So, you're looking to seriously up your smartphone videography game, huh? You've probably stumbled across the Zhiyun Smooth 5S, and you're wondering if it's the real deal. Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into this gimbal to see if it lives up to the hype. We're going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance and whether it's actually worth your hard-earned cash. Let's get started!

What's the Big Deal with the Zhiyun Smooth 5S?

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S isn't just another smartphone gimbal; it's designed to be a complete mobile filmmaking solution. Forget shaky footage and amateur-looking videos. This gimbal promises professional-level stabilization, versatile shooting modes, and a powerful built-in fill light to illuminate your subjects. It's aimed at content creators, vloggers, and anyone who wants to create smooth, cinematic videos with their smartphone. But, of course, promises are easy to make. Does it really deliver? That's what we're here to find out.

Why is stabilization so important, anyway? Think about it: even the steadiest hands can produce shaky footage when walking, running, or even just panning the camera. That shake is distracting and immediately makes your video look unprofessional. A good gimbal smooths out those movements, creating fluid, professional-looking shots. This is especially important for vloggers who are often on the move, capturing dynamic content. Furthermore, the Smooth 5S offers features that go beyond basic stabilization. We're talking about intelligent tracking, creative shooting modes, and customizable settings that let you fine-tune your footage to perfection. The built-in fill light is another huge advantage, allowing you to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality. This is a game-changer for anyone who films indoors or in low-light environments. But, as with any piece of tech, the Smooth 5S has its pros and cons. Let's explore them in detail.

Design and Build Quality: First Impressions Matter

First impressions? The Zhiyun Smooth 5S makes a statement. It's definitely not a compact, pocket-sized gimbal. It's larger and more robust than previous models, giving it a more professional feel. The build quality is solid, with a combination of metal and durable plastic components. It feels weighty in your hand, which inspires confidence but might be a concern for extended shooting sessions. The layout of the controls is well-thought-out, with most functions easily accessible with one hand. The joystick is responsive and precise, allowing for smooth and controlled movements. The buttons are tactile and provide good feedback, so you know when you've pressed them. However, the size and weight might be a drawback for some users, especially those with smaller hands or who prefer a more portable setup.

A closer look at the design: The Smooth 5S features a three-axis motor system that provides incredibly smooth stabilization. The phone clamp is sturdy and adjustable, accommodating a wide range of smartphone sizes. The built-in fill light is a welcome addition, with adjustable brightness and color temperature. This allows you to fine-tune the light to match your surroundings and create the perfect look for your videos. The battery is integrated into the handle, providing a comfortable grip. The bottom of the handle features a standard tripod mount, allowing you to attach the gimbal to a tripod for stable, stationary shots. Overall, the design of the Smooth 5S is well-considered and functional. It's clear that Zhiyun has put a lot of thought into creating a gimbal that is both effective and easy to use. The choice of materials and the overall construction inspire confidence, suggesting that this is a gimbal that will last. The weight, however, is something to consider, especially if you plan on using it for long periods. But for those who prioritize stability and professional features, the size and weight are likely a worthwhile trade-off. So, the Smooth 5S is built to be sturdy and last but might be a hassle to carry around for longer periods. Let's now talk about the features it provides.

Features and Performance: What Can It Do?

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what the Zhiyun Smooth 5S can actually do. Beyond basic stabilization, this gimbal is packed with features that can seriously elevate your smartphone videography. We're talking about intelligent tracking, various shooting modes, and that handy fill light we mentioned earlier.

Intelligent Tracking: This is a game-changer for solo shooters. The Smooth 5S can automatically track your subject, keeping them in the frame even as they move around. This is perfect for vloggers, dancers, or anyone who wants to be the star of their own videos. The tracking is accurate and responsive, even in challenging lighting conditions. You can also customize the tracking speed and sensitivity to suit your needs.

Shooting Modes: The Smooth 5S offers a wide range of shooting modes to unleash your creativity. These include:

• Pan Following: The camera smoothly follows your horizontal movements, creating cinematic panning shots.
• Lock Mode: The camera stays locked on a specific point, regardless of your movements. This is great for creating stable, stationary shots.
• Full Follow Mode: The camera follows all of your movements, creating dynamic and immersive shots.
• POV Mode: Allows for full 360° barrel rolls.
• Vortex Mode: Creates a spinning effect, perfect for adding drama to your videos.
• Go Mode: Increases the motor speed for capturing fast-paced action.

