If you are thinking of venturing into videography and looking for an entry gimbal, check out the compact ZHIYUN Crane M2, compatible with a variety of lightweight mirrorless, compact, and action cameras, as well as smartphones.

If you are relatively unfamiliar with filming equipment, as I am, ZHIYIN's Crane M2 handheld stabilizer looks very promising at the first glance. Using my travel-friendly Canon M50 with an EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, which places in the Crane M2 camera compatibility list, I was thrilled to try out a gimbal that looked like it could occupy a permanent place in my equipment bag. With the aim of recording some of our personal travels, as well as a mix of photography and lifestyle vlogging, this seemed to be the missing piece in the puzzle that is amateur videography. However, this gimbal certainly isn't for anyone whose camera isn't on the list, primarily because of the size and weight. So, if that's you, check out other options that can handle your heavier camera, such as Feiyu Tech Ak4000.

Specifications

With a tagline of making "every one a true filmmaker of their daily lives," ZHIYUN has brought a three-axis stabilizer, which is designed to perform for multiple devices and for users of all levels. As noted, before you purchase it, make sure you have thoroughly checked if your camera and lens combination will be supported by the gimbal. The list includes a variety of Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and GoPro cameras weighing up to 1.58 lbs (an action cam mount is sold separately). The majority of cameras on the list allow taking photos, start and stop recording, as well as a zoom in and out option when using the gimbal handle. Make sure you carefully study the compatibility list so you are not left disappointed, because certain cameras have limitations, (for example, unavailable zoom control on HERO5).

Crane M2 also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi allows you to connect to your camera for greater filming control, and the Bluetooth lets your camera sync up with the ZY mobile app for iOS and Android, which is available free to download and use. The app offers not just a variety of remote control options, but also contains tutorials and more.

Gimbal boasts 360° pan, 310° tilt, and 324° roll rotation through six different modes:

PF (Pan Following Mode): allows the camera to pan as you turn the gimbal left and right

F (Following Mode): camera will follow the handle movements

L (Locking Mode): camera direction is locked

V (Vortex Mode): for those 360° barrel shots

POV (Full-Range POV Mode): allows 360° synchronous movement on all three axes

GO (Go Mode): capture fast movement

Lastly, it has an OLED display, which shows battery level, connection status, and your selected shooting mode. Other features include a quick-release camera mounting system, scale marks, and memory locks to make balancing easier for different types of cameras, and you can attach the mini tripod on the bottom to use it as a stand or if it's easier, for you to grip and control it. Packaging also includes a hand strap, smartphone mount clip, Micro-USB Type-C Cable, mini tripod, and quick release plate. Currently, it retails for $269.

First Impressions

Although I had previously used gimbals before when assisting on a shoot, I had never actually taken a brand-new one out of the box and blindly followed the included instructions from the get-go. I would be lying if I said the whole setup process was easy. In fact, it was very much far from it. I found the included instructions very hard to follow, so inevitably, I ended up looking at ZY's own tutorials on their app. But, even during the most crucial moments of setting up, the tutorial would quickly rush past it or not show a close-up of the action at all. I found this very frustrating as a first-time user and had to resort to looking for video tutorials elsewhere just so I could finally start using the gimbal.

Although my Canon M50 is included in the compatibility list, unfortunately, the process was made harder by the fact that the viewfinder on this particular camera as well as on the Canon M5 may interfere with the roll axis motor under balanced position (which means I cannot use the Vortex mode). Once I had it set up and once I learned how it works, the initial instructions became clearer, but as someone who's never done anything like that before, it can be a very frustrating process. I struggled to connect the gimbal to my camera, which may be due to my camera's connection more so than the gimbal itself; however, that meant I was not able to start recording by using the start button on the gimbal grip.

The gimbal itself I found to be very easy and comfortable to hold. The weight of it is a massive bonus in my book. Having held heavier gimbals, I know how tiring it can become, but this one was very lightweight to use and to hold. To me, it just seems like a great option for those who travel often and don't want to carry heavy equipment. Once I attached the tripod bottom, I didn't take it off, because it is that light, and I prefer having the option to safely put it down on the ground or use it as a tripod for filming certain clips.

The biggest issue I had with using this gimbal was the different filming modes. First of all, before you go out shooting, you need to understand what each mode does and which one to use. This was my first mistake, when I thought I would just learn it on the go, but looking back, I would recommend thoroughly reviewing each mode first. Secondly, changing the modes can be confusing too, because you don't simply run through each mode by pressing one button. Instead, you use a combination of tapping the trigger back of the handle and using the "mode button" to find the mode you're looking for.

Zhiyun Crane M2 gimbal handle

As for the footage, even though I had moments where I wanted to put it back in my bag and give up due to how the gimbal handled my specific camera, I still can't fault it too much when it comes to the quality of the actual material, which is something you've already come to expect from all gimbals coming onto the market nowadays. The weight of it makes it easy to use it for longer periods, and I enjoyed using it once it was all set up.

What I Liked

Compact and lightweight, easy to pack and travel with

The variety of shooting modes

Decent battery life

Appropriate price considering it supports smartphones and action cameras, as well as certain mirrorless models

Suits beginners and vloggers

What Could Be Improved

More thorough and beginner-friendly tutorials

Easier and more logical way of choosing shooting modes

Full compatibility for all cameras included in the list for a better filming experience

Canon M50 mounted on a Zhiyun gimbal

Conclusion

Although I did not have the best start when trying to stabilize my camera or when trying to connect it to Wi-Fi, I'd be happy to put that experience past me, because this gimbal could be a really useful piece of equipment so as long as it fits your style of shooting and more importantly, it fits with your camera. As someone who is by no means attempting to get into professional videography, I did want something that can help make my personal video or photography tutorials footage more dynamic, and I can see this gimbal doing just that. The quality of footage obtained would be sufficient for me and my needs, and I would consider bringing it with me on shoots to potentially add brief video footage to the final gallery, too.

With a $269 price tag, I can justify the price if I were to make the most of all it offers, such as different shooting modes and support for smartphones, actions cameras, and mirrorless cameras. As someone who'd be using only one mirrorless camera for the time being, which also happens to not have the full compatibility with all features this gimbal offers, I am slightly torn; however, if I owned one of the other cameras on the list, I wouldn't hesitate. This gimbal is well suited for those who use videography as an addition to their lifestyle or even business and less so for those who specialize in pro video work and need to use more substantial camera and lens combinations.

If you think this is something you want to add to your kit, you can order your Crane M2 here.

Zhinyun has just made his Smooth X official, a gimbal for mobile phones which boasts of being simple to use, handy and quite light. Currently there are not too many phones (unless we are talking about high ranges) that incorporate an optical stabilizer in their camera sensors, so lean on external hardware to work in conjunction with digital stabilization from the camera is a good idea to get much more professional shots.

So let’s tell you what this Zhinyun Smooth X has to offer, a very economical stabilizer that allows us, among other functions, to alternate between various capture modes, being able to control all its operation through a Bluetooth connection.

A cheap and lightweight gimbal

If you are not very into the world of gimbal, it should be known that Zhinyun is one of the first-line brands, standing out for offering proposals with great value for money. Its newest model is the Smooth X, an especially cheap mobile gimbal, without giving up the basic functions that we ask of this type of stabilizers.

This gimbal stands out for being quite small. In fact, at the design level, it is more like a selfie stick than a traditional stabilizer

At the design level we find that it is a small device, only 65 x 56 x 145 millimeters and weighing 246 grams, little more than a large phone weighs. It is curious that it’s similar to a selfie stick, instead of having the typical rigid handle frame and base for most gimbal mobiles.

The Smooth X has several buttons to be able to control the behavior of the phone when recording. For example, we can control the zoom, toggle capture modes or switch from horizontal to vertical position while recording.

In the same way, it highlights that it has a function to track moving subjects through its application, a function that does not usually include low and medium range phones. Simply we select the subject to which we are going to record and the focus will remain on it. In the same way, the application allows you to edit the videos from the phone, being able to add transitions, subtitles and others.

At battery level promises up to four hours, a figure that becomes more than enough for a long recording session with the gimbal. The Zhinyun Smooth X will be available in gray and white in late May, with a retail price of 69.99 euros.

More information | Zhinyun

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         Zhinyun Smooth X: a light and cheap gimbal to record videos with your mobile like a professional.  For more information, head over to the official website.

Videographers are pretty spoiled when it comes to gimbals, with a wealth of options available across a wide range of price points. If you need to figure out which gimbal best suits your needs, check out this short video.

Gimbals have transformed filmmaking over the last 10 years to the extent that there’s barely a static shot of B roll to be seen on YouTube these days. Chris Brockhurst runs you through some great options depending on the size of your rig, from the Zhiyun-Tech CRANE-M2 through to the DJI Ronin-S. Brockhurst also throws in one rather fantastic recommendation — which is surprisingly low tech — for eliminating the vertical bounce that can creep into your footage if you're not walking smoothly enough. With this piece of kit added to your gimbal, you can even jog without adding movement.

I've become hyper-aware of camera movements in short videos, as sometimes it seems that filmmakers feel the need to add some sort of movement to every single shot. Perhaps if you want to give your videos a unique style, it might be an idea to try something else, such as attaching a 10 lbs dumbbell to the bottom of your camera and staying handheld as a means of replicating the heavy cinema cameras that get used in Hollywood. If that intrigues you, check out this video from Cody Wanner.

Are you in the market for a gimbal? Which will you be buying? Let us know in the comments below.

