explained in detail in the manual and can also be performed by laymen.

Feiyu G4 vs. G4S

At the time I wrote this review, there was already the successor, the Feiyu G4S. This gimbal offers a much improved operation by means of a directional pad, as well as a practical carrying case is included. The maximum inclination, rotation and roll angle have also been increased. With a price difference of about 50 €, the successor currently offers the better overall package.

 BUT If you do not have a GoPro Action Cam and need a gimbal, for example for an SJCAM, you will not be able to use it with the G4S. On the camera insert of the Feiyu G4S is a micro USB port, which is perfectly matched to the housing of the GoPro Hero 3, 3 + and 4. Action cams from other manufacturers that do not have a micro USB socket at the exact same location can not be placed inside the slot.