Zhiyun Smooth XS Tutorial, Setup, Review, Unboxing. Budget Smartphone Gimbal!

[@LisaKanda]

Hi Otto. This was the best tutorial ever! Thanks so much. I bought this almost a year ago and it sat in the box. Now I need to go out and play with it.

[@OttoJulian_]

hope it's being used more frequently now :)

[@Celineonyoutube]

Hey Otto ! That's an interesting gimbal ! It looks more like a monopod , and that can be very interesting for some shots ! Very nice, sleek and interesting video Otto ! I won't miss the comparison with the 3 axis gimbal !

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Celine!!! It's interesting but can't say it's my favorite 😄. Thank you for watching!!

[@brainstrains3253]

This is a cool gimbal that will help with some special shots, thanks for the tutorial, was informative and fun to watch!

[@OttoJulian_]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@llamado14]

Mr.Otto ! cool video bruh thanks keep em up !!!👏👏👏

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Erik how is it going!? Thank you!!!

[@PreppingWithSarge]

These gimbals really elevate the video footage. I don’t have one but will add to the kit at some point. This looks like a nice starter gimbal to learn on and begin to open that world in video production. I could see myself starting with something like this

[@OttoJulian_]

Thanks for your comment Sarge! Yeah this could be a starter gimbal just to get a taste of what they offer.

[@santiagochavarria111]

Hi Otto I’m the guy who bought from you de smooth 5s🇨🇷, thank you for your feedback, it was a very good buyer experience💪🏾🔥

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Santiago! you are welcome!

[@markforrest881]

Hi Otto, great explanation of the uses and benefits of this gimbal. At first, I didn’t really see the benefit of owning this gimbal (even with the great price point) because I have the DJI Pocket 2. However, I usually connect my Pocket 2 to my smartphone for the benefit of the larger screen. Because I have an android phone, it uses the pocket 2 as a charging bank (as you pointed out in one of you other videos). Recording 4k-24fps connected to my phone gives me horrible battery life. This gimbal just may be an option for “Run and Gun” recording because of it’s pocketable size. My OM4 is small but certainly not pocketable. You have given me something to think about. Thanks!

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Mark! Very good points all around! This gimbal is very basic, if you plan to move a lot with it you will miss the third axis for sure. I made a comparison between this and the OM4, which has 3 axis, but if you are considering not spending lots of money for a backup gimbal, I will have a video probably first week of 2021 of a good alternative with 3 axis at the same price of this one!

[@iambynoNG]

Hi Otto, Great Stuff you do...Please what 3axis within this Price Range is a Great Alternative. Hope to hear from you Soonest.

[@OttoJulian_]

I think the cheapest 3 axis gimbal is the Hohem iSteady X

[@danemarc]

And another epic video Mr.Otto..😃

[@OttoJulian_]

Danemarc! I really appreciate your feedback!!

[@MissDeTria]

Thank you for explaining how this works!!! I couldn't figure it out.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Miss DeTria!!! Sure! you are welcome!!!

[@camillegallantes3492]

Hi 👋 right now I’m contemplating between this and the hohem ISteady X. Can I ask for an advice ? Which one is the best? Thank you!

[@OttoJulian_]

hello. It will mainly depend what you need it for, but 3 axis gimbals are going to be better stabilizing your smartphone than a 2 axis gimbal like this one. I have a few videos on the iSteady X, you should check them out

[@Mista_Me]

Just subscribed because I love how positive the community is!! You don’t see this on KZbin to often... great video

[@OttoJulian_]

really? :) thanks for your comment!

[@lisandruybf]

Really best tutorial of settings and functionalities of this little toy 🤝. Thank you very much foe great job!

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome!

[@JessicaHopeHarvey]

Thanks so much. Not an obvious gimbal for a newbie.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi Jessica, you are welcome

[@NazrinZakaria]

Very helpful video! Thank you so much, just got my zhiyun smooth xs 😊

[@OttoJulian_]

Great to hear! hope you enjoy this device!

[@ammiechushinoda]

Thank you very much for this tutorial video. I was so confused when I got this little thing. Now I can try using it in my trip. 😊

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Ammie!! I feel very happy reading your comment. I'm glad that it was helpful! Thanks!

