Hohem Is Steady Mobile vs Zhiyun Smooth 4: Which Gimbal Best Suits Your Needs?

In the world of mobile videography, gimbals have become an essential tool for creators looking to achieve smooth, stable footage. Two popular options on the market are the Hohem Is Steady Mobile and the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Both gimbals offer unique features and benefits, making it challenging for users to decide which one is the best fit for their needs. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at both gimbals, comparing their features, usability, performance, and value for money.

Understanding Gimbals

Before diving into the specifics of the Hohem Is Steady Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth 4, let’s establish a fundamental understanding of what a gimbal is. A gimbal is essentially a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. In the context of videography, a gimbal stabilizes a camera or smartphone, helping to eliminate shaky footage, even during rigorous movement.

Hohem Is Steady Mobile: Features and Benefits

Design and Build Quality

The Hohem Is Steady Mobile is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Weighing only 0.8 pounds, it's lightweight and compact, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the move. The gimbal's ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, providing a secure grip even during extended shooting sessions.

Performance

Equipped with a high-performance brushless motor, the Hohem Is Steady Mobile offers impressive stabilization capabilities. It features several modes, including Pan Follow, Lock Mode, and Full Follow Mode, which allow users to achieve various types of shots with ease. The battery life is noteworthy as well, with up to 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge, ensuring that you can shoot for long periods without interruption.

Smart Features

What sets the Hohem Is Steady Mobile apart are its smart features. It includes gesture control, allowing users to start and stop recording or take pictures with simple hand gestures. Additionally, it has an integrated app that provides remote control over the gimbal's functions, as well as various shooting modes, including time-lapse and hyper-lapse settings.

Zhiyun Smooth 4: Features and Benefits

Design and Build Quality

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is slightly heavier than the Hohem at approximately 1.4 pounds, but it still maintains a compact design. The gimbal features a professional-grade build, with a combination of plastic and metal materials, providing durability without sacrificing aesthetics. Its control panel is intuitively designed, placing all essential buttons within easy reach for quick adjustments.

Performance

Known for its advanced Stabilization Algorithm, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 ensures your footage remains stable even under a variety of conditions. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, with a quick charge feature allowing for minimal downtime. The Smooth 4 supports a wider range of smartphone sizes, making it a versatile option for users with different devices.

Smart Features

Similar to the Hohem, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 encompasses a range of smart features, including an innovative focus pull and zoom capability. These features allow you to control both zoom and focus during your shots directly from the gimbal, a boon for professional-looking footage. Moreover, its companion app, ZY Play, provides additional shooting modes and customization options.

Comparative Analysis

Stabilization Performance

When it comes to stabilization, both gimbals perform admirably. Users have reported that the Zhiyun Smooth 4 offers slightly better stabilization when moving at greater speeds, making it a go-to option for action shots. Conversely, the Hohem Is Steady Mobile excels in providing a lightweight and portable experience, which may be preferred for casual users or travel videographers.

Ease of Use

Both gimbals are relatively user-friendly, but the additional smart features of the Hohem Is Steady Mobile may provide a slight edge for beginners. With gesture control and a simple mobile app interface, it caters perfectly to users still getting accustomed to gimbal operation. However, for those familiar with videography, the Zhiyun Smooth 4’s dedicated control panel and feature set might offer a more advanced experience.

Value for Money

Pricing is always a critical factor to consider. The Hohem Is Steady Mobile typically comes at a lower price point compared to the Zhiyun Smooth 4. However, considering the performance and advanced features offered by the Zhiyun, many users find their investment justified. It's essential to assess what features matter most to you before making a purchase.

User Experiences and Reviews

Feedback from users often provides invaluable insights. Many users of the Hohem Is Steady Mobile praise its lightweight design and ease of use, making it perfect for casual videographers and social media influencers. However, some have noted that it may struggle a bit with heavier smartphones or during more intense movements.

On the other hand, users of the Zhiyun Smooth 4 commend its build quality and feature set, often highlighting the smooth operation when recording videos. The ability to control focus and zoom directly from the gimbal is a game-changer for professionals. Yet, some users have mentioned that it might take a bit longer to learn to use effectively, especially for those new to videography.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, deciding between the Hohem Is Steady Mobile and the Zhiyun Smooth 4 should be based on personal needs and preferences. Are you a seasoned videographer looking for professional features, or are you a beginner looking for an easy-to-use gimbal? Understanding your requirements will guide your decision. Both gimbals have unique selling points, and either option can vastly improve the quality of your mobile videography. As you move forward, make sure to consider not just the specifications but also your shooting style, device compatibility, and budget.