A drone gimbal controls the camera's pointing direction and compensates for changes in aircraft attitude and airframe vibration during flight. Based on the number of controlled motion axes, common configurations include 2-axis and 3-axis gimbals. A 2-axis gimbal commonly controls pitch and yaw, while a 3-axis gimbal adds a roll axis to compensate for movement in another direction.
The two configurations differ in structural complexity, weight, cost, and stabilization performance. A 3-axis gimbal is not necessarily suitable for every drone. The selection should take into account filming requirements, UAV payload capacity, and installation conditions.
Structural Differences Between 2-Axis and 3-Axis Gimbals
2-Axis Gimbal
A 2-axis gimbal commonly consists of a pitch axis and a yaw axis. These axes control camera movement in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.
Pitch axis: Controls upward and downward camera movement to adjust the vertical shooting angle.
Yaw axis: Controls horizontal camera rotation to change the direction in which the camera is pointing.
This arrangement can compensate for attitude changes along two controlled axes and meet the stabilization requirements of some basic aerial photography, observation, and image acquisition tasks. Since it has one fewer motion axis and associated drive components, the overall structure is relatively simple, making it easier to control equipment weight and manufacturing costs.
3-Axis Gimbal
A 3-axis gimbal adds a roll axis to the 2-axis configuration, providing motion control along the pitch, yaw, and roll axes.
Pitch axis: Adjusts the camera's upward and downward shooting angle.
Yaw axis: Adjusts the camera's horizontal viewing direction.
Roll axis: Compensates for angular changes caused by sideways tilting, helping keep the image level.
The three drive mechanisms work together through the control system to compensate for disturbances along different axes. Compared with a 2-axis gimbal, the 3-axis configuration provides more complete camera attitude control and reduces the effects of UAV turning, tilting, and flight vibration on image stability.
It is worth noting that the actual axis configuration of a 2-axis gimbal varies between designs. Some models use a combination of pitch and roll instead. Selection should be based on the stabilization axes supported by the specific product.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 2-Axis and 3-Axis Gimbals
Advantages and Disadvantages of 2-Axis Gimbals
Advantages
Simple structure: A 2-axis gimbal has two main motion axes and their corresponding drive mechanisms. Its mechanical structure is relatively simple, making installation and integration easier.
Lower weight: Without the additional roll axis and its drive components, a 2-axis gimbal is generally lighter and more suitable for small UAVs with limited payload capacity.
Lower manufacturing cost: Compared with a 3-axis design, a 2-axis gimbal has fewer components and a simpler control arrangement, helping reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Disadvantages
Limited stabilization coverage: Without an independently controlled roll axis, the gimbal cannot actively compensate for roll disturbances. When the UAV tilts during flight or encounters lateral airflow disturbances, the camera image may become tilted.
Reduced stability under complex flight conditions: During rapid turns, sustained banking, or operation under significant vibration, some 2-axis gimbals may have difficulty maintaining image stability along all three axes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 3-Axis Gimbals
Advantages
Compensation along three axes: Coordinated pitch, yaw, and roll control compensates for attitude changes in more directions and helps maintain a stable camera pointing direction.
Improved horizon stabilization: The roll axis actively corrects sideways camera tilt, reducing image inclination caused by turning and airframe banking.
Suitable for a wider range of filming tasks: For aerial photography involving continuous movement, target tracking, and demanding stabilization requirements, 3-axis gimbals generally offer greater flexibility.
Disadvantages
Higher weight: Adding a roll axis, motor, and related mechanical components generally increases the total gimbal weight.
More complex structure and control: The three motion axes must operate in coordination. This places higher demands on mechanical assembly accuracy, servo control, and sensor feedback.
Higher procurement and maintenance costs: Additional drive mechanisms and control components increase manufacturing costs and add to the inspection and maintenance workload.
How to Choose Between a 2-Axis and a 3-Axis Gimbal
Gimbal selection should not be based solely on the number of motion axes. The UAV type, camera weight, filming requirements, and budget must also be considered.
When to Choose a 2-Axis Gimbal
A 2-axis gimbal is suitable for basic aerial photography, fixed-direction observation, and simple image acquisition tasks, particularly when equipment weight and purchase cost are important considerations.
For example, small UAVs often have limited payload capacity and installation space. A 2-axis gimbal with a simpler structure reduces the number of mechanical components and can make it easier to meet installation and flight requirements.
When to Choose a 3-Axis Gimbal
A 3-axis gimbal is generally preferable when the task involves continuous filming, complex flight paths, target tracking, or higher image stabilization requirements.
Its additional roll axis compensates for camera attitude changes in that direction, helping maintain a level image when the UAV turns, banks, or experiences external disturbances.
Other Specifications to Check During Selection
In addition to the number of controlled axes, the following specifications should be checked:
Payload capacity: Confirm that the gimbal can support the combined weight of the camera, lens, and other accessories.
Stabilization accuracy: Check the pointing stability of each controlled axis according to the filming requirements.
Motion range: Confirm that the mechanical travel ranges of the pitch, yaw, and roll axes meet the application requirements.
Structural dimensions: Check the mounting dimensions, interface positions, and available installation space on the UAV.
Control compatibility: Confirm that the gimbal's communication and control interfaces are compatible with the UAV flight control system.
Application Example: Hegi Intelligent G-PORT 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal Assembly
The Hegi Intelligent G-PORT 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal Assembly is an example of a 3-axis gimbal configuration. According to the product information provided in the original material, the assembly supports upright and inverted installation, accommodates different cameras, and is compatible with multiple flight platforms.
This type of modular gimbal assembly can be configured according to the UAV structure and camera installation requirements, providing an option for building camera stabilization systems for different platforms. Before installation, the mounting interfaces, camera compatibility, payload capacity, and control compatibility should be checked.
Custom Machining of Precision Parts for Drone Gimbals
Drone gimbals contain motor mounting bases, shaft brackets, connecting plates, gimbal frames, and other precision mechanical components. Their machining requirements depend on the gimbal dimensions, motion axis arrangement, and mounting interfaces. Hansheng Automation provides custom precision machining based on customer drawings and accepts both single-piece and small-batch orders.
Our machining services also cover precision components for yachts, parts for tobacco packaging machinery, RC racing car structural components, and filling equipment. Components are manufactured according to the structural requirements and drawings provided for each project.