[@SavageFlies]

Wow, another stellar video from Otto the Amazing! The king of b-roll! Forests, gimbal, railroad tracks, more gimbal, looking up at trees. All beautiful stuff! Then an unboxing, and tutorial on how to set it up and use it. Also great! Interesting side note, I used to work with missiles with gyro-stabilized gimbals (we call that 6dof in the missile world, for six degrees of freedom). One question- why don't you mention the price of it early on? Especially for those of us who don't know too much about these products. For example, the DJI review you did... I was thinking that thing was several hundred dollars. I was totally surprised to see it for $149. And this one only $75? Wow! For a beginner this looks great. Maybe it's just me, but when I'm two minutes into the video, I'm telling myself, "This thing is cool! How much does it cost??" Then I click your link in the description to see. Of course, I open in another tab and let your video keep playing. But some people might click away and you lose them. Everybody probably doesn't browse with twelve tabs open. Particularly if they are on their phones. Just a thought. Another great video my friend!

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Matt!!! Haha you made my day!! You are indeed one of my best supporters!!! Thank you for all that feedback!! That is so interesting about the missiles. Were you on the army? I mean, it's not like you were playing with them on your backyard lol. Matt you are absolutely right about the price! It was actually a small detail (among a few others) that I forgot to mention. It was supposed to be among the first lines, and I like disclosing the price either at the beginning or at the end. I'll just pin it on a comment or change the title! Good observation my friend!

[@OttoJulian_]

Something else! I'm pretty sure that filming a railroad or some trees is EASIER than tying flies and making them look good for humans and fish!

[@SavageFlies]

@@OttoJulian_ -Thanks Otto! I was in the Navy and after becoming a civilian worked in shipboard missile defense. (I got a lot of trips to Hawaii out of that gig. :-) ) Regarding mentioning price, I probably wouldn't change the title but mention it in one of the first two lines of the description. That's all a lot of people see anyway!

[@OttoJulian_]

@@SavageFlies I placed it on the title but you are, totally forgot about the description.

[@OttoJulian_]

@@SavageFlies very interesting!!! Seems like you have way more stories to tell than I thought! Hawaii!!! And not only once! It is on my bucket list for sure!!

[@danemarc]

Wow..another epic broll..

[@SavageFlies]

Yes, Otto's b-roll is amazing. It always makes me jealous. :-)

[@OttoJulian_]

Thank you both!!

[@RaymondProw]

You make it look so easy otto. My video I'm on day 3 still trying to work out the mode button

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey there! It takes time getting used to it specially if this is your first gimbal. Just keep practicing, you'll get the hang of it in no time

[@RaymondProw]

Thank you I will keep practicing otto

[@ebenoak]

Good demonstration dude! Keep it up

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Oduro, thank you!

[@xaviersantini3578]

Magnífico OTTO excelente video .. Cuál es el gimbal más económico de tres ejes de Zhiyum ? Gracias

[@OttoJulian_]

Hola. Gracias. Creo que en este momento el más económico es el Smooth Q3

[@xaviersantini3578]

@@OttoJulian_ muchas gracias OTTO.. EXCELENTES VIDEOS. SALUDOS

[@micaelacassino2218]

Sos un genio, muchas gracias por este video, lo compre y me sentía mal porque no podía entender cómo usarlo, gracias a tu vídeo entendí todo y le puedo hacer vídeos geniales!

[@OttoJulian_]

Hola Micaela. Con mucho gusto !!

[@danemarc]

I love the stormtrooper 😍😍😍😍

[@OttoJulian_]

Heeeey Danemarc!!! Yeah I love it too!!!

[@mayelaquesada1]

Very good !!! very professional 💯

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Mayela!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@CarProR]

Great tutorial thank you for sharing. How difficult or easy is it to connect an external microphone such as the Rode videomicro or wireless go?

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Carlos/Provy! It is easy as long as the cable is not pulling your phone. I tried my lav mic and the Rode Videomicro with a small extension mic cable, and it worked just fine. Sorry about the late response, I actually had to come back and test it myself for a better answer!

[@danielvstories7660]

LIKE the way you explained about it. TQ

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Daniel! Thank you for your feedback!

[@warrenstewart3332]

Thanks That helped me out getting started 👍

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Warren!! You are welcome!

[@theuniverse99220]

Hello! Otto, I wonder that, can we use Smooth XS without ZI Cami App? If can not, so which Gimbal can be used without requiring an app?

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello! You can use the gimbal without the app. It will balance your phone when you turn the gimbal on, and some buttons will work just fine, like changing to vertical, re centering, etc. Most gimbals can do this. OM4 us a good choice too

[@theuniverse99220]

@@OttoJulian_ First, thanks for ur replied. Ok, I got it, but one last question, Smooth XS can use with any mobile apps like FB Live Streaming or IG too right? and will it keep a good balance when we live stream?

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome! Yes. If you use FB app or IG, you can't use cami app. It will balance the phone. Don't forget that this is a 2 axis gimbal. One movement is missing. If you walk too much you will see some shake on the video I will have a comparison soon, between a 2-axis gimbal and a 3-axis one.

