Zhiyun’s new CINEPEER product family is focused on providing affordable gimbals and video lights for hobbyist videographers. In many cases, a low price means lower quality, but not in the case of CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E “Lite”, a powerful and performing stabilizer with an attractive design for only $249. For this money, it supports even vertical video (portrait), a must-have for TikTokers.
Zhiyun made some significant changes to its third-generation WEEBILL stabilizer in order to make it more affordable. While the 3S featured a built-in 1000 lux fill light and compatibility with the TransMount image transmission system, the new 3E lacks these fancy additional functions. The other noticeable change is the missing lens support and integrated quick release that allows seamless switching between portrait and landscape modes.
Nowadays, most interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) come with in-body stabilization systems, but these systems can only compensate for camera wobbles in a limited way. Even when combined with optical lens stabilization, they can’t match the smoothness of a 3-axis gimbal. Furthermore, featuring seven stabilization modes, Time-Lapse, and Panorama functions, the Zhiyun CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E will unleash the creativity of any hobbyist videographer.
CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E review
Disclosure: I received this 3-axis camera stabilizer in a product review collaboration with Zhiyun-Tech. 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.
To be cost-effective, the CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E comes in a not-too-fancy eco-friendly recycled cardboard box. Additionally, the parts are protected by a CNC-cut foam case that can be reused for storage and transportation. Besides the gimbal with the quick-release plate, the kit includes a mini-tripod and two USB cables (charging and camera control).
At a glance
When folded, the footprint of the WEEBILL 3E gimbal is similar to that of an A4 paper. It roughly measures 36*12*27cm and weighs close to a kg. It features an elegant black-and-white color scheme similar to the Crane M3, an excellent all-rounder vlogging gimbal. At the bottom of the handler, three tripod mounts make it fully compatible with the MasterMove grip, which allows for more comfortable handling.
Unfortunately, the 3E Lite does not inherit the 3S’s revolutionary portrait switch, which allows seamless transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting modes. On the CinePeer 3E, you need to disassemble and mount the quick-release plate back in the position according to your shooting mode (and, of course, rebalance the system).
The front panel has a small OLED screen, two buttons (Record and Mode), and a tiny 4D joystick. Menu and Power buttons, along with a dial switch, are on the right side. The adjustment wheel on the back, under the smart trigger, further expands intuitive control with axis adjustment or camera settings like ISO, aperture, and more based on your custom programming. Advanced camera control requires USB connectivity and works only with compatible cameras. The Weebill 3E also features Bluetooth connectivity for shutter control (start/stop recording).
Each axe (PAN, Tilt, and Roll) is independently controllable, allowing you to frame the perfect shot. The Smart trigger (pressing three times) allows you to toggle between normal and selfie mode.
In addition to selecting between PF (Pan Fallow), L (Lock), F (Follow), POV (Point of View), and GO modes, the gimbal has a “Manual Reposition” mode in which the camera can be rotated by hand to a certain angle. A Vortex (360°) mode allows the camera to be rotated in a circle on its axis.
All the controls are easily accessible without breaking your fingers trying to twist them in unnatural positions to reach a certain button. The handler has rubber padding on two sides, allowing a good grip. My setup (gimbal + camera body + lens) weighed more than two kg, and handling with one hand was not very convenient after even 15 minutes of use.
Key features
- [Gimbal that Fits Well in Your Hand] As compact as an A4 paper, WEEBILL 3E is your perfect companion on the go. Its compact body and ergonomically designed handle make it a joy to carry and use, making hours-long filming sessions a breeze.
- [Professional-grade Stabilization Algorithms] Equipped with ZHIYUN’s pro Algorithms, the WEEBILL 3E glides through buttery smooth camera moves. Its potent motors can easily handle leading full-frame cameras.
- [Sling Mode 2.5 and Native Portrait Switch] ZHIYUN CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E ushers in Sling Mode 2.5 with an attachable wrist rest and adjustable handle, alleviating over 40% of fatigue while maintaining stability even at extremely low angles. Extend your reach as our customizable handles stretch, contract, and expand shooting possibilities. The quick-switch design facilitates vertical capture without requiring additional attachments.
