ZHIYUN CRANE-M 3S Gimbal Manual

Product Overview

The CRANE-M 3S is a versatile gimbal designed for cameras, smartphones, and action cameras. It offers advanced stabilization, multiple shooting modes, and app connectivity for enhanced control.

Package Contents

Before using the product, please check if the package contains all the following items. If any items are missing, please contact customer service or your dealer.

• Gimbal Unit x1
• USB Type-C Data Cable x1
• Type-C to Micro USB Camera Control Cable x1
• Type-C to Type-C USB Camera Control Cable x1
• Type-C to Multi USB Camera Control Cable x1
• Tripod x1
• Phone Clamp x1
• Storage Case x1
• Quick Start Guide x1

Getting Started

Installing the Tripod

Attach the tripod to the bottom of the CRANE-M 3S handle and unfold it to place the gimbal on a flat surface.

Mounting the Camera

Before powering on the CRANE-M 3S, mount your camera and perform balance adjustments. Never turn on the gimbal without a load.

Ensure your camera is ready for shooting (e.g., lens cap removed, battery and memory card inserted).

The CRANE-M 3S features locking switches on all three motor axes. These switches can be used to lock the gimbal in place for mounting or storage. By default, the gimbal is in the storage state. First, unlock all three motor axes, unfold the gimbal to the illustrated position, and then re-lock the axes for easier camera mounting.

Balancing the Gimbal

Pitch Axis Balance Adjustment

Unlock the pitch axis locking switch, loosen the pitch axis locking knob, and move the camera forward or backward until it remains horizontal. Then, tighten the knob.

Roll Axis Balance Adjustment

With the camera facing upwards, loosen the quick-release plate's locking screw, move the quick-release plate forward or backward until the camera remains vertical. Then, tighten the screw.

Yaw Axis Balance Adjustment

Unlock the yaw axis, loosen the yaw axis locking knob, tilt the gimbal assembly slightly, and move the yaw axis left or right until the yaw axis remains stationary in any position. Then, tighten the knob.

Pan Axis Balance Adjustment

Unlock the pan axis, loosen the pan axis locking knob, hold the handle, and tilt the gimbal assembly. Move the pan axis left or right until the pan axis remains stationary in any position. Then, tighten the knob.

After completing the balance adjustment, you may need to adjust the motor force parameters. It is recommended to use the "Intelligent Calibration" option in the touch screen menu for adjustment.

Key Functions

• Power Button: Single press to lock/unlock the touch screen (on the main interface). Long press to turn on/off the gimbal.
• Mode Switch Button: Single press to cycle through follow modes (PF, L, F). Double press to cycle through POV, V, and portrait modes. Long press to put the gimbal motor into sleep/wake mode.
• Shutter/Record Button: Half-press to trigger autofocus. Single press to start/stop recording. Long press to take a photo.
• Joystick: Control gimbal movement up/down and left/right.
• Fill Light Control Dial: Single press to switch between brightness and color temperature settings (when the fill light is on). Rotate to adjust brightness or color temperature. Long press to turn the fill light on/off.
• Trigger Button: Single press to switch between custom working modes (default is Follow mode) or return to the previous mode. Double press to recenter the gimbal. Triple press for 180° rotation of the pan motor. Long press to enter Super Slow Motion mode, release to return to the previous mode. Press and hold to lock the gimbal motors. When released, the pitch and roll motors can follow handle movement (in portrait mode).
• Scroll Wheel: Rotate to adjust parameters like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, electronic focus, and zoom (customizable in the touch screen menu). It can also control the roll, pitch, and yaw axis rotation (customizable in the touch screen menu, defaults to roll axis rotation).

Touch Screen Interface

The touch screen provides access to various settings and modes, including:

• Gimbal Mode: Select from various follow modes (PF, L, F, POV, V, GO, Portrait).
• Balance Detection: Real-time display of the gimbal's balance status for all three axes.
• System Information: View system language, device information (name, model, serial number, firmware version), and reset to factory settings.
• Gimbal Settings: Includes Intelligent Calibration, Parameter Settings (motor torque, smoothness, follow speed, joystick speed, reverse), and Parameter Reset.

Motor Force Adjustment

After balancing the gimbal, adjust the motor force parameters according to your camera and lens weight for optimal stabilization. Two methods are available:

1. Intelligent Calibration

This feature automatically calibrates the motor force based on the weight of your camera and lens. Navigate to "Gimbal Settings" > "Intelligent Calibration" and tap "Start Calibration." Follow the on-screen prompts.

2. Motor Torque Level

Choose from three torque levels (Low, Medium, High) based on your camera and lens combination. Navigate to "Gimbal Settings" > "Parameter Settings" > "Motor Torque" and select the desired level.

Note: Incorrect motor force settings can lead to jittering or affect stabilization. Ensure the gimbal is balanced and all axis locks are disengaged before calibration. If you change the camera setup, re-balance the gimbal and readjust motor force.

Bluetooth Shutter

The CRANE-M 3S supports Bluetooth shutter functionality, allowing wireless control of your camera's shutter without a control cable. Ensure your camera's Bluetooth is enabled and in pairing mode. On the gimbal, go to "Gimbal Settings" > "Bluetooth Shutter," select your camera's Bluetooth name, and confirm the connection on your camera.

Note: If both camera control cable and Bluetooth are connected, the gimbal will prioritize control via the cable. Refer to the ZHIYUN website for a list of compatible cameras.