[@OttoJulian_]

Something else. This gimbal gives "ok" balance. If you want good balance a 3-axis one will be a better choice. If you are not walking then it's quite good

[@Galaxy20Wolf]

Thank you. I was a lucky Winner of a giveaway. So this helped a lot. The Guide was in Chinise lol.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi!! Very Lucky winner!! Enjoy your new gimbal!

[@MentalidadCaballero]

Great video, really helpful 🙌

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome

[@diamantinoguimaraes1719]

Hi, after register the device, does it need to to be conected to the app all the time to operate or can one use it as any other gimball and use the native phone camera? Does the shot button works with native camera?

[@OttoJulian_]

You can use the phone's camera app, but the shutter button or anything that is related to the camera will not work. Re-enter and other functions will work as they are not "communicating" with the camera

[@jairolozano1093]

Did u heard something about the Smooth x2 already? I’m stuck between x2 the new one and DJI OM5, for my iPhone 12 Pro Max, please help….!

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi, yes the XS2 is available but it only has 2 axis as well. The OM5 has 3 axis, big difference. If you have the pro max the XS2 might not be a good choice.

[@jairolozano1093]

@@OttoJulian_ man you’re the best doing this, thank you so much and happy holidays.! Best regards from Tampa

[@melodyregan7099]

Hi Otto, do you know if this is compatible for Samsung Note or bigger size Android phones? Thanks.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Melody! No, this is not suitable for bigger phones

[@HappyDIY9]

If the mobile has button at the middle, I guess it can't be placed on the gimball (unable to balance the phone) which mean unable to use this gimball.. please correct me if I am wrong

[@OttoJulian_]

I mean, you can place it in the middle of the gimbal, but accessing your power button will be difficult. I usually unlock the phone with fingertip scanner so I don't even need to use the power button, but not every phone has that feature

[@natalialenczner456]

Thanks a lot!! This video doesn’t suck at all! What sucks is the manual of the gimbal 😅

[@OttoJulian_]

Hehe yeah lately their manuals are too small or hard to understand

[@BowenLeigh]

I assumed this gimble does not need to balance before using it. right ? Plus what if i don't download the zy app, can i use the native camera ?

[@OttoJulian_]

you need to do some balancing, it's the best thing to do. You can use the native camera app, I can't remember if you have to register with their app first though

[@BowenLeigh]

@@OttoJulian_ thanks 🙏😀

[@BowenLeigh]

I read one of the messages commenting on zhiyun XS left on Amazon. This product is NOT heavy enough to support Iphone12 Pro Max... guess that is what happened it kept turning off automacially with my iphone12 pro max

[@lgrico18]

No dolly zoom effects? Thanks and GODbless

[@OttoJulian_]

the Cami app does offer dolly zoom

[@daleap79]

Great explanation video thanks you

[@OttoJulian_]

Glad you liked it

[@Deshifool]

I am bigner about this, how to balance this camera, when am using this can, t balance the..target

[@OttoJulian_]

Hi. I am not sure im understanding correctly. You need to balance before you turn it on

[@tanishqkalbhor3474]

Hello , I can’t connect to it! I don’t get the activating option . Like how you got the activation option. How to do it please help !

[@OttoJulian_]

Did you buy it new? Is the gimbal working at all?

[@adelzaidi3462]

Thanks for the video, can you review the Capture π gimble ??

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome. Which gimbal is that one? What brand?

[@adelzaidi3462]

@@OttoJulian_ Hi, it's a new model and it's from a chinese brand called funsanp

[@OttoJulian_]

Now I know. Yeah I've seen them. I'll check them out.

[@adelzaidi3462]

@@OttoJulian_ Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the attention. Btw I would like to ask you would the Zhiyun Smooth XS be fit to use in order to shoot overhead cooking videos ?

[@OttoJulian_]

@@adelzaidi3462 You are welcome. I am assuming that those overhead videos are going to be fixed? I mean, are you going to be moving the gimbal?

[@Pakistan2world]

Hi auto good informative video

[@OttoJulian_]

So nice of you

[@MuzicAna]

Thanks so much! Very helpful ^_^

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Ana! Thank you for your feedback!

[@vladasoskic3043]

If u have to chose, would u take this one or DJI Osmo mobile 3?

[@OttoJulian_]

3 axis is better. Osmo mobile 3

[@dputra]

Hey, i just realized my unit can't be charged with other usb c cables that I have! Is it expected? I cannot use c-c cables, but it works with a-c cable, and sometimes it also doesn't work with some of my a-c cables.