(SHTT) - Zhiyun mới đây đã cho ra mắt gimbal chống rung Smooth X mới nhất cho smartphone với thiết kế nhỏ gọn và có thể gập lại được. Chiếc gimbal mới là sản phẩm chống rung nhỏ nhất dành cho điện thoại iPhone, hứa hẹn sẽ mang lại trải nghiệm tuyệt vời nhất cho các tín đồ iOS.

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Năm ngoái, DJI đã trình làng công nghệ gimbal Osmo Mobile 3 có thể gập làm đôi, cùng với thiết kế kẹp tân tiến nhất cho phép thiết bị hỗ trợ một chiếc iPhone có gắn ống kính, biến nó trở thành chiếc gimbal nhỏ nhất so với các sản phẩm gimbal hiện có trên thị trường.

Tuy nhiên, đối thủ của DJI là Zhiyun đã không chịu lép vế trước Osmo Mobile 3 của DJI và cho ra mắt chiếc gimbal chống rung cho smartphone hoàn toàn mới với thiết kế nhỏ gọn và nhẹ hơn với cái tên Smooth X vào năm nay.

Smooth X chỉ nặng 246g cùng với thiết kế gấp gọn bằng lòng bàn tay, cho phép người dùng có thể dễ dàng cầm nắm cũng như thuận tiện khi bỏ vào vali khi đi du lịch hay mang đi bất cứ nơi đâu để chụp ảnh với kích thước nhỏ gọn và thiết kế linh hoạt.

Không những vậy, tay cầm của Smooth X còn có thể kéo dài lên đến 260nm, hỗ trợ đắc lực cho người dùng có thể chụp hình selfie hay ghi hình những bức ảnh tập thể ở nhiều góc độ đa dạng khác nhau.

Ngoài ra trục động cơ của chiếc gimbal này có thể xoay gập hoặc cố định thiết bị ở nhiều góc độ khác nhau nhằm mang đến những khung hình với góc độ linh hoạt và sáng tạo hơn.

Thêm vào đó, Smooth X còn được trang bị tính năng Quick roll, cho phép điện thoại chuyển từ chế độ quay ngang sang xoay dọc chỉ với duy nhất một nút bấm mà không phải tháo lắp phức tạp, mang đến sự tiện lợi và thoải mái nhất cho người dùng.

Với khả năng chuyển đổi ngữ cảnh dễ dàng, Smooth X được đánh giá sẽ là sự lựa chọ hàng đầu cho các youtuber, vlogger hay các tín đồ tiktok khi cho phép thực hiện những cảnh quay góc rộng với độ nét cao ngay trong khi di chuyển.

gimbal 1

Để mang đến những trải nghiệm tuyệt vời nhất cho người dùng, Smooth X còn cho ra mắt ứng dụng ZY Cami dành riêng cho IOS hoặc Android với các tính năng thú vị như slow motion, panorama hay time-laps, hỗ trợ người dùng thỏa sức sáng tạo những thước phim cho riêng mình.

Smooth X còn được tích hợp tính năng điều chỉnh bằng cử chỉ chữ V hoặc vẫy tay thông minh, cho phép người dùng dễ dàng kiểm soát gimbal và thực hiện thao tác quay, chụp từ xa.

Mặc dù có thiết kế vô cùng nhỏ gọn nhưng chiếc Smooth X có thời lượng pin đối đa lên tới 5,5 giờ đồng hồ chỉ với 3 giờ sạc, đáp ứng mọi nhu cầu chụp ảnh hoặc quay phim trong khoảng thời gian dài.

Smooth X được thiết kế để phù hợp với đa dạng thiết bị, từ iPhone SE với ống kính Moment tới Xiaomi Mi 10 và thậm chí iPhone 11 Pro Max, một trong những điện thoại có thiết  kế cồng kềnh nhất giúp người dùng có trải nghiệm tốt nhất.

Smooth X là một một bộ công cụ nhỏ gọn nhưng lại vô cùng tiện lợi và thông minh cùng mức giá chỉ 59 đô la (tương đương 1,37 triệu đồng) sẽ trở thành một thiết bị được săn đón nhiều nhất trong tương lại cho các tín đồ yêu thích dịch chuyển và quay chụp.

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Zhiyun Official (94% positive lifetime feedback) via Amazon is offering its Smooth-X Smartphone Gimbal + Case for $48.99 shipped with the code JG5BHCPT at checkout. This is down from its $70 list price, $11 below the $60 going rate of the gimbal by itself, and is the best available. The Smooth-X is a unique smartphone gimbal that can stabilize your smartphone video while also functioning as a selfie stick. This bundle gives you the Smooth-X gimbal, a tripod base stand, and a carrying case to keep it all neatly organized. Rated 4.4/5 stars and you can learn more in both our announcement coverage and our hands-on review.

Want to take selfies, but a full-on gimbal is a bit much? This selfie stick is just $26 Prime shipped. One of the best features is that it has a Bluetooth shutter button, which allows you to easily capture a photo while the arm is extended.

Looking for a way to step up your smartphone camera game, but aren’t a huge fan of selfies? Pick up this smartphone hand mount instead. It can hold your phone, an action camera, and a few accessories, giving you a well-rounded mobile videography experience. At just $22 Prime shipped on Amazon, it’s easy to recommend grabbing this for those who can’t drop nearly $50 on a dedicated gimbal.

Zhiyun SMOOTH-X Smartphone Gimbal features:

With innovative power of a phone stabilizer, Smooth-X is a 246g lightweight selfie stick which help you take beauty and steady selfie moment or Tik Tok videos smoothly like a movie/film.

An extendable body of 10.2 inches maximum length with durable aluminum rod is great for group selfie. Foldable design makes Smooth-X a portable and travel pocket size selfie stick gimbal.

Easily and wirelessly switch between portrait and landscape mode by double clicking “M” button on Smooth-X. Start recording your IG story or Tik Tok videos, vlogging and YouTube live streaming in your unique style.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Editor’s note: Tested with 9to5Toys is a new series focused on everyday accessories and essentials to take your setup to the next level. Have a product you’d like to see us review? Sound off in the comment section below!  

With nearly every smartphone on the market today supporting wireless charging in one way or another, it makes more sense than ever to have a Qi-powered solution on your nightstand. There are plenty of options on the market, of course, at varying price points from uber affordable to high-end. Aukey’s Graphite Qi Charger arrives in the middle at $40 with a metal design, fast 15W charging speeds, and an illuminating LED light. There’s a lot to like here as a mid-range option that won’t break the bank. Hit the jump for some quick hands-on in the latest Tested with 9to5Toys.

Golf season is in full swing and so is the new apparel for men. Top retailers have launched their golf collections and they’re top-notch. Today we’re covering the best golf polos to score under $50. Plus, inside this guide you will find a load of top brands from Under Armour, Nike, and more. So head below to find all of our top picks and be sure to check out our guide to the best face masks to wear while working out from top athletic wear brands.

DEWALT’s 20V 22-inch Electric Hedge Trimmer is $179, more in today’s Green Deals

from Electrek - Jul. 8th 2020 1:32 pm ET

Home Depot offers the DEWALT 20V 22-inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer for $179 shipped. Regularly over $200 and up to $250, this high-power hedge trimmer lets you ditch gas and oil forever. Includes a long-running 5Ah battery and charger, which will give you plenty of time to tackle unruly shrubs. Rated 4.3/5 stars.

Head below for more deals on smart bulbs, and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals.

Nintendo adds Donkey Kong Country and more to Switch Online later this month

Justin Kahn

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Nintendo has now announced it will soon be adding the beloved Donkey Kong Country to Switch Online. After announcing monthly new additions to its growing NES and SNES online game library would be no more, Nintendo has added a few notable titles since then, and is continuing that trend later this month anyway. Head below for more details on Donkey Kong Country for Switch Online and the two other new titles coming to the service.

Anker’s smart home brand, eufy, just released an all-new 2K security camera dubbed the eufyCam 2 Pro. It packs 2K recording and free local video storage plus much more, including 365-day battery life and on-device human detection software. Priced from $150, these cameras will ensure that your home is properly secured, allowing you to easily view your home from afar, even when it’s dark out, thanks to built-in color night vision. The best part about these cameras is compatible with Alexa, Assistant, and even Apple’s HomeKit.

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Over the last month, we’ve seen Tag Heuer update its Connected Wear OS lineup, a bold new G-SHOCK stopwatch, and Garmin’s always-on MARQ Golfer smartwatch. Each of these is interesting in their own ways, but the new Timex PAC-MAN watch is arguably in a league of its own. It goes all-in on nostalgia with a classic Timex design that’s paired with PAC-MAN, chasing ghosts around its digital display. With this year ringing in PAC-MAN’s 40th anniversary, the timing of this release is no coincidence. Continue reading to learn more.

Walmart has been tooling around with the idea of its own premium subscription shopping service for a while now. After we first caught wind earlier this year, it now appears that the launch of Walmart+ is imminent. Today, a new report details what can be expected from the service, which is slated to cost $98 per year, in a slight nod to Amazon’s own pricing. Among a wide range of perks will be faster shipping and delivery times, access to exclusive discounts, and more. As 2020 continues to shape up as a challenging year, to say the least, Walmart is almost certainly looking to add some cash influx with this new service. Full details below.

With today’s content mixing in more and more vertical video, one of Samsung’s latest displays has you covered to get the most out of whatever you’re watching. The Sero, a 43-inch 4K display, will rotate from a horizontal to a vertical orientation to fill the screen when viewing vertical content. Following our announcement of its availability, we knew we had to get our hands on it. Head below to watch the video and see The Sero in action.

