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For Zhiyun Smooth 4, 78 customer reviews collected from 2 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 3.6.

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14.8.2018

Zhiyun are known for making great gimbals, and this one is no exception.It came nicely packaged, and includes a mini tripod to screw on to the bottom of the gimbal. The set up was really straightforward, and after correctly balancing the phone which needs to be done by loosening the screw to extend the arm holding the phone then tightening it when I got the correct balance, I was able to turn on the gimbal and it calibrated and leveled my phone automatically. The gimbal is built with plastic, but it feels sturdy and isn't too heavy which is great for filming for long periods of time with.As for the stabilisation, it is flawless at keeping the phone steady and is completely silent.Walking or running produces amazing results with super smooth footage. There is also four modes - Pan follow, which you can toggle and will pan to follow the direction you point but keep tilt locked. Then Lock mode keeps the phone completely still and is great for still shooting. Then two triggers on the back which one will activate a full follow mode which tilts or pans your phone in any direction you choose smoothly, and then the other trigger will enable phonego mode which quickly follows your movements a lot faster than the previous mode, which can result in some cool whip pan transitions or scary POV shots.The app works on both iOS and Android phones, and although a lot of people are reporting issues on Android, my Galaxy S9 worked just fine, except for AF tracking only working on iOS. Just make sure your Android phone is listed as compatible before buying. The app has more than enough features for the average person, with an auto, and full manual mode for pro filmmakers, and all the settings can be operated from the hardware controls found on the gimbal. I am able to shoot at 4K 60fps in the app, on my S9. My favourite features are the vertigo zoom shot and slow pan motion time-lapse mode.The wheel on the side allows you to precisely control manual focus to create smooth focus pulls, or even zoom. It's a feature I can see myself using a lot and has great versatility. The only few downsides I have noticed with this gimbal are that sometimes the gimbal would get in the shot a tiny bit on my Galaxy S9, but cropping in a tiny bit would completely fix that issue. There is also no joystick on this gimbal, so you can use the follow modes to emulate it, however you can control it while on a surface.The battery life is rated to last 12 hours, and after a whole days use I was still on half battery. It does a while to charge though. There is an included USB type C charging cable, and you can also charge your phone while in the gimbal, however you need to buy a right angled ribbon cable and the only place I found who sold it was Ali Express.Overall I'm super happy with the gimbal, and would highly recommend it to anyone of any skill level. It does what it says on the tin really well and I can't find any faults with it quite frankly. If you have any questions do let me know and i'll be happy to answer them.
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23.4.2019

After reading many positive reviews I decided on the Zhiyun Smooth 4 Gimbal to accompany my Samsung S8+ The Smooth 4 looks and feels fantastic, well-built and a host of controls on the gimbal so the need to touch the phone screen to adjust the zoom or focus is almost eliminated. Smooth 4 is on the heavy side, but not really a big problem, well not for me anyway.The Smooth 4 comes with a tripod that screws in to the bottom and a USB cable to charge the battery (battery life is about 10 hours) and to update the firmware it also comes in a hard foam like box that will keep the gimbal protected, but I do recommend buying a dedicated hard case to ensure the gimbal stays protected.As I have only just received the Smooth 4 and it also being my first gimbal I can’t really comment on how best methods on its use. But as explained below there is many set-up guides and tutorials to get you started.If you are using a larger phone let’s say Samsung S10+ you may need to buy a universal counterweight they simply screw in to balance the device. Counterweights may also be needed if you keep the phone case on or if you use a lens attachment.I found the set-up information and guides from Zhiyun very poor, but there is plenty of very useful videos online that helped me. Another issue I found that there seems to be issues with certain features not available for Android like 4K video, this was not advertised very well by Zhiyun, which is disappointing. You will need to download an app from the Play Store so you can use all the functions on the gimbal, otherwise all you have is just a selfie-stick that don’t do anything. The app that Zhiyun recommends using is ZY Play. BUT this app has been removed by Play Store due to advertising fraud! Not sure exactly what that means, but my guess is the that as some features are not available for Android devices and as this has not really been explained in any great detail before you purchase the gimbal, I’m sure that’s where the issue is.But there is light at the end of the tunnel an app called Filmic Pro this is a paid app and it’s not cheap. The app is used by professional film makers to create stunning videos. If you have a search on-line you may find the app for free! Filmic Pro works brilliantly with the Smooth 4 and other popular gimbals all you need do is select Smooth 4 from the hardware settings menu and you now have a fully functioning gimbal. Just make sure you keep everything updated as this will give you the best experience.I’m very excited about the Smooth 4 and Filmic Pro and can’t wait to start taking it out and about.Would I recommend the Smooth 4? Yes.I will update this review once I have had some time with the gimbal.
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12.11.2018

