Feiyutech AK2000C Gimbal Review
INTRODUCTION​​​​​​​
First of all I have to thanks to Feiyutech for all the support they’ve given me, and for trust me again on this colaboration, I'm very proud to by Feiyutech ambasador. I have the G6 and G6 Max gimbals, and this time they sent me the new AK2000C gimbal. 
Feiyutech has released two new one-handed gimbals that have payloads of 2.2Kg, which puts them in a very desirable category of gimbals that can support DSLRs, mirrorless cameras with decent lenses on them, and possibly even lightweight cinema camera rigs and  It is being touted as a more affordable option for those shooters who are not looking to spend a lot of money on a gimbal.
ABOUT FEIUYTECH
 Feiyu Technology Incorporated Co., Ltd, established in 2007, is a professional company engaged in production, development, and sales of civil drones, handheld gimbals, action cameras. Headquartered in Guilin, with more than 500 employees, Feiyutech also has a professional R&D center, marketing center and manufacturing center in Shenzhen and Zhongshan. Their products are sold to over 130 countries around the world and they’ve built a great brand image among customers. 

Feiyutech takes "Superior quality" as the foundation and "Creative forever" as the goal, it has become the first gimbal brand to enter the Apple Store, and to be presented at Huawei's new product launch. What's more? They also cooperated with Tencent Wesee in 2018 to initiate a new era of short music video ,and all of our products have passed CE, FCC.ROHS.UL and many other certifications.

Feiyutech is a big platform where gathered top talents from the industry and a group of young people with dreams that unwilling to be mediocre. The collision of tradition and trend, the interlacing of precipitation and innovation, encourage Feiyu team to continue to cultivate in this filed and always maintain enthusiasm towards creativity.

Travelers shouldn’t sit on the top of the first mountain they've climbed. On the road of innovation in the future, Feiyutech will continuously strike to bring the best user experience to customers all over the world.
PACKAGING AND UNBOXING
 Feiyutech, as usual, presented us this gimbal in a beautiful and smooth box, inside it,  we can find a protective polystyrene box.
After opening we can find this inside the package:

- Feiyu AK2000C 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- USB Type-A to USB Type-C Control/Charging Cable
- USB Type-C to USB Type-C Control Cable
- USB Type-C to 2.5mm TRS Control Cable
- USB Type-C to Micro-USB Control Cable
- USB Type-C to 2.5mm LANC Panasonic Control Cable
- USB Type-C to Multi Sony Control Cable
- Arca Swiss release plate 
- Anti-Slip Metal Mini Tripod
- Allen Wrench
- Lens Support +Sscrew
DESCRIPTION​​​​​​​
The Feiyu AK2000C 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is a minimalist version of the predecessor AK2000S. They're almost identical except that this follow-up model does away with focus motor ports and unlimited roll rotation, aside from a few other small changes. The AK2000C is a compact and lightweight solution for up to  2.2kg mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It provides motorized stabilization along the pan, tilt, and roll axes, with full 360° rotation on the pan axis. It offers multiple operation modes, each of which uses one or more of the three axes to stabilize your camera and allow you to achieve smooth, fluid, cinematic shots.

Buttons, a joystick, and a touchscreen OLED display allow you to switch modes, move the camera along the three axes, and make adjustments to rotation speed and other settings. The gimbal's capabilities are further expanded with an included iOS/Android app. The app connects to the gimbal's built-in Wi-Fi and allows you to access creative features such as time-lapse capture and Inception mode. In Inception mode, the gimbal rotates the camera continuously along the roll axis so you can walk forward or backward with it while pointing at your subject or scenery. The app also lets you control the gimbal remotely when you have it attached to the included mini tripod or other support. Via a virtual joystick and other controls, it allows you to control gimbal movements, switch modes, and more. The AK2000C also supports an optional dedicated physical remote controller.

Multiple control cables are also included for connecting select cameras to the gimbal to control start/stop recording, shutter release, and electronic focus (with autofocus lenses) directly from the gimbal controls.

For attaching your camera, the AK2000C comes with an L-shaped quick release plate that secures to a fixed mounting plate. The L-shaped plate allows you to mount your camera in standard landscape or portrait mode.

On the bottom of the gimbal handle are both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads for attaching accessories or mounting the gimbal on a monopod or other support. The included mini tripod attaches to the 1/4"-20 thread and can be used as a tripod, stand, or extension grip. Optional extension bars can also be attached as larger extension grips.

