02.02.2018 2:22

Zhiyun Smooth Q REVIEW: powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras

Smartphones with amazing cameras called cameraphones. However, they are not cheap, and not everyone can buy them. Their price is very high because they offer a good camera with optical or electronic stabilization, advanced sensors and processing algorithms. Also, the high price tag is for flagship hardware, such as the latest processor, RAM, storage, and brand logo.

At the same time, moden budget, and even mid-range phones  with a fairly attractive price tag offer good cameras. Sometimes they are not worse than flagships. However, the main problem is that budget phones doesn’t have video stabilization.
It means that if you have 4K but without stabilization, then it will look very bad.

Fortunately, you can solve the problem with special stabilizers for smartphones. They are so good that they are used not only for budget devices, but also for the most advanced cameraphones.

Today we will talk about one of such stabilization gimbal. Please, meet Zhiyun Smooth Q! This is an excellent three-axis stabilizer for professionals.

[su_button url=”https://www.gearbest.com/gimbal/pp_620374.html?lkid=12937885″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#e50e08″ size=”8″ center=”yes”]Zhiyun Smooth Q – Check price and Buy![/su_button]

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, priceZhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

Zhiyun Smooth Q: great three-axis stabilizer for a smartphone with good price

First of all, we should note that some months ago image stabilization systems cost very much. But now you can buy stabilization gimbal for only about $150.

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, priceZhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, priceZhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

The second point is that one part of Stabilization Gimbal is based on electric motors, while the second offers a counterweight system. Naturally, the first option is more expensive, because they have “brains” in the form of different sensors. Also design is more complicated.

At the same time, the counterweight system is much cheaper. But not everyone can use this stabilizer, as the relevant experience is necessary, while the quality of stabilization is lower. However, technologies are becoming cheaper and more affordable to ordinary people every year, so today it is not a problem to buy good Stabilization Gimbal for your smartphone.

Zhiyun Smooth Q: budget Stabilization Gimbal with flagship features

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

More recently, the Chinese company Zhiyun introduced three-axis image stabilizer for mobile devices, based on electric motors. It is called Smooth-Q. New device is equipped with powerful and high-speed motors for creating high-quality video clips. The device is great for Android smartphones, as well as for iPhone of all generations. There is special app Zhiyun Smooth Q for iOS and Android operating systems. The application for smartphones offers a large number of functions, among which the most interesting are  Tracking Mode (the stabilizer automatically starts tracking the movement of the object) and Time Laps. The latter allows you to make a series of frames with a certain periodicity, mixing after a single movie.

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

Since Zhiyun Smooth Q works on motors, it has a built-in battery with a very decent capacity of 3400 mAh. It allows the stabilizer to work for more than 12 hours. But this is not the only advantage. Zhiyun Smooth Q has standard USB port. It can even charge the smartphone just like regular power bank.

And now briefly about specification of  electronic stabilizer:

  • Connectors – MicroUSB and USB;
  • The operating temperature of the stedicam is -10 to +45 degrees Celsius;
  • Panoramic mechanical range – 360;
  • Mechanical tilt range – 320;
  • Output voltage – 5V;
  • Charging voltage – 5V;
  • Operating voltage – 12.6V;
  • Operating current – 1500 mA;
  • Charging current – 1500 mA;
  • Output current – 2000 mA;
  • Range of mechanical roll – 320;
  • The maximum load is 220 g;
  • Dimensions – 118х105х285 mm;
  • The clip for the smartphone has a range of adjustment from 55mm to 90mm;
  • Compatible with smartphones with a diagonal screen of 4.5 to 6 inches, action cameras GoPro Hero3 / 4/5.

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

Zhiyun Smooth Q Package

Zhiyun Smooth Q is delivered in a nice white box, in which you can find a strong case for gadget, USB cable, a shoulder strap and instructions in Chinese. By the way, the protective case looks very soundly. It is made of soft and at the same time durable synthetic material of mother-of-pearl color. Inside, there is a special molding for tight holding the Stabilization Gimbal.

Zhiyun Smooth Q: Stabilization Gimbal control and recommendations for customization

All keys for control are located on the front panel of the holder. Description of Zhiyun Smooth Q controls:

  • The blue LED on the left is responsible for displaying the residual charge of the battery. 4 short signals equal to 100%, 3 short 75% and so on to one signal;
  • The orange LED on the left shows the status of the connection to the smartphone or action camera;
  • The stick in the center is responsible for controlling the turn of the Stabilization Gimbal, and accordingly the camera: up / down, right / left;
  • The Mode button is responsible for switching the locking of the axes;
  • the button with red marking is responsible for the on / off of the stabilizer, and it is the shutter release button;
  • W-T lever is responsible for approaching the distance of the picture when shooting and switches the view from the front camera to the rear camera + vice versa.

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

After installing the smartphon, it needs to be properly calibrated, otherwise the stabilizer simply will not work. To perform the balancing (only with the power off), the Stabilization Gimbal are installed on a flat surface, weaken the special screw (as in the picture below) and achieve the maximum horizontal position of the smartphone by moving the mount. The more precisely the balancing is done, the easier the motors and less energy will go to stabilize the image. Next is to hold the power button for three seconds and – it’s ready!

Zhiyun Smooth-Q: advantages and disadvantages of stabilizer

  • + the ability to update the firmware of the device via a PC;
  • + good battery capacity and battery life;
  • + ergonomics of the holder with a convenient arrangement of all control elements;
  • + delivery set;
  • + high-quality and noiseless collector motors;
  • + low price;
  • + the quality of the stabilization itself.
  • – no.

Zhiyun Smooth-Q - a powerful image stabilizer for smartphones and action cameras - overview, specifications, price

Zhiyun Smooth Q: Price and Buy Stabilization Gimbal

At the moment, you can buy Stabilization Gimbal for $119. Use the link below to order Zhiyun Smooth Q.

Also you can visit our page with coupons to buy Zhiyun Smooth Q at the best price.

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