Thank you for the simple explanation of making sure your phone volume button is set to shutter control, and a few other simple explanations that really make since to those that are not tech guru's. I really appreciate education of what each mode does. Awesome review.
Great video! I learned a lot about gimbal stabilizers in general, and the FeiyuTech brand, in particular. I'm opting for the SPG for my iPhone 7 Plus. I've subscribed for future reviews. Thanks again.
Great and clear video. My question is, given that there is a manual adjustment to get the phone balanced to start with using a slide, at least on my Feiyu SPG [it looked a little different on your gimbal], can this get out of balance during filming, or does the gimbal lock it in? I had the gimbal balanced and turned on, and found i could still physically move the phone along the slide and get it out of bslance.
A lot of really good information so thanks for that it seems every new model there is mostly more improvements so hopefully we will end up with a really good stabilise in the future, and you will carry on with your test videos
Thanks Vic. As always a long video but hopefully people can pick the most important elements out for themselves. Looking forward to getting my hands on the SPG and the G5 now to see how they compare.
Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I finally figured out Feiyu settings with your video. I just want to ask if you are experiencing the same problem - my battery % on the app will display up to 42% only even when the light on the device turns green already (fully charged). I can use it for a long time so I believe it's only the % is wrong on the app. Please confirm when you can. Thanks.
Thanks for the review. Does the Osmo Mobile rotate 360 degrees like this SPG? Reading the specs, it doesn't appear so but in Pano mode, you're not able to do a very wide pano shot or be able to keep the the Osmo on a tripod and using face recognition do a walk around? I'm quite torn between the 2 and I like the Osmo more but the 360 degrees I feel might be a barrier to do any pano or do some sweeping shot as I walk around a new environment.
The Osmo doesn't have a full rotation of 360 degrees but then the Pano mode on the SPG is limited to 180 degrees anyway (and the stitching software is a little questionable). With my iPhone i get best panoramic shots but simply turning the gimbal on (either of them) and using the inbuilt camera. The gimbal keeps it level and smooth and then i use my hand to rotate it. There is also no denying that the SPG is easier to tripod mount than the Osmo but with very little outlay you can mount the Osmo quite easily (not using DJI parts of course). You literally just need these: www.amazon.co.uk/FOTOWELT-DZ-GS1-HDR-AS200V-FDR-X100V-HDR-AS100V/dp/B015R06VRS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1483532789&sr=8-5&keywords=gopro+1+4+adapter and one of these www.amazon.co.uk/Goliton%C2%AE-Tripod-Mount-Adapter-Thumb/dp/B00FWMMJ3C/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1483532789&sr=8-9&keywords=gopro+1+4+adapter
Yep no object specific tracking on this the SPG only face tracking. If you want object tracking the Osmo Mobile about the only one I'd suggest but it still relies heavily on the object and how it stands out from the background. It is very good at it but not perfect.
It costs from 136.99 to 149 dollars. Current coupons: couponsgearbest.com/2017/07/24/feiyutech-spg-gimbal-active-coupon-price-gearbest/ Cheers ruclips.net/video/6BLAMa8PR98/видео.html
Do you need to do anything to get out of app mode? Do you simply shut down and restart and it expunges it's current mode? Or do you need to do something else? Thanks! Solid Review.
Hi, yesterday i got. my new spg live. But if i hold it complete horizontal i can feel and hear a beeping from one motor. I think the weight is the highest in this angle. Do you think it is normal?
Can you comment about the phone's run time when filming and using the SPG gimbal - does the gimbal cause the phone battery to be used up more quickly than when just filming with the phone and no gimbal - is it the Blue Tooth app that causes battery drain on the phone or also when just using the gimbal and say an external app like FilmicPro (Plus) ? User comments suggest that the DJI Mobile uses up the phone battery very quickly.
The battery drain is based on the bluetooth usage. The DJI Osmo Mobile drains it a little more than the SPG because there is more data being used. That is of course assuming you are using the bluetooth link. Both SPG and Osmo don't need to use bluetooth to just be on and work. You can still use the joystick etc its just the more advanced features like face tracking or motion timelapse (osmo) that relies on it. The drain via bluetooth tho is tiny compared to say running the screen at full brightness when filming.
