Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI Gimbal Review

A Reliable Smartphone Stabilizer with Smart Features

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a standout in the crowded world of smartphone gimbals. This model is designed for content creators, providing smooth stabilization for those seeking professional-looking footage without the hassle of a bulky setup. With a mix of enhanced build quality, powerful motors, and AI tracking, this gimbal is perfect for everyday videographers who need flexibility in shooting.

Design and Build Quality

The Smooth 5S AI stands out with its solid build. Even though it’s made of plastic, the materials feel high-quality, especially with the silicone grip that makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The buttons and joystick are well-positioned, making it intuitive to control during filming. The weight feels just right—light enough to carry around but heavy enough to provide stability while filming.

Despite being primarily aimed at smartphone users, this gimbal feels like a professional-grade tool. It can handle heavier flagship smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro, supporting payloads of up to 300g, which is more than enough for most smartphones. It also offers a 360-degree pan, and nearly 350 degrees for roll and tilt, allowing you to capture dynamic and versatile shots.

Stabilization Performance

Zhiyun has been refining its gimbals for years, and the Smooth 5S AI benefits from this experience. The stabilization is top-notch, making it easy to get smooth, cinematic shots even in fast-moving or complex environments. The magnetic steel motors used in the gimbal are powerful and responsive, giving the Smooth 5S AI an edge over many of its competitors when it comes to stability.

Whether you’re filming fast action sequences or slow, deliberate pans, the gimbal holds up well. The AI module, which comes with the combo or pro version, further enhances the experience by adding gesture-based controls and precise object tracking. While the AI tracking isn’t revolutionary, it’s quick and responsive, ensuring your subject stays in focus even as you move around.

Battery Life

Battery life is a significant selling point for the Smooth 5S AI. Zhiyun claims a 26-hour battery life, and in practice, this gimbal easily outlasts most smartphone batteries during extended shoots. This is a massive advantage compared to competitors like the DJI Osmo 6 or Insta360 Flow, which offer significantly shorter battery durations. For content creators who need to shoot throughout the day, this extended battery life is a huge plus.

Extra Features and Apps

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI comes with built-in fill lights, a thoughtful addition for those shooting in low-light conditions. If you want to enhance the lighting even further, you can attach two additional magnetic fill lights, achieving up to 2040 Lux of brightness when all three are combined. This feature is ideal for vloggers or anyone shooting in less-than-ideal lighting environments.

The gimbal also supports two apps: Zy Cami, which is geared towards beginners with features like AI templates and panorama modes, and StaCam, which is more advanced. StaCam offers 46-color LUT presets, false color, zebra stripes, and even focus peaking for those who want to fine-tune their shots. These apps give users full control over their footage, whether you’re creating content for TikTok or producing higher-end video projects.

AI Features: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

The AI module, which is the primary distinction between the Smooth 5S and the Smooth 5S AI, offers a range of gesture controls and tracking options. While it’s a neat feature, it doesn’t revolutionize the gimbal experience. The AI module allows you to control various functions like starting or stopping recording with a simple hand gesture, and it does a good job tracking fast-moving subjects.

That said, the AI features might feel a little gimmicky if you’re used to manual controls. It’s a fun addition, but not necessarily a reason to upgrade from the original Smooth 5S unless you see value in having these extra tracking options. The module itself is lightweight and easy to attach but feels somewhat less premium than the rest of the gimbal. However, it’s certainly useful for creators who shoot solo or need extra hands-free functionality.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

If you’re new to smartphone gimbals, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a fantastic choice, especially with its AI tracking capabilities and long-lasting battery. However, if you already own the original Smooth 5S, the AI features alone might not justify an upgrade unless you find yourself regularly needing the extra AI functionalities.

At its price point, the Smooth 5S AI is an excellent investment for content creators looking to level up their smartphone videography. It offers solid build quality, excellent stabilization, and enough extra features to keep both beginners and more advanced users happy. If you’re serious about creating professional-grade videos on your smartphone, this gimbal is a reliable and affordable choice.

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