Review: Zhiyun's Smooth II 3-Axis Gimbal Gives iPhone Video Footage Better Stability

[mkeeley]

The sample footage sucks. You can see the bounce when the operator is walking. I don't need the gimmicky battery powered stuff. Just need a steady, smooth phone holder, and it clearly isn't that.

That's what I thought, it wasn't at all impressive especially for that money.

 

[Asubekti]

I have DJI OSMO Mobile and iPhone 7 Plus. I can tell you from my experience that the footages shot with DJI is unusable. Every now and then the images bob and jerk, as if the mechanical thing that controls the OIS is engaged whenever the gimbal compensates for jerky movement. Though, it's not entirely DJI's fault nor any other mobile gimbal manufacturers' as all phones with OIS suffer from this. And the sad thing is that there's no getting around it.

If you are going to use the footages shot with these gimbals for any degree of professional use, don't bother. They can't be used. But for hobbyists trying to capture moments of family functions, children or pets... it's fine. No one will notice.

Too bad, Apple does not allow developers to disable the mechanism that enables OIS. I'm using my DJI with GoPro and the results have been much better as the GoPro does not have OIS.

Also, Filmic Pro and some other apps that disable IS only applies to the software IS, not the OIS.

yeah, i see in this DJI forum too https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...phone-video-footage-better-stability.2016710/.

So basically there is no chance for other gimbals to get rid the bouncing issues unless apple fix the OIS issue ?

 

[newyorkone]

You can mitigate the bounce by holding your arms loose yet steady and using the ninja walk.

But the real point of these gimbals is eliminating the horizontal rotation that makes the image wobbly.

So while you might still get the bounce... without a gimbal you'll get bounce and a wobbly image.

I don't see how not using a gimbal will result in smoother images.

If I have to walk like a ninja, then this product isn't doing its job. Especially for the cost they are asking for it.

 

[Freida]

If I have to walk like a ninja, then this product isn't doing its job. Especially for the cost they are asking for it.

I agree with you. I was thinking of buying this but now I have second thoughts. The reason for having a gimbal stabilizer is that i expect certain level. I should be able to walk fairly normal.

 

[Michael Scrip]

If I have to walk like a ninja, then this product isn't doing its job. Especially for the cost they are asking for it.

3-axis gimbal stabilizers keep the horizon level. THAT'S it's job.

But you are still responsible for not shaking the camera around like a mad man.

You can spend thousands on a gimbal. But you've still gotta do some work yourself. It's not a miracle cure.

It's still better than holding the camera directly.

 

[Ancaster]

I heavily researched different smartphone gimbals for my 7+ and ended up buying one of these. There's no way I could reproduce the fluid effects handheld without one. I'm gonna love it on our upcoming cruise.

Go to the dji forums and read the complaints about OIS and also how the app failed another guy documenting a big moment at his friend's wedding.
If you have a late model iPhone with OIS, it cannot be turned off, the dji gimbal tries to counteract it and you end up with shakiness around the edges. Both dji and FiLMiC pro turn off software IS, turning off hardware OIS is not possible. The dji tech mods have no other answer. The only solution is to use the telephoto lens on a 7+ that has no OIS at the expense of narrow FoV.
It is less pronounced on the Smooth II, a dji forum member linked video evidence, and a separate youtube commenter who has both confirms it. Zhiyun's app works great, bluetooth connection for button start/stop, different settings for video, face detection, and app guided calibration.

Lastly, this is a 3-axis gimbal. If you walk, ninja technique is a must, no smartphone gimbal corrects vertical bounce. That is unrelated to the OIS shakiness we're talking about.

 

[ywshang]

I own the DJi osmo mobile - 299 and twn times better quality.

This Chinese knock off junk is simply that, knock off junk.

For your information, DJI is also a Chinese company.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Just bought one of these for an upcoming family vacation.

Amazing seeing all the reviews and amazing videos produced with one of these and and the new iPhone 7's.

Even saw a few reviews that say this gimbal is better than the GoPro version.

 

[Seoulman]

Digital image and video stabilization features have been included in modern smartphones for a while now, with each new generation offering improved correction for jumps and jitters that typically occur during handheld shooting.

Still, even the latest handsets can't quite match the benefits that can be gained from using a motorized mount specifically designed to reduce vibration and unwanted shake.

Smartphone gimbals are made for just this purpose. Phone gimbals look similar to selfie sticks, but incorporate special motorized axes that keep shooting balanced and steady by adjusting for tilt, roll and tracking movements.

One brand that's been steadily gaining plaudits for its gimbals is Zhiyun. The Chinese firm's gimbals in its Smooth range have been noted amongst video aficionados for their robust design, multiple operational modes, and relative affordability compared to the competition. Here, we looked at the company's latest Z1-Smooth II ($329) to see what advantages a gimbal offers for iPhone owners.


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Article Link: Review: Zhiyun's Smooth II 3-Axis Gimbal Gives iPhone Video Footage Better Stability

[doublepost=1493423658][/doublepost]Why does the "app" require to have control of phone and "make" phone calls? The last part I don't understand. I recently bought the Zhiyun Smooth 2 and the app requires you to allow control and make phone calls. I somewhat the controlling of call but it's the making of calls. Can someone explain how there is nothing to be concerned about

 

[josephinevelarde]

I suggest you try the EVO SP Pro Gen2 by EVOgimbals. I checked out the specs here https://www.evogimbals.com/products/evo-sp-pro-gen2-smartphone-gimbal-stabilizer and it looks pretty good. Let me know what you think.