The gimbal can be used in operation for up to 7 hours on the built-in battery and is rechargeable in approximately 1.5 hours using an 18W fast charger, sold separately. In standby mode, the battery lasts up to 12 hours. The charging port for the built-in battery is a USB Type-C port on the side of the gimbal, and there's another USB Type-C connector next to the camera plate for connecting a camera control cable. Also near the camera plate are axis locks, which provide an easier way to balance one axis at a time when mounting your camera, and which also lock all the axes in place so the gimbal doesn't wobble around during travel. A lens support is also included for use when you have long lenses attached. For a current list of compatible cameras and lenses, please visit the Feiyu website. Optional accessories for the AK2000C include a rear handle that lets you easily hold the gimbal in low-angle mode, allowing you to capture shots as low as ground-sweeping. This handle can also be used as an additional support in all other modes.

KEY FEATURES
- PROFESSIONAL ANTI-SHAKE PERFORMANCE: It adopts the industrial-leading W7 precision control algorithm, which quickly offsets picture flutter for a guaranteed stable and smooth performance.
- LOAD CAPACITY: holds up to almost 5 lbs (2.2 kg) in camera and lens weight and can be used with most mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.
- 7 HOUR BATTERY LIFE with 1 hour boost charging: battery lasts for 7 hours and supports boost charging, for full charging in an hour. It can be continuously charged during high-intensity work.
- EXCLUSIVE OLED touchscreen, one touch user-friendly for novices: touchscreen makes all functions and modes easy to use. There is no app needed to operate the gimbal and the menu is extremely user-friendly — even for beginners.
- 360° PAN: takes videos of the whole the scene.
- ONE-TOUCH FUNCTIONS: start, auto-rotation, time-lapse, selfies, and vertical shooting. You can even adjust camera white balance, ISO, and exposure compensation with the gimbal.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: aluminum alloy, 3-axis lock, and quick release folding: small, portable, and convenient, with a sleek pearl wood handle and a quick release 3-axis mechanical lock.
- COMPACT SIZE: dimensions when folded of 68.8mm x 208.2mm x 347.8mm.
- AFFORDABLE: at 200€ on oficial store
SPECIFICATIONS

1- SPECS
- Max payload updates to 2.2 kg, say no to hands shaking! Easily work with popular mirrorless cameras.
- Exclusive OLED touch screen, super clear page. You no longer need to rely on manual or APP. No operation difficulty even for novice!
- Just touch one icon and you will directly enter Inception mode/ Long exposure timelapse/ VLOG selfie/ TikTok portrait shoot and got more popular shooting ways.
- Aluminum alloy creates an ultra-light body which weighs only 1078g. Magic foldable quick release plate, three-axis motor lock, all of these detail designs make the gimbal more portable.
- Handle pattern & color customization creates an exclusive gimbal for you! A symbol of attitude.
- USB C quick charging port for gimbal, takes only 1.5 hour to fully charge it.
- Five directions can be adjusted, both big and small cameras can be compatible.
- Detachable versatile arm (optional), switch between single handle and underslung position to use in more different shooting scenes.
- Optional motion-sensing remote control provides remote shooting and more creative possibilities.
- Optional wireless microphone kit for better sound recording, make your VLOG / TikTok video come with sound more easily.
- Upper quick release plate is compatible with ARCA quick release system, which can fast switch between popular quick release system and AK2000S.
- Friendly lock and unlock screen feature to prevent mistakenly touching.
- Supply USB Cable control/Wireless control way to take picture/recording/timelapse.
- Customize trigger button, follow speed/dead zone, motor power, etc. to fit for different usage.
- Auto-adapt motor power and customize motor power to be chose to work with more cameras and lens.
- One 1/4inch thread hole and one 3/8inch thread hole at the base of handle for all types tripod/ monopod in the market.

2 - GIMBAL
- Number of Axes: 3-Axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw)
- Rotation Range: Yaw (Pan): 360° (Unlimited)
                             Pitch (Tilt): 230° (with limitation)
                             Roll: 306° (with limitation)
- Controllable Range: Tilt:+175°to -55°
                                      Roll:+153°to -153°
Follow SpeedPan: 3 to 150°/s
Tilt: 2 to 75°/s
Load Capacity4.85 lb / 2.2 kg

3 - COMPATIBILITY
- Camera Mounting Screw1 x 1/4"-20 Male
- The size of compatible cameras for reference :
- Camera height (include the height of viewfinder)≤120mm
- The distance from screw hole to the right edge of camera ≤95mm
- Maximum length at lens direction: about 170mm

