The third generation of FeiyuTech’s SCORP Gimbal Series, the SCORP 3, is an impressively lightweight and versatile DSLR gimbal built to take on life’s most unique filming locations. With FeiyuTech’s latest stabilization system, a 14-hour battery life, integrated AI tracking and a host of quality-of-life features, the SCORP 3 Kit offers great value for its $364.99 price tag. Along with the SCORP 3, this kit also adds a carry case, a detachable battery-powered fill light, an extension pole, and a carry strap, providing everything needed for a day of shooting.
Building upon the success of the SCORP 2, the SCORP 3 sees a few notable upgrades over its predecessor. Able to handle a heavier payload of 3.5kg, a full kilogram more than the last generation, the SCORP 3 has no issue handling a DLSR up to 4.4 lb.
While slightly heavier than the previous model, weighing in at 1368g, it is still impressively light considering its size and mounting system. Taking its 14-hour battery life into account, this is quite impressive. Though for those worried about longer shoots, the SCORP 3 kit comes with an additional carry strap designed to distribute some of the weight off your arms during filming.
Additionally, the SCORP 3 sees the introduction of a new extended Quick-Release Plate that is a game changer when wanting to swap camera perspectives on the go. It allows for seamless landscape-to-portrait filming in a matter of seconds. Finally, a new detachable and wirelessly integrated handle allows users to control the Gimbal even when several feet away from the camera.
“…while initial setup does take some time, the SCORP 3’s design, coupled with easy-to-find and follow setup tutorials through the FeiyuTech app, makes it fairly painless to get the gimbal up and running.”
The kit also comes with some other great quality-of-life features such as the built-in ¼” scree port on the body that allows for additional kit mounting. External monitors or additional lighting can easily be attached to the Gimbal when lighter cameras such as the Sony a7r used for testing are your primary shooting camera.
For the uninitiated, I will say that, while initial setup does take some time, the SCORP 3’s design, coupled with easy-to-find and follow setup tutorials through the FeiyuTech app, makes it fairly painless to get the gimbal up and running. The 1.3inch OLED touchscreen also allows for easy access to calibration tools, making the process that much smoother.
The SCORP 3’s design also offers users an impressively versatile shooting range to work with. Along with some great built-in presets, such as panoramic, time-lapse, track video, and selfie mode, all of which work as advertised and took only a few seconds to set up, the underslung handle allows for some great low-angle shooting thanks to the gimbal’s impressive 3-axis buckle lock design and stabilization system. Swapping angles for shots is exceptionally smooth and seamless allowing for quick angle changes without stuttering and jarring shot movements.
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As for the stabilization, in testing, it managed quite well, even when moving along at a brisk pace. The SCORP 3 also easily handles longer movement without any major issues. I only once noted small shakes in the capture but, upon closer inspection, realized that my camera wasn’t quite centred properly and, after a quick recalibration, everything operated as advertised.
While the joystick control for tilt, pan and roll works exceptionally well and can be adjusted via the remote, it was the electronic multifunction knob that was the game changer for me during testing. Having operated production cameras, this knob provided a similar control scheme to what I’m accustomed to and provided exceptionally gentle and detailed control over the movement of the gimbal. Swapping what the knob controls is likewise as simple as tapping the button located just behind the knob.
“The FeiyuTech SCORP 3 is an impressive gimbal that offers most of the modern features of other mainline brands at a more budget-friendly price point.”
AI tracking is also fairly solid on the SCORP 3. Activating and using the face tracking system is top-notch, with the gimbal immediately recognizing the correct gesture and seamlessly centring the shot on the subject. Once locked in, it has no issue following with the same smooth movement as manual control. The one small critique is that the AI often struggles with the custom frame gesture and doesn’t always perfectly frame the shot as I intended. As it has no problem centring the subject when turned on naturally, I don’t foresee this being a major issue for most.
My only other critique is an issue of compatibility. While the camera here at the office is on the supported camera list, what is not clearly indicated is that, to leverage the full camera control function of the SCORP 3, you may need to purchase a cable control kit, separate from the gimbal purchase, if you want to take full advantage of this feature set. This is specific to cameras that don’t have built-in Bluetooth, as was the case with the Sony a7r. That being said, my experience with the SCORP 3 overall has been fantastic.
The FeiyuTech SCORP 3 is an impressive gimbal that offers most of the modern features of other mainline brands at a more budget-friendly price point. Its sturdy build and smooth operation make it a great option for those looking for a smooth, versatile shooting experience for less than $400.
