tl;dr: I'm going with the Zhiyun Smooth Q Stabilizer.
A few months ago I started creating travel videos which you can check out on Facebook or YouTube, and so far I've created every video completely using my cell phone for both the video recording and audio voice-overs. While in Medellin, Colombia these past few months, I didn't have any other video equipment with me, but I did not let that stop me. However, I'm about to take a short trip to the USA in a few days, and while there, I'm going to upgrade some of my equipment. The three things that I think will make a big difference in my production value are a: 1) Stabilizer, 2) Unidirectional Microphone, and 3) Drone. Today's article is about finding the right stabilizer for my phone (which is a Samsung Galaxy S7).
By the way, if you're into travel vlogging, check out my article on 21 Things I Learned From Nas Daily About Travel Vlogging
Here's what I'm looking for in a cell phone stabilizer:
- 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer: Gimbal stabilizers use brushless motors to keep your smartphone steady. Two-axis gimbals stabilize the Tilt and Roll, and three-axis gimbals stabilize Pan. I need the three-axis because I do a lot of pan shots of cities and landscapes in my videos.
- Rechargeable Batteries: I don't want to have to buy batteries all over the world so I'm looking for a stabilizer with a built-in rechargeable battery (which most of the better ones have). Ideally the battery lasts 10+ hours so it can double as a battery pack and recharge my phone while I use it.
- Android App: This goes without saying, but the stabilizer has got to have software that's designed to work with my equipment which is a Samsung Galaxy S7 and a Lenovo Yoga 910 laptop. Not all stabilizers work with every operating system.
- Lightweight and Compact: Everything I own fits in one bag and I'd like to keep it that way. Bigger and heavier stabilizers work better because their weight acts as a balancing agent to keep your camera steady, so I might have to sacrifice a little weight or quality in one direction or another. I don't want to add 4 lbs to my bag but also want something that works well and can handle some wear and tear.
- Equipment Versatility: Right now I'm using a Galaxy S7, but it'd be nice if I could use the same stabilizer when I upgrade my phone later this year to something with a larger screen. I previously used a Samsung Note and miss having the bigger screen, so I'm going to look for a stabilizer that can also handle a bigger phone like the Pixel 2 Plus.
- Doubles as a Tripod: Makes sense right? I've wanted a tripod for a while which would be helpful in recording myself and also pan shots. So it'd be great if the stabilizer had one built-in.
- Cheap to Mid-Priced: There's always the risk of losing/breaking equipment in transit or getting robbed while traveling. I have insurance on my laptop and cell phone, but this stabilizer won't be insured. So for that reason, I don't want to spend a fortune on a stabilizer. I'm looking for a happy medium between quality and price, which will probably be about $100-$150 based on my research.
- Sold on Amazon: I'm on a time frame here and will have a limited window in the USA to get things delivered, so I need to rely on Amazon's 2 day shipping. This shouldn't be a problem though as I'd imagine the best stabilizers are sold on Amazon anyway.
- BONUS: This isn't required, but I'd love it if the stabilizer had a built-in unidirectional microphone to record better sound than my phone. I can buy a separate microphone, but if it was built in, I'd know that the stabilizer is built to handle the extra weight.
And the winner is… the Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- 【Phone-Size & Foldable Gimbal】 Weighing only 246g, SMOOTH-X can be easily rotated to phone...
- 【Instant Landscape /Portrait Mode】Double click the M button to switch Portrait/Landscape mode....
- 【Accurate Object/Face Tracking】Wherever you go, SMOOTH-X follows. Simply select the desired...
- 【Intelligent Gesture Control 】If your hands are busy, just showing a V gesture or waving to...
- 【More Features in "ZY Cami" APP】With the dedicated App "ZY Cami", you can unlock more...
Does the Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Gimbal meet my criteria?
- 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer: Yes, it offers 3 axis up to 360 degrees unlimited rotation with one step balancing by adjusting the knob.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Yes, via two built-in 18650 mAh Li-ion batteries for up to 12-hours of continuous recording (assuming my phone doesn't explode before then), and the battery is rechargeable from within the device. I can also use it to recharge my phone while shooting.
- Android App: Updated APP-ZY PLAY APP supports Auto-Tracking, Time-Lapse and Filter Options.
- Lightweight and Compact: The device weighs a total of 450 grams and is 14.7 x 6.1 x 2.9 inches.
- Equipment Versatility: This device can handle a payload of 75g-200g. My Samsung Galaxy S7 is 152 grams and the Google Pixel 2 Plus is 143 grams so I'll be good to go for this phone and my future phone.
