Last Updated: January 21, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Zhiyun Smooth Q 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone Like iPhone X 8 7 Plus 6 Plus Samsung Galaxy S8 S8 S7 S6 S5 Wireless Control Vertical Shooting Panorama Mode Zhiyun Smooth Q Black
Last Updated: January 21, 2019 (Refresh Now)
7.2
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
306
Old Reviews
0
Unverified
40
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Review Analysis - 266 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Price
34gimbal, money, worth, product, beat
+94%
-6%
" ... but those are still $300+ . ... "
" ... This gimbal is awesome for the price paid ... "
" ... For the price you can't beat it . ... "
" ... Best bang for the buck. ... "
" ... Great product at a great price ... "
" ... I'm very glad I made the decision to buy this instead, seeing as how it's half the price. ... "
" ... Overall, I highly recommend this product for the price, the reliability, and the performance. ... "
" ... Quality to price ratio is amazing. ... "
Video Playback
33youtube, video, watching, watched, make
+79%
-21%
" ... It's been very nice being able to record video with such stabilaztion ... "
" ... I love the way it make all the videos looks so smooth with no jitters or shaking. ... "
" ... we make a lot of videos for YouTube and this thing works like a charm!! ... "
" ... It makes your videos look like professional quality videos!!! ... "
" ... works great to make steady videos for my blog ... "
" ... After watching about a dozen YouTube video reviews, I decided to make this purchase. ... "
" ... My smartphone videos are much, much smoother. ... "
" ... It worked beautifully showing how bumpy the quad was on the road but taking beautiful videos. ... "
Fit
29iphone, balance, case, samsung, iphone 7
+55%
-45%
" ... The holder adjusts so that you can slide your phone up or down to expose the aux jack for the mic. ... "
" ... Holds my Samsung S8+ with no issues. ... "
" ... I am using it with an iPhone 6s and case. ... "
" ... The bottom line is a compromise - I had to move the iPhone about a half inch away from the foam end of the bracket, and I had to lengthen the balance adjustment arm about a half-inch as well. ... "
" ... It is super smooth, and will hold my s7 perfectly. ... "
" ... Works great, I phone 6 plus is a very tight fit . ... "
" ... Will buy another one of these if I ever loose or break it! ... "
" ... You must mount and balance your phone while power is off. ... Best to take the phone out of any protective case before mounting. ... "
Apps
28android, apps, zhiyun, software, ios
+54%
-46%
" ... Software support works for Windows and MACOSX and the mobile phone apps work also on Apple IOS and Android! ... "
" ... That is just a software fix and i do agree that the software can be fixed but I am impressed with the hardware as is and software wasnt a problem for me. ... "
" ... The first time I used it I started the App after it was on an balanced and the recorded videos were saved turned to the right and in portrait mode. ... The videos are saved in the Zhiyun App. ... "
" ... The downloadable accompanying app ZY Play (not the old Zhiyun Assistant) is very useful in configuring and calibrating your gimble, especially the motors if you want to be sure the horizon stays at 0 degrees as it should. ... If you want to calibrate it quick, use a free bubble level app as a tool while you change the angle on the ZY Play app, it will retain the settings permanently. ... "
" ... I have not used the app yet but without it, still gives you plenty of functionality. ... "
" ... Go check the reviews on YouTube etc. ... Make sure to download and use the app for this device. ... "
" ... There are 2 apps available for this. ... One for the phone attached to the gimbal and an assistant app that lets you control the gimbal remotely. ... This app also allows you to fine tune every aspect of it and as a beginner, I wish I knew what each of these attributes were. ... "
" ... I used the app and that was helpful since I was able to use the record button on the handle instead of touching the screen. ... "
Build Quality
24gimbal, case, handle, build quality, tripod
+71%
-29%
" ... The battery lasts forever and it comes with a carrying case and strap. ... "
" ... very sturdy build in the casing and buttons, the little guitar case thing, and even the little tripod is pretty sturdy. ... "
" ... As we opened the box, we were amazed how good quality it was and it came with a carrying case. ... "
" ... Design seems solid with quality materials ... "
" ... The unit design is very high quality, and is in no way cheaply constructed. ... However, you may want to buy an inexpensive rubber grip for the plastic handle (optional). ... "
" ... The mount is easy to use and while it takes a bit getting used to I now carry mine with me everywhere. ... "
" ... The bottom line is a compromise - I had to move the iPhone about a half inch away from the foam end of the bracket, and I had to lengthen the balance adjustment arm about a half-inch as well. ... "
" ... Will buy another one of these if I ever loose or break it! ... "
Battery Life
21charged, battery life, gimbal, charge, last
+71%
-29%
" ... If needed, I am able to attached a battery bank to the gimbal to allow the gimbal to operate for an extended time while charging! ... "