Subscription boxes are a huge trend and there has been an array of options for kids this season. Surprise your child every month with fun and interactive boxes for them to enjoy. Plus, these boxes make a great gift idea for all ages. Below, we’ve rounded up all of our favorite options for interactive styles, cooking, clothing, and more. Also, be sure to check out our guide to the new LEGO Mickey Mouse and Minnie buildable character set.

Home Depot offers the RYOBI 16-inch 18V Electric Lawn Mower for $299. That’s down $80 from the regular going rate and a match of our previous mention. This model features a 2-in-1 mulching system, 16-inch deck and it ships with two 4Ah batteries. It also includes a 5-year warranty. You can easily ditch the gas and oil routine this summer for a fully-electric model with today’s deal. Includes up to 40-minutes worth of runtime, which should be plenty for small to medium-sized yards. Rated 4.1/5 stars.

Head below for more deals on electric scooters, and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals.

Following last month’s announcement of the Game Gear Micro, we are now getting word of another upcoming SEGA mini console. SEGA, unlike Sony’s attempt, did quite well with the popular Genesis Mini console and is now looking to bring some of that magic to the miniature arcade space. The house of PAC-MAN has been unleashing loads of new pint-sized arcade gear this year and SEGA is now looking to get in on the action with the new Astro City Mini arcade cabinet. Head below for all the details and a closer look.

8Bitdo and Microsoft have partnered to make a portable, battery-powered, Bluetooth-connected gaming controller for xCloud and Stadia. This controller takes on the form-factor of old PlayStation controllers with a D-Pad on the left and two joysticks in the center. With an included clip to hold your phone at an angle, this controller is the best way to enjoy gaming while on-the-go.

Sumbu putarnya dapat mudah bergerak dan mampu menahan posisi ponsel pada sudut berbeda. Zhiyun Smooth X dapat dengan lancar bergeser antara posisi horisontal dan vertikal.

Bisa dibilang Zhiyun terkenal akan gimbal dan aksesorinya yang berbeda dari perusahaan lain untuk membantu membuat konten video. Harga yang terjangkau dan kualitas yang baik adalah dua aspek utama di balik meningkatnya citra perusahaan tersebut dalam beberapa tahun. Dilansir dari Gizmochina (19/6), baru-baru ini Zhiyun mengenalkan gimbal ponsel Smooth X yang diklaim memiliki peningkatan dari produk lawasnya.

Desain gimbal ini cukup portabel karena dapat dilipat menjadi seukuran telapak tangan. Smooth X memungkinkan pengguna mendapatkan perspektif lebih luas menggunakan kamera ponsel. Desainnya terbuat dari alumunium yang diukir dengan bobot sekitar 246 gram. Mengingat desainnya yang dapat dilipat, gimbal ini dikatakan dapat dengan mudah masuk ke dalam tas atau saku.

Pengoperasian pada gimbal ini diinformasikan cukup mudah dengan kelengkapan hanya tiga tombol. Sumbu putarnya dapat mudah bergerak dan mampu menahan posisi ponsel pada sudut berbeda. Zhiyun Smooth X dapat dengan lancar bergeser antara posisi horisontal dan vertikal menggunakan fitur Quik Roll.

Perusahaan asal Negeri Tirai Bambu tersebut melengkapi gimbal terbarunya dengan sensor pendeteksi gerak sehingga dapat mengikuti subjek yang diinginkan. Ada pula dukungan kontrol gestur yang memungkinkan pengguna merekam momen seru tanpa menyentuh gimbal.

Zhiyun Smooth X memiliki aplikasi ponsel yang memudahkan pengguna membuat film. Aplikasi ini dikatakan dapat mengurangi pekerjaan pengeditan atau pemrosesan yang membosankan dan mengintegrasikan filter kustom, efek, musik, dan pergerakan.

Baterai gimbal Smooth X menjanjikan daya tahan hingga 10 jam dengan kapasitas sebesar 1.000 mAh. Meski demikian, daya tahan baterai juga berpengaruh kepada skema penggunaan yang berbeda-beda. Harga yang ditawarkan untuk Zhiyun Smooth X adalah USD59 (Rp840 ribu).

REVIEW – If you take a lot of videos, a gimbal can be an amazing tool to smooth out panning motions resulting in something much more pleasant to watch (content not considered). Seems fitting then that Zhiyun’s new gimbal is called Smooth X. I was able to check out this little gem over the past couple weeks. Is it a good option for you? Let’s find out.

What is it?

The Smooth X is a foldable, smart-phone specific extendable 2-axis gimbal with bluetooth remote shutter and zoom controls.

What’s in the box?

Smooth X gimbal

Tripod

Travel case

Charging cable

User guide and service cards

Hardware specs

General

Bluetooth: BLE 5.0

Battery: 1000mAh

Runtime: 3-4 hours

Charging: USB-C

Indicators: 4-stage LED

Dimensions: 247g, 146 x 66 x 57mm, 267mm extendable reach

Stabilization

Mechanical Range: 300º pan, 250º roll

Controllable Angle: -120º to +145º pan -80º to 180º roll

Angle Deviation: Static ±0.01 to ±0.04, Motion ±0.1 (Standard) ±0.05 (Min)

Smartphone Limits: Weight of 75g – 260g, Width 50mm – 90mm

Design and features

The portability of the Smooth X was definitely key in the design intention. Its folded size is small enough to pocket easily.

The device mount is spring-loaded keeping your phone securely anchored.

All the controls needed to control the gimbal and recording functions are on the hand grip.

A 1/4-20 threaded mount lets you connect the gimbal to a plethora of camera stands or the included tripod.

The USB-C power port makes charging and firmware updates easy, while the rubber traction section provides a flat spot should you need to set it down for a minute with your phone loaded.

Here’s what it looks like fully extended.

Setup

Everything you need to get started is included in the handy travel case. It’s tempting to just dive in and try to use, but this is one time where following the steps can save you some serious headache.

Step One: Connect the charging cable to the USB-C port on the side of the Smooth X and to your favorite USB power source.

Step Two: Download the ZY Cami app using the QR code in the guide or from your app store of choice

Step Three: Unfolding. Here’s the diagram from the instructions…

Rotate the handle 180º counter clockwise so the controls are facing you

Pull the handle out to expose the hinge and then tilt away to clear the phone cradle

Holding the cradle arm, turn the entire handle counter clockwise 180º

To fold up, reverse this process

Here are photos of the same steps…

Step Four: Phone positioning and power on

The camera of your phone should always be on the left side of the gimbal. The easiest way to get this right is to confirm the device mount is in its locked position (rotated fully counter clockwise) and then place your smartphone into the mount with the back camera away from you and towards the handle

Rotate your smartphone 90º clockwise and then adjust the phone’s position laterally so that it self-balances (this isn’t technically necessary, but a balanced position will decrease balance adjustments and increase battery life)

Launch the ZY Cami app on your smartphone

While holding the handle, press and hold the power button on the gimbal with your other hand(each of the 4 LEDs will light in sequence before powering on)

Follow Bluetooth pairing prompts and connection info on the screen. The initial pairing has an extra step or two, but it auto pairs after that.

Performance

The coolest part of the Smooth X for me is its compact size. It easily fits in a pocket and the controls are positioned so that it won’t accidentally turn on. The trickiest part is definitely learning the unfolding and folding setup, which has just enough steps that it’s a good four or five times to start feeling automatic.

Using the gimbal also has a bit of a learning curve, but it’s a pretty quick study. If you haven’t used a gimbal before, here’s what you need to know. This is a 2-axis gimbal so it can control the left/right and horizon rotation. Up/down tilt is up to you either using your wrist or the hinge position on the extension.

The Smooth X responds to your hand motion if unlocked, or will keep your phone isolated if you have activated the axis locks. There are scenarios where any and all of these make sense so it’s best to play around to learn what does and doesn’t work for you.

Once set up and powered on, here are the main controls you’ll want to use.

The shutter button has multiple functions

1x press takes a picture or starts/stops recording depending on your camera mode

2x press switches between photo and video modes

3x press switches between front and rear camera

The joystick manually controls your phone orientation

Left and right will turn your phone left or right

Up and down rotate your phone clockwise or counter clockwise

Both of those can be inverted in the app if you desire

The M button has many functions and can be customized in the ZY Cami app, but here are the main ones…

1x press locks and unlocks the pan follow mode so rotating the handle will not turn your phone. Locked shows solid blue LED. Unlocked is single blink LED.

4x press enters roll and pan follow mode, 1x press exits back to pan follow mode. Roll and Pan shows a double blink LED.

2x press rotates between landscape and portrait modes quickly. This is useful, but note switching during a video will result in sideways video for the mode you’ve switched into.

3x press re-centers the stabilizer

The zoom slider will remotely zoom in and out

The Smooth X gimbal will work without downloading the ZY Cami app, but you’ll be missing out on a bunch of features like zoom, camera mode switching, auto-panorama and my favorite, the tracking mode.

The tracking mode is activated in the ZY Cami app by toggling the gesture button ON. A “stop” hand gesture creates the focal point to track and also starts recording. If you’re using the selfie camera you can hold your hand in front of your face. If you’re filming someone else you can have them do it. The app will start recording and the gimbal will automatically track your subject keeping it in the center of the frame. This is perfect for vlogging and in conjunction with the tripod you’d be able to have it follow your hands on an assembly walk through as well. Here’s a quick video of the tracking function, including the end where you can see me forgetting I can stop from the handle and instead reaching for the phone.

The auto-panorama works like it sounds. Place the ZY Cami app in panorama mode and aim your phone at the center of the shot you want. When you click the shutter button, the camera rotates to the far left and starts a series of 8 photos with partial rotation between and then stitches them all together.

It’s pretty handy and a little easier than trying to keep the vertical alignment while using the stock Apple panorama mode.

