Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus vs Zhiyun Smooth 4: Ultimate Gimbal Comparison

In the ever-evolving world of mobile filmmaking, having the right tools can significantly enhance your creative output. With a plethora of gimbals available on the market, choosing the right one for your needs can be a daunting task. In this article, we compare two popular options: the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus and the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Both of these gimbals have unique features, which can cater to different filming styles and preferences. Join us as we delve into a detailed analysis of these two remarkable gimbals.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, both gimbals offer sleek appearances and ergonomic functionalities. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus boasts a lightweight design, making it easy to carry during long shooting sessions. Weighing in at just 0.6 kg, it’s portable and user-friendly, ideal for content creators on the go. It features a comfortable grip and a well-placed control panel for smooth operation.

On the other hand, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 has a more robust build with a slightly heavier weight of around 0.77 kg. The design is customizable, offering various functionalities like a focus pull and zoom in built-in controls, which can enhance your filming experience. However, it might not be the best choice for users who prioritize portability over versatility.

Stabilization Technology

Both gimbals utilize advanced stabilization technology, but they are designed differently to achieve this goal. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus features a 3-axis stabilization system that provides impressive smoothness and fluidity in capturing videos. Whether you are walking, running, or navigating uneven surfaces, this gimbal does a great job of reducing shakes and jitters, ensuring your footage remains stable and professional-looking.

In contrast, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 also employs a 3-axis stabilization system, and it excels in offering impressive performance in a variety of conditions. Its advanced algorithms minimize motion blur, even in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The Smooth 4 is particularly noted for its focus on responsiveness, which can be critical for capturing fast action sequences.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a significant consideration for videographers, especially when shooting in remote locations. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus offers a battery life of up to 12 hours, allowing you to shoot for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. This gimbal also features a USB-C charging port, which means it can be charged quickly and efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 provides a solid battery life of around 12 hours as well. However, it features a larger capacity battery that can last longer with additional functionalities enabled. Its battery can also serve as a power bank, allowing you to charge your smartphone while filming. This dual functionality can be a game-changer for extended shoots.

Features and Functionality

When it comes to features, both gimbals come packed with technological advancements catered to videographers. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is known for its user-friendly interface and fast setup time, designed to support various shooting modes like inception mode, time-lapse, and slow-motion effects. Its app compatibility also offers mobility, allowing you to tweak settings easily and access extra features not available through the gimbal controls alone.

In stark contrast, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is enriched with numerous professional features, including the ability to control focus and zoom directly from the gimbal. This is ideal for those looking to craft cinematic shots without requiring an assistant. Additionally, it offers advanced shooting modes such as object tracking and story mode, appealing to users who aim for a more sophisticated shooting experience.

App Integration

The in-depth app integration of both gimbals adds another layer of functionality to your shooting experience. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus connects seamlessly with the iSteady Pro app, which allows for editing tools, creative shooting modes, and an intuitive user interface that enhances the overall experience. The app is available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Conversely, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 leverages the ZY Play app, which is recognized for its extensive range of features, including time-lapse modes, panorama, and motion-lapse settings, allowing filmmakers a substantial edge while crafting creative shots. Its ability to control camera settings improves the gimbal’s functionality, making it a preferred option for seasoned videographers.

Pricing and Value for Money

Price can often be the deciding factor when choosing between gimbals. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus tends to be more budget-friendly, offering excellent features and performance for its price point. This makes it an attractive option for beginners and enthusiasts who may not wish to invest heavily into their gear initially.

In contrast, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is priced slightly higher due to its more extensive features and professional capabilities. However, many users find that the investment pays off once they start to dive deeper into their filmmaking, especially if they require the advanced functionalities offered by the Zhiyun system.

User Experience and Feedback

Initial user experiences with the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus have been largely positive, with many praising its simplicity and efficiency. Users have noted how easy it is to set up and start filming without feeling overwhelmed, making it an ideal choice for those just getting into vlogging or mobile filmmaking. Feedback also highlights its impressive stabilization capabilities for the price.

The feedback for the Zhiyun Smooth 4 generally reflects a more professional demographic. Users appreciate its rugged build and robust features but also mention that it has a steeper learning curve. Those who invest the time to learn the controls and features, however, find it exceptionally rewarding, producing professional-quality results.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus and the Zhiyun Smooth 4 ultimately depends on your filming style, preference in features, and budget considerations. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus excels in portability and user-friendliness, catering to those who prioritize convenience. In contrast, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 offers a plethora of advanced features for professional demands, notwithstanding a more intensive learning period to master its functionalities.

Ultimately, both gimbals are impressive in their own right, and your decision should factor in the specific needs of your projects, your level of expertise, and your willingness to invest in additional learning. Embrace the journey of mobile filmmaking with confidence, armed with the knowledge of these two formidable contenders in the gimbal arena.