- Doubles as a Tripod: Yes, on this particular listing, the seller offers a free tipod that connects to the bottom of the gimbal as a gift.
- Cheap to Mid-Priced: Yes, this falls within the budget that I set.
- Sold on Amazon: Yes, here's the link to buy on Amazon.
- MIC (BONUS): No, it does not offer a built in mic, but I found some small smartphone attachment mics that I'm going to order for about $25.
Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Gimbal Reviews
On paper, the Zhiyun Smooth-Q looks like it will meet my criteria regarding technical specs, but does it work well? The reviews on Amazon were mostly positive via verified purchases which is a good start. Only a handful of people gave this gimbal a shitty review, but from what they wrote, I got the impression that they either didn't know how to use it properly or got a lemon, which happens with technology. I also looked to YouTube to see the gimbal in action.
What do you think? Have you used this gimbal?
If so, please share your thoughts about the Zhiyun Smooth-Q in the comments section below. Or if you have experience with a different gimbal that you'd like to recommend, feel free to do so as well.
Zhiyun Smooth-Q Alternatives: My Runners Up
Although I'm going with the Zhiyun Smooth-Q because it fit my particular criteria, I want to show you my runners up. These were the gimbals that I was also considering. Underneath each gimbal, I'll post the reasons why I went with the Zhiyun instead.
#1) Hohem Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
No products found.
The Hohem Handheld Gimbal is 3-axis, highly rated, has a built-in battery that recharges your phone as you use it, is lightweight, works with my current and future phones, comes with an Android app, and is within my budget. Most of the items on my list were checked off with this one. The reason I did not go with this gimbal is because it doesn't come with a tripod or offer a tripod connection. It's mostly made for attaching to yourself or bikes and would be great if that were my intended use.
#2) Feiyu SPG 3-Axis Gimbal
No products found.
The Feiyu SPG 3-Axis Gimbal was a close contender for me and I was seriously considering this one. It satisfies all my criteria above and it's highly rated. The only reason I went with the Zhiyun Smooth-Q instead is because it had a larger quantity of positive reviews, and the price was $60 less expensive than the Feiyu SPG at the time I purchased it.
#3) EVO SHIFT 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal
- The EVO SHIFT 3 Axis Gimbal for iPhone & Androids (regular & plus size) smartphones transforms your...
- Record & Zoom Controls on Handle: When paired with your smartphone, the EVO Shift allows full...
- Advance Stabilization Modes: Featuring 3 easy to use stabilization modes, the EVO Shift gives you...
- Perfect Panoramas, Object Tracking & Time-Lapse: The SHIFT's intelligent control features allow you...
- Up To 10 Hours of Run-Time with Built in charger and battery. The EVO SHIFT also has a Built-In...
The EVO SHIFT 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal is a popular and highly regarded gimbal as well. Similar to the Feiyu SPG, it satisfies my criteria for a gimbal, but was priced $50 more expensive than the Zhiyun Smooth-Q.
Best Selling Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizers
And lastly, if you're curious to compare my top choices with Amazon's best sellers, these are the top 10 gimbal stabilizers for smartphones.
- Stay on Point with ActiveTrack 6.0 - With upgraded tracking tech, OM 6 sticks to your energetic kids...
- Silky Smooth Shots with 3-Axis Stabilization - You know what ruins videos? Shaky footage! DJI OM 6...
- So quick, So easy - This smartphone stabilizer powers on as soon as you unfold it. Just attach your...
- Lightweight, Compact, and Extendable - With a foldable design and weighing only 309g, this cell...
- Shoot Like a Pro, Even If You're a Newbie - OM 6's ShotGuides recognizes your scene and suggests a...
- Portable, Foldable, and Magnetically Quick - Take this compact gimbal on all your adventures....
- Stay on Point with ActiveTrack 6.0 - With upgraded tracking tech, OM SE sticks to your energetic...
- Effortless Editing - Whether it's shot-by-shot assistance with DJI Mimo's ShotGuides or the...
- Smooth Footage - Elevate your shots with 3-axis stabilization. With a next-gen control algorithm,...
- Landscape and Portrait - From theater-worthy dramatic shots to light and casual social media...
- Anti-Shake 1-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer: With powerful sports gyroscope, high-precision motor control,...
- Need No APP & Easy to Use: Different from the general three-axis stabilizer, UPXON gimbal is much...
- Extendable Selfie Stick: With comfortable hand grip and extendable five-section aluminum alloy rod,...
- Stable Phone Tripod: Open the hand grip part of the stabilizer and place it on the desktop to become...