There’s a lot of filters and other app features that I didn’t really dive into as the hardware is really what captivated me. Overall the build quality is great. The extension is handy when you need some reach or height to get over anything blocking your view.

The ergonomics of the handle and controls are pretty solid with the exception of the zoom slider which requires an awkward back and right reach. Feels like it might be slightly better for left handers.

It’s better if I switch my grip to hold lower, but phones are not cheap so I want to hold on securely and that feels a bit dicey. It’s also a very smooth slider switch and would benefit from some ridges for traction.

From a protection standpoint, your phone is pretty exposed. The Smooth X allows room for some slim cases, but bulkier ones will not work. You’ll also need to experiment a bit to find the balanced position for your phone that doesn’t result in the mount pressing buttons. Tip: the balance point isn’t always centered due to the camera and battery weights and placements.

The tripod stand is sturdy but the hinge on the gimbal only allows to tilt the screen down, not the rear facing camera, limiting its usefulness.

What I like

Compact storage size

Plenty of (customizable) camera controls

Value – This is a heck of a product for $60

What I’d change

Zoom control placement is awkward and slippery

Would like the hinge to fold both directions for more flexibility when using the tripod

Final thoughts

I’ve used a few selfie-poles and gimbals over the years. All of them have been kinda meh. The Zhiyun Smooth X is a stellar gimbal with a bonus extension feature. Between the device and the app there’s lots to uncover and at $60 it’s a fantastic deal that can get you started without the worry of it not keeping up with your needs.

Price: $59.99

Where to buy: Amazon or Zhiyun

Source: The sample of this product was provided by Zhiuyn

Si vous êtes à la recherche d'une perche stabilisatrice pour votre smartphone afin de ne plus avoir des problèmes de tremblement pour filmer et avoir une vidéo nette, la toute nouvelle SMOOTH-X de chez Zhiyun est en promo.

ZHIYUN SMOOTH-X : UN GIMBAL PERFORMANT ET COMPACT

La Smooth-X est comme dit précédemment une perche stabilisatrice pour smartphone. Ce modèle est avant tout destiné à ceux qui proposent des vlog sur YouTube, Instagram ou qui postent des vidéos sur TikTok grâce à sa facilité d'utilisation et bien sur son format compact.

En effet, elle se replie très facilement pour ne mesurer que 12 cm de haut ! Une fois dépliée, elle mesure tout de même 26 cm de long.  De plus son poids est aussi très raisonnable (246 gr). Quant à sa robustesse, elle peut soutenir un smartphone n’excédant pas 235 grammes, autant dire presque tous les appareils du marché.

Elle est dotée d'un stabilisateur 2 axes très polyvalent qui fonctionne sur la rotation et l'inclinaison de votre appareil sur les côtés. Afin de fonctionner de façon parfaitement autonome, elle est équipée de deux moteurs. Sur la poignée on retrouve les boutons, l'un permet de prendre des photos ou de lancer l'enregistrement vidéo et de contrôler le zoom. Ensuite on a un bouton M qui permet de basculer le smartphone en mode paysage ou portrait. Il sert aussi à choisir le mode de stabilisation.

Concernant l'autonomie, il faut compter 5 heures et demi avec une charge.

Concernant la promo, elle est sur le pack de la perche incluant :

la Smooth-X

un trépied

une housse de transport

le câble de rechargement USB Type-C

Le pack Zhiyun Smooth-X est en ce moment à 79,99 euros, mais avec le code promo HAL32VUC, il passe à 71,99 euros. Et pour le son, le micro studio Bird UM1 est lui aussi en promo. Attention, comme toujours, ce type d'offre est limitée dans la durée et selon le stock disponible.

视频创作放在早些年也许很多人想都不会想，除了要具备一定的拍摄技巧还需要一堆专业的设备以及较强的后期剪辑能力。而随着智能手机的全民化以及手机影像系统的不断升级，越来越多的人开始从拍照片转向了拍摄视频来记录下生活中那些美好的瞬间，这也为Vlog的兴起奠定了坚实的基础，让全民皆是Vloger的时代全面到来。

全民Vlog时代，人们可以摆脱那些专业的摄影器材将手机作为视频拍摄的主力设备，苹果在2020年春节发布的与影后周迅合作的短视频《女儿》想必大家已经十分熟悉，这部通过手机拍摄的影片令很多人感到震撼，也为Vloger带来了信心。诚然手机是拍摄的主力设备，但是仅靠手持手机进行拍摄显然是不够的，视频拍摄看似简单其实也并不是随手一拍即可成片，毕竟每个人都还会追求极致的观看体验。

最近恰巧要开启个人的视频制作之旅，就借着这个机会通过手上的智云Smooth-X 手机云台来为大家分享一下视频创作以及云台使用的经验和要点。以上为云台选择和通过云台及手机进行创作的要点思维导图，下面我们就逐一进行说明。

【便携】

日常生活中我们经常会在街上看到有些人举着手机边走边拍视频，他们或是在记录生活亦或是在进行着直播，也许大家在这些人中可以找到一个共同的特点那就是手持的器材--云台。在云台还没有出现之前，人们总是通过可折叠、可伸缩的自拍杆进行拍摄；但随着技术的发展，自拍杆就逐渐被各种手持云台所替代，而这种云台的利用率之高，最重要的一点就是类似我手上的这部智云 Smooth-X 所具备的良好的便携性。

智云 Smooth-X 可折叠的旋转设计使其在收纳状态时的长度为14.5厘米，仅有一个手掌那么大，而且单手握持完全没有压力。重量方面，Smooth-X 单机重量为246g，无论放在口袋还是背包中基本不会有额外的负重感。另外，Smooth-X 为了方便外出携带，在套装中还赠送了一个收纳包，使其便携性又得到了一定程度的提升。

现在很多人外出拍摄时都会像我一样遇到一个比较尴尬的场景，那就是单人录制的不便。有些时候我们需要与镜头保持一定距离录制，而单人操作实现起来又比较困难，这时三脚架的作用就显现出来。智云 Smooth-X 如同市面上大多数云台产品一样，在握把的底部设计了一个1/4螺丝孔，并且在套装中附赠了一个三脚架，为其丰富了一定的使用场景。新晋 Vloger 在选择一款合适的云台时一定要注意产品对于三脚架的安装支持，日后的创作过程中一定会用的到。

【拍摄】

视频的拍摄无需多言，拍摄内容的质量直接决定了后期处理的难度以及最终成片的效果。而手机想要结合云台来拍出优质内容首先要注意防抖，这也是目前Vlog拍摄中最重要的环节。防抖目前最常见有两种，分别是手机以及相机内置的电子防抖和云台中的机械防抖。电子防抖是通过算法对画面进行对齐和裁切从而实现防抖的效果，而机械防抖则是通过无刷电机和摇臂在物理上抵消拍摄时的抖动，两者的本质区别在于电子防抖会降低视频的画质而机械防抖需要外接机械装置来实现防抖。另外，机械防抖还有一个优势就是通过稳定算法以及自身的运动拍出各种运镜动作，给视频观感得到提升。实际拍摄时，我使用了智云 Smooth-X 搭配iPhone X进行的拍摄，由于手机相机并没有自带防抖功能，所以完全需要通过云台来实现防抖，从实际效果看手持Smooth-X 轻微跑动过程中的画面稳定还算不错，双轴马达的防抖效果基本得到展现。

Smooth-X助力轻视频创作，vlog拍摄心得分享_新浪众测

运镜，是一种借助云台这种外设来拍摄具备一定独特视角的拍摄方式，而我们平时最常提到的运镜基本就是推、拉、摇、移等。当然，不使用云台也可以运镜，只是想做到画面内容的稳定还是稍有些力不从心。Smooth-X 作为一款手机云台，设计了横滚轴以及航向轴，通过不同模式的设定加上人为的移动便可拍摄出较为优质的视频内容。

【操作】

Smooth-X 的控制面板设计在握把内侧，控制面板中包含四枚操作按键。其中最大的是云台摇杆，用来控制横滚轴以及航向轴的转动，横滚可控角度为-80°至180°，航向可控范围是-120°至145°，这对于一个手持云台来说还是足够了。在握把的侧面还有一枚WT变焦拨杆，可以对摄像头的变焦加以控制。

Smooth-X助力轻视频创作，vlog拍摄心得分享_新浪众测

摇杆的左下角的“M”键为模式切换键，单击可以让稳定器在左右跟随以及全锁定模式下进行切换，双击可以实现横拍和竖拍的循环切换，三击云台回中，四击进入横滚航向跟随模式；红色按键则是视频录制/照片拍摄控制按键，另外这个按键搭配App使用时也是一枚复合按键，通过不同的按压次数实现不同的功能。还算丰富的功能配置集中在握把一个单手可控的区域内，对于快速使用来说便利性还是不错的，而且上手难度也不大，对于新手来说还算比较友好。

除了各种功能操作，Smooth-X还带来了一个自拍杆属性。在手持握把与航向轴之间，实际是可以进行5级伸缩的，全部展开后整个云台的长度可以达到40~50厘米，就算不拍摄视频，旅途中偶尔拿出来进行自拍也是不错的选择。

【App】

App 对于如今的数码产品来说已经成为了必备的附加属性，数码产品本身的基础功能也许已经基本可以满足用户的使用需求，但是 App 的加入就会让产品的扩展功能以及可玩性大大提升，就像如今很多人对于数码产品的评价中说的那样，“这些功能我可以不用，但你不能没有”。智云Smooth-X 搭配的是名为“ZY Cami”的App，与我之前使用Weebill-S时使用的“ZY Play”不是同一个，不过Cami在附加功能性上还是要丰富一些。手机与云台的连接比较简单，只需要打开云台使其通过蓝牙与手机进行配对即可使用，在连接成功后手机会自动打开App内的拍摄功能，拍摄界面的底部功能区则是设计了像全景、延时以及慢动作等常用的拍摄模式。