Fill Light: The built-in fill light is a lifesaver in low-light situations. It provides a soft, even light that illuminates your subject without harsh shadows. The brightness and color temperature are adjustable, so you can fine-tune the light to match your surroundings. This is especially useful for filming indoors or at night.

Performance: In terms of performance, the Smooth 5S is a solid performer. The stabilization is excellent, even when walking or running. The motors are quiet and smooth, so they won't interfere with your audio. The battery life is also impressive, lasting for up to 4 hours on a single charge. The Zhiyun ZY Cami app is user-friendly and provides access to all of the gimbal's features. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues with the app. Overall, the Smooth 5S delivers a smooth and professional shooting experience. The intelligent tracking, shooting modes, and fill light make it a versatile tool for any smartphone videographer. Now, let's take a look at a specific example of use for the Zhiyun Smooth 5S.

Real-World Use: Putting the Smooth 5S to the Test

So, how does the Zhiyun Smooth 5S perform in the real world? To find out, I took it out for a few test shoots in various scenarios. Here's what I found:

Vlogging: The Smooth 5S is a vlogger's dream. The intelligent tracking kept me perfectly in frame as I walked and talked. The stabilization smoothed out my movements, creating a professional-looking video. The fill light came in handy when filming indoors, providing a soft, flattering light.

Action Shots: I also tested the Smooth 5S while running and jumping. The gimbal did a great job of stabilizing the footage, although there was still some slight shake. The Go Mode was useful for capturing fast-paced action, but it did drain the battery more quickly.

Low-Light Shooting: The fill light proved to be invaluable in low-light situations. It allowed me to capture clear, bright footage even in dimly lit environments. The adjustable brightness and color temperature made it easy to fine-tune the light to match the surroundings.

Overall: I was impressed with the Smooth 5S's performance in a variety of scenarios. The stabilization is excellent, the intelligent tracking is accurate, and the fill light is a lifesaver. The gimbal is easy to use and the ZY Cami app provides access to a wealth of features. However, the size and weight might be a concern for some users. It's not the most portable gimbal on the market, so it's not ideal for travel. Also, the price point may be prohibitive for some. But if you're serious about smartphone videography, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is definitely worth considering. Ok, so, should you buy this gimbal or not? Let's analyze the pros and cons.

Pros and Cons: Is the Zhiyun Smooth 5S Right for You?

Alright, let's break down the Zhiyun Smooth 5S with a simple list of pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right gimbal for your needs:

Pros:

• Excellent Stabilization: Provides incredibly smooth footage, even when walking or running.
• Intelligent Tracking: Accurately tracks your subject, keeping them in the frame.
• Versatile Shooting Modes: Offers a wide range of shooting modes to unleash your creativity.
• Built-in Fill Light: Provides soft, even lighting in low-light situations.
• User-Friendly App: The ZY Cami app is easy to use and provides access to all of the gimbal's features.
• Good Battery Life: Lasts for up to 4 hours on a single charge.

Cons:

• Size and Weight: Larger and heavier than previous models, which may be a concern for some users.
• Price: More expensive than other smartphone gimbals on the market.
• App Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues with the ZY Cami app.

The Verdict: The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a powerful and versatile smartphone gimbal that offers a wealth of features for serious videographers. The excellent stabilization, intelligent tracking, and built-in fill light make it a valuable tool for creating professional-looking videos. However, the size, weight, and price may be a deterrent for some users. If you're looking for the best possible smartphone gimbal and you're willing to pay a premium, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is definitely worth considering. But if you're on a budget or you prefer a more portable setup, there are other options available. Overall, the Smooth 5S is a fantastic piece of kit that can take your smartphone videography to the next level. The cons can be deal breakers for certain people, but the pros surely overcome the cons, and most of the time, you will not regret investing in this gimbal! So, do you think this is the gimbal you were looking for? Or will you consider another one?