Zhiyun Smooth 4 Handheld Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer Set for Smartphones - $103.20 AC FS w/ Prime

You can get the Zhiyun Crane M2 for $159 on ebay used, definitely worth it over the Smooth 4 if you're using lenses like moment (dont need counterweight) or have any plans to upgrade to using a mirrorless.

I just got the DJI osmo 3 last week... does anyone know how they compare?

I've heard the osmo is more simple, straight forward, and user friendly while the zhiyun has more functions and is more for expert users.

But I'm wondering how much functionality do you really need for mobile cinematography? Which is why I went with osmo, but with the zhiyun at this price... I'm reconsidering lol

I got this in the summer/fall when it was on sale, not because I knew what it was but because i was about to take an intro film class and had a sneaking suspicion that it would be useful. Totally was! Highly recommend.

I bought the very same model for my trip to Taiwan and the software decided to stop connecting. The bluetooth on the zhiyun also decided to crap out after two uses. Imo, I wouldn't buy it again. This is also for an android phone (S9+) for those who want to know which OS.

Quote from gabehtran : I just got the DJI osmo 3 last week... does anyone know how they compare? I've heard the osmo is more simple, straight forward, and user friendly while the zhiyun has more functions and is more for expert users. But I'm wondering how much functionality do you really need for mobile cinematography? Which is why I went with osmo, but with the zhiyun at this price... I'm reconsidering lol

I have an OSMO 3 and will not even touch Zhiyun. I used to have smooth 3 and it gave me nothing but problems like connectivity so went with Osmo 2. Now that Osmo 3 came out it was a no brainer.

I got the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 from kickstarter. Worth the small premium for all metal and pocket size in my opinion. Very convenient to have it compact so you are willing to bring it with you.

I researched all of the smartphone gimbals this week trying to figure out which one would best suit my needs. I was between the DJI Osmo 3, one of the Zhiyun products, or the Gudsen Moza gimbal for smartphones. I settled on the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 which is their most recent model selling now for $139. It just arrived last night and I spent some time today playing with it. I've never used a gimbal before, only actual steadicams.

I have to say it is amazingly convenient. A very small bit of kit for what it provides. The motors seem very strong - I'm using an iPhone XS max and so far the gimbal has no problems keeping steady. Even with a big case on my iPhone it still fits and balances. The size of the Q2 and the all metal construction is what made me choose it over the DJI. I was tempted by the DJI but it is all plastic and the grey looked cheap.

The Zhiyun smooth Q2 feels like the rest of my pro gear that I'm used to shooting with. Anodized aluminum and a silicone covered grip. Not a toy. The battery is user replaceable also which a lot of other gimbals in the price range lack. I have no doubt that the DJI software is probably more robust though. While the ZY play app is working fine now, it did have a Bluetooth connectivity issue when I updated the firmware for the gimbal. I had to unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth.

The Zhiyun app has subject tracking and it will follow along as I move around in frame - but if I move too quickly it gets lost and never finds my face again. Otherwise, my limited experience with it all day today I have gotten really good stable footage. The app isn't needed at all to use the gimbal and change the shoot modes on it. You can use your native camera app and the gimbal's buttons just function like a normal Bluetooth remote.

I don't have the ultrawide lens on my iPhone but I know that can be an issue on most of the smartphone gimbals on the market. There are good comparisons on YouTube if you research "iPhone 11 ultrawide gimbal."

Hope that helps, I really wanted to stay under $100 for a smartphone gimbal but because these things are constantly evolving I wanted the latest model. And the reviews all led me to spend more money and I don't regret it.

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Quote from Giccin : I bought the very same model for my trip to Taiwan and the software decided to stop connecting. The bluetooth on the zhiyun also decided to crap out after two uses. Imo, I wouldn't buy it again. This is also for an android phone (S9+) for those who want to know which OS.

You can use your phone camera and still use gimbal, zyplay is not great, and I almost never use the app.

Quote from mrrame : You can use your phone camera and still use gimbal, zyplay is not great, and I almost never use the app.

Problem was.. the gimbal wouldn't even connect with my blue tooth. So it wouldn't stabilize. Ended up not even using it on the trip.

Quote from Giccin : Problem was.. the gimbal wouldn't even connect with my blue tooth. So it wouldn't stabilize. Ended up not even using it on the trip.

You don't have to connect to your phone using Bluetooth. If it has stabilizing issues, then the light on gimbal would turn red. I turn my gimbal on, and use phone camera app for recording videos, and the gimbal will keep your phone steady. You won't be able to use any of the buttons on gimbal to take pic or video.

If you still have the gimbal , give a shot again.

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Saw this in Apple yesterday, it seemed a lot more sturdy than the old Smooth Q we own and it was handling the iPhone 11 without issue (The Q struggled with the weight of the 6s Plus).