Thanks for the quick reply - and your excellent video. Now have to decide ! I'll be using an Android phone initially so the SPG may be a better start - and may be they'll upgrade live face tracking to live object tracking at some stage and incorporate the horizon adjustment to help set the levels. I see there are software updates issued after your review but not clear what they do / improve.
I would like to see if you could help me. I am a stroke survivor and I am needing some help. I can power up the gimbal but the joystick is not working. Let me know what I am doing wrong.
Yes... it is quite buggy on switching between modes. I will be doing a video about this soon to (hopefully) help others out from getting into trouble (cause the support documentation is....well.... not great!).
Yep used it with my Hero5 and it worked quite welll. It isn't 'purpose built' for it but it worked absolutley fine with it. The key is balancing it which will be easier on the SPG than on the SPG live due to the extending arm.
Need help! My Feiyu Tech SPG Plus will not sync with the Feiyu On app. When I try to connect the app says No Stabilizer Found. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a lot for this review. Everything works ok, except...my Settings App does not see my SPG Live. I can choose two different gimbals and on top it says last used one, which doesn't work.
You need to be in 'app mode' to use the settings app too. It took me ages to get it right when i was trying because the literature and the videos Feiyu have done are wrong. Unpair the phone from the SPG (tell it to forget the device), turn the SPG off but make sure blutetooth is at least active on your phone (just not paired). Then hold the joystick up while turning the SPG on. Releaste the joystick when the green light flashes. Now try the settings app. The critical thing is to make sure you are not paired via bluetooth because if you are then it won't work.
I have done what you tell about getting into the app mode before (like explained in your excellent movie) and now again. But it keeps saying in the top of the settings app: Recently used. Pressing that doesn't give a result. Btw, the Feiyu ON app DOES work and connects to the SPG Live. I can film with it without any problem.
Hey, I fixed the problem! Don't use the Apple version of the FY Settings App. Get an android phone and d/l the same App. You'll be able to update the firmware that way! Once you're done, just use the FY On on your Apple device once again.
I tried it, but the update doesn't go further than 0%. It keeps checking whether there is a new version. Nevertheless I could now get the Settings App working on my iPhone. But here too the update process didn't go further than 0%. So I just quit updating since the App is working now. Thanks for the help.
Hello ! Thanks 4 the excellent review ! Since you say that you have the osmo mobile, is the price difference between them worth ? Or SPG live will do the same job ? Thanks !
This really depends what you will be using it for. If face tracking and motion timelapse are critical then I would go with Osmo Mobile. There is no denying it is a more polished and better supported product but fundamentally if you just want to be able to harness the power of your phones camera in a nice steady and stable way this does the job really very well. I own both and I must admit I always use the Osmo first.... but then I do a lot of timelapse and the object tracking too is like having a second cameraman. With that said the Osmo is a pain to mount to a tripod and battery costs are way too high. Sorry for not a conclusive answer but as I say, it really depends on what you want from the device.
Hello, Super helpful review! After saw that I bought an SPG Live. But I'm having problems using vertical shoting position. I upgraded the firmware to version 1.50 as directed. But when active the vertical shoting position the smartphone stands, but keeps spinning without stopping. Also, it makes a kind of noise as if something is hindering the movement. It just stops rotating when I use the joystick. Did it happen to you? If you have any idea about this please tell me. I have not even used my SPG yet and I already have this problem ... Congrats on the channel
Eduardo, creio que já tenhas solucionado devido ao tempo desse comentário, mas isso acontece comigo também. O negócio é deixar o gimbal meio inclinado e não reto (onde o celular fica logo acima do gimbal). -EN: The solution for me was not leting the cellphone straight above the gimbal, but tilt the gimbal forward, so the cellphone stays in front of it (as it is shown in the video).
