Many content creators who use their smartphone to capture footage use a smartphone gimbal, even when shooting with iPhone which is renowned for the smoothest footage.
I have used last year’s Zhiyun Smooth Q3 and can recommend it as a pleasure to use.
But the new Smooth Q4 is an even more compelling purchase.
Read more: Zhiyun takes the wraps off lightweight camera gimbal Crane M2S
And it comes hot on the heels of Zhiyun’s Smooth 5, Crane M3 and the Crane M2 S, all of which were released in the past year.
A new three-axis stabiliser has a 30 per cent more powerful motor that the firm said that results in even smoother footage than before.
Instead of using the screw mechanism which Smooth Q3 employed, the Q4 just needs one easy movement to fold outwards for action. This is handy when you need to capture footage quickly.
A smartphone clamp keeps even a large phone such as iPhone 13 Pro Max secure, fitting nicely over the square edges of the handset.
The other big new feature is that the base of the gimbal extends to enable shots and footage from a more heightened perspective.
The extender is sturdy and reliable and at full length reaches 20cm. It has an adjusting head to change the angle so you can use it like a selfie stick when filming or taking photos of yourself.
And the fill light which comes in the Combo package is now magnetic. It switches on automatically when you attach it and off when you remove it.
It is rated with a neutral colour temperature of 5500K and has four levels of adjustable brightness, so you can tailor it to suit your environment.
Once you switch on the gimbal, it snaps into action.
A multifunctional control wheel makes one-handed operation easy. This is because it allows you to adjust brightness and focal length mid-capture without having to touch the app on the phone screen itself.
And you can switch between landscape and portrait mode with just one click.
To select a mode on the Smooth Q4, use the button on the handle. There are four regular modes: Pan Follow, Locked, Follow and POV.
When in POV mode, one more tap takes you into Vortex mode which rotates the camera for spin shots.
To access GO mode, you press and hold the trigger.
When you are using GO mode, the gimbal reacts faster to your movements. This is great if you are filming action sequences.
Smartphone app
Smooth Q4 works with the ZY CAMI App which has an improved and easy to use interface. It now includes a new Smart Templates BTS (Behind The Scenes) feature.
The latter allows the app to demonstrate to creators how to move the gimbal in order to shoot the templates.
You can also compare your footage side-by-side with the template on a split-screen. This is helpful as you can see which areas you need to work on improving.
All the usual filters, music and special effects are included, as well as SmartFollow 3 which tracks your subject to make sure they are always in the centre of the frame.
The app also includes Gesture Control that enables you to start shooting with simple movements.
While a Live Stream Master provides facial tracking to make sure your gimbal always follows you as you move around in front of it.
And when shooting timelapse videos, you can program the gimbal to move the camera as it captures the footage, which adds a nice extra dimension to it.
Battery life
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 runs on a full charge for up to 15 hours. This depends on factors such as the size of your phone, how well balanced it is and how hard the motors will have to work to keep it steady.
A full recharge takes 150 minutes.
It measures just 181.7mm x 107.7mm x 56.3mm and weighs in at 370g.
Smooth Q4 is available in two options.
Standard Package contains the basic gimbal, mini tripod and power cord.
While the Combo Package which I reviewed also includes the magnetic LED fill light with gel covers, a wrist strap and a nice protective case in which to keep everything safe.
Verdict
There is a lot to love about Smooth Q4, including the strong motors, the smartphone clamp, the smooth footage and the ease of use.
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 specifications
Dimensions: 181.7mm x 107.7mm x 56.3mm
Weight: 370g
Maximum battery run time: 15 hours
Charging time: 2.5 hours
Maximum weight capacity: 150g to 280g
Pricing and availability
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Combo costs €149 from Zhiyun
