Zhiyun Smooth 4 Review: Enhancing Mobile Videography with Smooth Stabilization

If you're looking to achieve smooth, professional-looking videos on your mobile phone, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 gimbal stabilizer might be a game-changer. Priced at just over $100, this gimbal offers three-axis stabilization, transforming shaky footage into cinematic shots. Here’s a full breakdown of the Zhiyun Smooth 4, its key features, and how it performs in real-world settings.

Why Choose the Zhiyun Smooth 4?

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is designed specifically for mobile videographers, allowing them to capture fluid, stabilized footage right from their smartphones. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, the Smooth 4 supports multiple functions through the ZY Play app, which enhances the gimbal’s functionality. With dedicated buttons and a handwheel, this gimbal brings professional-level control to mobile devices without the bulk and complexity of traditional camera stabilizers.

Key Features of the Zhiyun Smooth 4

1. Dedicated Functional Buttons: The Smooth 4 features a range of buttons, each serving a unique purpose, making it easy to switch between functions without disrupting your shoot.

   • Power Button: Quickly powers the gimbal on or off.

   • Menu/Return Button: Access and navigate menu settings easily.

   • Parameter Display Button: View and adjust display settings.

   • Zoom/Focus Handwheel: Control zoom or focus with precision.

   • Zoom Focus Switch Button: Quickly switch between zoom and focus.

   • Video and Photo Buttons: Start recording videos or snap photos instantly.

   • Mode Switch Button: Toggle between various gimbal modes.

   • PhoneGo Mode: Capture fast-paced action shots with a quick movement response.

   • Following Mode: Smoothly follow subjects without abrupt shifts.

2. Three-Axis Stabilization: The Smooth 4’s powerful stabilization technology minimizes motion blur and smoothens handheld shots, ideal for capturing dynamic scenes in any environment.

3. ZY Play App Integration: This app, recommended by Zhiyun, allows users to control the gimbal, adjust settings, and add creative filters for a more polished look. Adjusting the resolution, applying filters, and setting up time-lapse or slow-motion effects becomes effortless with the app.

4. According to Zhiyun's website, this stabilizer is for people who want to film using a mobile. So far, I have used the gimbal with both my Vivo V17 Pro and iPhone XS. I am also using the ZY Play application, which was suggested by Zhiyun.

Hands-On Experience: Balancing, Modes, and App Integration

Using the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is straightforward; it takes just a few seconds to turn on. However, balancing the phone and tracking moving objects might require a bit of practice. I tested it with my Vivo V17 Pro and iPhone XS, and both devices worked seamlessly with the gimbal’s modes and the ZY Play app.

The Pan Following Mode is particularly useful for following the phone's movement horizontally, while the Locking Mode keeps all three axes locked, providing stability in a fixed direction. This combination of modes allows for diverse shooting styles that suit a range of creative needs.

The buttons are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to control without taking your eyes off the scene. The app's filters also add extra creativity to video shoots, enabling adjustments to resolution and effects directly on the screen.

Pros and Cons of the Zhiyun Smooth 4

Pros:

• Affordable at just over $100, especially for three-axis stabilization.

• Dedicated buttons offer quick access to key functions.

• Works well with the ZY Play app, enabling detailed control.

• Compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

Cons:

• Balancing the phone can be challenging initially.

• Requires the ZY Play app for full functionality, which may take time to set up.

Is the Zhiyun Smooth 4 Right for You?

If you’re frequently shooting on your mobile and want professional-quality stabilization, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a top choice. It’s especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts or vloggers looking to capture smooth footage during travel, hiking, or other active pursuits.

Your Thoughts: What Stabilizer Do You Use?

Have you tried using a gimbal for mobile videography? What are your favourite stabilizers? Share your experiences and any tips in the comments section below.

Conclusion: The Zhiyun Smooth 4 makes high-quality mobile video production accessible, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be capturing professional-grade footage in no time.

---

P.S.

This post is part of my 30-day diary, an assignment for my Journalism in Public Life subject. All the embedded links and visuals are attributed. Feel free to leave your comment below or send me a private message if you have questions or clarifications. Thanks for dropping by.