顶部功能栏内则是诸如手动/自动模式切换、美颜等参数设置。在手动模式下，我们可以对相机的ISO、快门速度以及曝光度进行调整，当然也可以直接使用自动模式把繁琐的工作交给系统来处理，让云台帮我们选择一组合适的参数来拍摄出常规视频作品。使用智云 Smooth-X 来拍摄时，只要手机的相机支持我们还可以在Cami上设置拍摄视频的分辨率以及帧率，但需要注意的是，如果开启了4K或者60帧的拍摄设置，则无法使用Cami上的美颜功能。另外，在更多功能中还可以设置云台的情景模式、跟随模式、摇杆快慢、变焦速度以及手势控制等功能，此处要额外说明的一点是，Smooth-X 支持手势控制拍摄，手机放在远处比个手势就能轻松实现自拍或者合影等效果。整体来看，Smooth-X搭配上功能丰富的App满足日常拍摄所需是绰绰有余了。

ZY Cami 的拍摄模式中有一个对Vlog新手来说十分友好的 Smart 模式，该模式其实就是一些视频拍摄的模板。在该模式下，我们仅需选择一个喜欢的模板然后跟着模板指示，完成不同分段的视频录制，系统会自动将分段的视频进行快速合成完成一部效果还算酷炫的小视频。

Smooth-X 还具备拍摄视角的智能跟踪功能，操作也十分简单，只需要用手指在手机屏幕上拖动框选出需要锁定的物体，在拍摄视频时云台就会跟所框选的物体进行左右跟随拍摄。不错此处要注意的是，锁定物体的运动速度不要太高，否则会出现云台跟不上物体而导致拍不出想要的效果。

Smooth-X助力轻视频创作，vlog拍摄心得分享_新浪众测

一部好的视频内容除了前期的拍摄外，后期的剪辑同样至关重要。Vlog本身就属于轻量化的视频作品，如果在剪辑时还要打开电脑以及类似Pr、FCP这类专业剪辑工具的话，往往就是会耗费很多时间和精力，这也多少有些违背了Vlog的轻量化本质。而在使用 Smooth-X 拍摄时我们可以通过配套的应用为刚刚拍摄的视频直接进行剪辑。ZY Cami的剪辑工具包含了简单的时间轴、音轨以及字幕等设置功能，并且还可以对食品搭配滤镜以及进行转场、变速等控制，对于普通视频创作来说这无疑降低了视频剪辑的门槛，为视频创作融入日常生活提供了便利。

【后记】

Smooth-X助力轻视频创作，vlog拍摄心得分享_新浪众测

在全民Vloger的今天，视频创作已经变得越来越普及，但是仍有很多人在动手实践的起步阶段就感到无从下手。在看完今天的分享之后，也许可以让大家对于视频创作有所了解。结合智云 Smooth-X 手机云台在近期外出拍摄的经历来看，其表现也是让人有些印象深刻。还算不错的双轴稳定以及较为丰富的各种拍摄模式，搭配尤其对创作新手十分友好的Smart视频制作模式，可以带领视频创作者从0基础到入门，让更多的朋友对视频创作产生兴趣，用视频记录下我们日常生活中美好的点点滴滴。

感觉vlog的流行是一夜之间火了，而我们普通人如何能自己学习拍摄简单的vlog呢，其实你需要一台智能云台。这样的产品市面上也是有不少，有微单用的、有单反用的、还有大众的手机用的。智云也是其中的佼佼者，从大型的相机用云台到小型的手机用基本覆盖所有产品线。

SMOOTH-X采用了数码产品一贯的简洁包装，不过比起普通版多了一个小型三脚架和一个不错的收纳包。SMOOTH-X 目前有白色和灰色两个颜色可以选择，对于现在喜欢潮流的年轻人来说，选择有些少了。

红色的ZHIYUN logo和SMOOTH-X看起来非常醒目，大厂的品牌意识还是比较重的。一眼就能看出是智云的产品。

个人感觉SMOOTH-X 附送的这款收纳小包非常值。皮质感的包裹，还没有刺激气味。拉链顺滑，还设计了小拉手外出携带真心方便了。同样，包包上的ZHIYUN logo和大大的 X也是比较醒目的。

小巧的SMOOTH-X，配备了一个迷你三脚架，三脚架和折叠的智云SMOOTH-X几乎一样长，可以看出SMOOTH-X 的大小真的不大。TypeC接口，一键横竖屏切换等实用功能都是可以在手柄位置完成。

小小的三脚架做工一样精细，金属的固定螺丝，柔软的橡胶垫可以很方便的保护机身不轻易出现划痕。三脚架展开尺寸还是不错，看起来比较稳当，细节部分做的还是比较到位的。

把三脚架和主机合体后，整体造型还是比较优秀。主机按键除了开关按键，其他按键都集中在手柄上，上面是十字摇杆，下面是模式按键和拍摄按键，侧面是数字变焦推拉杆。

智云SMOOTH-X打开比较快捷，旋转打开就可以完成。细节表现上，虽然是入门级的手机云台，只有两个平衡用电机，不过智云的做工一点不马虎。按键，充电口，电机转轴部分都挑不出毛病。而且该有橡胶包裹保护手机的部分，也是考虑的很恰到好处。

智云SMOOTH-X还内置了可以拉伸的自拍杆，拉伸达到260MM长，可以伸缩到很多无法触及的拍摄点。虽然是少了一个稳定电机，多了这个自拍杆感觉还是比较实用吧。

集中在手柄位置的按键，M按键单按可以让云台快速回到初始位置，两次按键是横竖拍模式切换。右边的红色按键是用来拍摄的（当然前提是要蓝牙连接手机）。

摇杆部分可以单独控制云台转动和旋转，寻找满意的拍摄角度或是拍摄一些特殊的画面。控制起来比较方便，只是旋转的角度不大，想要实现盗梦空间等有些难度。

通过App的模式选择拍摄全景照片，自动旋转拍摄的画面，也比手机单独手动旋转要精确好用。

折叠后可以轻松放入口袋或者是小包包内，这样的智能云台随身携带想拍就拍，对于喜欢玩vlog的人士来说非常的方便。

优点：轻松放入口袋里的小巧智能手机云台，虽然只有两轴防抖，不过也比手机本身拍摄抖动小多了。TypeC充电口充电快速，支持盲插。App内自带多套模板非常适合新手玩vlog。

缺点：折叠打开稍微有些繁琐，需要时间适应。只有两轴防抖感觉还是不太够用。

Zhiyun es uno de los fabricantes que trata de competir en la primera línea de los gimbal, con propuestas de calado en la gama media-alta como el Zhiyun Crane 2. La compañía también tiene una línea de gimbals para móviles, y el Smooth X es el miembro más joven de la familia. Se trata de un estabilizador bastante peculiar ya que destaca principalmente por su tamaño y por poder funcionar como un palo de selfies.

Más allá de estas peculiaridades, hemos querido analizar a fondo el Zhiyun Smooth X, para conocer sus capacidades a la hora de estabilizar vídeo a pesar de ser una alternativa muy económica (por debajo de los 100 euros) algo poco habitual en un gimbal.

Ficha técnica del Zhiyun Smooth X

La principal baza del Zhiyun Smooth X viene de la mano de su diseño: es pequeño, ligero y fácil de transportar. Este estabilizador pesa tan solo 261 gramos. Para poner en contexto, es prácticamente la mitad de lo que pesan los gimbal de gama más alta en el territorio de los smartphones. Cuando está plegado es más pequeño que la palma de una mano (mide 14 centímetros), algo que le hace, literalmente, caber en un bolsillo si el pantalón es ancho.

la hora de grabar.

No obstante, a pesar de ser tan pequeño, puede extenderse 26 centímetros más, gracias a su mecanismo al estilo "palo de selfie". Esto no es algo habitual en un estabilizador y permite todo un mundo de posibilidades a nivel de grabación, como veremos más adelante.

A pesar de estar acabado en plástico sienta muy bien en la mano, la construcción se siente de calidad y cuenta con bastantes detalles, como por ejemplo los botones rematados en un color algo más oscuro, un acabado gomoso en el soporte para el teléfono y un pequeño agujero inferior que permite poner el gimbal encima de un trípode.

En resumidas cuentas, un muy buen diseño, bien rematado y con la posibilidad de extenderse para aumentar el ángulo de visión. Una propuesta literalmente de bolsillo a la que tenemos que poner a prueba, para comprobar si su ligereza va ligada a un buen desempeño.

El Zhinyun Smooth X es un gimbal para teléfonos, con dos requisitos a tener en cuenta. El primero es que el peso mínimo del smartphone debe ser de 165 gramos para que todo funcione correctamente. Del mismo modo, el peso máximo soportado es de 235 gramos, por lo que si tenemos un móvil muy grande y pesado deberemos plantearnos usarlo sin funda para no sobrepasar el peso máximo del gimbal. Salvo estos casos específicos de móviles gigantescos, la inmensa mayoría de terminales se pueden usar sin menor problema.

La aplicación solo es necesaria para activar el gimbal por primera vez. Posteriormente el gimbal ya funcionará con cualquier teléfono compatible y podremos usar nuestra app de cámara

Para configurar por primera vez el gimbal tenemos que descargar la aplicación de Zhiyun. Con ella tenemos una interfaz para grabar vídeo con varios modos, aunque con el principal inconveniente de ser una app de cámara de terceros, por lo que no todos los móviles podrán exprimir sus funciones de software con ella.

