MOZA AirCross 3 review: The Convertible 4 in 1 Gimbal

The MOZA AirCross 3 is a convertible 3-axis gimbal designed specifically for professional video-makers using mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Supporting a 3.2kg/7.05lb max payload, it can accommodate a wide range of camera bodies. We had a chance to check the AirCross 3 shortly after the official launch. Here’s what you need to know about it!

AirCross 3’s unique design allows quick transformation adapted for multiple shooting positions, such as Classic Mode, Sling Mode, Dual-Handle Mode, and Grip Extension.  The gimbal offers independent locks on each axis and provides up to 20 hours of use per charge in normal operation. The built-in battery can be recharged via a USB Type C port on the gimbal.

In addition to 3-axis stabilization, the AirCross3 will connect to a range of professional cameras and allow varying degrees of control, from start/stop recording all the way up, to remote focus and zoom control with additional accessories.

Key Features

• Durable and lightweight metal body;
• Up to 3.2kg/7.05lb max payload (Wide Body Camera Support);
• 4 in 1 convertible design;
• Horizontal/Vertical camera installation;
• Angled motor arm for clear camera view;
• All-day long shooting with Spark Power Supply System 3.0;
• Axis Locks for Simplified Balancing;
• Tracking Mode, Hand Gesture Control with AI tracking module.

MOZA AirCross 3 gimbal in-depth review

Disclosure: I received this professional gimbal as part of a product review collaboration with Gudzen Moza. Product specs and quality may vary according to the manufacturer’s reliability, so I cannot guarantee that you will get a unit that performs the same as seen in my review.

Shortly after I published my Moza MX2 review, I was contacted by Gudzen regarding the opportunity to review their upcoming professional DSLR/Mirrorless stabilizer. In 6 weeks I received the package. I hoped to receive the Master kit with the new AI tracking module included, but it was only the basic kit with the following accessories: quick release plate, lens support + screw, mini tripod, USB charging cable, and 4x camera control cables.

What is a camera stabilizer, aka gimbal?

If you’re an aspiring videographer or a professional cinematographer, you’ve probably used a gimbal before. When shooting moving subjects that need to be followed, stability and range of motion are critical to nailing the shot.

A three-axis gimbal like the AirCross3 allows a camera mounted on it to be independent of the operator movement. These 3 axes are identified as Pitch (Tilt), Yaw (PAN), and Roll. In a nutshell, a gimbal is a set of 3 motors controlled by a central unit based on the information received from an IMU sensor (3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope).

First look on the AirCross 3

Overall, the AirCross 3’s build is fantastic. The handle feels nice and is comfortable to hold, the layout of the controls makes sense, and its folding design is quite unique. It has a black matte finish, which does get scratched up easily but still looks good.

Sizewise, the AirCross 3’s folded dimensions come in a 52x225x270mm and unfolded measures 170x190x310mm. By comparison, the Moza Air 2S beast measures 480x200x190mm.

The biggest change from the previous models is the foldable handler. By releasing the folding knob, the handler’s position can be changed from vertical to horizontal. When is converted, a ribbon cable becomes visible and exposed to accidents, but luckily it looks replaceable.

https://firstquadcopter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/folding.mp4?_=1

The grip has nice rubber padding and two tripod mounts, one at the bottom and one in the corner. A third tripod mode is revealed on the back of the pan motor when is flipped to the back. The handler also has two cold shoe mounts for additional rigs such as microphones and monitors. Thanks to the dual-layer quick release plate you can switch from horizontal (landscape) to vertical (portrait) without tools or additional accessories. Here I should mention that is a bit harder to balance it in vertical mode.

The controlled endpoint range has 360º for the pan axis, enabling continuous rotation, -90° to -180° for the tilt axis, and -95° to -235° for the roll axis.

Featuring MOZA Spark Power Supply System 3.0 and a built-in 3500mAh battery, AirCross III is suitable for all-day-long timelapse shooting. The gimbal can also be powered from an external battery bank via the USB Type-C port. The battery status is displayed only on the main screen, so it needs to be powered ON to check the actual level.

Besides the USB charging port on the handler, it has 3 more USBs on the camera plate. A mini-USB for Camera control, and two Type-C ports (UART1 and UART2) for additional extensions such as AI tracking module.

Front panel

The AirCross 3’s front panel is minimalist, and all the controls are easily accessible by one hand. Its 2x4cm mono-LCD is bright and provides all the data you need to operate/configure the gimbal.

Power Button (left side)

• Long-Press: Power ON or OFF
• One-Click: Switch the follow speed, 5 levels from slow to fast
• Double-click: Enter or exit sleep mode

Joystick (front panel)

• Control the rotation of the gimbal
• Menu:
  • Top Button: Option-up
  • Down Button: Option-down
  • Left Button: Return
  • Right Button: Confirm

Camera Control Button (front panel)

• Press halfway: Autofocus
• One-click: Start recording
• Press and hold for 3 seconds: take a photo

Function Button (front panel)

• One-Click: Follow mode(Pan-Tilt Follow, All Lock)
• Double-Click: Sports Gear Mode
• Triple-Click: Inception Mode
• Long Press: Enter/Exit Menu

Trigger Button (on the back)

• One-Click: Start/Stop AI Follow Mode
• DoubleClick: Re-center
• Triple-Click: Selfie Mode
• Press and Hold: All Lock
• One-Click and Hold: Pan-tilt Follow

MOZA AirCross 3: Configuration modes

1. Classic: This configuration is reminiscent of the classic one-handed gimbal design. A tried and tested formula which continues to pack a punch in the filmmaking world;

2. Sling Mode: This configuration allows you to use the gimbal in an underslung capacity, allowing you to get low shots of your subject. To use this configuration, you will need to unfold the handle until it’s in the locked position. At the bottom of the handle, you’ll see an angled thread mount. Attach one tripod foot/handle here and the other just underneath the pan motor (Where the handle joined previously). You will then be able to orientate the gimbal in sling mode and get filming;

3. Dual-Handle Mode: This configuration is for filmmakers who prefer to use a single vertical handle with one hand and a horizontal handle with the other, allowing greater control for those cinematic moments. To use this configuration simply, unfold the handle to 90 degrees until it locks and screw the tripod in below the motor (Where the handle was joined previously);

4. Grip Extension: This configuration is the perfect companion for any Slypod series owners out there. Essentially, the handle of the tripod can be moved out of the way so that access can be made to the tripod thread underneath the pan motor. This allows seamless integration with your Slypod.

Moza Master APP

The Moza Master APP is available for mobile devices and personal computers (Windows and Mac OS) and it is compatible with most of Gudsen’s professional products (Air, AirCross, Slypod series, and Mini-P).

From the main interface, you have access to Remote control, Gimbal settings, Creative video modes, Camera settings (where applicable), Instant Re-Center, and Enter/Exit Sleep mode. If your camera is fully compatible with the AirCross 3 gimbal, you can start/stop recording and take photos remotely right from the Moza Master APP.

https://firstquadcopter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/moza_aircross3_mimic_control.mp4?_=2

APP also allows manual speed adjustment of the axis motion. This ensures very slow and smooth motion shots.

Price, availability, and options

The AirCross 3 is offered in 3 package options: Standard, Professional, and Master. For now, they have only the base kit available for orders and the starting price is $469. For an extra $260, the ‘Master’ pack includes iFocus M, AI Tracking Module, and iFocus Wireless Follow Focus Handunit modules.

Technical specifications

Other MOZA AirCross 3 video reviews