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The Smooth-5 Smartphone Stabilizer from Zhiyun-Tech has been updated and designed for a more compact and intuitive experience to provide cine-style functions to content creators using their mobile phones for video capture. When used with the free, downloadable ZY Play app, the control panel enables Android and iOS users to control both gimbal and smartphone camera functions such as focus, zoom, time-lapse, and still photo settings.
The redesigned Smooth-5 controls are easier to use than ever, reducing the need to touch your phone's screen and minimizing unintended jostling while recording. The Smooth-5 is compatible with almost any mobile phone; it features durable magnetic steel motors, an improved battery life, and an extended 3-axis range, and its lightweight, compact design helps its mobility in motion. Its easy-to-control interface allows you to perform a variety of effect shots such as dolly zoom, reverse shot, time-lapse, and slow-motion. A mini tripod is included to use the gimbal on a flat surface for steady shots or for when it is not in use. A USB Type-C charging cable is included to utilize the PD fast charge function for a quick two-hour charge, and it can also be charged while shooting using a separately available power bank.
Zhiyun Smooth-5 Smartphone Gimbal
- Stabilizes Smartphones for Action Shots
- Redesigned Controls & Focus/Zoom Wheel
- Updated Magnetic Steel Motors
- Even More Compact Design
Zhiyun SMOOTH-5 Overview
Zhiyun SMOOTH-5 Specs
| Grip Design | Single Handgrip |
| Load Capacity | 5.3 to 10.6 oz / 150 to 300 g |
| Number of Axes | 3-Axis (Pitch (Tilt), Roll, Yaw (Pan)) |
| Rotation Range | Mechanical Range Yaw (Pan): 360° Pitch (Tilt): 349° (-140 to 209°) Roll: 300° (-90 to 210°) |
| Stabilization Accuracy | ±0.05 to 0.3° (Motion) ±0.01 to 0.04° (Motionless) |
| Camera Control | On Compatible Models (See Full Compatibility List) |
| Inputs/Outputs | 1 x USB-C (Power) Input 1 x USB-C (5 VDC Power) Output |
| Battery Type | 1 x Built-In |
| Battery Capacity | 2600 mAh |
| Battery Runtime | 12 Hours |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
| Voltage | 5.0 VDC |
| Operating Voltage | 6.5 to 8.4 VDC |
| Operating Current | 70 to 3000 mA (Maximum) |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 113°F / -10 to 45°C |
| Display Type | None |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 6.6 x 2" / 311 x 168 x 52 mm (with Handlebar) |
| Weight | 21.7 oz / 615 g (with Handlebar and Battery) |
| Package Weight | 2.195 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 13.7 x 7.4 x 2.8" |
Zhiyun SMOOTH-5 Reviews
Works Well with iPhone 14 Pro
I bought this gimbal over the Osmo Mobile 6 (based on multiple reviews) and it works well - especially for shooting real estate. The key to achieving smooth footage, as with any gimbal in this price range, is to a) make sure you 'ninja' walk and hold the gimbal steady; and b) shoot at 60 fps, then slow it down to 30 fps in post-production (with programs such as Adobe Premier Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Still Evaluating; So far so good
This is my first gimbal for my new iPhone 14 Pro Max. After reading the reviews before buying I agree that the Smooth 5 seems to handle the weight of the 14 Pro Max well. Overall it looks like a well made device with no problems so far. I'm using it with Filmic Pro and it's too bad that the skimpy instructions that come with it only reference Zhiyun's Cami app which I don't plan to use. However there are lots of Youtube videos by Zdenka Darula, Simon Horrocks and others on how to set it up with Filmic Pro. I'm still looking into the best wireless mic set up to use for someone speaking while I follow them with the gimbal set up. The Rode Go II and DJI wireless seem to be kind of amateur even though I haven't used them. It required a lot of head scratching for me to understand that the (F) follow mode is probably best for most situations. Recently I sold all my old Sony cameras (A7S, etc) and now I'm testing this phone set up to see how far I can take it until I get another full featured video camera (probably will be the Leica SL2-S to use with my M lenses).
Very pleased
I gave 5 stars for the following main reasons. Stabilizations works great. The 5 gimbal modes can immediately be switched by a button right on the unit, rather than having to go into an app (eg. DJI Osmo). Mounting/balancing is instant via an adjustable clamp which is set once. Torch (pointing forward) position works great (not so on DJI Osmo 3,4). There are other buttons and wheels which work variably, depending on iOS/Android and app used. Smooth joystick. Excellent manual including clear diagrams how each motor works, for each of the 5 gimbal modes. Very helpful for understanding how the various modes work. There are other nice features that I have read about, but have not tried yet.
Will Not Work With 13 Pro Max
1. Took the gimbal out to a national park with my IPhone 13 Pro Max. Balanced it at home which was fairly easy and took some good test. footage. At the park it was clear over a longer period of time the 13 pro max is too heavy for this gimbal. Even after properly balancing without my case, as I shot video in landscape mode the gimbal repeatedly put itself into the portrait orientation. It would not correct itself back. This happened over a dozen times on simple videos and it was completely frustrating as the only way to fix it was to restart the gimbal. Several shots were ruined in this way. 2. Most of the function buttons found on the gimbal can only be used by 3rd party apps. Filmic Pro has support but costs $14.99 with in app purchases and is still buggy. The native Cami app by Zhiyun is even worse. I couldn't get the gimbal to work inside the app at times. I ended up just using turn Apple cam app but I lost most of the functions of the gimbal. Only power, mode, and the control switch work without 3rd party apps. 3. You cannot use an external microphone with this gimbal. The end of the phone rests next to the gimbal, blocking the lightening charging port. There is no way around this. 4. Battery life is terrible. I only had the gimbal on and off for 1.5 hours this morning before it died. On time maybe only 30 mins. Rest no my time was trying to configure or get the gimbal to work properly. It's obvious the weight of the camera completely drained the battery as the motors were working in overdrive to work the phone. The gimbal does give you nice smooth video cinematic style when functioning. But the gimmicky app, plus the inability to function flawlessly with my 13 Pro Max is the reason im returning this. If you are a professional videographer with the 13 Pro max this will give you headaches. Do not recommend.
My first gimbal
I haven't had the chance to try with a lens on my phone. But so far it holds the weight of my iPhone with a case perfectly.
Great for big phones
Looking for this so much time, I saw one guy on YouTube giving a review and yes, it's what it promises to be.
Worth the hype
This guy here had greatly improved my smartphone filmmaking. Looking forward to more from Zhiyun...and more money to get them of course. Should have been a 5 star but the ZY Cami looks like flop....I used the gimbal with my native phone camera.
Best Gimbal For Big Phones
The Smooth-5 works great with my iPhone 14 Pro Max with a slim case attached. Glad I did my homework on gimbals before buying. This is the best gimball for this particular phone.
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