Gimbal manufacturer Zhiyun has announced the Smooth 5S single-handed gimbal stabiliser, with many enhancements over the previous release that are claimed to make it an ideal solution for larger and standard-sized mobile phones. The all-new 3-axis professional-level gimbal is packed with features designed to give filmmakers the creative edge in one small, highly portable package.
The Smooth 5S is the latest release from Zhiyun’s Smooth range and offers a range of upgraded features that are more attuned to the latest range of mobile phones.
The new gimbal is more powerful than ever and can cater to larger smartphones, offering superior stabilisation. New to the model is the ability to mount two modular fill-in lights to boos the already decent lighting power of the built-in lamp.
This innovative light design enables a fast solution to boost lighting power in darker locations and offers plenty of control over the brightness to enable you to capture the video you need for your production.
Other design changes include an axis alteration to enable a wider shooting angle and an intuitive control panel with integrated direct control dials and buttons to make adjustments and gimbal control quick and easy.
Xin Wang, Product Manager, Zhiyun, said: “our creative tools enable content creators to realise their filmmaking goals and allow them to explore the furthest limits of their creativity. With its innovative features and second-fill light, the Smooth 5S elevates your smartphone into the perfect one-person day-to-night filmmaking tool. It’s perfect for content creators or anyone wishing to express themselves creatively.”
New fill-in light
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S features a new fill-in light on its tilt axis. This offers a 5,000k colour temperature, 90+ CRI and 2W rater power output.
The new fill light is in addition to the built-in 300-lumen light that has featured on previous Smooth models and enables full 360° all-round lighting for areas up to 15 square metres. This light will enable you to boost detail in the shadows and increase contrast adn brightness wherever you’re filming and whatever the lighting conditions.
Unbreakable stabilisation
Updated magnetic steel motors powered by new algorithms help to provide shake-free footage for standard and larger mobile phones. The new wider phone clamp has also been designed to support phones attached with additional lens options.
New levels of control
The redesign of the axis setup means that the Smooth 5S’s rear motors have changed position to enable wider vision capture. This additional freedom of movement enables extremely wide-angled shooting and therefore puts more creative control into the hands of the creator.
The direct control feature on the grip of the gimbal enables the user fast access to options and settings and options to adjust and change parameters. Visual shooting modes and the round cap joystick enable easy single-handed control.
Up to 25 hours of use
One of the big features of the compact Smooth 5S is the outstanding battery life that Zhiyun is quoting with the release. Taking just 2 hours for a full charge via the PD fast-charging USB Type-C port, the Smooth 5S provides up to 25 hours of non-stop shooting.
Full compatibility with the ZY Cami App
As you’d expect, the Smooth 5S is fully compatible with the ZY Cami app and offers multiple templates, filters, music, transitions, and stickers, including:
- Multiple quick-switch shooting modes, including PF, L, F, POV
- Zoom and focus switch support and focal length adjustment via the control wheel enable entry-level to film professional dolly zoom effects.
- Smart Follow – secures the spotlight for your subject. Remotely control the camera via gestures.
- MagicClone Pano, Slow Motion, Timelapse features.
Zhiyun’s StaCam professional app is an addition designed for dedicated video filming. This app has a simple multifunctional interface that will enable you to shoot video with a cinematic feel.
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions 311 x168 x 52mm
Weight 660g.
Zhiyun Smooth 5S Pricing and availability
Zhiyun Smooth 5S is available for £169 from the Zhiyun or Amazon store.
SMOOTH 5S is
USD 169, Euros 189, GBP 169
For the SMOOTH 5S combo, pricing is:
USD 219, Euros 239, GBP 219