4 - CONNECTIVITY
- Ports2 x USB Type-C
- Wireless ProtocolBluetooth (Unspecified Type), Wi-Fi (Unspecified Type)

5 - BATTERY
- Battery Type2 x Built-In cannot be removed
- Capacity (mAh)2200 mAh, 7.4V
- Battery Runtime7 to 12 Hours
- Charge it via USB-C port on gimbal
- Charging Time≥1.5h Support all the normal charger and quick charger which charging power≤18W

6 - GENERAL
- Materials: ABS, Aluminum
- Mounting: 1 x 1/4"-20 Female
                     1 x 3/8"-16 Female
Dimensions: 147.4*203.6*372.8mm(Normal state)
                      68.8*208.2*347.8mm(Storage)
Weight: 1.1 kg
- Payload: 2.2Kg (well balanced)
- Water-Proof Grade: Not Water-proofd)​​​​​​​

PACKAGING INFO
- Package Weight: 1.6 Kg
- Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 39.1 x 23.8 x 8.3 Cm
CAMERAS SUPPORTED

Popular DSLR& mirrorless camera supported (Check Camera Compatibility Lists for more details, will be updated continuously ):

1 - SONY:A9 series、A7 series and other DSLR camera series;A6300/A6400 and other Mirrorless camera series
     Lenses: SONY FE28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS、SONY E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS and etc.


2- CANON:EOS R、5D Mark IV、M50、6D、600D、80D and other cameras with similar size and weight
     Lenses: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM、Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and etc.


3 - Panasonic :GH4、GH5/GH5S、GX9、GF9
      Lenses: OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f/2.0、LUMIX DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH、LUMIX G 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 and etc.


4 - Nikon:Z7/ D7500
      Lenses: NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and etc.


5- FUJIFILM: XT4/XT3/XT2、XH-1 and etc.

Compatible camera sizes: Up to 4.7" camera height; 3.7" distance from the camera's 1/4"-20 thread to the right edge of the camera; 6.7" maximum length at lens direction
ERGONOMICS & HANDLING

The FeiyuTech AK2000C is considered small and light for its category. When in “storage” mode, the AK2000C is about as tall and wide as a sheet of A4 paper and weighs 1078g. The lightness comes from the fact that much of it is made from aviation grade aluminum alloy, though that does not hinder the type of camera it can accommodate. It is able to handle a weight of 2.2kg which should allow for a variety of different camera and lens setups.
Much of the body is anodized black which gives it a stealthy look, though the handles on the version we have here has a rosewood patterned handle, but you can pick it up with a carbon fiber pattern or navy camouflage. The wooden handle on this does break up the sea of black and adds a bit of style to an otherwise mute color scheme.
Littered throughout the body are reminders that this is a FeiyuTech product as there are logos and model numbers displayed all around it.
When you want to store the AK2000C or want to only lock certain parts of the arms, there are motor locks that can hold the arms in place. This allows for flexibility if you don’t need all the arms to move and also makes storage much more secure.
A major features of the AK2000C is the touchscreen interface. It’s a 3-inch LED touchscreen that provides all the necessary operational features without the need for a phone app. Everything you need is built-in which makes operating the AK20-00C so much easier.
INSTALLATION OF CAMERA AND BALANCE
Unlock the motor:AK2000S has 3 motor locks, Please unfold the gimbal and lock the motor to mount the camera. After installation, unlock each motor to balance the gimbal, then turn on the gimbal.
Tighten the camera:Insert upper quick plate vertically on bottom mounting plate, and fix the mounting plate with safety lock.
【optional Multifunctional bracket】Fix hot shoe at upper side of the camera with fixing frame of tilt axis to get two-way fixation and install more accessories.
Tips: ① When lens facing front, tilt motor should be at the right side because of tilt limitation.
            ② When the lens is longer than the mounting plate,  please install lens supporting frame.

Balance:Step by step to adjust vertical and horizontal direction of tilt axis, roll axis and pan axis. The standard of balance: camera can stay there without holding by hand ,no matter where you point it to (tilt axis should be perfectly balanced).
GIMBAL MODES