I am very much an amateur photographer, and not a particularly skilled one at that.If I visit an air show or some other event I will take plenty of pictures and if I'm lucky a few of them will be decent enough snaps. For stills I use a Canon ES 550 and for video a handheld Sony camcorder. I confess that I haven't got used to using all the various settings on both cameras, even though I've owned both for years.I also have my iPhone for those quick snaps I want to take for uploading to social media right away. And I've been experimenting with live video so I need the iPhone for that too.So do I need to carry the Canon and the Sony around all day? Couldn't I just use my iPhone? The answer it seems is yes,I can. The camera on the iPhone is adequate for my needs but I need something to stabilise the iPhone.And that's where the Zhiyun Smooth 4 comes in.It's easy to use and has a long battery life of about 12 hours. I had mine operating within minutes of opening the box.After using it for an hour or two I felt like it was already a firm favourite. It connects to my phone via Bluetooth and the interface on the iPhone is the Zhiyun app.Once the Smooth 4 and the phone are paired the controls on the Smooth 4 become active. They operate all the many camera settings on a menu that appears on the phone. As well as the default camera setting you can choose 180 degree pans and multiple frames.The gimbal then moves the camera, takes the pictures, and then stitches the shots together to make the final file. To capture footage of moving objects you simply pan around. The result video is much smoother than a handheld phone.I also like the way I can hold the gimbal stick low and film horizontally while walking. This is great for capturing video footage of cars from wheel height.And as you can see in this clip, you raise the camera up and down and move along a line to capture all the details. In this case, the cars in the paddock and the names above them. It also comes with a small tripod that screws into the base.So with the time lapse feature and the tripod you can set it up for some interesting photographic experiments. It's compatible with iPhones X, 8, 7, 6 Plus, and SE Plus.And it can charge your phone while it's in use, which is an added bonus for those long days out. So if you want to leave your heavier camera and camcorder at home and spend the day relaxing with you iPhone and a gimbal, this is your chance.There will still be days when you'll want a proper camera or camcorder but the Zhiyun Smooth 4 holding your iPhone makes a welcome change.
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9.7.2018

This is a slick piece of kit, make no mistake. It doesn't seem long ago that you used to be highly sceptical of cheap electrical goods from China and the like, but I actively seek them out because you can find some absolute gems.And this is one of them. The whole package feels like a thoroughly well made and presented piece of tech, and if you love your gadgets as much as I do then you'll get a kick out of unboxing this.It comes in a impact resistent polystyrene hinged case, and included inside is the gimbal itself, a screw-on tripod foot, charging cable (USB plug required) and the basic instructions. To get full functionality you'll need to download an App for your phone.The gimbal came pretty much fully charged so once you've got the App you're good to go.Always place your phone into the grip before turning the device on. You can use a number of axis locks to override the grip should you wish, or leave it to sort itself out. There are quite a number of options to customise your filming, not all of which I've used yet. If there is a criticism its that these options and the buttons that control them aren't immediately obvious as to their function. Practice and use will soon sort that out.In use the grip has a solid feel and the gimbal rotates around smoothly. You can choose to lock the panning function, meaning you can have the camera target in a direction and the gimbal will track that direction regardless of where you move, or you can have it free panning so it follows the direction that you're pointing the grip.The App is functional enough. I've not had enough experience with it to be totally familiar with all the functions, and I do sometimes trip over myself, but it's a decent companion. It sometimes takes a few seconds for the iPhone to detect and connect to the gimbal, but nothing concerning.The doors that having a gimbal open up in terms of your creativity is vast. You can perform moves that you simply can't do holding a phone in your hand. I've done several tracking shots of my dad's vintage car with the camera at road level and got some great results, and likewise walking along cliff paths has an extra dimension added to it. It's a very good addition to anyone interested in exploring their filming creativity.
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7.6.2018

