Introduction

The Merak One (M1) gimbal stabilizer promises professional-looking video footage from a compact and portable device. After weeks of rigorous testing, shooting everything from bustling city streets to serene park landscapes, I’m ready to share my in-depth review.

Key Features

The Merak One (M1) boasts an impressive array of features for its size. The 3-axis stabilization is the standout, delivering incredibly smooth footage even when moving quickly. The built-in face and object tracking works surprisingly well, freeing up your hands for other tasks. Bluetooth control allows for easy start/stop recording and mode switching directly from the gimbal. The foldable design and compact size are true highlights, making it perfect for carrying around all day.

Performance & Usage

The gimbal’s performance exceeded my expectations. The stabilization is remarkably effective, significantly reducing camera shake and providing buttery-smooth footage, even when running or walking quickly. Face tracking is accurate and responsive, although occasionally it struggled in low-light conditions. The Bluetooth controls are intuitive and responsive. The battery life is sufficient for a full day of shooting. I particularly appreciate the gimbal’s versatility – it transitions seamlessly between handheld, selfie stick, and tripod modes. I found the build quality to be solid and durable, withstanding the occasional accidental bump and drop (within reason, of course!).

While the gimbal performs admirably, there were a few minor drawbacks. The learning curve for mastering all the features isn’t steep, but a slightly more intuitive app interface would be beneficial. In bright sunlight, the phone screen could be difficult to see, which could have been mitigated with a brighter display on the gimbal itself. Lastly, although the compatibility is broad, I encountered occasional minor glitches with some less-common phone models.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent 3-axis stabilization, Foldable and compact design, Accurate face tracking, Intuitive Bluetooth controls, Long battery life, Versatile functionality (handheld, selfie stick, tripod), Durable build quality.
• Cons: App interface could be improved, Screen visibility in bright sunlight could be better, Minor compatibility issues with some phone models.

Final Verdict

The Merak One (M1) is a fantastic gimbal stabilizer, especially for its size and price point. The superior stabilization, convenient features, and compact design make it an ideal companion for vloggers, content creators, and anyone who wants to elevate their smartphone videos. While a few minor improvements could be made, they don’t significantly detract from the overall excellent experience. I wholeheartedly recommend the Merak One (M1) to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile gimbal.