Zhiyun Smooth 5 Review

The Zhiyun Smooth 5 is a premium smartphone gimbal that has gained a strong following among mobile filmmakers and vloggers. With its robust motor system, integrated fill light, and intuitive controls, it promises to elevate your video content. But is it the right choice for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to bring you this honest review.

Design and Build Quality

The Zhiyun Smooth 5 features a sturdy, ergonomic handle with a textured grip that feels comfortable during extended shooting sessions. The gimbal is constructed from high-quality plastics and metal components, giving it a durable yet lightweight feel. It weighs approximately 540g, which is heavier than some competitors like the DJI OM 5 (290g), but that extra weight contributes to its stability and motor strength.

The foldable design allows for compact storage, though it is bulkier than many rivals. The control panel includes a joystick, record button, and a side dial that controls the fill light and zoom. The built-in fill light is a standout feature, offering three brightness levels and three color temperatures (warm, natural, cool), making it ideal for low-light vlogging or interviews.

Stabilization Performance

The Smooth 5's claim to fame is its powerful motors, which deliver up to 300% more torque than its predecessor, the Smooth 4. This means it can handle heavier phone setups, including those with clip-on lenses or larger batteries. In our analysis of buyer feedback, users consistently praise its ability to produce buttery-smooth footage even while walking or running.

The gimbal offers multiple stabilization modes: Pan Follow, Pan and Tilt Follow, and Lock. Switching between modes is seamless via the trigger button. The ZY Cami app adds features like Object Tracking, Time-lapse, Hyperlapse, and Panorama, which work reliably in most conditions. Some users noted that the app's tracking can occasionally lose the subject in fast-moving scenes, but overall, it's a solid performance.

Ease of Use and Handling

Setting up the Smooth 5 is straightforward: balance your phone on the clamp, adjust the tilt and roll arms, and you're ready. The process takes about 2-3 minutes the first time, and once balanced, the motors hold the phone steady. The joystick provides precise control over pan and tilt, and the trigger button allows for quick mode switching or recentering.

The ZY Cami app is available for both iOS and Android, offering a user-friendly interface with tutorials and templates. However, some Android users have reported occasional Bluetooth connectivity drops, which can be frustrating. The app also includes a built-in editor for quick social media posts.

The side dial is a nice touch, allowing you to adjust the fill light brightness or zoom without touching the phone screen. This is particularly useful when using the gimbal with a phone mounted and your hands full.

Battery Life and Charging

The Smooth 5 has a built-in 2600mAh battery that provides up to 7 hours of operation, depending on usage and phone weight. In real-world conditions, most users report around 5-6 hours of mixed use, which is sufficient for a full day of shooting. Charging takes about 2 hours via the USB-C port, and pass-through charging is supported, so you can use it while plugged into a power bank.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the majority of feedback is positive, some users have raised concerns. The most common issues include:

• App bugs on Android: Some users experience difficulty connecting or occasional crashes. This seems to be more prevalent on older Android models.
• Weight and bulk: The gimbal is heavier than many alternatives, which can be tiring for long handheld sessions.
• No extension rod: Unlike the DJI OM 5, the Smooth 5 does not have a built-in extension rod, limiting its versatility for group shots or low-angle shots.
• Clamp size: The clamp may not securely hold very small phones (under 67mm width) or phones with thick cases.

Despite these issues, most users agree that the stabilization quality is top-notch and the fill light is a game-changer for indoor or night shooting.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to the DJI OM 5, the Smooth 5 offers stronger motors and a built-in light, but the OM 5 is lighter and has an extension rod. The Insta360 Flow also includes a light and a tripod, but its stabilization is not as robust. If you prioritize portability and a lower price, the OM 5 might be better. If you need maximum stabilization and low-light capability, the Smooth 5 is a strong contender.

Final Verdict

The Zhiyun Smooth 5 is a professional-grade smartphone gimbal that delivers excellent stabilization and innovative features. It is ideal for serious content creators who want to produce high-quality video without a bulky camera setup. The built-in fill light and powerful motors set it apart from competitors. However, its weight and price may deter casual users. If you are willing to invest in your craft, the Smooth 5 is a reliable tool that will not disappoint.