- [Customizable Buttons and Bluetooth Shutter Control] Set shortcuts to rapidly toggle between common shooting modes or activate specialized motions at the press of a finger. Based on your custom programming, the adjustment wheel further expands intuitive control with axe adjustment or camera settings like ISO, aperture, and more. Control your camera wirelessly with the WEEBILL 3E via Bluetooth. Capture photos and start/stop recordings effortlessly with the touch of a button.
- [Long Runtime] The built-in 2650mAh batteries boast enough capacity to handle even the longest filming on a single charge. Creators can tackle up to 16 hours of operating time per full charge. You can also operate while charging so that your creativity never stops.
Pricing and availability
WEEBILL 3E is available to order today, and like all Zhiyun CINEPEER products, it’s priced competitively compared to what’s out there on the market. You can order it from the manufacturer’s website for $249 in the US and € 279, £ 249, AU$ 389, or ¥ 44,000 (JPY) in the rest of the world. Intended to be affordable, there is only a standard package without deluxe combos this time. All CINEPEER products can also be ordered from the company’s official Amazon store.
Zhiyun CINEPEER 3E: Balancing
Each gimbal must be properly balanced for the specific camera and lens combination you’re using, ensuring the weight is centered over the movement axes and preventing the gimbal motors from becoming overloaded. To simplify the process, a mini tripod is included, and each axis has a lock switch, allowing you to balance them individually.
Instead of describing the balancing process step by step, I think it’s more useful to share Jason Hermann’s video, which is an excellent tutorial for those who have purchased their first gadget. If the 3E is your second or third gimbal, you will probably be able to balance it yourself in less than 5 minutes, the process being similar to most similar stabilizers.
It is important to pay great attention to the balance because it depends on the quality of the stabilization, the operating time, and even the lifetime of the motors. Inconveniently, you need to re-calibrate when you switch from landscape to portrait or vice versa or from a wide-angle to a telephoto lens.
Auto calibration will additionally fine-tune each motor’s torque according to the weight of the carried camera and lens.
Zhiyun CINEPEER 3E: Battery life
Two 2600 LIION batteries power both Weebill gimbals (3E and 3L). While the 3E advertises a runtime of up to 16 hours, the 3L has only 12 hours. Remember that battery life varies according to the payload and balancing.
I had no issue using the gimbal for a couple of hours during my daily tests for the whole week. If you are on low power, you can still use it from an external power bank through the Type-C charging port. The WB 3E supports QC and PD USB chargers, charging it between two and three hours.
More advanced functions with a dedicated mobile APP
As with most other ZHIYUN gimbals, the CinePeer E3 is supported by a smartphone app – in this instance, the ZY Play app.
The ZY Play has five main functions:
- Wireless axis control (Virtual joystick or Motion)
- Remote camera control (Take photo or start/stop recording)
- Time-lapse video
- Panorama and waypoint video
- Firmware upgrade
The app’s user interface is basic; honestly, it has not evolved much in the last few years since I started using it.
Zhiyun CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E camera compatibility
By design, the CINEPEER WEEBILL 3E gimbal is compatible with most Mirrorless cameras in any lens combination (of course, huge telephoto lenses are excluded). It can also handle compact DSLR cameras with a max payload of up to 3kg (6.6 lbs). The table below shows the cameras that Zhiyun has certified to be compatible with this gimbal.
| Sony | A1, A9, A9II, A7M2, A7R2, A7S2, A7M3, A7M4, A7R3, A7R4, A7R5, A7S3, A7C, A6600, A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100, ZV-E10, ZV-E1, ZV-1, ILME-FX3 |
| Nikon | D850, D780, Z fc, Z50, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z30, Z8 |
| Canon | 5DS, 5DS R, 5D MIII, 5D MIV, 6D MII, 6D, 80D, 90D, 800D, 850D, 200D II, R50, R, R5, R6, RP, R7, R8, R10, M50, M6 MII |
| Panasonic | G9, GH5, GH5s, GH6, S5, S1, S1H |
| OLYMPUS | X-T3, X-T4, X-T5, X-H2s |
| FUJIFILM | E2 |
| SIGMA | FP |
The latest camera compatibility list, including Bluetooth camera control capabilities, can be found in the Cinepeer 3E download section. Firmware updates, calibration tools, and user guides are also available on this page.
Excellent gimbal I haven’t used it professionally yet, but based on the tests I’ve done at home, I’m already delighted. It’s more complete than many gimbals in the $200-$300 range. No regrets.
This gimbal is really durable. Good battery life. Easy to use. Supports heavy payloads.