- Pan Mode: The roll and tilt directions are fixed, and the camera moves according to the left/right movements of the user's hand.
- Follow Mode: The roll direction is fixed, and the camera moves according to the left/right or up/down movements of the user's hand.
- All Follow Mode: The camera moves according to the user's hand.
- Lock Mode: The orientation of the camera is fixed.-
 - Auto-Rotation Mode: Auto-rotation mode helps the user set up and automatically capture time-lapse photography; you can set the rotation route and duration.
- Inception Mode: Rotates the camera along the roll axis; rotation speed and direction are assignable via the touchscreen.
- Selfie Mode: The camera turns to face you for selfie shots.
- Portrait Mode
- Vertical shooting
TOUCH SCREEN
MAIN INTERFACE: Show working state, change working mode and operation Main display shows different camera modes (After connecting WIFI), Bluetooth, Zoom & Follow Focus & the axis controlled by Multifunction Knob, Battery, and Working Modes. Icon in grey means the option is not available.
1L - In the main menu four modes icons appear, Lock Mode, Pan Mode, Pan&Tilt Mode, and All Follow Mode.
If you slide your finger to the left, another menu will appear, in this menu you will see 4 more options, Incepcion Mode, Motiontime Lapse Mode, Selfie Mode, and Portrait Mode.
1.2L - Inside the Inception Mode we can find 5 options, one you can choose the speed of rotation, and another 4 icons, one where we choose a complete left turn, another complete right turn, another unlimited left turn, and another unlimited right turn, in these last two modes the gimbal only stops rotating with our order.
2.1L - Inside the Motion Timelapse Mode we have 3 options, the first is Time settings, where you can choose the time of the  Pan, the Tilt, the Invl, and the Dwell, at the top you can see the number of photos with the time configurations.
1.2L - The second Icon is the Route Settings, inside this option you can choose two points, the start and the end of Timelapse.
1.3L - The Last Option chose the Last Settings made.

1.4L - Is the Selfie Mode, where the gimbal turn the camera to you.

1.5L- Is the Portrait Mode, when the gimbal is this option is only available when the gimbal is parallel to the ground, and positions the camera in portrait mode.
2L -  If you slide your finger on the menu again to the left, then another menu with 4 more options, this menu is the gimbal setup menu, we learn the Payload Settings, the Shooting Mode, the Joystick Settings, and the Settings.
2.1L - This is the Payload Settings, where you can make the Auto Adaption of the payload.
2.2L - This is the Shooting Mode, inside this option you can ajust the speed of gimbal. You can finde 3 modes, the Default Mode, the Smooth Mode, the Action Mode, and  one option where you can customise the speed (the follow speed and the dead zone).
2.3L - This is the Joystick Settings, in this option you can choose if you want to use the reverse mode in Tilting and Panning, and also customise the Speed of the Joystick, in tilt and in panning.
2.4L - This is the Settings Mode, here you can make the gimbal calibration, and choose the language of the menus.
1.1 R- If you slide the finger in the menu to the Right in the Main Menu, you can change this settings when the camera is conected, via Bluethooth or via cable. In this menu you can find two columns, can find in the left column you have the option to choose the value for exposure compensation, and in the right column you have the option to choose the value of Iso.
1.2R - If you slide again the finder in menu to Right you will find other menu, The White Balance Menu. you can change this settings when the camera is conected, via Bluethooth or via cable.
BUTTON OPERATIONS

- MODE BUTTON (FRONT SIDE):
Single tap:Switch between Pan Mode /Lock Mode.
Double tap:follow mode
Triple tap:all follow mode

-  JOYSTICK (FRONT SIDE):
1. Control gimbal and turn left/right/up/down
2. Adjust parameters when setting through touch screen ★ Shutter Button (front side)——similar as camera shutter button:
When shutter release cable or WIFI of camera is connected with gimbal and camera, users can control camera through gimbal (See Camera Compatibility List for more):
1. Press Halfway: Focus
2. Single Press : Photo shooting or start/stop video recording(take photo in photo mode,start/stop video recording in video mode)
3. Long press: Auto-burst shot(Press again to quit)

- FUNCTION BUTTON (FRONT SIDE):
Single tap:Switch between Video/photo mode;
- POWER BUTTON (RIGHT SIDE):
Long Press:power on & off
Single tap(on the main interface): lock/unlock Touch screen;
Single tap(other interfaces):return to the main interface
Double tap: Standby mode
- TRIGGER BUTTON (BACK SIDE):
Double Tap: Reset gimbal, 3 axis return to default position(Pan Mode)
Long Press: Enter Follow Mode, back to previous mode after loose it.
(You can set up this operation to Lock mode, follow mode, action mode with APP)
Triple tap: Selfie mode(Turn 180° at pan axis ).
HOW TO CONTROL THE CAMERA
USB cable Control:While connecting gimbal and cameras with cable (standard accessories for SONY, CANON, NIKON, Panasonic) ,users can control picture-taking/ recording/Auto-burst shot with shutter button (see Camera Compatibility List for more)
WIFI control:Gimbal can connect with camera via Feiyu On app and WiFi. When connection is done, camera could be controlled to take photo/video.

