Zhiyun Smooth 4: An In-Depth Review of the New 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is the latest addition to Zhiyun's renowned line of handheld gimbal stabilizers, and it promises to provide filmmakers and content creators with the tools they need to capture stunning footage. With advanced features, a sleek design, and user-friendly controls, it aims to set a new standard for smartphone videography. In this review, we’ll explore the Smooth 4's capabilities, performance, and how it stacks up against its competitors.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 impresses with its ergonomic design and solid build quality. Made predominantly from high-quality plastic, it feels sturdy in hand but is lightweight enough to carry around for extended periods without fatigue. The gimbal measures approximately 12 inches in length and features a collapsible design, making it easily portable.

The Smooth 4 is equipped with an intuitive control panel that includes a variety of buttons and dials. This panel allows users to control focus, zoom, and other essential functionalities without needing to reach for the smartphone screen, which is particularly useful during filming. The balance adjustment knob ensures that you can quickly calibrate the gimbal for different smartphones, making it versatile for various devices.

Features

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 comes packed with features that cater to both amateur and professional videographers. Here are some of the standout characteristics that elevate its performance:

• Triple-Axis Stabilization: The gimbal boasts three axes of stabilization, allowing for smooth, fluid movements whether you are walking, running, or making sudden directional changes.
• Object Tracking: With the gimbal’s advanced object tracking feature, users can lock onto subjects, keeping them perfectly centered in the frame, even while moving.
• PhoneGo Mode: This unique mode allows users to switch to high-speed recording, capturing fast-moving scenes with no delay.
• Time-Lapse and Motion-Lapse: The Smooth 4 allows for easy setup of both time-lapse and motion-lapse videos, adding a dynamic touch to your storytelling.
• Focus Pull and Zoom Capability: With the use of a control wheel, users can achieve precision focus pulling and zooming, enhancing the cinematic quality of their videos.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 truly shines. The stabilization is remarkably effective even in challenging scenarios. Users can experience minimal oscillation and jitter, providing professional-grade footage. The gimbal excels in outdoor conditions, where natural movements can be unpredictable. It handles quick movements seamlessly, allowing for dynamic shots that would otherwise be shaky.

One of the key performance metrics is battery life. The Smooth 4 offers an impressive runtime of up to 12 hours on a single charge, which is more than sufficient for most shooting sessions. Additionally, it can double as a power bank, allowing users to charge their smartphones while filming. This feature removes the constant worry of battery drain during important shoots, enabling filmmakers to focus solely on their creative vision.

App Integration

Zhiyun's companion app, ZY Play, further enhances the experience with the Smooth 4. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones and provides an extensive range of features, such as customizable settings, camera modes, and advanced controls. Users can access various shooting modes tailored to different styles, including tutorial mode for beginners, making it easier for newcomers to get accustomed to using a gimbal.

Moreover, the ability to edit and share videos directly from the app streamlines the process for content creators. With built-in filters and editing tools, users can create polished videos in no time, making the Smooth 4 not only a filming tool but a complete mobile production studio.

Who Is It For?

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is designed for a wide audience. Whether you are a passionate vlogger looking to enhance the production quality of your videos, a social media content creator wanting to make your posts stand out, or a professional filmmaker requiring a lightweight, reliable gimbal, the Smooth 4 has something to offer. Its combination of advanced features and user-friendliness makes it accessible for beginners, while its robust capabilities will satisfy advanced users.

Comparisons with Competitors

When evaluating the Zhiyun Smooth 4, it’s essential to look at how it stacks up against competitors in the market. A leading competitor, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3, offers a more compact and foldable design along with some similar features. However, the Smooth 4 outshines in terms of its advanced control options and longer battery life.

Another competitor is the Moza Mini-S, which is known for its affordability and functionality. While the Mini-S is a great budget option, it lacks some of the premium features that the Smooth 4 provides, such as the advanced object tracking and superior stabilization.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Smooth 4

To maximize the performance of your Zhiyun Smooth 4, consider the following tips:

1. Balance Your Device: Always ensure your smartphone is well balanced on the gimbal before powering it on. This will enhance stabilization and prolong battery life.
2. Experiment with Modes: Take the time to explore different shooting modes available in the gimbal and the app. Each setting can drastically change the quality and style of your footage.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time practicing your shots and movement techniques. Smooth movements are essential for getting the best results from the gimbal.
4. Regular Updates: Ensure your ZY Play app and gimbal firmware are updated regularly for optimal performance and access to new features.

In summary, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is more than just a gimbal; it’s a comprehensive tool designed to elevate the art of smartphone videography. By incorporating state-of-the-art features into an accessible design, it sets itself apart as a top choice for those looking to create stunning visual content.