" ... Another bonus is that you get 10-12 hours of battery life before needing to recharge the unit. ... "
" ... The battery life last less than it used to be. ... And now the battery life it’s not working anymore. ... "
" ... Battery seems to last forever and the best thing it does is keep the horizon level. ... "
" ... One extra battery + GoPro. ... "
" ... The battery lasts forever and it comes with a carrying case and strap. ... "
" ... This is lighter, has a stronger gyro motor, a MUCH longer battery life, and smoother panning than the old one. ... "
" ... The only way to can see the charge remaining of the gimbal's battery is by using the app. ... "
Product Reliability
20months, worked, two, since, item
+20%
-80%
" ... This never worked properly since the day I received this. ... I thought it was just me not programming it correctly so I never returned it to keep working on it but as soon as I figured out that the device was malfunctioning, it was too late to return the product. ... "
" ... Alright, I've had the Zhiyun for over a month now. ... "
" ... and then broke about first hour of use ... "
" ... However, after a few months, it started failing. ... "
" ... It has been a year since I bought it and I noticed it started to not working like it used to anymore. ... Even the entire gimbal isn’t working anymore. ... "
" ... After two days of having the product, this is where thing took a turn from weird to bad. ... I've published good video about the product after my first week but it's now 3 weeks and 10 days out of those 3 weeks have been a headache for me. ... "
" ... This item never worked for me. ... "
" ... The system has , connection wise has lot of failures . ... Is one of those that look nice from the outside but a total fail in usage. ... "
Camera
19shots, video, smooth, makes, gimbal
+84%
-16%
" ... I managed to take some pretty darn good footage. ... Images and video . ... But I find you can then just use your standard camera app. ... "
" ... It’s great for YouTube and home videos, but you’ll want a proper camera and rig for any “pro” work. ... "
" ... I purchased this Gimbal to use alongside my DJI Phantom 3 Professional in order to capture ground-level/handheld shots without having to use my drone. ... "
" ... I did my first video and noticed most of my shots were shaky so I thought I would give one of these a try. ... "
" ... I have a Samsung S8+ and using that camera is perfectly great. ... "
" ... If you like shooting video with your smartphone, you won't regret having this device. ... "
" ... Just what I needed to help stabilize my unit while I am taking pictures ... "
" ... Hes a photographer! ... "
Device Compatibility
17iphone, works well, plus, iphone 7, device
+59%
-41%
" ... Still, this is a great device. ... "
" ... Great product, works well with iPhone X ... "
" ... I initially used this with a phone, but I realized that I need to use my phone as a phone and also carrying another phone is carrying another phone. ... "
" ... Works well with the iPhone 8+. ... "
" ... I’m using this with my iPhone 8plus and it works amazingly well. ... "
" ... Works like a mini Ronin! ... "
" ... I have an Android phone and initially I thought you needed to pair it via the bluetooth app on your phone - don't do that. ... "
" ... My phone is flat so I had no problem with that. ... "
Ease of Use
16use, smooth, easy, user, super
+69%
-31%
" ... When in doubt, read the directions. ... "
" ... Nice stabilizer for my iPhone 7 + Very smooth and easy to use. ... "
" ... It is really simple to set up and use. ... If you follow my startup procedure you shouldn't have that problem. ... "
" ... The Gimbal itself is very stable and smooth, although it could come with a "First use guide" or something. ... "
" ... software is easy to use. ... "
" ... It's smooth, responsive and easy to use ... "
" ... It doesn't take much at all to be able to set it up and it's good to go. ... "
" ... Right out of the box it is very straight forward, not complicated at all and is very easy to use. ... "
Software Platform
16software, android, ios, apps, smooth q
+38%
-63%
" ... The app also has frequent issues. ... "
" ... The app is crap. ... "
" ... I'm taking away a star because of their proprietary app. ... "
" ... But I am stuck at the beginning while connecting my iPhone to Smooth-Q as smooth-Q app doesn’t recognize my iPhone. ... "
" ... You can tell it was translated from Chinese to English as there were many grammar errors and some sentences didn't make sense. ... "
" ... I had high hopes for this Gimbal, but the android app was disappointing and felt very beta. ... "
" ... Also I've read complaints about the app software . ... "
Returns
16returning, returned, item, one, seller
-100%
" ... It was a giant hassle to send it back, since the seller refused to believe it didn't work. ... "
" ... Now I gotta deal with how to return it. ... "
" ... Returning this item. ... "
" ... NO WAY REFUND . ... "
" ... Returning the item today. ... "
" ... About to return! ... "
" ... Unfortunately, I've pass the month to be able to return the product which I regret giving it another chance over and over again. ... "
" ... I am returning this product and getting a new one to see if this one that I got was a dud. ... "
