The Z15-5D III (HD) gimbal has been calibrated specically for the designated camera and lens before it
leaves the factory. Please mount only the designated camera and lens to the Z15-5D III (HD). No adjustments
or modications are needed. Do not add any other component/device (such as lters, lens hood, etc.) to
the camera. Please use the original camera battery, otherwise performance may be hindered and internal
malfunctions or damage may occur.
Only use the Z15-5D III (HD) gimbal with Flight Control Systems developed by DJI (such as the A2 or
WooKong-M, and please upgrade to the latest firmware) for the greatest stability and precision. Please
download the corresponding Assistant software and upgrade your Flight Control System’s Main Controller
firmware, otherwise the Z15-5D III (HD) may not function properly. When the main battery power is
connected, please be careful and operate the Flight Control System in the safest way possible. It is strongly
recommended that you remove all propellers, use the R/C or ight pack battery power system, and keep
children away during gimbal calibration and parameter setup. Carefully follow the appropriate steps to mount
and connect the gimbal to your aircraft. Use this manual as well as the related Assistant software. Please
respect the AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
As DJI has no control over the use, setup, final assembly, modification (including use of non-specified
DJI parts i.e. motors, ESCs, propellers, etc.) or misuse, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any
resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability. DJI
assumes no liability for damage(s) or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this product.
DJI and Zenmuse are registered trademarks of DJI. Names of products, brands, etc., appearing in this
manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and
manual are copyrighted by DJI with all rights reserved. No part of this product or manual shall be reproduced
in any form without the prior written consent or authorization of DJI.
Manual Tips
Legend
ImportantTips
Designated Camera and Lens Type for the Z15-5D III (HD) Gimbal
Camera Type:Canon 5D Mark III
Lens Type:Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
Firmware versions of supporting DJI Flight Control Systems
The Z15-5D III (HD) is a sophisticated gimbal specifically designed for aerial creativity. It has a built-in
independent IMU module, special servo drive module, HDMI-HD/AV module, and more. The Z15-5D III (HD)
performs well in all modes, including Orientation-locked, Non orientation-locked, and FPV (Reset).
Working Modes
Orientation-locked Non orientation-locked FPV (Reset)
Gimbal Direction
Gimbal and Aircraft
Nose Relative
Angle
TX ControlControllableControllableUncontrollable
Attitude Stability*YESYESYES
Vibration ReductionYESYESYES
Stick Movement
Denition
Command LinearityYESYES——
Note*: Attitude stability means that the gimbal’s ROLL/TILT will not follow the aircraft’s ROLL/PITCH
movement.
Gimbal pans with aircraft
nose.
The gimbal direction
maintains the same relative
angle to the aircraft nose.
The command stick controls
gimbal rotation velocity.
The stick center position
is 0°/s, and its endpoint is
maximum velocity.
Gimbal pan and aircraft
nose move separately.
The relative angle
between the gimbal
direction and aircraft
nose is controllable.
Stick commands for
gimbal rotation velocity
are relative to total stick
movement. The stick’s
center position velocity
is 0°/s. Its endpoint is the
maximum velocity.
Gimbal pan and
aircraft nose are
synchronized.
The relative angle
between the gimbal
direction and aircraft
nose is 0°.
The Z15-5D III (HD) gimbal includes built-in servo
drive modules, an independent IMU module and a
In the Box
HDMI-HD/AV module.
Gimbal Control Unit (GCU) ×1
Connect the GCU to your flight control system
using the CAN-Bus cable. The GCU will control the
gimbal’s pan, roll and tilt movements. Connect the
GCU to video downlink for video signal.
Lens Retaining Ring ×1
For mounting the camera lens.
Mounting Bracket ×4
For mounting the gimbal to the landing gear.
Mounting Board for Receiver ×1
For attaching the GCU and providing a convenient
mount for the receiver or other devices.
Cable Clamp ×1
For cable management.
Camera Mount Screw ×2
A standard tripod mounting screw.
ROLL
5D
GCUGCU
TILT
PAN
MODE
SHUT
AUX1
AUX2
AUX3
Lens Retaining Ring Screw ×1
For attaching the lens retaining ring to the gimbal.
To avoid motor damage, ensure there is nothing blocking the rotation of the servo drive modules.
Clear obstacles or immediately cut off the power if any blockage occurs.
The servo drive modules have two motor command input ports and one private encoder port.
The HDMI-HD/AV module converts HDMI to HD (or AV) using a cable connected to the camera HDMI
Follow the steps below to congure your camera to work with the Z15-5D III (HD). Please read the relevant
section for your camera.
Canon 5D Mark III
Camera Setup / Mount
Movie ShootingMode Dial
1. Set the shooting mode to Shutter-priority AE (Tv) or Manual exposure (M) by turning the Mode Dial.
2. Turn the Live View shooting/Movie shooting switch (
3. Press the AF.DRIVE button and select the drive mode as
(2-sec. self-timer/Remote control).
4. Turn the Image Stabilizer switch, located on the lens, to OFF.
5. It is recommended that you set the shutter speed from 1/100sec to 1/30sec. If the shooting mode is set to
Manual exposure, please adjust the aperture properly and set the ISO speed to A (Auto).
The settings underlined above are strongly recommended. Failure to follow these settings may
result in poor image quality.
The use of an SD card is preferred, as a CF card may affect the performance of the gimbal and
lead to poor image quality.