Is it possible to use the gimbal and camera without the rest of the drone? A friend broke his P3S and I want to buy the camera and gimbal to use as a handheld camera. I'd imagine everything just requires connecting wires but how could I control the gimbal?

You are joking?? Why on earth would you want to do that??  Are you going to hold the gimball/camera with one hand while you use your tablet/phone in the other hand to look at the picture and take the shot? Just pick up a cheap secondhand camera...... a proper one!................. on Ebay.  

GeoffN Posted at 2017-6-22 11:29
You are joking?? Why on earth would you want to do that??  Are you going to hold the gimball/camera with one hand while you use your tablet/phone in the other hand to look at the picture and take the shot? Just pick up a cheap secondhand camera...... a proper one!................. on Ebay.

No, I'm not joking. I'm not going to hold it. I'd make a rig for it to hold a battery and anything else needed. I don't want a cheap secondhand camera, I want something that can shoot high quality, smooth footage. If I can buy a gimbal and camera for cheaper than a new GoPro, it's obvious what I'm going to do.

GeoffN Posted at 2017-6-22 11:29
You are joking?? Why on earth would you want to do that??  Are you going to hold the gimball/camera with one hand while you use your tablet/phone in the other hand to look at the picture and take the shot? Just pick up a cheap secondhand camera...... a proper one!................. on Ebay.

Dji sells standalone gimbal cameras just for this purpose.

Consider purchasing an Osmo. You will be much better off for it. Many times, when you try to use parts not in the way intended, you will be taken down a road that is both complicated and non successful.

i came here to read this interesting question but i don't know why people answering wrong, just say yes or no so that readers know if it is possible...

Yes, you could make it work if you happen to be a genius at cobbling up electronics and have the circuit diagrams from DJI. But DJI do not release that material. Even so, the camera is a lower spec than later ones. I would not tackle thejob, it is too difficult and has a low chance of success. The Osmo pocket comes with a better camera and is ready to go, it is a better solution.