I've found this video so helpful. I recently tried to upgrade the firmware through the feiyu app and now my SPG Live doesn't work. I just get a flashing blue light that I think just means failure to initialize. Feiyu customer service seem pretty intent on ignoring me. Do you have any idea how I could possibly resolve this?...
hey man i had the same thing. Its so frustrating. Ive got blue LED flashing 3 times, gimbal is non responsive. I have Macs at home and thats bad enough trying to figure out how to download. Did you end up figuring it out?
indeed it was a useful video mate for people who have bought this gimbal and not able to understand how to make it work correctly. It will really be more useful if you can use one Android smartphone as well.. as app feiyu on on Android is a bit different.
Thanks Anurag - I aim to get an android device for testing purposes some time soon. Not a fan of only being able to testing something like this on 50% of the markets devices. I'll post some more videos if I feel they can be helpful when i get it.
The SPG has an improved system for mounting the phone (similar to DJI) and it doesn't use counter weights to balance it. Other than that there is no difference as far as I can tell.... except it is a lot more expensive at the moment.
Do you know the changes made to this firmware? I actually tried doing the upgrade using Feiyu Settings but it froze so I had to find a Windows computer to do the upgrade. Bummer. I already ask Feiyu via their FB page but they are so unresponsive.
I had a problem with using the Apple ver of the App. But if you use / borrow an android phone, it updates the firmware with no problems! No PC required! Hope this helps!
I successfully connected the APP mode, however the face tracking does not work at all. I already turn the feature on under setting. My firmware is 1.46 Feiyu-On app is 1.2.1 Using S7 edge Any one here encounter the same issue? Really want use the face tracking feature.
Super helpful review. Was able to update firmware via Android FYT Settings App (Apple didn't work). Also, for anyone who's calibration is off try this trick ruclips.net/video/3JHy1BSyMQQ/видео.html (it's weird to let your gimbal flop around, but it re-calibrated and leveled my FYT SPG Live) [remember to use a bubble level before and after to confirm]! Hope this helps!
Thank you for the simple explanation of making sure your phone volume button is set to shutter control, and a few other simple explanations that really make since to those that are not tech guru's. I really appreciate education of what each mode does. Awesome review.
Great video! I learned a lot about gimbal stabilizers in general, and the FeiyuTech brand, in particular. I'm opting for the SPG for my iPhone 7 Plus. I've subscribed for future reviews. Thanks again.
Great and clear video. My question is, given that there is a manual adjustment to get the phone balanced to start with using a slide, at least on my Feiyu SPG [it looked a little different on your gimbal], can this get out of balance during filming, or does the gimbal lock it in? I had the gimbal balanced and turned on, and found i could still physically move the phone along the slide and get it out of bslance.
This was the most amazing video thank you so much it helped me a lot! Recently there was a software update to the app and now it works way better
just picked one up this afternoon, if it wasnt for your tutorial I'd have no idea how to use the Feiyu On app. Thank you so much!!!
A lot of really good information so thanks for that it seems every new model there is mostly more improvements so hopefully we will end up with a really good stabilise in the future, and you will carry on with your test videos
Thanks Vic. As always a long video but hopefully people can pick the most important elements out for themselves. Looking forward to getting my hands on the SPG and the G5 now to see how they compare.
d3weyTube great thanks for the reply and for all the time you put into the reviews
CAN YOU TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SPG LIVE ANG THE G4 PRO?
Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I finally figured out Feiyu settings with your video. I just want to ask if you are experiencing the same problem - my battery % on the app will display up to 42% only even when the light on the device turns green already (fully charged). I can use it for a long time so I believe it's only the % is wrong on the app. Please confirm when you can. Thanks.
balancing the phone with the weights, is that in the instructions? I'm having a hard time reading the manual.
what camera you've used to do this video ?
Can use lens filters with your smartphone and still have the phone/gimbal remain balanced? I have a Samsung S10, if it makes any difference =)
Thanks for the review. Does the Osmo Mobile rotate 360 degrees like this SPG? Reading the specs, it doesn't appear so but in Pano mode, you're not able to do a very wide pano shot or be able to keep the the Osmo on a tripod and using face recognition do a walk around? I'm quite torn between the 2 and I like the Osmo more but the 360 degrees I feel might be a barrier to do any pano or do some sweeping shot as I walk around a new environment.
