Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Zhiyun Smooth 5S, a smartphone gimbal that's been making waves in the mobile filmmaking world. If you're serious about capturing smooth, professional-looking videos with your phone, then you've probably heard of Zhiyun. They're known for their high-quality gimbals, and the Smooth 5S is their latest offering. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out!

What is Zhiyun Smooth 5S?

At its core, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a 3-axis smartphone gimbal designed to eliminate shaky footage and help you create cinematic masterpieces with your smartphone. Think of it as a stabilizer that counteracts your movements, keeping your phone steady even when you're walking, running, or jumping. But it's much more than just a stabilizer. It comes packed with features that will take your mobile filmmaking to the next level.

The Smooth 5S boasts a robust build quality, enhanced motor performance, and an integrated fill light, making it a versatile tool for content creators, vloggers, and anyone who wants to up their smartphone video game. The improved motor performance is particularly crucial because it allows the gimbal to handle heavier smartphones and even some phone-lens combinations without struggling. The built-in fill light is a game-changer for shooting in low-light conditions, ensuring that your subjects are always well-lit and that your videos look professional, no matter the environment. The controls are ergonomically placed, giving you easy access to functions like zoom, focus, and shooting modes, allowing you to adjust settings on the fly without interrupting your recording. With its long battery life, the Smooth 5S lets you shoot for extended periods without needing to stop and recharge, which is essential for capturing those long events or travel vlogs.

Moreover, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S works seamlessly with the accompanying ZY Cami app, unlocking a plethora of creative options, from intelligent subject tracking to panoramic shots and time-lapses. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, the Smooth 5S is designed to adapt to your needs, offering various levels of assistance to help you achieve the perfect shot. It's not just a tool; it's an investment in your storytelling, enabling you to produce content that stands out with its quality and stability. By providing smooth, stabilized footage, the Smooth 5S ensures that your audience stays focused on your message, free from the distractions of shaky video.

Key Features of the Zhiyun Smooth 5S

So, what makes the Zhiyun Smooth 5S stand out from the crowd? Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• 3-Axis Stabilization: This is the heart of the gimbal, providing smooth and stable footage in all directions.
• Built-in Fill Light: Adjustable brightness and color temperature to illuminate your subjects in any lighting condition.
• Magnetic Fill Light: Add extra light for truly professional looking shots.
• ZY Cami App Integration: Unlock advanced features like smart tracking, gesture control, and various shooting modes.
• Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-reach buttons and a joystick for precise control over your shots.
• Long Battery Life: Shoot for hours on a single charge.
• Multiple Shooting Modes: Panorama, time-lapse, hyper-lapse, slow motion, and more to unleash your creativity.
• Dolly Zoom: Recreate the famous Hitchcock effect with ease.

These features combine to make the Zhiyun Smooth 5S a powerful tool for mobile filmmakers. The 3-axis stabilization is what truly sets it apart, ensuring that your videos are free from the jarring shakes and jitters that can ruin otherwise great footage. The built-in fill light is another standout feature, providing a soft, flattering light that enhances your subject's appearance and makes your videos look more professional. The ZY Cami app is the brains of the operation, offering a wealth of features that allow you to customize your shooting experience and achieve stunning results. With its intuitive controls and long battery life, the Smooth 5S is designed to be user-friendly and reliable, so you can focus on capturing great content without worrying about technical limitations.

Who is the Zhiyun Smooth 5S For?

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is perfect for a wide range of users, including:

• Vloggers: Create smooth, engaging vlogs without the shaky camera movements.
• Content Creators: Elevate your social media content with professional-looking videos.
• Mobile Filmmakers: Capture cinematic footage with your smartphone.
• Journalists: Get stable shots in the field, even in challenging environments.
• Travelers: Document your adventures with smooth, breathtaking videos.

If you fall into any of these categories, then the Zhiyun Smooth 5S could be a valuable addition to your toolkit. For vloggers, the gimbal's stabilization capabilities mean that you can move around freely while recording, without worrying about your footage being shaky or unwatchable. This is especially useful for those who vlog on the go, or who like to incorporate movement into their videos. Content creators will appreciate the Smooth 5S for its ability to help them produce professional-looking videos that stand out on social media. The gimbal's various shooting modes and creative features allow you to experiment with different styles and techniques, keeping your content fresh and engaging. Mobile filmmakers can use the Smooth 5S to capture cinematic footage with their smartphones, taking advantage of the device's portability and ease of use. The gimbal's advanced stabilization technology allows you to achieve shots that would be impossible to get with a handheld camera, such as smooth tracking shots and dynamic camera movements. Journalists can benefit from the Smooth 5S's ability to provide stable shots in the field, even in challenging environments. Whether you're reporting from a crowded protest or a natural disaster zone, the gimbal can help you capture clear, steady footage that accurately conveys the story. Travelers can use the Smooth 5S to document their adventures with smooth, breathtaking videos. The gimbal's compact size and long battery life make it the perfect travel companion, allowing you to capture stunning footage without weighing you down.