Vídeo

Timelapse

Foto

Panorámica

Smart (modo con filtros)

Hyperlapse

Más allá de esto, la aplicación es un aglutinador de vídeos con ciertos tutoriales y funciones que podemos realizar con el gimbal. Por ello, nuestra recomendación es usar la app para emparejar el dispositivo al gimbal y que se estabilice, para posteriormente usar la propia app de cámara de tu teléfono, para que el HDR, los sensores y todas las funciones dedicadas que tenga puedan ser funcionales.

El Zhiyun Smooth X dura unas cuatro horas de uso continuo y se carga en unas dos horas. Es de agradecer que se carga mediante un cable USB Tipo C, con su propio cargador. Tiene un LED que nos indica en todo momento la carga de forma bastante visual, por lo que no nos llevaremos sustos cuando el gimbal esté sin batería.

Hablemos por fin de la grabación de vídeo. La función de un gimbal es la de servir como estabilizador físico, algo que permitirá que las tomas se realicen de forma más estable, sin trepidaciones. La diferencia entre usar o no un gimbal dependerá en gran parte de tu teléfono. Si la estabilización del teléfono ya es excelente, no notarás mucha diferencia (aunque siempre será una ayuda). No obstante, si el teléfono no destaca por su estabilización, lo más común fuera de la gama alta, un gimbal es una muy buena opción para mejorar nuestras tomas.

La mejor forma para poner a prueba el gimbal es desactivar (si es posible) la estabilización del teléfono. De esta forma veremos el trabajo real que hace el estabilizador físico para controlar las vibraciones y movimientos

En nuestro caso hemos hecho pruebas con un Google Pixel 3a XL, un dispositivo de gama media con estabilización óptica y electrónica. Para poner a prueba el trabajo de estabilización con el gimbal hemos desactivado la estabilización electrónica, algo que obligará al Zhinyun a demostrar lo que es capaz de hacer con las tomas.

El Zhinyun Smooth X deja ver pronto sus puntos fuertes y debilidades. Es un gimbal muy económico y esto influirá en el resultado final. El trabajo de estabilización es justo, se nota que trabaja, pero no logra ofrecernos tomas fluidas a la mínima que le exigimos. En este escenario hemos caminado sobre una cuesta abajo, lo cual obliga a intensificar la pisada. El estabilizador logra disminuir buena parte de la trepidación de los pasos, pero se nota y mucho la trepidación de la cámara.

Correr es otra de las pruebas de fuego para los gimbal, ya que es bastante complicado estabilizar las pisadas. En esta circunstancia el gimbal logra quitar buena parte de la trepidación, pero los resultados siguen siendo muy mejorables. El principal problema que tiene el gimbal es no cuenta con múltiples ejes para estabilizar la imagen, lo cual limita bastante los resultados.

Otra limitación del gimbal es que no podemos ajustar el plano, es decir, tenemos que grabar tal y como esté puesto el móvil en el soporte, pero al no disponer de un mecanismo electrónico de movimiento, no puede pasar de aquí. Esto limita mucho la grabación de vídeo, por lo que todo queda restringido al mismo plano.

Si nos limitamos a caminar de forma suave en terreno llano, seguimos notando algo de vibración, a pesar de que es relativamente fácil estabilizar en este tipo de situaciones. Este escenario es el que más nos ha sorprendido (para mal), ya que hasta el propio estabilizador electrónico de muchos teléfonos económicos es capaz de eliminar este tipo de vibración.

Respecto al selfie, encontramos de nuevo resultados algo inconsistentes. El ángulo de visión nos ha gustado bastante, ya que al extender el palo de selfie e inclinar el soporte del gimbal tenemos un plano bastante abierto. No obstante, la estabilización, clave en un gimbal, sigue ofreciendo unos resultados mejorables.

Zhiyun Smooth X, la opinión de Xataka Móvil

El Zhiyun Smooth X es la prueba de que a veces reducir el precio al máximo no es la mejor idea. El producto es interesante, llama la atención por su tamaño reducido y ligereza, pero como estabilizador cumple de forma muy justa y las posibilidades de grabación son algo pobres al no disponer de un mecanismo que permita mover el móvil más allá de a izquierda o a derecha.

Por 69,99 euros poco más se le puede pedir a esta propuesta. El Zhiyun Smooth X es la evolución de los palos de selfie, aunque no intenta ser un gimbal de primera línea

La propuesta puede ser de utilidad si queremos algo más que un palo de selfie, ya que por tan solo 69,99 euros está bastante ajustado a lo que ofrece. No obstante, si el propósito de apostar por el estabilizador es tomar los planos más estables, quizás sea mejor optar por alternativas algo más completas, aunque su tamaño no sea tan cómodo.

https://youtu.be/1O2rWIAqdQU

https://youtu.be/QTrQHnLTFYg

https://youtu.be/Im5miEWp6EE

https://youtu.be/yQykJmiSPi0

How many times have you recorded a video of a special moment only to discover that it’s a shaky mess when you play it back? A gimbal stabilizer is a great way to create a smooth and steady video but its size makes it somewhat cumbersome to carry around the whole time. This is where Zhiyun’s all-new Smooth-X Gimbal Stabilizer comes to the rescue with its ability to fold up into a compact, pocket-sized device. Best of all, you can pick up the foldable Smooth-X Gimbal Stabilizer from Amazon for just $42 using the 30% discount code we’ve got for you after the break.

Besides being of pocket-size when folded-up, the Smooth-X Gimbal also acts as an extendable selfie-stick (up to 10.2-inches) and features face and object tracking functionality. You can switch between portrait and landscape recording with the press of a button, and the ZY Cami app (Play Store Link) handily includes creative filmmaking templates as well as slow-motion, time-lapse, and panorama functions.

Zhiyun’s new Smooth-X Gimbal Stabilizer has an RRP of $59.99, but you save 30% by entering the discount code SXLJ3002 at checkout to reduce the price down to just $41.99.

Buy it Now: Amazon

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If you want to take mobile creation to the next level, adding a gimbal can help ramp up your production quality. And with the new ZHIYUN Smooth-X, it doesn’t even cost very much. Starting at just $59.99, this mashup between a two-axis gimbal and a selfie stick is an affordable way to up your mobile game. Head below to see the video and check it out in action.

Portable design

As a mobile-focused gimbal, the Smooth-X is small and portable. Zhiyun has plenty of other larger systems, but this is meant to be easy to stuff in a pocket, bag, or the optional protetcive case by folding it down and locking it into a solid position. The standard package comes with just the gimbal for $59.99, but for $10 more, you can also pick up the handy tripod and a carry case for everything.

At its core, the Smooth-X is a two-axis gimbal mashed up with a selfie stick. It’s pretty slick. The handle extends up to 260mm and the gimbal can rotate to get the best angle for your shot. By connecting via Bluetooth to a mobile device, the controls on the Smooth-X make it easy to start recording.

All of the control buttons are on the handle to help use your phone on the gimbal. On the left is a mode button that will toggle between a follow mode that turns the camera when you turn and a stabilized mode that will keep its direction no matter how you turn the gimbal. A double press will move the camera from landscape to portrait mode.

The four-way button can be used to pan the camera and adjust the angle. And lastly, there is a record button to make starting videos and taking photos easy without pressing any buttons on your device.

Setting up the Smooth-X

Getting the Smooth-X unpacked and set up for the first time wasn’t intuitive, but once I got used to the steps it was simple and makes sense. To get started, first you unlock the handle by turning it 90 degrees, then bend the angle of the handle out a bit. With that angle, the handle can then rotate past the phone clip and lock into place.

With the handle set up, then you can mount a phone into the holder. Just use your hand to pry apart the spring-loaded grip and place your phone between them. I tried to get the phone as close to the middle as possible without pressing any side buttons.

One of the things that make the Smooth-X so user friendly is that you also don’t need to calibrate anything. Once the phone is mounted, you can turn it on a get some smooth video.

ZY Cami app

To take full advantage of the controls on the Smooth-X, though, the ZV Cami App is needed. After making an account, you can connect the Smooth-X. While controlling the Smooth-X from the app, you can use the buttons located on the handle. These let you change mode, start and stop recordings or take photos, zoom and pan, and rotate the phone.

There are also complete controls for editing videos within the ZV Cami App, if you want to take advantage of those. I haven’t spent much time editing in there.

Smooth-X: easy and intuitive

With the gimbal and app all set up, using the Smooth-X is very easy and intuitive. While you can only do it in one direction, the gimbal will keep its orientation as you transition from holding it upwards or down. Folding and repositioning the gimbal makes it easy to get the angle you want.

For some added control, you can also enable gesture tracking in the ZY Cami app. With this enabled, just make a V gesture and the phone will start recording a video and track to keep you in the frame. This is a great feature for creators who don’t always have someone around to help shoot.

Battery life

With the internal battery and USB-C charging port, you can expect to get 3-4 hours of run time before the Smooth-X will need more juice.

9to5Toys’ Take

Overall, I’m pretty surprised by how affordable the Smooth-X is. Of course, it’s only a two-axis gimbal so it won’t be as smooth as three-axis systems. But that makes it incredibly portable, and the features built into this selfie-stick gimbal mashup are impressive for the $60 starting price. Everything feels solidly built so far, and the ZY Cami App is powerful and easy to use.

Buy Zhiyun Smooth-X

https://youtu.be/PXt-WnVBRPw

https://youtu.be/NPO-OcZu5Po

The ZHIYUN Smooth-X can have you do a lot with a mobile phone. It also folds up so it can fit into any bag and the hardware and Bluetooth-connected app works together seamlessly.