The Osmo doesn't have a full rotation of 360 degrees but then the Pano mode on the SPG is limited to 180 degrees anyway (and the stitching software is a little questionable). With my iPhone i get best panoramic shots but simply turning the gimbal on (either of them) and using the inbuilt camera. The gimbal keeps it level and smooth and then i use my hand to rotate it.
There is also no denying that the SPG is easier to tripod mount than the Osmo but with very little outlay you can mount the Osmo quite easily (not using DJI parts of course). You literally just need these: www.amazon.co.uk/FOTOWELT-DZ-GS1-HDR-AS200V-FDR-X100V-HDR-AS100V/dp/B015R06VRS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1483532789&sr=8-5&keywords=gopro+1+4+adapter and one of these www.amazon.co.uk/Goliton%C2%AE-Tripod-Mount-Adapter-Thumb/dp/B00FWMMJ3C/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1483532789&sr=8-9&keywords=gopro+1+4+adapter
Thanks for this excellent review and testing!! So it features no object tracking right? Something I really need for how to videos.
Yep no object specific tracking on this the SPG only face tracking. If you want object tracking the Osmo Mobile about the only one I'd suggest but it still relies heavily on the object and how it stands out from the background. It is very good at it but not perfect.
Thank you very much for the answer!!
How did you fastened the gimbal to your bike? I am searching for a solution for my spg2
Whats ur thought on this SPG live and Smooth 2 from Zhiyun?
It costs from 136.99 to 149 dollars. Current coupons:
couponsgearbest.com/2017/07/24/feiyutech-spg-gimbal-active-coupon-price-gearbest/
Cheers
ruclips.net/video/6BLAMa8PR98/видео.html
my steadicam does not connect to the phone. Writes that the connection is only through the application.
thanks for such a detailed review, when will the one for the DJI Osmo Mobile be ready?
I'm still deciding between the two
Thank you so much for your detailed instructions. Very much appreciated.
Do you need to do anything to get out of app mode? Do you simply shut down and restart and it expunges it's current mode? Or do you need to do something else? Thanks! Solid Review.
is there anything you can buy that lets you strap this on a chest mount
great review! does the package come with those rubber inserts for your smartphone, or do you have to buy it separately?
Does the live or spg model have the zoom feature.? Or is it just the spg c..... which is the most modern spg version cheers great vid
I hope you see this d3wey. My menu screen is different when I am in the app. I don't have the mode selections. Any idea why?
Superb review, extremely helpful. 😊 thanks.
Was this sent to you or did you purchase it? Great review by the way!!!
where i can find the fy settings ! its not on google play
Hi, yesterday i got. my new spg live. But if i hold it complete horizontal i can feel and hear a beeping from one motor. I think the weight is the highest in this angle. Do you think it is normal?
Can you comment about the phone's run time when filming and using the SPG gimbal - does the gimbal cause the phone battery to be used up more quickly than when just filming with the phone and no gimbal - is it the Blue Tooth app that causes battery drain on the phone or also when just using the gimbal and say an external app like FilmicPro (Plus) ? User comments suggest that the DJI Mobile uses up the phone battery very quickly.
The battery drain is based on the bluetooth usage. The DJI Osmo Mobile drains it a little more than the SPG because there is more data being used. That is of course assuming you are using the bluetooth link. Both SPG and Osmo don't need to use bluetooth to just be on and work. You can still use the joystick etc its just the more advanced features like face tracking or motion timelapse (osmo) that relies on it.
The drain via bluetooth tho is tiny compared to say running the screen at full brightness when filming.
Thanks for the quick reply - and your excellent video. Now have to decide ! I'll be using an Android phone initially so the SPG may be a better start - and may be they'll upgrade live face tracking to live object tracking at some stage and incorporate the horizon adjustment to help set the levels. I see there are software updates issued after your review but not clear what they do / improve.
