Zhiyun Smooth 5S Professional Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone

The Zhiyun-Tech SMOOTH 5S Pro Smartphone Vlogging Stabilizer has undergone enhancements, introducing a powerful integrated fill light, upgraded motors, an advanced algorithm, and an expanded clamp.

With 360° rotation and compatibility for larger smartphones weighing 5.3 to 10.6 oz and measuring 0.4″ thick and 2 to 3.5″ wide, it can even accommodate certain external lens/smartphone combinations.

The gimbal’s increased space between its three axes allows for the creation of more dramatic and cinematic angles.

Tailored for solo content creation, this gimbal stabilizer provides intuitive panel control, swift mode switching, extended runtime of up to 25 hours, and rapid PD charging in just two hours.

It supports three mobile apps catering to users of varying expertise levels, facilitating live streaming, focus control, and the creation of time-lapse, cloning, dolly/zoom, and slow-motion effects.

Initial Setup

Typical for more advanced camera gimbals, the Smooth 5 features individual locks for each axis—tilt, roll, and pan. These locks ensure that the gimbal arms remain secure when not in use.

The initial step is to unlock each of the three axes by rotating their respective locks before mounting your phone to the clamp.

Unlike some other phone gimbals, a crucial decision needs to be made at this point—whether to shoot in portrait or landscape mode.

Unlike automatic switching post-mount, you must manually unclamp the phone, rotate the clamp, and remount your phone to change the video orientation.

For first-time use of the Smooth 5, you’ll also need to balance the gimbal, involving unlocking the latch on the roll axis arm and moving it horizontally to a position where the phone naturally stays level with the ground.

The balancing process doesn’t have to be repeated for each use unless you switch to a different phone or add accessories (e.g., lens) to your phone.

Fortunately, the balancing arm is marked to help remember its position when using different phones or setups.

Overall, the setup is smooth and relatively straightforward. Users familiar with mirrorless camera gimbals will find it comfortable.

However, for a smartphone, which we generally use for its convenience, the process may seem a bit intricate.

Performance

Introduced in 2018, the Smooth 4 can be considered quite dated in the realm of phone gimbals. Consequently, the Smooth 5 emerges as a significantly more capable and advanced gimbal.

To keep up with the trend of larger ‘XL’ phones, especially when adorned with accessories, the payload capacity has been substantially increased.

While the Smooth 4 effectively stabilized video, the improved motors and upgraded algorithm of the Smooth 5 are notably more adept at mitigating undesired camera shake.

An evident advantage of the Smooth 5 lies in its ability to perform 360-degree panning and create visually striking vortex shots, setting it apart from its DJI counterpart, which faces limitations in each of the three axes due to its foldable design.

Despite its larger size, the Smooth 5 may not be significantly more ergonomic than the Osmo Mobile 6.

Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the most user-friendly phone gimbals available. Additionally, with the included tripod attached and legs closed, users can hold it with two hands for enhanced stability.

Top Features of Zhiyun Smooth 5S Gimbal

Smartphone Compatibility
The SMOOTH 5S gimbal is compatible with smartphones ranging from 2 to 3.5″ wide, up to 0.4″ thick, and weighing between 5.3 to 10.6 oz, allowing for use with specific smartphone and external lens combinations.

Integrated Fill Light
Benefit from the integrated fill light that enhances illumination for your subject.

3-Axis Design / 360° Rotation
The wider space between each axis facilitates extreme angle capture, and the 360° rotation enables comprehensive space coverage while vlogging.

Motor Performance
Magnetic motors, an upgraded algorithm, and a wider clamp support larger phones compared to earlier SMOOTH models.

Intuitive Control Panel
The control panel features a round-cap joystick and visible shooting modes, facilitating smooth fingertip adjustments during single-handed capture.

Smartphone Apps
The beginner-friendly ZY Cami app includes SMART mode, SmartFollow 3.0 mode, Gesture Control, Live Stream Master, and the ZY Cami Editor.

StaCam
The StaCam app offers pro-level functions such as Parameter fine-tuning, exposure setup, lens switching, zoom and focus control, focus peaking, false color, highlight clipping, and LUT use.

Filmic Pro
The professional-grade Filmic Pro app provides features like manual override, lens switching, LED light control, set focus, and Reticle mode.

Robust Runtime
With PD fast charging in just two hours and a maximum runtime of up to 25 hours, the SMOOTH 5S enables extended and uninterrupted capture.

Built-In Fill Light
Illuminate your subjects with the integrated fill light, boasting a 5000K color temperature, a 90+ CPI rating, and 2W power.

Optimal Stabilization
The SMOOTH 5S offers optimal stabilization while preserving the original video quality.

Quick-Switch Modes
Switch between multiple classic shooting options like PF (pan/follow), L (lock), F (follow), and POV (point-of-view) for seamless mode adjustments during action.

Dolly/Zoom Effect
Utilize the control wheel, focal length adjustment, and zoom-and-focus switch to effortlessly create dolly/zoom effects.

AI Shooting Templates
The ZY Cami app provides multiple templates for easy content creation, while the StaCam app empowers you to adjust pro parameters directly on the gimbal.

Creative Effects
Smart Follow
Employ the Smart Follow mode with hand gesture control to ensure your subject stays in the spotlight.

MagicClone Pano
Generate an amusing clone effect using the MagicClone Pano function.

Slow Motion and Timelapse
Create dynamic motion effects using the Slow Motion and Timelapse functions.

Final Thoughts

The Zhiyun Smooth 5 presents itself as a compelling alternative to the dominant DJI OM5 and Osmo Mobile 6.

Boasting a sturdier build, support for heavier payloads, and an enhanced range of motion across all axes, it stands out as a physically capable gimbal.

However, this enhanced capability comes with trade-offs. The gimbal’s bulkier size and increased weight, especially in comparison to its predecessor, which was already on the heavier side, might be a concern.

Additionally, users need to exercise patience, dealing with tasks such as locking and unlocking axis locks and navigating through the balancing process.

While such procedures are routine for filmmakers on a set, they may seem more cumbersome for vloggers or individuals seeking simplicity for their TikTok endeavors.

In contrast, DJI has taken a divergent approach by prioritizing the reduction of friction between taking the gimbal out of the bag and starting to shoot.

The convenience offered by the Osmo Mobile 6 positions it as my top choice for an overall smartphone gimbal. Nevertheless, there are scenarios where the Zhiyun Smooth 5 excels.