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1361 Review
45 Karma

Review on πŸŽ₯ Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3 Gimbal Stabilizer: 3-Axis Handheld Gimble Stick with Tripod Stand, LED Fill Light for Smartphone Android Cell Phone iPhone - Ideal for TikTok, YouTube Vlog Video Kit with Face/Object Tracking by Manuel Gfx

Revainrating 5 out of 5

My new gimbal

UNBOXING Nice packaging - molded compartments - small improvements could make it a real carrying case (single case costs $20 more) USB-C cable but no charger FIRST IMPRESSION Good price Well done - essential Feel Excellent ergonomics - the grip is very comfortable for the hands (especially small hands) The clip fits easily into a phone case - iPhone 11 Balancing was very quick and easy to set up as Pro Smooth 4 Instant App Pairing Super fast response time when switching to portrait mode Modes - triple click in landscape mode is very handy - especially for blogging/chatting etc. Excellent access to modes via the physical switch on the Q3. Same goes for re-centering, front/rear camera flip, zoom, horizontal and vertical pan with 4-way joystick - very smooth and precise. 4 points, hyperlapse, cloning, vertigo, panorama modes and others. The iPhone allows multiple frame rates, including 24p, which is a good option. Tracking was good - no issues with drifting. I use the bottom outlet in the middle of the video. I don't rotate or center the camera, the stabilizer does that - it doesn't twitch on smooth movements - I just walk/move while looking at the subject. Smart Object works best when the subject has more contrast and the movements are smooth. All other frames were without Smart Object. In all cases, the camera stayed pointed in the indicated direction or followed the mode as intended. The Q3 kept the lens on target perfectly - there was only wandering when the image was momentarily confusing (e.g. a sudden bright light). I really like the Time Lapse and Hyper Lapse modes. Note: It wasn't obvious in the time lapse, but I found out that the first number in the length of the clip is the time it takes to capture and the second number is the length of the clip you will have in the end. Great for more precision when planning a specific effect or use - plus you can set an alarm to notify you and walk away while it does its thing. I also found that the device can be carried on a tripod for shooting from below (see video) - and the hand holding the camera/phone - handyCONST outdoors was captured on a very windy day. If you have any problems, you can use the right tripod. 8 hour battery - haven't tested it in real life but keep a backup charger handy just in case. Some malware (IMO) in the app. The base unit should include an easy carry case FINAL THOUGHTS This is my third gimbal and it has quickly become my go-to device for getting up and going quickly. It takes practice and a bit of technique to use a stabilizer, but this device is so compact and easy to set up - it doesn't sound like a barker, but it's a pretty inexpensive way to smooth out your video. Its closest competitor is DJI at $150 - it's virtually identical except for the magnetic clip and the longer battery life - I don't think this nearly justifies the double the cost - the rechargeable battery is a much cheaper backup alternative if you don't like the battery runs out – and the clip is easy to switch on and off. Excellent recording skills - almost professional, especially if you are an iPhone user. There are sooo many shooting options and it's pretty easy to access them quickly - plus having the basic tracking modes on the grip itself is great. .I'm not a fan of all the glam/auto-editing in the app - it would be nice to have a simple alternative professional app that just focuses on shooting and marking (there's always FILMiC). This is for the semi-professional or occasional user who wants more control - the gimbal - for grip, size, and quick access to options. With a small flashlight, I think it would be a good choice for vlogging and distance learning.

Pros
  • Always loved
Cons
  • I'll be silent