ZHIYUN CRANE-M3 Quick Start Guide

1. Getting Started

Download the ZHIYUN App to control your gimbal.
[QR code for downloading the ZHIYUN App on the App Store]
[QR code for downloading the ZHIYUN App on Google Play]
Download "ZY Play" App
[QR code for reading the full-version user guide]
[QR code for watching video tutorials]

2. Get to Know CRANE-M3

The CRANE-M3 gimbal features numerous components for control and stabilization. The following lists identify key parts by number as shown in the diagrams:

Gimbal Components (Left Diagram)

1. Quick Release Plate
2. Quick Release Plate Release Button
3. Quick Release Plate Safety Lock
4. 1/4" Camera Lock Screw
5. Roll Axis Lock Switch
6. 1/4" Threaded Hole
7. Fill Light Control Wheel
8. Joystick
9. Handle
10. Tripod

Gimbal Components (Right Diagram)

11. Audio Transmission Port
12. Audio Status Indicator Light
13. Camera Control/Charging Port
14. Roll Axis Latch
15. Roll Axis Motor
16. Touch Screen
17. M Button
18. Photo/Video Button
19. Tilt Axis Lock Switch
20. Tilt Axis Latch
21. Tilt Axis Motor
22. Pan Axis Lock Switch
23. Power Button
24. Type-C Charging/Firmware Upgrade Port
25. Fill Light
26. Pan Axis Motor
27. Pan Axis Latch
28. Pan Axis Motor
29. Adjustment Wheel
30. Trigger Button
31. Contact Points

3. Charging

To charge the CRANE-M3, connect the provided USB Type-C cable to a USB charger (not provided). It is recommended to use USB chargers that support USB Power Delivery (up to 14W).

Diagram description: An AC Power source (100-240V) is shown connected via a USB cable to a USB Type-C Cable, which then connects to the CRANE-M3's Type-C Charging/Firmware Upgrade Port.

4. Installation

Mounting the Tripod

Attach the included tripod to the base of the CRANE-M3 gimbal. Extend the tripod legs for a stable setup.

Mounting the Camera

Each axis of the gimbal is equipped with a lock switch. Use these switches to lock the axes for convenient installation and storage. The storage state is the default. Toggle the lock switch to unlock the three axes, expand the gimbal, and then lock the axes again for camera installation.

Steps for Mounting the Camera:

Ensure the gimbal axes are in the locked state for storage.
Mount the camera onto the quick release plate. Tighten the bottom screw securely.
Toggle the quick release plate safety lock to unlock. Install the entire quick release plate onto the CRANE-M3, ensuring a firm connection.

Detaching the Camera:

To detach the camera, toggle the quick release plate safety lock to unlock, then press the quick release plate release button to slide the plate out.

4.1 Connecting Camera Control Cable

Connect the camera control/charging port of the gimbal to the USB port of your camera using the appropriate cable.

Note:

The Type-C to Multi cable is for controlling Sony cameras to start/stop filming. Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Micro cables are for charging. Select the correct cable based on your camera.
The camera control/charging port supports Sony cameras directly. For other camera brands, a "TransMount CRANE-M3 Bluetooth Control Unit" may be required. Refer to the official ZHIYUN website for details.

5. Balancing

Proper balancing is crucial for gimbal performance. Follow these steps:

Horizontal Balance of the Tilt Axis

Unlock the tilt axis arm and loosen the tilt axis latch.
Push the camera forward or backward until it is steady and nearly level with the ground.
Tighten the tilt axis latch.

Vertical Balance of the Tilt Axis

Unlock the tilt axis arm and loosen the level mount lock screw.
Push the level mount forward or backward until the camera stays still and is vertical with the lens facing upwards.
Tighten the screw.

Roll Axis Balance

Unlock the roll axis and loosen the roll axis latch. Push the roll axis arm left or right until the camera stays still and horizontal to the ground. Tighten the latch.

Pan Axis Balance

Unlock the pan axis and loosen the pan axis latch. Hold and slightly tilt the handle. Push the pan axis left or right until the pan axis stays still in any position. Tighten the pan axis latch.

After balancing, it is recommended to use "Auto Calibration" via the touch screen menu to adjust motor torque for optimal function.

6. How to Use CRANE-M3

Buttons Description

Power Button: Single press to lock/unlock the touch screen. Press and hold to power on/off.
Photo/Video Button: Single press to start/stop filming video. Double press to take a photo.
M Button: Single press to switch gimbal modes (PF-L-F). Double press to switch gimbal modes (POV-V). Press and hold for sleep mode/wake mode for the gimbal motor.
Fill Light Control Wheel: Single press to switch between brightness/color temperature. Press and hold to turn the fill light on/off. Toggle up/down to adjust brightness/color temperature.
Trigger Button: Double press to reposition. Triple press for 180° rotation of the pan axis motor. Press and hold to enter Go Mode; release to return to the previous mode.

