Feiyu Tech Gimbal AK4500: Let’s talk video!

The FeiyuTech AK4500 is necessary if you want to create a high-quality, smooth video while traveling. Without it, you can’t get by without using a gimbal unless you have extremely steady arms.

The FeiyuTech AK4500 (available to purchase on Amazon) is a three-axis motor gimbal that weighs 1.6kg and which has a crazy payload capacity of 4,6kg. Train your arms to go for the full weight. Hard to believe how smoothly it runs for a long time, as it got a 12-hour battery life!

Let’s start with the case. The FeiyuTech AK4500 Gimbal comes with an extra hard foam carrying case that includes the 4 lithium batteries, the charger, cables to connect, a tripod, an extension handle, a versatile handle frame (I’ll explain more later), quick release plate, a lens supporter, a follow focus and a hyperlink controller that allows you to wireless control the gimbal.

You could get the impression that you’re a Darth Vader videographer!

The FeiyuTech AK4500 gimbal comes with a good rubber grip and a customizable function wheel, which you can use to move the camera or use as a follow focus. Then there is an extension handle, tripod (with a rubber cover, so you can have a better grip) and a versatile handle frame, that allows you to connect the extension handle, tripod or the hyperlink controller.

This versatile handle frame is really good if you want to film near the floor or just for travelling and carrying it between different locations, as it makes carrying the gimbal really easy.

Extensions for the Feiyu Tech Gimbal AK4500.
Extensions for the Feiyu Tech Gimbal AK4500.

Let’s talk about mounting and balancing the gimbal.

Balancing a gimbal can be a pain and it is usually just time consuming, though it’s so important to do it properly.

The FeiyuTech guys added a second plate, so you can attach this one directly to your camera and use it as a quick release system. Like that, once your camera is balanced, you don’t need to go through the same process over and over again. Such a simple solution. This is lovely and such a big time saver. Thumps up for FeiyuTech!

Each motor of the FeiyuTech AK4500 gimbal comes with a locking system. So you can balance each motor separately, which makes it easier not only to balance but also to store your device. You can also detach the handle of the gimbal, so it gets smaller while traveling.

One of the best features on the gimbal is the touch screen. You can use it for so many functions, without using an app. There’s an app that gives you extra functionality, but I prefer just to use the touch screen without connecting my phone. But it’s worth to connect the camera with the gimbal via Bluetooth!

FeiyuTech AK4500
FeiyuTech AK4500

The touch screen

The touch screen gives you access to different modes: Default, Smooth, Action and Customize. Those provide the options to control whatever speed you want the gimbal to turn. Then there are payload settings and calibration.

There is also an Inception Mode, in which on you can set the speed, the side that you wanna turn. And there’s even the option for an endless rotation mode, for the those trendy 360º rotations. The Portrait Mode is for selfie vlogger videos, but you will need to stretch your arm and point the camera to you, so that doesn’t work very well.

In Motion Timelapse you can pre save moves with your camera to create great timelapses.

But it’s also nice for other video styles, as it’s a cool feature, if you’re alone filming, and don’t want plain shots with no movement. With this option you can set the beginning off the shoot and then go to the end, press OK and the gimbal automatically moves.

Voila!

Overall the FeiyuTech AK4500 is one of the best gimbals I have ever used so far (available to purchase on Amazon).

Author

  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.