Zhiyun Smooth 4

The Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zhiyun is a brand that produces gimbals for smartphones and cameras. The Smooth 4 is a very well made device that is in direct competition with DJI's Osmo line which also consists of gimbals made for smartphones. Despite smartphones having Optical Image Stabilisation when one is panning or taking a moving shot, there is too much shake. A gimbal like the Zhiyun Smooth 4 helps smoothen shots. It is designed with 3-axis stabilisation that compensates for pan, tilt and roll. This reduces camera shake to a minimal.

Features and more

This gimbal can work with an iPhone or an Android smartphone. The Smooth 4 is slightly larger than the other smartphone gimbals in its category. It is charged using a USB Type-C cable, which is a step in the right direction. There is a thin line that houses LED lights which let you know the battery levels, this is on the side with the buttons so a user can easily keep an eye on it.

The maximum payload comes to 210g, meaning it can handle most smartphones including the larger ones like the Samsung Note 9. The exception is the iPhone XS Max which can unbalance this gimbal and make it difficult to use. Unlike many other smartphone gimbals, this one has quite a lot of control buttons on it. This lets one change many settings without having to touch their smartphone. These analog controls include a dial that lets users adjust the zoom and focus, a very helpful control. There is one catch, most of these buttons only work if you are using the ZY Play app from Zhiyun.

Shooting modes

Pan & Follow keeps the smartphone level with the horizon, meaning the gimbal will follow left and right movements but will counteract any up or down. The second is Following Mode, this will follow movements in pan and tilt but will compensate for roll. Locked Mode will focus and stay on the target, following all directions of movement that you make. A useful mode for recording an artist on stage or when recording from a vehicle.

The PhoneGo mode is made to make the gimbal more responsive, so if you are going to shoot something at high speed this is the mode to pick.

For photography, there are single shots, panorama, time-lapses & motion time-lapses and vertigo effect.

Comments

The battery on the Zhiyun Smooth 4 lasts for roughly 12 hours, this is a way better amount of time compared to most other gimbals in this class. There is also a mini tripod that comes in the box, one can attach this to extend the handle in case you need more control for low angle shots.

This gimbal is considered a better option for someone who is more technical with their shooting. The ability to change the settings easily from the gimbal helps with this.

The price of this device is in the mid-ranges.