In an era where smartphone videography is reaching new heights, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 emerges as a game-changer for both amateur and professional videographers. Known for its advanced features and user-friendly design, this gimbal stabilizer promises to transform your video production experience. In this detailed review, we delve into every aspect of the Zhiyun Smooth 4, evaluating its specifications, features, design, performance, and more.
Specifications:
- Model: Zhiyun Smooth 4
- Axis: 3-axis stabilization
- Weight: 547g
- Payload: Up to 210g
- Battery Life: Approx. 12 hours
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0
- Compatible Devices: Most smartphones
Rating Metrics:
- Stabilization: 9/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Battery Life: 8.5/10
- User Interface: 7/10
- Features: 9/10
- Value for Money: 8.5/10
Features:
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is packed with features designed to enhance your filming experience. It includes a focus pull and zoom capability, multiple shooting modes such as timelapse, motionlapse, and panorama, as well as advanced object tracking technology. Its unique PhoneGo mode instantly increases motor speed for quick action shots.
Design, Build and Handling:
The design of the Smooth 4 is sleek and professional. It boasts an ergonomic handle that ensures a comfortable grip during extended use. The build quality is robust, with a combination of high-quality plastic and metal, making it durable yet lightweight. Its intuitive control panel simplifies operation, allowing filmmakers to adjust settings without needing to touch their phone.
Performance:
In terms of performance, the Smooth 4 excels. The gimbal provides excellent stabilization, smoothing out shakes and jitters effectively. The various shooting modes are responsive and easy to switch between, offering versatility in shooting styles. The object tracking feature, while impressive, can sometimes struggle with fast-moving subjects.
Battery Life and Connectivity:
The battery life is a strong point, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. It can also charge your smartphone while in use, a handy feature for long shooting sessions. Connectivity via Bluetooth is straightforward, and the Zhiyun app is compatible with most smartphones, offering additional control and customization.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Superior stabilization
- Long battery life
- Versatile shooting modes
- User-friendly controls
Cons:
- Bulkier than some competitors
- Object tracking can be improved
- Learning curve for beginners
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Products:
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3
- Moza Mini S
- FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket
Conclusion:
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 stands out as a highly capable gimbal for smartphone videographers looking to elevate their video production quality. With its robust stabilization, extensive battery life, and array of features, it offers excellent value for its price point. While it may present a learning curve for beginners and has room for improvement in object tracking, its pros far outweigh the cons, making it a top choice in the smartphone gimbal market.
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