I would like to see if you could help me. I am a stroke survivor and I am needing some help. I can power up the gimbal but the joystick is not working. Let me know what I am doing wrong.
what about motor setting on your gimbal? my SPG shaking everytime
how did you put the gimble stand on the table while you set up on the phone?
I used a Joby gorrila pod attached to the tripod thread on the bottom of the gimbal.
thanks
does those functions like face tracking available for Android like S7 Edge?
Yep the Feiyu-Tech app is actually better on android than iOS too so I hear. Less buggy.
Thanks for a well thought out review
Nice video. Which would you recommend to be better value, SPG LIve or SPG?
Great effort, thanks for your review.
Have you noticed that after making settings changes that once you re-pair it to the phone to use the shutter button that it resets the settings?
Yes... it is quite buggy on switching between modes. I will be doing a video about this soon to (hopefully) help others out from getting into trouble (cause the support documentation is....well.... not great!).
Do you know of any way to level the horizon like the previous models? Mine is off by a few degrees.
Mine too..
Shane H. Mine too
great review, was you able to try it with the GoPro I've been told that I need the SPG not Live ?
Yep used it with my Hero5 and it worked quite welll. It isn't 'purpose built' for it but it worked absolutley fine with it. The key is balancing it which will be easier on the SPG than on the SPG live due to the extending arm.
Need help! My Feiyu Tech SPG Plus will not sync with the Feiyu On app. When I try to connect the app says No Stabilizer Found. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Never mind, I figured it out, a case of the dumb a@#!
Thanks a lot for this review. Everything works ok, except...my Settings App does not see my SPG Live. I can choose two different gimbals and on top it says last used one, which doesn't work.
You need to be in 'app mode' to use the settings app too. It took me ages to get it right when i was trying because the literature and the videos Feiyu have done are wrong.
Unpair the phone from the SPG (tell it to forget the device), turn the SPG off but make sure blutetooth is at least active on your phone (just not paired). Then hold the joystick up while turning the SPG on. Releaste the joystick when the green light flashes. Now try the settings app.
The critical thing is to make sure you are not paired via bluetooth because if you are then it won't work.
I have done what you tell about getting into the app mode before (like explained in your excellent movie) and now again. But it keeps saying in the top of the settings app: Recently used. Pressing that doesn't give a result. Btw, the Feiyu ON app DOES work and connects to the SPG Live. I can film with it without any problem.
i'm having the same problem, my SPG Live doesn't show up in the FY Settings App, but it connects via Feiyu On. Any advice?
Hey, I fixed the problem! Don't use the Apple version of the FY Settings App. Get an android phone and d/l the same App. You'll be able to update the firmware that way! Once you're done, just use the FY On on your Apple device once again.
I tried it, but the update doesn't go further than 0%. It keeps checking whether there is a new version. Nevertheless I could now get the Settings App working on my iPhone. But here too the update process didn't go further than 0%. So I just quit updating since the App is working now. Thanks for the help.
Hello ! Thanks 4 the excellent review ! Since you say that you have the osmo mobile, is the price difference between them worth ? Or SPG live will do the same job ? Thanks !
This really depends what you will be using it for. If face tracking and motion timelapse are critical then I would go with Osmo Mobile. There is no denying it is a more polished and better supported product but fundamentally if you just want to be able to harness the power of your phones camera in a nice steady and stable way this does the job really very well. I own both and I must admit I always use the Osmo first.... but then I do a lot of timelapse and the object tracking too is like having a second cameraman. With that said the Osmo is a pain to mount to a tripod and battery costs are way too high. Sorry for not a conclusive answer but as I say, it really depends on what you want from the device.
Thank you, well presented video. Found the contents useful.
Hello, Super helpful review! After saw that I bought an SPG Live.
But I'm having problems using vertical shoting position.
I upgraded the firmware to version 1.50 as directed.
But when active the vertical shoting position the smartphone stands, but keeps spinning without stopping.
Also, it makes a kind of noise as if something is hindering the movement.