I am an avid photographer and reviewer of products. I was given the smooth 4 to review from a retailer that was not amazon.The smooth 4 caught my eye initially as I was looking for something that was different than the other mobile gimbals on the market. The smooth 4 implemented all of the controls you would need with a few extra "bells and whistles" such as the scroll wheel for focus and zoom.All in all the hardware is superb and very well built. The box that the gimbal comes in doubles up as a storage case and although it won't last forever (polystyrene) it's great for the interim.Using the Galaxy S8 however has its issues. The iOS app is much more stable and feature rich than the android offering.Unfortunately a few features are broken and cause a bit of frustration.The main ones are;Zoom is jerky and not smoothNo 4K recording optionsNo 60fps recording optionsSome people experiencing pairing issuesAny of the automated features (pano , 3x3 photo etc) are hot and miss.Occasionally the photograph button doesn't do anything.Although the app is not perfect, it works well for the basics. The gimbal is very smooth and reduces judder and the basic features work well. Once the app has had some development, this will be a powerhouse. Until then it's good but not perfect.One thing missing is the joystick control and although you have the triggers on the back, it's just not the same. The Feiyutech in the image takes care of my joystick needs though.All in all its fantastic hardware but the Android app needs work. If you can be patient and wait for the kinks to be ironed out, you won't be disappointed.P. S. There have been two updates to the ZY play app in the last week, so development is happening but at a slow pace.
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11.1.2019

Great battery life and stabilisation functions well. Unfortunately I have still not worked out how to use some of the functions in the free App. There are lots of tutorials and a manual online but if I am out and about using ithe stabiliser I do not have access to those at the time. The manual does not cover the App. It should also be made clearer in the Getting Started guide that the App is essential to access most of the advertised functionality - i.e. the advertised features require the App and are not available solely using the device itself.I use an iPhone 8 Plus which is fully compatable with this device and consider myself lucky compared to Andriod users. Unfortunately any attempt to research "Tips" and 'How Tos'for the Smooth 4 on the internet just reveal pages and pages of problems being experienced by Android users which makes research almost impossible for iPhone users.A final small point which contradicts some of the answers given in the Q & As. The iPhone 8 Plus works fine with the Smooth 4 but cannot balanced correctly if any case is fitted. Without a case the iPhoe 8 Plus requires every mm of the available adjustment, then it will balance exactly - with a case it cannot balance correctly. This will not stop it working but it puts extra strain on the battery and motors shortening usage time and increasing the chance of it requiring more regular synchronisation. Despite my few misgivings I still like it and am happy to give it 4 stars.
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5.4.2019

These days, all you need is your smartphone to capture footage for filming and editing footage can also be done on the same device.What I like about this gimbal is that you place it down to record, use it for slow motion, timelapses as well as on the move. It is a little pricey for a glorified selfie stick but I use this a lot for recording footage.If I want to record people, I prop this in one corner and hit record.Pros:- long battery life (I haven’t recharged it for weeks)- intuitive pairing with smartphone (via Bluetooth)- flexibility for different uses- ability to connect to a camera tripodCons:- keeping it the same case is a little annoying (you need to buy another case to make it trulyportable)- cost is slightly expensive but it is a good investment- the phone’s brightness settings wants to override the accompanies App’s settings making it troublesome and overly bright. This, I revert back to the original camera out of the app.Overall it’s a great device and it can be used for many things.
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2.7.2018

