Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 Smartphone Gimbal on Kickstarter

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by Jeff LochSeptember 12^th, 2019

After the Zhiyun Smooth 4 mobile gimbal, the Chinese company recently launched a new Kickstarter campaign featuring a lightweight and pocket-sized smartphone gimbal: the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2. But, with the recent release of the DJI Osmo Mobile 3, how does the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 makes a difference? Let’s take a closer look.

Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 Ergonomics

The first thing you’ll probably notice is the compact form factor of the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2. It doesn’t fold like the DJI Osmo Mobile 3, but the side-by-side size comparison below is impressive. Once the Osmo Mobile 3 is folded, the form-factor is similar to the SMOOTH-Q2. Otherwise, the Zhiyun gimbal looks easier to transport and bring with you.

Also, to use the SMOOTH-Q2, you don’t need an additional stand. The base is large enough, so it stands by itself.

The SMOOTH-Q2 is made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy material. It weighs 380 grams (without battery) and can hold up to 260 grams. If the maximum capacity sounds low to you, don’t worry, it’s way over the weight of an iPhone XS Max.

With a single battery, you should be able to run the gimbal for 17 hours, according to Zhiyun. Also, there is a built-in USB Type-C port that you can use to charge your phone/camera and other devices. Indeed, the same port is used to charge the SMOOTH-Q2.

On the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 control zone, there is no screen. Instead, there is a mode indicator LED, that lets you know in what mode you’re currently in, but that also doubles as a battery level indicator. Below the LED module is a five-way joystick with quick mode switching, a photo/record button, and the power switch.

Image credit: Zhiyun

Something brilliant which the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 doesn’t feature, is the “one-sec quick install clip.” This quick release feature with pre phone balance looks handy if you need to use your phone during the shoot without having to re-balance your gimbal.

Image credit: Zhiyun

Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 Features

The Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 features Bluetooth connectivity and is iOS/Android compatible. You can directly control your smartphone camera for photo and video taking without any third-party App. If you want to have more control over your camera settings, you can also download the ZY Play App for free.

The Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 features every modes and function a 2019 gimbal should: time-lapse, motion-lapse, slow motion, object tracking, vortex mode, and full-range POV. You can use the gimbal in landscape mode but also portrait mode.

Pricing and Availability

Two packages are available: the Standard package that includes a SMOOTH-Q2, the phone holder, a hand strap, and the charging cable for $109.00. For an extra $10.00, you can get the Premium package that includes an additional mini tripod, a bag, and a Micro USB to Type-C cable.

Like Canon a few months ago, the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 is launching as a crowdfunding campaign. It is a strange choice from a well-established brand like Zhiyun, but the Kickstarter campaign is already over 350%, and you can back it until September 27th.

Please be aware that this is a crowdfunding project and not a retail shop so do your research accordingly. cinema5D does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

What do you think of the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2? Do you often shoot with your smartphone and a gimbal? Let us know in the comments!