More Than a Selfie Stick

The gimbal's extension ability is something no other gimbal offers as an included part of the device. Other brands have it as accessories that you have to add to the basket. And, because of this extendable camera arm and mobile phones being so light, it’s really simple to get the camera down low to shoot interesting angles not usually seen by people. You can obviously also get up high, and shoot from above. It’s a new and fun way to think about what interesting shots you can get.

Time-Lapses, Hyper-Lapses and Motion-Lapses

The gimbal shoots great time-lapses, and you can set it up to pan from one spot to the next with a couple of taps. It’s really simple. It exports to your library, and you can use it in which ever way you want. But, it's super light, and if there is a wind blowing, you might have some shake which doesn't do a time-lapse justice.

The gimbal stabilizes using only two axis, which is different to what DJI’s mobile phone gimbal provides. This makes stabilizing a hyper-lapse quite difficult, and I don’t think it’s ideal for it, unless they can incorporate whatever GoPro has done with regards to stabilization since the GoPro 7.

The hyper-lapse function needs some work. It's very shaky, and I was only walking.

Face Tracking

When in selfie camera mode you have the ability to track your face, which is great when walking around the city where you need to turn left or right often. Without the face tracking, the gimbal will continue to face the direction you were initially walking in.

I think the ability is great, although accessing it in the app was hard, and it seems like you can only do it once "gesture" is activated and you have your hand up in the air trying to tell it to start recording. It’s strange, because you have the device in your hand, and it shouldn’t need gesture controls to activate face tracking, and I really have no idea what gestures do what. Maybe the front facing camera can have face tracking activated automatically. This camera will mostly be used to shoot the person holding the gimbal.

What I Liked

The user experience is simple and intuitive. Bluetooth connectivity happens within the app and there’s no need to jump into settings to set up the link between the gimbal and your phone. Put your phone into the slot, switch it on, open the app, and you’re ready to shoot.

You can shoot manually or have the app set the shutter speed, ISO, and Aperture automatically. It does a rather good job with exposure and the time-lapses and motion-lapses I've shot seem like it gradually increases or decreases the exposure so you have a smooth, well exposed file at the end.

It packs small. It’s so easy and light to fit into a bag, and it’s made of a solid plastic, which doesn’t feel cheap. It’s sturdy, and feels good in hand.

The price is super low. I was sent two gimbals for the review. Once with just the gimbal, and the other with a pouch and tripod stand. I would recommend getting the tripod stand.

What I Didn’t Like

The app is loaded with a lot of useful tools, but there are also the ability of having your video auto-edited, with preset music and transitions. I prefer to do this in Premiere when I edit everything I've shot for the day together, but I suppose there will be some buyers who find this useful.

Due to it having only the X and Y axis stabilization, the controls aren’t as intuitive and can often be pressed without noticing. When pulling the knob up or down the gimbal tilts left or right, which is not usually what I, and I think many other film-makers, expect. Maybe it can be changed to zooming in or out and the current dial for zooming can be changed to the tilting left or right.

What I Found Interesting

You can whiten your teeth in video, and you can also have a slimmer jaw, which I didn’t know was something people thought was better or more aesthetically pleasing. I suppose these types of settings are due to cultural differences and won't be something I'd use.

What I Would Like to See in a Future Update

The ability to add mobile lenses like the ones Moment makes, and having it de-squeeze the lenses like the Moment App does would be great. Or to have the Moment app integrate with the gimbal so you can take motion-lapses with an anamorphic lens using the Moment App instead.

The Insta360 cameras recently added the ability to record sound through the Airpods, which can be great for vloggers who want better sound than the phone, but don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up the Rode lavalier or Wireless Go mics. I think it could be a setting that if the Airpods are connected, the front facing camera always uses it, and when you're shooting the scene with the larger sensor, it records the sound captured by the phone.

Conclusion

You can get a white one or a dark grey one, and you can choose to just have the gimbal or get the gimbal with the case and tripod for an additional $10 (white or grey). I think it's a logical decision. Overall, if you’re a photographer who shares some social videos using your mobile phone, or if you’re a vlogger who doesn’t want to carry around another vlogging camera, this gimbal with the ability to give a good angle with the extending handle is a tool you’d like to look into.

ZHIYUN has released new firmware update (V. 1.97) for Weebill-S. The newest firmware for Weebill-S supports camera control to Sigma fp cameras with firmware V.2.00.

Firmware changelog:

V1.97

1. Support camera control to Sigma fp (Photo/Video);

2. Improved algorithm;

3. Other improved details and better performance.

To download Weebill-S firmware:

https://www.zhiyun-tech.com/weebills/en?from=download

COVID-19 might have caused the industry to grind to a halt, but Chinese brand Zhiyun are pushing on all the same with the announcement of their newest gimbal.

Zhiyun are undeniably one of the leading gimbal manufacturers in the world, with products designed for everything from DLSRs to smartphones. Their newest product, the CRANE 3S, has just been announced and looks to be somewhat of a flagship gimbal for them. While it has a lot of incremental improvements over previous versions, the CRANE 3S is also the first gimbal to offer built-in image transmission.

The focal points for Zhiyun with the CRANE 3S appear to be making it stronger and more versatile than previous iterations. They are achieving this through a number of ways: firstly, there are new "SUPER motors" to support larger cinema camera setups; the 3S now has a maximum payload of a very reasonable 6.5 kgs. Secondly, and in contrast to the first point, the gimbal isn't designed purely for these heavier payloads and its new modular system means it can be stripped back for smaller setups. This new design is allegedly highly compatible with motorized dollies, jibs, cable cams, and so on, though no specifics are available presently. Thirdly, the new battery pack system can run for up to 12 hours which is a welcome improvement.

The aforementioned first in the gimbal world is Zhiyun's TransMount Image Transmission Module which can stream video to up to three monitors, including smartphones. The respective app — ZY Play — also allows you to make adjustments to the camera and gimball remotely.

The launch of the system will be done via a live stream on YouTube which you can view below and will be held on 20th March.

Pricing

Three options are available for purchase through Zhiyun directly:

CRANE 3S (with SmartSling Handle): $739

CRANE 3S-E (with EasySling Handle): $649

CRANE 3S Pro (with SmartSling Handle, PowerPlus Battery Pack, Zoom and Focus Controllers, Image

Transmission Transmitter, and Smartphone Clamp): $1149

These prices seem competitive to me and the 3S Pro would certainly be the most appealing to me. It'll be good to see some hands-on though.

To read all the details on the CRANE 3S, click here.

SHENZHEN, China, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhiyun, the world's leading gimbal manufacturer for cameras and smartphones, is pleased to announce the launch of the CRANE 3S Gimbal. From intense chase shots to studio work, every shooting environment has its own special demands, requiring the most versatile equipment. Zhiyun's original CRANE 3 LAB, the first generation of gimbal with built-in image transmission, introduced new ways of holding and controlling a gimbal for creative filmmaking. But Zhiyun still felt that the gimbal could adapt even better to the strict and unpredictable filming environment. The new CRANE 3S builds on Zhiyun's heritage of innovation with a brand new modular design, and it offers a wider range of applications and more intuitive control.

Unprecedented Motors for Unlimited Creation

Demanding shooting tasks may require the use of a variety of cameras and accessories in complicated shooting environments. CRANE 3S is reengineered with new SUPER motors which allow it to handle a 6.5kg payload for more ambitious camera setups--including Canon EOS 1DX, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, and even Canon Cinema EOS, Sony FS and FX series, and Red Digital Cinema Cameras.

Modular Design for Flexibility and Cross-Compatibility

CRANE 3S features a modular design in the motor axis and handles. For larger cinema camera combos, users can attach the included extension module onto the roll axis. For smaller DSLR combos, the extension module can be removed to make the setup compact and portable.

The previous LAB series created a new way of holding a gimbal in underslung mode with the second handle. The CRANE 3S rethinks the structure and introduces a detachable second handle with two options: the EasySling Handle and the SmartSling Handle. You can either mount EasySling handle to extend the grip for more comfort upright & underslung operation, or choose to mount SmartSling handle featuring an intuitive control panel and OLED screen, for direct camera & gimbal parameter adjustment, or combine them together.

The handle mods are easy to fit and remove, and both provide multiple thread holes in different sizes to mount accessories. The modular design makes CRANE 3S highly compatible with motorized dollies, jibs, cable cams, Easyrig, etc.

A New Battery Pack to Support Intense Shooting

With three 18650-format batteries, CRANE 3S can run for up to 12 hours. A DC-in power port on the battery compartment allows input of up to 25.2-voltsfor direct charging. To support long shoots with larger setups, Zhiyun introduces the TransMount PowerPlus Battery Pack, a compact yet fast-charging power bank for the gimbal and camera. This houses six 18650 batteries and independently provides 18 hours of runtime for the gimbal.

Dependable and Responsive System

Zhiyun's CRANE 3S provides ultimate reliability that users can count on. The newly-designed locking system can lock all three axes without noticeable swinging. The modular design comes with double locks to ensure the setup is 100% safe. Larger lens support has been added to the zoom and focus system.

CRANE 3S is driven by a new algorithm which enables phenomenally responsive speed and smoothness. In fast action shooting, the CRANE 3S can resist high winds. The 55° tilted roll axis is designed for an unrestricted view and allows enough space to mount large cinema camera combos.