Overall performance
13works, slow, product, motors, well
+92%
-8%
" ... Super smooth footage. ... "
" ... Without it, my selection for posting and editing would have been minimal. ... "
" ... I purchased the Smooth 3 in its place with is working beautifully. ... "
" ... Works very well. ... "
" ... Smooth and no "lumbering around" images as I move and record. ... "
" ... The gimbal is smooth, "pun intended". ... "
" ... Good product at this price, it’s really improved my videos quality and really smooth. ... "
" ... works very well. ... "
Charging
13charged, charging, battery, gimbal, usb
+46%
-54%
" ... Some People said the charging system doesn't work. ... In fact, you cannot charge your phone when it shuts down. ... "
" ... I charged the gimbal overnight and in the morning it still would not turn on. ... The yellow light would flash that it was charging but when removed from the charger, it wouldn't power on at all. ... "
" ... The product says that it must be charged with a Zhiyun charger, but it does not come with the charger and you can't buy one separately! ... "
" ... The Zhyun clamp blocks the charging and audio ports. ... "
" ... Charged for well over a hour and it just won't turn on, probably a defective one? ... "
" ... The charging light never turns blue and I can't make it to work properly. ... "
Marketplace
11shipping, seller, received, purchase, item
+73%
-27%
" ... This was my first Amazon purchase, most previous was ordered from online in our country. ... "
" ... Excellent packaging, satisfied customer here. ... "
" ... I received the $40USD off promo and had free shipping right to my doorstep in Canada. ... "
" ... Shipping was Super Quick. ... "
" ... Amazon customer service was awesome and gave me a full refund with no hassle. ... "
" ... Original Purpose for Purchase ... "
" ... Very good product, the seller always answered my questions, i recommend him at 100 %. ... Thank you so much ... "
Power Stabilizer
10stabilizer, would, nothing, first, compare
+70%
-30%
" ... Would really recommend for anyone trying to get a stabilizer and save a couple bucks ... "
" ... A very cool stabilizer for its price. ... "
" ... Handy, (relatively) inexpensive stabilizer. ... "
" ... This is my first gimbal so I have nothing to compare it with. ... "
" ... This is a great entry unit into the world of stabilization. ... "
" ... This is an awesome stabilizer. ... "
" ... I love my gimbal! ... "
Size
10weight, size, works, travel, makes
+70%
-30%
" ... The carrying case really makes this thing portable enough to carry it with you every time, for those occasions when you suddenly want to record something. ... "
" ... It's very convenient with the case. ... "
" ... Case is soft but works great in a bag or backpack. ... "
" ... For the price, size, and convenience you cannot beat it. ... "
" ... Great addition to our photo equipment for travel. ... "
" ... The carrying case is a nice addition. ... "
For Travel
9trip, video, travel, road, quad
+78%
-22%
" ... I used it frequently on a 16 hour road trip that we did a vlog for and never had to charge it. ... "
" ... This gimbal worked very nicely on our vacation. ... The part of our vacation where the stabilizers became very useful was when we went on a quad runner adventure on incredibly bumpy terrain. ... It worked beautifully showing how bumpy the quad was on the road but taking beautiful videos. ... "
" ... great for travel, video looks amazing on my Iphone 7, but iphone plus or samsung s8 plus are too large for it, it has a size limit, other ways it comes unbalanced, you can clip the large phones, but without a case, and be careful because it will grind with it self on one side, overall i like it and enjoyed using it with and without the app. ... "
" ... definetly will be my number 1 item in the carry bag for any trip. ... "
" ... Great addition to our photo equipment for travel. ... "
" ... This is a great item to have with you on trips. ... "
" ... (We are in Hong Kong Disneyland in the video.) ... "
Features
9features, modes, work, switch, lock
+89%
-11%
" ... Hopefully the company will expand that feature in the future. ... "
" ... There are three modes with this gimbal, free-mode, lock-mode, and a selfie mode. ... Lock-mode is is basically what it is, a lock-mode. ... "
" ... But you can always switch to a different mode. ... "
" ... features like moving timelapse and hyperlapse make it a great value. ... "
" ... Reasonable price, Got more features than expected, find 3-axis gimbal. ... "
" ... Functions beautifully with the DIY counterweight. ... "
" ... The only feature that doesn't work up to par is the "follow me" feature. ... "
" ... The blue light seems to always blink twice meaning 50%. ... Luckily works fine without it, just missing some features. ... "
Comfort
9hand, wrist, move, gimbal, feels
+89%
-11%
" ... I can hand it to people who have never ever seen a gimbal in their life and they will hand it back with excellent, dramatic footage. ... "
" ... Hands down, worth every penny. ... The packaging, the styling, ergonomics, lightweight right down to the ease of use in any situation. ... "
" ... Hands down the best gimbal for the price . ... "
" ... The hands free tracking is amazing! ... "
" ... Love this, takes pratice to smooth your movement but I love it . ... "