This is my first gimbal and I am impressed with the built, It is a must have for all video makers if you record on your smart phone. It feels good in your hands and operating is very simple. The 4 modes provides want i need. It is package well in nice protective lightweight case. there are also a couple of videos on youtube that will walk you through all the buttons and features. I was up and running within a few minutes.The manual also gives you scan codes to download the app and the phone paired with the Smooth 4 with no problems.As far as the smooth 4 it's awesome and works well. Battery life is good, motors react nicely, feels comfortable in your hands,the interface and button layout works the added bonus is the tripod stand. Really easy to use. The styrofoam case for it is nice and sturdy as well to protect it. The user manual is very basic. The app has a user manual that is useful. will be making some awesome stuff with this!Sturdy, affordable, well-made and tons of features!
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23.9.2018

A great device for the price and really works well. I've successfully used it to film a walking tracking shot for example. Easy to set up and adjust. Comes in a fitted polystyrene case, which should last well. Stabilisation is very effective. Video is recorded via Zhiyun's downloadable app, which also supports control of a compatible phone via Bluetooth built in to the stabiliser, with controls on the handle (eg start/stop recording an zoom. Not difficult to operate. Other reviews have said it can also be used with a Gopro, which I haven't tried yet. Great device for the price. Recommended.

30.8.2019

For anyone serious about amateur videography, a gimbal is a must have. I really did my research before buying one and was shocked to find that the Zhiyun came out on top in a lot of product trials despite being the cheapest. I ended up choosing this over the DJI and FlowMotion alternatives and think I made the right choice. It can be a little complicated to get used to the controls at first, but once you do your videos will take on a new level of professionalism. For even better quality I’d recommend using it with the Filmic Pro app.

27.8.2018

Very pleased with this unit, Agree with many of the other reviews. Purchased this to replace a defective DJI Osmo unit that I had ordered but had to send back as was faulty, and after reading reviews of this little beauty, decided to order this instead. Very easy to set up, Like the feature that allows you to fold the gimbal whilst still powered on, and it goes into to sleep mode. Then just click it out of it's stop again, and your up and running. Would certainly recommend this to anybody.

3.8.2018

This is the best Gimbal by far ,both with features and integration with iPhone camera function .There might be a case for the Freefly ,but the functionality of the latter is more dimished ,for instance no facility for the moondog anamorphic lens . But the Freefly can “barrel roll” the camera to great effect . The price clinched it for me as well as the well integrated software . Better than DJI in every respect .although the case could be improved somewhat .

22.10.2018

I brilliant gimbal, only been using it for an hour or so, but I have two issues;1, object/face tracker on selfie mode does not work, even after a firmware update. After some research I noticed the issue has been ongoing for sometime.2, the gimbal itself is made from durable plastics, but feels very hollow, this is noticeable when it has reached its angle limit and sends vibrations up the spine of the gimbal, which reflects on the video you are taking.

17.7.2019

I am a hobby photographer.I have very bad tendency of sticking with one brand.For gimbal I was stick to DJi Ronin.Some time it is not easy to carry all you filming equipment so I purchased this gimbal and for me it is amazing.My review is as a hobby photographer not as an expert or professional.The only bug which I found is with object tracking as sometime gimbal behave like a maniac hope it will be fixed soon

5.8.2018

It's a fantastic gimbal to use and greatly enhances your mobile photography/videography. What I hate is the Zhiyun app which is SOOO not polish. Freezes when you use the zoom wheel and AF. Tracking works for 2 secs then crashes. When you use the app just for recording then it's flawless, but using it for other stuff that takes advantage of the gimbal itself then you'll be annoyed.

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