Pros and Cons of the Zhiyun Smooth 5S

Like any product, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S has its pros and cons. Let's take a look:

Pros:

• Excellent Stabilization: Provides incredibly smooth footage, even with fast movements.
• Versatile Features: Offers a wide range of shooting modes and creative options.
• Built-in Fill Light: Enhances video quality in low-light conditions.
• User-Friendly Design: Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Long Battery Life: Allows for extended shooting sessions.

Cons:

• Price: It's one of the pricier smartphone gimbals on the market.
• Size: It can be a bit bulky to carry around.
• App Dependence: Some features require the ZY Cami app, which may not be to everyone's liking.

Despite these drawbacks, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S remains a top contender in the smartphone gimbal market. The superior stabilization is its key selling point, justifying the higher price for those who prioritize video quality. The versatility it offers, with its array of shooting modes and the convenience of the built-in fill light, makes it a valuable tool for content creators who need to adapt to various shooting conditions. While its size might be a concern for some, the robust build and ergonomic design compensate for the bulk, providing a comfortable grip and easy handling. The dependence on the ZY Cami app is a double-edged sword; while it unlocks a plethora of features, users who prefer a more streamlined experience might find it cumbersome. However, the app is regularly updated with improvements and new functionalities, enhancing the overall user experience. Overall, the Smooth 5S is a solid investment for anyone serious about mobile filmmaking, offering a blend of professional features and user-friendly design that sets it apart from its competitors. It's a tool that empowers you to capture smooth, cinematic footage with your smartphone, elevating your content and making your videos stand out.

How to Use the Zhiyun Smooth 5S

Using the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is relatively straightforward. Here's a quick guide:

1. Charge the Gimbal: Before your first use, fully charge the gimbal using the included USB-C cable.
2. Mount Your Phone: Securely attach your smartphone to the gimbal's phone clamp. Make sure it's balanced properly.
3. Power On: Press the power button to turn on the gimbal.
4. Connect to the App (Optional): Download the ZY Cami app and connect to the gimbal via Bluetooth for advanced features.
5. Select Your Shooting Mode: Use the mode button to choose from various shooting modes like Pan Follow, Lock, and POV.
6. Start Shooting: Press the record button to start and stop recording.
7. Adjust Settings: Use the joystick and other buttons to control the gimbal's movement, zoom, focus, and other settings.

Balancing your smartphone properly is crucial for optimal performance. An unbalanced gimbal can lead to shaky footage and excessive motor strain. Take the time to adjust the phone clamp until your phone sits perfectly level, without tilting in any direction. Experiment with the different shooting modes to find the ones that best suit your needs. Pan Follow mode is great for smooth tracking shots, while Lock mode keeps the camera pointed in a fixed direction. POV mode allows the camera to follow your movements, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Don't be afraid to play around with the various settings in the ZY Cami app, such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, to fine-tune your video quality. And remember to practice! The more you use the Smooth 5S, the more comfortable you'll become with its controls and features, and the better your videos will be.

Alternatives to the Zhiyun Smooth 5S

If the Zhiyun Smooth 5S isn't quite right for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• DJI OM 5: A popular and well-regarded smartphone gimbal with excellent stabilization and intelligent features.
• Moza Mini-S: A more affordable option that still offers decent stabilization and a compact design.
• FeiyuTech Vimble 2S: Another budget-friendly gimbal with a built-in extension rod for added versatility.

Each of these alternatives has its own strengths and weaknesses. The DJI OM 5 is known for its superior stabilization and intelligent features, such as ActiveTrack 4.0, which automatically tracks your subject as they move. However, it's also one of the more expensive options on the market. The Moza Mini-S is a great choice for those on a budget, offering decent stabilization and a compact design that makes it easy to carry around. However, it doesn't have as many advanced features as the Smooth 5S or the DJI OM 5. The FeiyuTech Vimble 2S is another budget-friendly option that comes with a built-in extension rod, allowing you to capture shots from unique angles. However, its stabilization isn't as robust as the other two options. Ultimately, the best smartphone gimbal for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Consider what features are most important to you, and then research the different options to find the one that best meets your requirements.

Final Verdict: Is the Zhiyun Smooth 5S Worth It?

So, is the Zhiyun Smooth 5S worth the investment? If you're serious about mobile filmmaking and want to capture smooth, professional-looking videos, then the answer is a resounding yes. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, the Smooth 5S offers a winning combination of excellent stabilization, versatile features, and a user-friendly design. Its built-in fill light is a game-changer for shooting in low-light conditions, and the ZY Cami app unlocks a wealth of creative possibilities. Despite its size and app dependence, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a top-tier smartphone gimbal that will elevate your mobile filmmaking to the next level.

For those just starting, the initial price might seem steep, but the improvements it brings to video quality and creative options are undeniable. The Smooth 5S isn't just a tool; it's an investment in your content's future, ensuring that your videos look polished and professional, regardless of the shooting environment. Whether you're vlogging, creating content for social media, or capturing cinematic footage with your smartphone, the Smooth 5S provides the stability and features you need to stand out. It's a device that grows with you, offering advanced functionalities as you become more experienced in mobile filmmaking. In conclusion, if you're looking to take your smartphone videos to the next level, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a worthwhile investment that will undoubtedly enhance your creative capabilities and the overall quality of your content.