" ... This smoothed out footage even more as it was easier to hold and adjust for me. ... "
Design
8design, using, plastic, gimbal, forward
+75%
-25%
" ... So guys look into version 4 it's pretty cool. ... "
" ... I look forward to using the Smooth Q for more serious work in the fture. ... "
" ... Looked like a great product. ... "
" ... I get a lot of compliments on it. ... "
" ... Design seems solid with quality materials ... "
" ... This is a great product and operates as designed - but my circumstances are a bit unique. ... "
User Manual
7instructions, way, tiny, read, help
+14%
-86%
" ... This product comes with no manual. ... The downloadable manual is basic not much help. ... "
" ... The manual is not much help. ... "
" ... The instructions that came with the product are totally useless unless you speak Chinese. ... "
" ... Manual says 4 blinks for full charge. ... "
Setup
7read, setup, follow, use, truly
+86%
-14%
" ... Great product, but you must follow the instructions! ... "
" ... Follow the instructions and it will work great. ... "
" ... Truly a fantastic piece of work, and once I got used to balancing my phone (the instructions are actually quite good - read them), this has truly improved my game for both mobile photography and videography. ... "
" ... When in doubt, read the directions. ... "
" ... Right out of the box it is very straight forward, not complicated at all and is very easy to use. ... "
Sound Quality
7makes, recording, plastic, pick, one
+14%
-86%
" ... When the gimbal is on during video recording on my iPhone 6, it drowns out a speaker's voice with a white noise effect, even in an otherwise perfectly quiet room. ... "
" ... If you are gripping pretty hard, you can feel the plastic flex near the handle part, often makes some noise if you listen closely. ... "
" ... It makes a horrible machine sound while recording. ... "
" ... There is also a motor churning sound and vibration after a deep turn. ... "
" ... Anyways, the products worked great for about a minute and then one of the motors started making a loud noise the it would not stabilize. ... "
Controls
5different, tilt, record, power, hold
+40%
-60%
" ... I tried this with my phone attached and balanced and held the power button for 3 seconds or longer and nothing. ... "
" ... Reversing the Note 8's position won't work either as the clamp will also press on the Note 8's side power and volume buttons. ... "
" ... also does not turn left and right wanted a different color to match my phone . ... "
Zoom
5zoom, smooth, slow, shots, panning
+80%
-20%
" ... Also, can control Smart phone from the Gimbal including zoom, selfie, timelapse etc via app. ... "
" ... This is a great entry unit into the world of stabilization. ... "
" ... The native iPhone Camera App's built-in stabilization was noticeable and nice and superior to ZY Play. ... "
" ... Tested gimbal with iphone 6+ WITH case and external lens and it had no issues with stabilization! ... "
Lens
5gimbal, weight, wide, use, shoot
+100%
" ... When he holds this and just walks around us it creates really interesting and dynamic shots. ... "
" ... Attaching a clip on lens to a phone can make it over the weight limit. ... "
" ... The lens is heavy, but the total payload still comes in under the stated specs of 220g maximum. ... Though the gimbal performs flawlessly without the iPhone lens attachment, once the lens is on things change. ... First, with the lens on and the iPhone seated in the holder bracket as it should be, the wide angle lens view includes part of the forward gimbal motor. ... These small adjustments afford me the perfect solution - a well-balanced phone and a clear view out of the lens. ... "
" ... I mounted the Gimbal on a monopod and could shoot underneath vehicles without crawling around under there with them, and did a lot of creative shots with it as well. ... "
" ... Tested gimbal with iphone 6+ WITH case and external lens and it had no issues with stabilization! ... With the weight of the iphone, case and lens, I still did not need to add counter balance weight as it is now not needed. ... "
Bluetooth
4needed, device, bluetooth, app, turn
+50%
-50%
" ... My phone cannot find the device during pairing. ... "
" ... I paired the device, and from time to time losses conection, so needed to turn off and on the device . ... "
Resolution
3video, phone, app, fps, 60
+67%
-33%
" ... The app also doesn't take full 4k video like you can on the phone's standard photo app. ... "
" ... Since shooting any HD or 4K video involves a lot of sensor cropping, You can get a narrower view that you want. ... "
Band
3wrist, move, carrying, battery lasts
+67%
-33%
" ... The battery lasts forever and it comes with a carrying case and strap. ... "
" ... I can also carry my gimbal on a rapid strap. ... "
Delivery
3time, received
+100%
" ... I received the $40USD off promo and had free shipping right to my doorstep in Canada. ... "
" ... Shipping was Super Quick. ... "
" ... arrived 5 days earlier . ... "
Weight
3size, phone, even, cannot, 8
+33%
-67%
Storage
3would, works, weight, bag
+67%
-33%
" ... As we opened the box, we were amazed how good quality it was and it came with a carrying case. ... "
" ... Case is soft but works great in a bag or backpack. ... "
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Specifications
No specs available.