The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI stands as a flagship offering in this competitive space, pitting itself against industry stalwarts like the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Insta360 Flow Pro. With its advanced AI-powered tracking module and robust build, the Smooth 5S AI aims to be a game-changer for creators seeking versatility and precision.
Designed with a focus on functionality and durability, the Smooth 5S AI carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, the Smooth 5, while incorporating several improvements. Its feature-rich design, enhanced stabilization capabilities, and innovative tracking technology make it an attractive choice for users who prioritize creative flexibility. Despite its larger size compared to some competitors, the Smooth 5S AI promises superior performance in terms of stabilization and tracking accuracy.
In this review, we will explore the Smooth 5S AI’s design, features, performance, and overall usability, providing an in-depth look at how it stacks up against its rivals. Whether you are a seasoned content creator or a hobbyist, this review will help you decide if this stabilizer aligns with your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI boasts a professional design constructed from lightweight yet sturdy black plastic, emphasizing durability without compromising portability. Its sleek appearance and textured handle exude a sense of quality, making it a suitable tool for serious creative endeavors. The thoughtful placement of buttons and dials on the handle ensures intuitive operation, allowing users to access controls effortlessly while filming.
However, one area where the Smooth 5S AI lags behind its competitors is portability. Unlike models such as the DJI OM 6 and Insta360 Flow Pro, which fold down into compact, pocket-sized forms, the Smooth 5S AI retains a larger footprint.
While its gimbal arm locks securely for storage, its non-collapsible design requires more space, making it less convenient for users who value portability.
Despite this drawback, the gimbal’s robust construction delivers enhanced stabilization. Its three-axis mechanism provides a wider range of movement compared to smaller models, which translates to smoother footage even in challenging shooting scenarios. For creators prioritizing stability over compactness, the Smooth 5S AI’s build is a worthy trade-off.
Stabilization Performance
Stabilization is the cornerstone of any gimbal, and the Smooth 5S AI delivers commendable results in this regard. Equipped with a three-axis stabilization system, it effectively maintains a steady horizon and follows movements fluidly. Whether capturing b-roll or vlogging, the stabilizer ensures professional-quality footage with minimal shakes or jitters.
The device offers multiple stabilization modes to cater to different creative needs. The Pan Follow mode is ideal for standard content creation, providing smooth movement while restricting vertical tilts. For users seeking more dynamic shots, the Point of View and Vortex modes add a touch of cinematic flair by enabling creative camera angles.
One limitation to note is the gimbal’s performance when tilted beyond 40 degrees. In such cases, the stabilization mechanism struggles to maintain balance, causing the phone to tilt. While this issue is manageable with mindful handling, it slightly undercuts the otherwise impressive stabilization performance.
AI-Powered Tracking
What truly sets the Smooth 5S AI apart is its innovative AI-powered tracking module. This magnetic attachment integrates seamlessly with the gimbal, enabling hardware-based subject tracking that works across any app. Unlike many competitors that restrict tracking to their proprietary apps, the Smooth 5S AI ensures compatibility with third-party camera applications, offering unmatched versatility.
The tracking performance is reliable, locking onto human faces and maintaining focus effectively. Gesture controls, such as the “OK” sign to initiate tracking and the palm gesture to stop, enhance usability, especially for solo creators. However, it is worth noting that the tracking is smoother and more responsive when using the ZY Cami companion app compared to the AI module alone.
While the tracking capabilities are impressive, the slight lag in responsiveness when using third-party apps could be a drawback for those expecting instantaneous reactions. Nonetheless, for users who prefer freedom in app selection, the Smooth 5S AI’s hardware-based tracking is a significant advantage.
Companion App and Additional Features
The ZY Cami app complements the Smooth 5S AI by offering a suite of features designed to enhance the user experience. From capturing high-quality video and photos to enabling creative shooting modes like panorama and dolly zoom, the app expands the stabilizer’s functionality. It also provides fine-tuned controls for gimbal settings, beauty filters, and social media sharing, making it a versatile tool for content creators.
The built-in LED fill light is another standout feature, enabling users to film in low-light conditions without relying on external lighting equipment. This integrated light enhances the gimbal’s usability, particularly for nighttime shoots or indoor settings with limited illumination. For those requiring even more brightness, Zhiyun offers optional light modules.
Battery life is another area where the Smooth 5S AI shines. With a claimed runtime of seven hours when using both the AI tracker and fill light, it holds up well in real-world tests. Additionally, the gimbal doubles as a power bank, allowing users to charge their smartphones via a secondary USB-C port. This feature adds convenience for creators working on extended shoots.
Price and Availability
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is priced at $249 / £169 / AU$309, positioning it as a premium option in the smartphone stabilizer market. While its cost may deter budget-conscious buyers, occasional discounts make it more accessible. Given its robust features and performance, the price is justified for users seeking advanced capabilities.
Verdict
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a compelling choice for creators looking for a high-performance smartphone stabilizer with versatile tracking capabilities and solid stabilization. Its professional-grade design, innovative AI module, and practical features like the LED fill light make it a standout option in its class.
However, its larger size and lack of portability may be drawbacks for users who prioritize convenience. Additionally, while the AI tracking module adds value, its performance with third-party apps could benefit from refinement.
Overall, if you value creative flexibility and robust stabilization over compactness, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is an excellent investment. For vloggers or casual users seeking a more portable option, alternatives like the DJI OM 6 or Insta360 Flow Pro may be better suited.