ZHIYUN Crane M3S 3-axis Lightweight Camera Gimbal Stabilizer Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The ZHIYUN Crane M3S is a compact and powerful 3-axis camera gimbal stabilizer designed for a wide range of devices, including mirrorless cameras, smartphones, and action cameras. Weighing just 705 grams, it offers enhanced stability and versatile shooting modes for professional-grade video content creation. Key features include a 1.22-inch color touch screen, built-in fill light with adjustable color temperature, and Bluetooth shutter control for seamless operation.

ZHIYUN Crane M3S gimbal with various compatible cameras including mirrorless, smartphone, and action camera, highlighting its lightweight design of 705g.

Figure 1.1: ZHIYUN Crane M3S with compatible devices, emphasizing its lightweight design.

2. Setup

2.1 What's in the Box

The standard package for the Crane M3S includes:

CRANE-M 3S Gimbal × 1
Tripod × 1
EPP Carrying Case × 1
Sony Control Cable LN-UCUS-C02 × 1
Canon Camera Control Cable LN-MBUC-B02 × 1
USB Type-C Charging Cable × 1

ZHIYUN Crane M3S standard packing list showing the gimbal, tripod, carrying case, and various cables.

Figure 2.1: Contents of the ZHIYUN Crane M3S Standard Package.

2.2 Mounting Your Camera

The Crane M3S features a dual-layer quick release system for easy camera installation and removal. This design allows for efficient battery replacement without disassembling the camera or requiring secondary leveling.

Unfold the gimbal and unlock all three axes.
Attach the quick release plate to the bottom of your camera, ensuring it is securely fastened.
Slide the camera with the attached quick release plate onto the gimbal's mounting bracket.
Secure the camera by locking the quick release plate.

Detailed view of the dual-layer quick release system on the ZHIYUN Crane M3S, showing how a camera is mounted and unmounted.

Figure 2.2: Dual-Layer Quick Release System for camera mounting.

2.3 Balancing the Gimbal

Proper balancing is crucial for optimal performance and to prevent motor strain. The Crane M3S requires balancing across its three axes: tilt, roll, and pan.

Tilt Axis Balance: Unlock the tilt axis. Adjust the camera's position forward or backward on the quick release plate until the camera remains stable when tilted at any angle. Lock the tilt axis.
Roll Axis Balance: Unlock the roll axis. Adjust the horizontal arm left or right until the camera remains stable without tilting to either side. Lock the roll axis.
Pan Axis Balance: Unlock the pan axis. Adjust the vertical arm up or down until the camera remains stable when the gimbal is tilted forward at approximately 45 degrees. Lock the pan axis.

Video 2.1: ZHIYUN Camera Stabilizer General Leveling Tutorial. This video demonstrates the general process of leveling a ZHIYUN camera stabilizer across its axes.

3. Operating the Gimbal

3.1 Controls and Display

The Crane M3S features an intuitive control layout and a 1.22-inch color touch screen for easy navigation and settings adjustment.

1.22-inch Color Touch Screen: Provides intuitive and precise operation, allowing access to various modes and settings.
Joystick: For precise control over gimbal movement.
M Button: Cycles through different shooting modes.
Record Button: Initiates/stops recording (with compatible cameras via Bluetooth).
Scroll Wheel: Adjusts aperture, shutter, or ISO (with compatible cameras).
Fill Light Control Pulley: Adjusts color temperature and brightness of the built-in fill light.
Trigger Key: Triple-click to rotate the motor of the heading axis by 180 degrees.

Overview of ZHIYUN Crane M3S controls including screen, joystick, buttons, and scroll wheel.

Figure 3.1: ZHIYUN Crane M3S Control Overview.

3.2 Shooting Modes

The Crane M3S offers multiple shooting modes to enhance your visual storytelling:

PF (Pan Follow): The camera pans horizontally following your movement, while tilt and roll axes are locked.
L (Lock): All three axes are locked, keeping the camera pointed in a fixed direction.
F (Follow): The camera follows your pan and tilt movements, with the roll axis locked.
POV (Point of View): All three axes follow your movements, providing an immersive perspective.

V (Vortex): The camera rotates 360 degrees on the roll axis, creating a dynamic

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