It just stops rotating when I use the joystick.
Did it happen to you?
If you have any idea about this please tell me.
I have not even used my SPG yet and I already have this problem ...
Congrats on the channel
Eduardo, creio que já tenhas solucionado devido ao tempo desse comentário, mas isso acontece comigo também. O negócio é deixar o gimbal meio inclinado e não reto (onde o celular fica logo acima do gimbal).
-EN: The solution for me was not leting the cellphone straight above the gimbal, but tilt the gimbal forward, so the cellphone stays in front of it (as it is shown in the video).
is it compatible for Iphone 7plus
Do you know if this model can accommodate an iPhone 7 Plus?
Hi Idubs - yep it is 100% compatible with the iPhone 7 plus. Details can be found here: www.freeflyvr.com/compatible/
Osmo mobile has some problem with the OIS on the phone conflicting with the gimbal. Does the feiyu has this problem?
I own an Osmo mobile and 2 iPhones with iOS. Not had an issue with them at all personally. What is the problem with iOS?
d3weyTube i think he meant Optical Image Stabilization.
I've found this video so helpful. I recently tried to upgrade the firmware through the feiyu app and now my SPG Live doesn't work. I just get a flashing blue light that I think just means failure to initialize. Feiyu customer service seem pretty intent on ignoring me. Do you have any idea how I could possibly resolve this?...
Thomas Hill try upgrading it with their downloads at the website??
yea i gave that a whirl but it didn't work. The app is saying the firmware is fully updated. So frustrating...
hey man i had the same thing. Its so frustrating. Ive got blue LED flashing 3 times, gimbal is non responsive.
I have Macs at home and thats bad enough trying to figure out how to download.
Did you end up figuring it out?
indeed it was a useful video mate for people who have bought this gimbal and not able to understand how to make it work correctly. It will really be more useful if you can use one Android smartphone as well.. as app feiyu on on Android is a bit different.
Thanks Anurag - I aim to get an android device for testing purposes some time soon. Not a fan of only being able to testing something like this on 50% of the markets devices. I'll post some more videos if I feel they can be helpful when i get it.
I dont use a case on my s8+ i only have a dbrand skin
Excellent review thanks.. really helps as the Feiyu info itself is pretty useless...
as of 2.4.17, the Feiyu On App for ios can update the gimbal and it works! the Feiyu Settings App on ios stays at 0 and does not work.
On my phone all the problems you had don't show on mine it might be the type of phone used,
Amazing review
There's no room for the usb cable of my phone (galaxy note3)
Diference between this and SPG?
The SPG has an improved system for mounting the phone (similar to DJI) and it doesn't use counter weights to balance it. Other than that there is no difference as far as I can tell.... except it is a lot more expensive at the moment.
how do I update the firmware?
nvm I just found out you need windows
You can do it from the Feiyu Settings app if you don't have Windows.
Do you know the changes made to this firmware? I actually tried doing the upgrade using Feiyu Settings but it froze so I had to find a Windows computer to do the upgrade. Bummer. I already ask Feiyu via their FB page but they are so unresponsive.
I had a problem with using the Apple ver of the App. But if you use / borrow an android phone, it updates the firmware with no problems! No PC required! Hope this helps!
Alan Chu they advertised the app with an iPhone tho...
Thanks much, just bought one from Eglobal. £173.00
I paid 205 euros at Eglobal
I successfully connected the APP mode, however the face tracking does not work at all. I already turn the feature on under setting.
My firmware is 1.46
Feiyu-On app is 1.2.1
Using S7 edge
Any one here encounter the same issue? Really want use the face tracking feature.
Excellent thanks.
Thank you!
Super helpful review. Was able to update firmware via Android FYT Settings App (Apple didn't work). Also, for anyone who's calibration is off try this trick ruclips.net/video/3JHy1BSyMQQ/видео.html (it's weird to let your gimbal flop around, but it re-calibrated and leveled my FYT SPG Live) [remember to use a bubble level before and after to confirm]! Hope this helps!
真是能说啊
fantastic and informative review. thank you.