Image Transmission Module: Beyond Your Vision

Zhiyun TransMount Image Transmission Module is compatible with CRANE 3S. With the transmitter, the video can be streamed to up to three monitoring devices including smartphones. The ViaTouch 2.0 system in the ZY Play app bridges the communication gap between stabilizer, camera and monitoring devices, allowing you to adjust camera and gimbal parameters remotely and intuitively. The ViaTouch 2.0 system also enables a visualized remote motion control for the gimbal.

Online Debut Show

On March 20th ZHIYUN will host a CRANE 3S debut live show on the official YouTube, to fully introduce the gimbal and showcase the field test, followed by a Q&A section.

Pricing and availability.

Three options are available for purchase at ZHIYUN official store:

CRANE 3S (with SmartSling Handle) at USD739

CRANE 3S-E (with EasySling Handle) at USD649

CRANE 3S Pro (with SmartSling Handle, PowerPlus Battery Pack, Zoom&Focus Controllers, Image Transmission Transmitter and Smartphone Clamp) at USD1149

Click for more information about CRANE 3S and CRANE 3S video.

About ZHIYUN

Zhiyun Tech is a pioneer and a world leader in gimbals and stabilizers for both professional filmmakers and personal video creators. Zhiyun's innovative solutions and dedication to delivering products that go beyond customers' expectations strengthen the belief that everyone can be an excellent filmmaker with the right gimbal to equip with their shooting device. Learn more about Zhiyun Tech at www.zhiyun-tech.com or check us out on Facebook: @ZhiyunGlobal or follow us on Instagram: @Zhiyun_Tech

Zhiyun, the world-renowned brand for camera gimbals, has just announced the arrival of the new CRANE 3S. This new gimbal is made to handle heavier, bulkier cameras with more accessories attached. Think of the CRANE 3S as the big brother when placed beside the WEEBILL-S that we reviewed here.

The CRANE 3S does take on Zhiyun’s new product design mantra and it is now made with a similar mindset as the WEEBILL-S. The new CRANE 3S now has a modular design which means you can literally make it yours and most suitable for your filming environment.

The new CRANE 3S is also equipped with the new SUPER motors, enabling up to 6.5kg payload in total. According to Zhiyun, it can carry large cameras like the Canon EOS 1DX, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras, and even Canon Cinema EOS, Sony FS and FX series, and Red Digital Cinema cameras.

The new CRANE 3S also has an extension module (included) that attaches onto the roll axis, so that you can mount larger cameras. This module can be detached so that smaller cameras can be kept in a small footprint.

The overall utilitarian design of the CRANE 3S comes with a detachable second handle with two options – EasySling Handle and SmartSling Handle. You can either mount EasySling handle to extend the grip for more comfort upright & underslung operation or choose to mount SmartSling handle featuring an intuitive control panel and OLED screen, for direct camera & gimbal parameter adjustment, or combine them together.

The handle mods are easy to fit and remove, and both provide multiple thread holes in different sizes to mount accessories. The modular design makes CRANE 3S highly compatible with motorized dollies, jibs, cable cams, Easyrig, etc.

Zhiyun is also moving towards removable 18650 batteries too, as the new CRANE 3S accepts a total of 3×18650 batteries and is able to run for 12 hours. There is also another DC-in power port on the battery compartment that allows up to 25.2V direct charging.

For longer shoots, Zhiyun also has a new accessory called the TransMount PowerPlus Battery Pack. It is made specifically for the power-hungry CRANE 3S as it also acts as a compact fast-charging power bank for the gimbal and camera together.

The TransMount PowerPlus houses six 18650 batteries and independently provides 18 hours of runtime for the gimbal.

Another feature that is brought over from the WEEBILL-S is the axes lock. This is very useful to ensure that the gimbal does not swing around while it is not in use. This individual axis lock is also useful for balancing the gimbal.

The new CRANE 3S also comes with new firmware with an algorithm that enables higher responsive speed and smoothness. In fast action shooting, the CRANE 3S can resist high winds. The 55° tilted roll axis is designed for an unrestricted view and allows enough space to mount large cinema camera combos.

For those who are already using the Zhiyun TransMount Image Transmission Module, the CRANE 3S also supports it. This means that Zhiyun is expanding its ecosystem of accessories so that it works with multiple different gimbals.

Pricing and availability

The all-new Zhiyun CRANE 3S can be purchased at the Zhiyun official store. It is available in three options:

CRANE 3S-E (with EasySling Handle) @ USD $649

CRANE 3S (with SmartSling Handle) @ USD $739

CRANE 3S Pro (with SmartSling Handle, PowerPlus Battery Pack, Zoom & Focus Controllers, Image Transmission Transmitter and Smartphone Clamp) @ USD $1,149

Click for more information about CRANE 3S.

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Welcome to TechCrunch’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Need help with gift ideas? We’re here to help! We’ll be rolling out gift guides from now through the end of December. You can find our other guides right here.

If you’re interested in cameras and taking pictures, you should definitely check out our 2019 Photography Gift Guide, but if you’re specifically looking to encourage a developing creator who wants to work with video on their preferred platform of choice, be it YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other, you’ve come to the right place. From smartphone accessories to get the most out of their built-in cameras, to stuff for people with more expensive dedicated camera setups, we’ve got it all.

This article contains links to affiliate partners where available. When you buy through these links, TechCrunch may earn an affiliate commission.

Hex Bags camera backpacks

A good camera bag is a necessary accessory for anyone who is shooting with something other than their phone, and the Hex Back Loader DSLR Backpack and Hex Cinema Backpack are great options that are actually less expensive than some of the bigger brand options out there, but with modern styling that means they look less like something designed for function alone, and more like a backpack that would actually draw compliments. The Back Loader is perfect for a mirrorless kit, and should easily slide under the seat in front of you on an airplane, while the Cinema has plenty of room for larger DSLRs and lenses.

Price: Hex Backloader, $190 on Amazon | Hex Cinema, $240 on Amazon

Zhiyun Weebil-S gimbal

A good gimbal is a creator’s best friend, since stabilized video footage beats shaky-cam nonsense. The Zhiyun Weebill-S is a new offering from the company that basically provides the perfect blend of size, power, connectivity and control features and more. Its unique design has real advantages in the field vs. other similar gimbals, and it’s not going to break the bank, either.

Price: $439 on Amazon

Mavic Mini

Mavic’s latest drone is all about distilling the consumer drone down to the basics – and it’s great. The $350 Mavic Mini is way, way cheaper than any of their fancier consumer drones, and it offers really excellent 2.7K video that looks cinematic right out of the camera. For anyone publishing on social channels who aren’t concerned about producing 4K content (no one really should be prioritizing that, really), this is the one to get, since it’s small enough it doesn’t need to be registered with the FAA to fly.

Price: $399 on Amazon

Samsung T5

Samsung’s tiny, portable SSDs have a long history of delivering great reliability and performance in a form factor that’s so portable it’s easily pocketable. The drives come in sizes ranging from 500GB to 2TB, and you should be able to find them on sale in at least one of these configurations going into the holiday season, which means that you can probably find them for even less than that cost range posted above. A good SSD is a must for offloading video captured in camera on SD cards, and some of the newer cameras will let you record directly to these drives via USB-C.

Price: $100 – $400 on Amazon

Backup batteries and SD cards

These are easy gifts to get video creatives, which never go out of style and which will always be appreciated. You can never have enough spare memory cards, or enough backup batteries. Just make sure you get the right ones for whatever camera system your giftee is using: And for memory, focus on cards like the SanDisk Extreme Pro with 170MB/S  transfer speeds to ensure good performance with 4K video capture.

Price: Starting at around $40

GoPro Hero8

A GoPro is an extremely versatile piece of kit for a video creator. The ruggedness, portability, built-in stabilization and range of modes mean you can capture some amazing additional footage to compliment stuff you’re recording on your primary camera – or give you everything you need to capture a great travel vlog in the moment. The newest GoPro Hero8 has features including more advanced stabilization, compatibility with additional video accessories, digital lenses and more tat make it the best camera the company has ever made for creators.

Price: $409 on Amazon

Microphones

A good microphone is a necessity for making good videos, and there are a wide range of options available. To give you just a few options at very different price points, look at the Saramonic SR-XM1. It’s a generally not sold for more than $35, and is dead simple with a 3.5mm connector to plug directly into the camera port on a wide range of devices. Saramonic also makes iPhone mics with lightning connectors for similar prices. Then, at around $200, the Rode Wireless Go is more expensive – but still a bargain for a totally wireless microphone system that can provide audio directly to your camera. Pair it with an optional lavalier mic and you’re going to get great results.

Price: Saramonic SR-XM1, $25 on Amazon | Rode Wireless Go, $190 on Amazon

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B&H has a 24-hour deal at the moment on the Zhiyun WEEBILL LAB gimbal. The gimbal is available for $369.99 USD, which is a saving of $230 USD.

With the recent announcement of the DJI Ronin-SC, which costs $439 USD, gimbal prices continue to fall. This current deal on the WEEBILL LAB makes it a very attractive alternative for anyone who was looking at the DJI Ronin-SC.

Zhiyun has forged a solid reputation in recent years for making good gimbals. Their latest creation is the WEEBILL LAB, a new take on the one-handed gimbal with a payload capacity of up to 3kg (6.61lb). To be crystal clear this isn’t a replacement for any of the Crane gimbals, it’s simply a new addition … Continue reading

I reviewed the WEEBILL LAB last year on the site and found it to be a very feature-rich, and easy to use gimbal.

KEY FEATURES

6.6 lb Payload

Mini Tripod Mount on Top and Bottom

Allows Two-Handed Operation

Easy Switching to Underslung Mode

B&H also has the WEEBILL LAB Master Package for $569 USD and the WEEBILL LAB Creator Package for $499 USD.