Working Modes

• Follow Mode (PF): Pitch and roll motors are locked. The camera follows handle movement. Push the joystick up/down to adjust pitch angle, and left/right to adjust pan angle.
• Lock Mode (L): All three motors are locked. The camera's orientation does not change with handle movement. Push the joystick up/down to adjust pitch angle, and left/right to adjust pan angle.
• Full Follow Mode (F): Roll motor is locked. Pitch and yaw motors follow handle movement. Push the joystick up/down to adjust pitch angle, and left/right to adjust pan angle.
• POV Mode: All three motors follow handle movement, allowing for a more immersive perspective.
• V Mode (3D Mode): The pitch motor rotates 90° upwards. The pitch, roll, and yaw motors follow handle movement. Moving the joystick left/right controls the yaw axis rotation.
• GO Mode: Roll motor is locked. Pitch and yaw motors follow handle movement rapidly for dynamic shots.
• Portrait Mode: The pitch motor rotates 90° upwards, and the yaw motor rotates 90° counterclockwise. This mode is for shooting vertical videos.

Manual Positioning

In Follow (PF), Lock (L), and Full Follow (F) modes, you can manually rotate the camera to a desired angle. Hold it for approximately 2 seconds, and the position will be locked (for pitch and yaw axes).

Firmware Update and Calibration

When Calibration is Needed

Perform calibration when:

• The gimbal's horizontal angle is still offset after initialization.
• The gimbal has not been used for a long time.
• There are significant temperature variations in the operating environment.
• The gimbal's pitch or roll angle is still offset from the horizontal plane after six-sided calibration.

Six-Sided Calibration Method

Calibration can be performed using the ZHIYUN app or the "Zhiyun Gimbal Tools" software.

• Via App: Connect the gimbal to the ZHIYUN app, navigate to "Settings" > "Six-Sided Calibration," and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Via Zhiyun Gimbal Tools: Connect the gimbal to your computer via USB Type-C. Launch the "Zhiyun Gimbal Tools" software, click "Open COM Port," then "Firmware Update," select the firmware file, and click "Update." Follow the software prompts.

Note: After calibration, restart the gimbal. Six-sided calibration essentially means making the six surfaces of the gimbal's arms perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

Motor Fine-Tuning

Access "Motor Fine-Tuning" from the main menu's "Gimbal Settings" to adjust the pitch and roll motor angles according to your needs.

Firmware Update

Firmware can be updated using the "Zhiyun Gimbal Tools" software or the "ZY Play" app.

Method 1 (Zhiyun Gimbal Tools): Download the necessary drivers, software, and firmware from the ZHIYUN website (www.zhiyun-tech.com). Connect the gimbal to your computer via USB Type-C, launch the software, select the firmware file, and click "Update." Ensure the gimbal has at least 50% battery charge before updating.

Method 2 (ZY Play App): If the app prompts for a firmware update, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your phone is connected to the internet.

Parameter Description

Lab Data 1: Tested at an ambient temperature of 25°C with a fully charged CRANE-M 3S, Sony a1+FE 24mm F1.4 GM lens mounted and balanced. Gimbal powered on, PF mode, static placement, and battery only powering the gimbal. Continuous use time was 7H 30min. If the battery also powers the camera, the runtime will be shorter. Actual runtime may vary based on usage, battery charge cycles, and battery health.

Lab Data 2: Tested at an ambient temperature of 25°C using a 9V-12W PD fast charger. Charging time was 2H. Actual charging time may vary depending on ambient temperature and charging current.

All data in this manual is based on internal testing by ZHIYUN. Actual results may vary under different conditions. Please refer to the actual product for the most accurate information.

Disclaimer and Warnings

Thank you for purchasing this product. Please read this manual carefully to ensure proper setup and operation. Failure to follow the instructions may result in personal injury, damage to the product, or other property damage.

ZHIYUN™ is a trademark of Guilin Zhishen Information Technology Co., Ltd. Product names and brands mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

By using this product, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this disclaimer and warnings.

Safety Precautions

• Handle the product with care, as it is a precision instrument. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Ensure that the gimbal motors are not obstructed when the gimbal is powered on.
• The product is not waterproof. Keep it away from liquids. Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• Protect the product from dust and sand during use.

Warranty Card

Warranty Period

Within 15 days of receipt, if there are quality issues, you can enjoy a replacement or free repair service.

The warranty period is generally one year from the date of receipt, subject to product variations and regional differences. Please consult the ZHIYUN official website or your dealer for specific warranty terms in your region.

Warranty Exclusions

The warranty does not cover:

• Unauthorized repairs, misuse, collisions, negligence, abuse, liquid ingress, accidents, or modifications.
• Improper use of the product or damage to labels and anti-counterfeit markings.
• Exceeding the warranty period.
• Damage caused by force majeure events such as fire, flood, lightning, etc.

Obtaining Warranty Service

If your product fails, contact your local authorized ZHIYUN dealer. If no dealer is available in your region, contact ZHIYUN customer service via email (info@zhiyun-tech.com) or visit the website (www.zhiyun-tech.com) for assistance. Follow their instructions for shipping related materials and the product, and for handling warranty claims. ZHIYUN reserves the right to inspect the damaged product.

Contact Information

Website: www.zhiyun-tech.com

Customer Service Hotline: 400 900 6868

Email: info@zhiyun-tech.com

Address: No. 9 Huangtong Road, Tieshan Industrial Park, Qixing District, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Quality Assurance: This product has passed strict inspection and meets the standard, approved for sale.