Tips:
1. WiFi feature should be included so that camera could be connected via WiFi.
2. Users can use Sony Type C to Multi cable to control SONY cameras(but cannot charge it, which is more stable and rapid reaction.

MOTOR POWER AUTO  ADAPTION
Auto-adapt of Motor power is available to the App or Touch Screen. Gimbal auto adjust the motor power according to the camera you install.
Auto Adapt operation: Enter the payload setting through touch screen, and tap Auto Adaption, then put gimbal on the table until the display prompt complete.
Gimbal will vibrate slightly while Auto Adaption to weigh the camera, it’s a normal phenomenon.

AVAILABLE FUNCTIONS FOR CHANGE
1 - Changing working mode via touch screen/buttons, directly show the state of camera connection, Bluetooth, control state , battery at the display without APP.
2- One tap to enter Inception mode, long exposure timelapse, VLOG Selfie and portarit shooting for TikTok, and more special shooting way.
3- Manually set up the rotation speed, picture interval, long exposure time and the movement route in auto-rotation mode for long exposure timelapse.
4- Switch between portrait and landscape mode.
5- Control and set up the camera, taking photo, recording, with USB cable control or WIFI control.
6- Customize the trigger button, motor power, shooting scene (follow speed/dead zone), controlled object, etc.
7- Initialize the gimbal when it is not level.
8- Manually set up the shooting angle on tilt axis by hand.
9- Upgrade the firmware , Set up the parameter, virtual remote control on APP.
EXTENDED PORTS
There are eight extended ports in single handle
On the top of sliding arm of tilt axis : One 1/4 thread hole for installation of extension support or other accessories
In front of quick release plate:1/4 inch thread hole, for installation of Lens holder
At the left and right side of handle:1/4 inch thread hole to extension support other accessories, such as monitor, Mic , versatile arm and so forth.
At the bottom of the handle:1/4inch thread hole and 3/8inch thread hole to mount Tripod or other accessories.
At the right side of handle:USB-C port for quick charging & update firmware(need a separate USB adapter
EXPERIENCE
The FeiyuTech AK2000C is fairly easy to set up as long as you follow the instructions. The first thing you will need to do is balance the camera you are using with the gimbal. You’ll have to do this each time you swap out cameras, but if you use the same camera each time, just remember what the settings are that you used and you should be good. The AK2000C makes it easy to remember settings because there are numbered measurements on each adjustment arm for more precise balancing.
Once balanced, just turn the AK2000C on and the built-in motors will begin balancing everything on its own. Controlling the gimbal is just as simple as everything you need is on the face – a small joystick, buttons, and a touchscreen. There is a trigger on the AK2000C as well, but you’ll need to attach a cable to the gimbal and camera for it to work correctly. My camera doesn’t have the ability for remote trigger so I couldn’t test this out.
When in use, the gimbal seems very solid and firm. The AK2000C itself isn’t really heavy, but the camera you use could add some weight to it so I suggest using both hands to handle it. It helps if you use the tripod attachment to lengthen the handle or attach it to the side as a t-handle. Either way, it makes handling the AK2000C much easier and stable.
PRICE VS PERFORMANCE
The FeiyuTech AK2000C Gimbal is an incredible rig for content creators. It stabilizes your camera movements as well and will be much kinder to you in price. You can find this gimbal in any amazon Feiyutech store, or you can buy in Feiyutech Webshop, this gimbal can be purchased by 240€
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re serious about photography and video, you need to pick yourself up a gimbal. A gimbal will 100% make your videos look so much better than just holding a camera in your hands and a motorized one like the FeiyuTech AK2000C is a great choice. It has a lot of really advanced features and the built-in touchscreen makes operations a breeze. It’s also simple to use once you dial down all the settings and measurements.
There really isn’t anything negative I can say about the FeiyuTech AK2000C and this should work with a wide variety of DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The universal base makes it easy and the array of accessories you can get to expand the functionality of the AK2000C is a big plus. With that said, the FeiyuTech AK2000C is a very good buy for anyone out there looking for a solid, well-designed gimbal to up their game.
WHAT I LIKED
- Supports mirrorless and bigger DSLR cameras 
- Smooth and easy setup
- Inception Mode
- responsive touchscreen
- ARCA Quick Release Plate

WHAT I FEEL COULD BE IMPROVED
- The cables could be a little bit bigger

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