Joystick

Push the joystick up/down/left/right to control the gimbal's rotation.

Adjustment Wheel

Use the adjustment wheel to customize settings such as aperture, shutter, ISO, and zoom. These can be configured on the touch screen.

7. Touch Screen Introduction

The touch screen provides access to various settings and modes.

Main Page (Default)

The main interface typically displays icons for:

[Mode icon] Mode
[Balance icon] Balance
[Info icon] Info
[Settings icon] Settings

Submenus

Swipe left from the main page to access submenus, which may include:

Motor Torque
Smoothness
Follow Speed
Joystick Speed

Swiping left again within a submenu typically returns to the previous menu.

8. Connect to "ZY Cami" App

Power on the CRANE-M3 and enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
Launch the "ZY Play" app. Select the CRANE-M3 page and tap to connect. Choose the Bluetooth name of your CRANE-M3 (found on the side of the tilt axis, e.g., CRANE-M3_XXXX).
Activation via the ZY Play app is required for first-time use and needs an internet connection. After successful activation, you can access the camera interface within the ZY Play App.

Diagram description: Shows a smartphone with the ZY Play app open, indicating Bluetooth connection to the CRANE-M3 gimbal. The app interface displays controls and settings.

Warnings and Disclaimer

Warnings

Read the ENTIRE User Guide to become familiar with the features of this product before operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product or personal property, and cause serious injury. This is a sophisticated product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. DO NOT use with incompatible components or in a way otherwise as mentioned or instructed in the product documents provided by ZHIYUN. The safety guidelines herein contain instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all of the instructions and warnings in the User Guide, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate the product correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.

Safe Operation Guidelines

CAUTION:

CRANE-M3 is a high-precision control device. Damage may be caused to CRANE-M3 if dropped or subject to external force, and this may result in malfunction.
Make sure the rotation of the gimbal axes is not blocked by external force when CRANE-M3 is turned on.
CRANE-M3 is not waterproof. Prevent contacts of any kind of liquid or cleaner with the CRANE-M3. It is recommended to use dry cloth for cleaning.
Protect CRANE-M3 from dust and sand during use.
WARNING: To avoid fire, serious injury, and property damage, observe the following safety guidelines when using, charging, or storing the batteries:
1. Prevent the batteries from coming into contact with any kind of liquid. Do not leave batteries out in the rain or near a source of moisture. Do not crop the battery into water. If the inside of the battery comes into contact with water, chemical decomposition may occur, potentially resulting in the battery catching on fire, and may even lead to an explosion.
2. If the battery catches fire, use sand or dry powder fire extinguisher immediately to put out the fire.
3. Never use non-ZHIYUN batteries. If replacement or backup is needed, please purchase new batteries from ZHIYUN's official website or authorized channels. ZHIYUN takes no responsibility for any damage caused by non-ZHIYUN batteries.
4. Never use or charge swollen, leaky, or damaged batteries. Never use or charge if the battery smells, or overheats (exceeding the maximum temperature of 160 °F/71 °C). If your batteries are abnormal, contact ZHIYUN or a ZHIYUN authorized dealer for further assistance.
5. The battery should be used within the temperature range from -10° C to 60° C. Use of battery in environments above 60° C may lead to a fire or explosion. Use of battery below -10° C may lead to serious battery damage.
6. Do not use the battery in strong electrostatic or electromagnetic environments. Otherwise, the battery protection board may malfunction.
7. Do not disassemble or use any sharp object to puncture the battery in any way. Otherwise, the battery may leak, catch fire or explode.
8. Do not mechanically strike, crush, or throw the battery. Do not place heavy objects on the battery or charger.
9. Electrolytes inside the battery are highly corrosive. In case of accidental contact of any electrolytes with your skin or eyes, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
10. Do not use the battery if it has been involved in a crash or heavy impact.
11. Do not heat the battery and never put the battery in a microwave oven or in a pressurized container.
12. Do not place the battery on a conductive surface (such as a metal desk surface, eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, etc.)
13. Prevent use of wires or other metal objects that could cause positive and negative short-circuit to the battery.

Battery Charging

1. Do not put the battery and charger near flammable materials or on flammable surfaces (such as carpet or wood). Never leave the battery unattended during charging to prevent any accident.
2. Please disconnect the battery and the charger when fully charged.
3. Do not charge the battery immediately after use, because the battery temperature may be too high. Do not charge the battery until it cools down to normal room temperature. Charging the battery with its temperature over 45° C or lower than 0° C may lead to leakage, overheating, or damage.

