Should I buy Zhiyun Smooth 5? Should I upgrade from Smooth 4? What is the difference between Zhiyun Smooth 5 and Zhiyun Smooth 4 smartphone gimbals?
Let me tabulate.
| Zhiyun Smooth 5 | Zhiyun Smooth 4 | |
| Release Date: | November 2021 | April 2018 |
| Payload Capacity: | 150g to 300g | 75g to 210g |
| Battery Life: | 4.5 to 25 hours | 12 hours |
| Charging Time: | 2 to 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Tilt Angle Range: | 349 degrees | 240 degrees |
| Roll Angle Range: | 300 degrees | 240 degrees |
| Pan Angle Range: | 360 degrees | 300 degrees |
| Full-control panel: | Yes | Yes |
| Zhiyun App: | ZY Cami Android / iPhone | ZY Play Android / iPhone |
| Price as of Nov 2021: | $169 from Amzn | $99 from Amzn |
It looks like the newer Smooth 5 beat the old Smooth 4 in many ways.
What else is new or better on Smooth5 vs Smooth 4?
- The motor is at the rear to prevent any blocking while filming.
- The phone clamp has magnetic contact points on both sides and can be attached with fill lights. The magnetic fill light is sold separately.
Did my Smooth 4 wishes come true on the Zhiyun Smooth 5?
- Non-stop 360 degree panning angle. YES!
- Tilting angle beyond 180 degrees. YES!
- Telescopic extendable arm. No.
- Wireless phone charging. No.
- Non-obtrusive motor arms. YES!
- Joystick Control. YES!
- Compact and lightweight. No.
- 4th axis for my up-down walking motion. No.
Conclusion
If you have the Zhiyun Smooth 4, definitely upgrade.
If you want something more compact and lightweight, then go for the DJI OM5.
If you don’t mind the weight for the professional features, then get the Zhiyun Smooth 5 now!
Feel free to leave comments and questions.
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~ Adrian Lee
VIDEOLANE.COM
PS: How about Zhiyun Smooth 5 vs DJI OM5? When is the Zhiyun Smooth 6 coming out?