- Wireless Remote Control: UPXON selfie stick tripod with removable wireless remote control shutter,...
- 【SMOOTH 3-AXIS GIMBAL STABILIZER FOR SMARTPHONE】 - Transform shaky footage into silky smooth...
- 【EASY TO USE GIMBAL AND APP】 – Have more fun with JCROBOT Gimbal Pro to make your life a...
- 【AI SMART TRACKING AND GESTURE CONTROL】 - With the function of estabilizador de celular, the...
- 【FAST CHARGING WHILE IN USE】 - The phone gimbal stabilizer only takes 80min to fully charge.This...
- 【FOLDABLE AND PORTABLE】 - Bring professional-grade stability wherever your adventures take you...
- [Upgraded iSteady 6.0 Anti-shake] Introduce the newly upgraded Hohem iSteady Mobile+ gimbal...
- [Hohem Joy App, Filming Has Never Been So Easy] Enjoy controlling your filming tool on your phone...
- [3D Fantasy Auto-rotation Mode] This gimble for phone features a newly developed "inception" mode...
- [Be the Professional Director You´ve Always Wanted to Be] From fast-moving actions to sports, live...
- [Sport Mode and Perfect Balance] The updated sport mode allows you to take incredibly smooth shots...
- THE WORLD'S MOST COST EFFECTIVE STABILISER: It is a KOSCHEAL gimbal stabilizer for smartphone with...
- THE LIGHT MOVES WITH ME：With detachable Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone with Fill...
- REMOTE CONTROL + DREAMSTORM MODE:Remote control of the Cell Phone Handheld Gimbals to switch between...
- CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE + SCENE MODE WITH APP: KOSCHEAL Selfie Stick Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone...
- STABLE SHOOTING AND SMART ANTI-VIBRATION:Activate the tracking mode to allow the camera to move...
- 【Updated Sport Mode & Perfect Balance】The gimbal stabilizer for smartphone updated automatically...
- 【Anti-Shake 2-Axis Gimbal Phone Stabilizer】With powerful sports gyroscope, high-precision motor...
- 【Iphone Selfie Sticks with Lights】 with Fill light Removable Cell Phone Handheld Stabilizers...
- 【Remote Control】 CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE + SCENE MODE WITH APP: has quick connection and low...
- 【Purchase Notes 】 Our selfie face tracking stand not for high-speed sport shoot, please do not...
- 【Simple and Easy to Use】: Compared with the operation of the 3-axis phone stabilizer, the gimble...
- 【Multifunctional Anti-shake Smartphone Gimbal with Stable Function】：Powerful sports gyroscope...
- 【Remote Shooting Portable Gimbal and Integrated Selfie Stick Tripod】： Can be pulled up to 68...
- 【Wide Range of Application】：Adjust the height of the four-section aluminum alloy rod to choose...
- 【Excellent Battery Life & Performance Compatibility】：IKOMMI gimbal stabilizer can be...
- The most cost-effective stabilizer: a single-axis motor with a high-precision motor that can...
- Anti-shake selfie stick with stable function: Built-in single-axis motor, 360-degree remote control...
- Mobile phone tripod: Open the handheld part of the stabilizer and place it on the desktop to become...
- With multi-function remote control:The Bluetooth wireless remote control adopts a tripod-integrated...
- Pocket-Size Gimbal:With the lightweight design, weighs about 227 grams and measures about 20...
- Portable Gimbal Stabilizer - This gimbal stabilizer can be used on any smartphone; No matter you use...
- Selfie Stick Function - The stabilizer can also be used as a selfie stick; The extendable stick of...
- Phone Tripod with Remote Control - The handheld part, the bottom of the this gimbal stabilizer can...
- Auto Object Tracking Tripod - This gimbal can be turned to a face tracking phone holder, it can 360...
- Portable Design and Easy to Use - This gimbal stabilizer inherited the foldable design from our...
Where's your video examples Paul?
I'll update this post after I publish my next video recorded with the Zhiyun Smooth-Q. So look for that soon. Follow along on my Facebook to get updates.
UPDATE: I dropped the ball when I was in the USA in terms of getting everything on my list accomplished, and I wasn't able to get ahold of a Zhiyun Smooth-Q. A friend of mine is coming to visit me in Peru from the USA in April and I may have him bring it down for me then. So in the meantime, sorry about the shakey videos! I went ahead and published this post since it includes my research and my purchase decision – and perhaps in the meantime I can get some feedback from others about which gimbals they've had success with. I'll be sure to update again though after I get my hands on the Zhiyun Smooth-Q.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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