Battery Storage

1. Keep batteries out of the reach of children and pets.
2. Do not leave the battery near heat sources such as a furnace or heater, or inside of a vehicle on hot days. Never expose the battery in any environment with temperature of over 60° C. The ideal storage temperature is 22° C-28° C.
3. Store batteries in a dry environment.
4. Do not leave the battery unused for too long after it has been completely discharged to prevent over-discharge of battery which may result in battery damage and permanent failure.

Battery Maintenance

1. Do not over-charge or over-discharge the battery, which will damage the battery;
2. The battery performance will be affected for not being used for a long time;
3. Never use the battery when the temperature is too high or too low;
4. Do not store the battery in any environment with a temperature of over 60°C.
5. Recharge and discharge every 3 months to keep the battery active.

Battery Disposal

Please fully discharge the battery before putting it in the designated recycling bin. Batteries contain hazardous constituents and it is forbidden to put the battery in general waste bin. For related details please abide by the local laws and regulations on battery recycling and disposal.

Warranty Period

1. Customers are entitled to replacement or free repair service in case of quality deficits found in the product within 15 days upon receipt of the product.
2. Customers are entitled to free repair service from ZHIYUN for any product proven defective in material or workmanship that results in product failure during normal consumer usage and conditions within the valid warranty period, which is 12 months counting from the date of selling. However, warranty period varies by product component and country of purchase. Please contact our after-sales service team on the ZHIYUN official website or your place of purchase for detailed warranty information.

Warranty Exclusions

1. Products subjected to unauthorized repair, misuse, collision, neglect, mishandling, soaking, accident, and unauthorized alteration.
2. Products subjected to improper use or whose labels or security tags have been torn off or altered.
3. Products whose warranty has expired.
4. Products damaged due to force majeure, such as fire, flood, lightning, etc.

Warranty Claim Procedure

1. If failure or any problem occurs to your product after purchase, please contact a local agent for assistance, or you can always contact ZHIYUN's customer service through email at info@zhiyun-tech.com or website at www.zhiyun-tech.com.
2. Your local agent or ZHIYUN's customer service will guide you through the whole service procedure regarding any product issue or problem you have encountered. ZHIYUN reserves the right to reexamine damaged or returned products.

FCC Compliance and Other Information

Waste Disposal: Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive).

FCC Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

RF Exposure: The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement. The device can be used in portable exposure condition without restriction. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Radiation Exposure Statement: Power is so low that no RF exposure calculation is needed. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Contact Information:

Tel: +86 400 900 6868
USA Hotline: +1 808-319-6137 (9:00-18:00 GMT-7, Mon-Fri)
Europe Hotline: +49 (0)6101 8132 180 (10:00-17:00 GMT+1, Mon-Fri)
Email: info@zhiyun-tech.com
Website: www.zhiyun-tech.com
Address: 09 Huangtong Road, Tieshan Industrial Zone, Qixing District, Guilin, 541004, Guangxi, China

[QR code for official website]
[QR code for Facebook (Zhiyun Tech)]
[QR code for Facebook (Zhiyun Support)]
[QR code for Instagram]
[QR code for YouTube]
[Quality Certificate]

	ZHIYUN CRANE 4 User Guide: Setup, Operation, and Balancing Comprehensive user guide for the ZHIYUN CRANE 4 gimbal stabilizer, covering product list, setup, mounting, balancing, charging, and basic operation. Includes detailed instructions and diagrams.
	Zhiyun Crane M3 Gimbal User Manual A comprehensive user manual for the Zhiyun Crane M3 gimbal, covering setup, operation, features, and maintenance.
	ZHIYUN CINEPEER CRANE 4E User Guide: Professional Camera Stabilizer Setup and Operation Comprehensive user guide for the ZHIYUN CINEPEER CRANE 4E professional camera stabilizer, detailing setup, balancing, operation, app integration, and firmware updates for optimal filmmaking.
	ZHIYUN CRANE-M 3S Gimbal Manual This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the ZHIYUN CRANE-M 3S gimbal, covering setup, operation, features, and maintenance. Learn how to balance your camera, use various shooting modes, and connect to the ZY Play app for advanced control.
	ZHIYUN SMOOTH-Q User Manual: Stabilizer Operation and Features Comprehensive user manual for the ZHIYUN SMOOTH-Q 3-axis smartphone gimbal stabilizer. Learn about setup, operation, app integration, safety guidelines, specifications, and warranty.
	ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3 Quick Start Guide: Setup, Balancing, and Operation A comprehensive quick start guide for the ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3 gimbal, detailing setup, camera mounting, balancing procedures, basic operations, app connectivity, and important safety and warranty information.
	ZHIYUN CRANE 3S User Guide Comprehensive user guide for the ZHIYUN CRANE 3S camera gimbal stabilizer, detailing setup, operation, features, specifications, and safety guidelines.
	ZHIYUN CRANE-M3 User Manual and Guide This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the ZHIYUN CRANE-M3 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, covering setup, operation, features, app integration, firmware updates, and technical specifications for creators.