[@OttoJulian_]

Maybe it's the charging brick? Sometimes this devices don't support super fast charging bricks. Haven't had problems with cables myself

[@dputra]

@@OttoJulian_ 1. Samsung 18 watts and 25 watts with zhiyun's cable: ok 2. Same brick, different cable: blinking red 3. A battery bank, zhiyun cable: ok 4. Same battery bank, different cable: blinking red I'm just concerned if somehow the cable breaks, then this toy would end up in my e-graveyard. Edit: also tried using old xiaomi charging brick (with standard 2A output), gives the same results.

[@MasakyoRenSai]

Even after Bluetooth reset via 8 clicks, no phone can find the gimbal anymore. Is a hard reset possible?

[@OttoJulian_]

Try restarting your phone, make sure that when it boots it's not connected to any other bluetooth device. If so, disconnect them. Don't try to connect to the gimbal on the bluetooth settings, open the app and try making the connection from there

[@JumperSRB]

Hi Otto, today i bought this gimbal, I have Samsung A52, and I did everything you said, but my device cant find gimball with bluetooth. I tried with app, and from phone setting, and nothing works.. Can you help me?

[@OttoJulian_]

Try resetting your phone and make sure it's not connecting to a Bluetooth device that is nearby such as earbuds, another gimbal, speakers, etc. Location service needs to be on as well

[@crisalban5897]

Very cool!

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Cris!!! Thank you for watching

[@madzdc9793]

Can I use IPhone 14 pro max with 240gm wt?

[@OttoJulian_]

On this? No, I wouldn’t recommend it. Get a 3 axis gimbal

[@TheIntrovertWanderer]

I have no problem with bluetooth turned on, but why am I being asked to turn on my Location as well by the app? This is what I am worried about.

[@OttoJulian_]

I think you can deny it, can't you?

[@elisagilbertoconsultoresim510]

This is the most complete video I saw

[@OttoJulian_]

hello Elisa! Thank you so much!

[@sajedubai4720]

After switching On the blutooth switch doesn't on I don't know why

[@OttoJulian_]

not sure either, sorry :(

[@AZZABASHIRNAJIart662]

Is it better than DJI om 4

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Azza. It is for a different type of market. I would stick with the OM4 without a doubt!

[@BRIAN-gx3rp]

Can this gimbal make 16：9 photo ? Thank you.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello, yes it should

[@BRIAN-gx3rp]

@@OttoJulian_ Are you sure? I had this gimbal, would you mind telling me how to operate it, thank you again.

[@OttoJulian_]

16:9 we are talking about a landscape picture aren't we? You have to use the gimbal on horizontal mode to get that picture

[@BRIAN-gx3rp]

@@OttoJulian_ What I mean is about picture mode. Can we take 16:9 photo from it ? Not video.

[@OttoJulian_]

Yeap, I'm talking about a picture too. You take the picture on landscape mode. Set the gimbal to horizontal and use photo mode

[@sanketahuja7203]

Is this Compatible for iPhone 11 Pro Max sir?

[@OttoJulian_]

For Pro Max I’d suggest a stronger gimbal, but most importantly you should get a 3 axis gimbal. This one is a 2 axis

[@okiamwherenow]

i had bought this considering the size and price. however the stabilisation is really not good, i come from xiaomi gimbal. so returned and got the dji osmo mobile 3

[@OttoJulian_]

Yeah I think that if you have the budget you should go for the higher end gimbals with 3-axis. Good luck with your osmo mobile 3.

[@FoodieFromChicago]

Hi is it compatible with the iPhone 13 pro

[@OttoJulian_]

yeah, but depending on your content I'd recommend a 3-axis gimbal

[@FoodieFromChicago]

@@OttoJulian_ I having a hard trying to find out if it’s compatible with the iPhone 13 pro I like that the smooth xs is pocket size I’m going to use it for volgs and restaurant food reviews

[@drivetodestinations2641]

Thanks brother ❤

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome! Hope it was helpful

[@delutedandriebb]

Is this compatible for samsung a31?

[@OttoJulian_]

the A31 is a 2020 phone and all specs seem to be compatible with the Zhiyun. Just make sure that you can download and install the ZY cami app on your phone (sometimes there might be restrictions depending on your location)

[@delutedandriebb]

Thank you very much sir for the infomative details...

[@OttoJulian_]

You are welcome

[@cutthebullshi]

Wow! Just 1:30 into the video, and ADs are already popping up. 😡

[@OttoJulian_]

Yikes, those are placed automatically by KZbin. I need to move them manually. I hope that's the only ad on the mid

[@ipunkecil]

so this is a 2 axis gimbal huh? what are the drawbacks of the 2 axis gimbal

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello. Basically no tilt, that means less stable and not so good when you run or walk compared to a 3-axis one. I have a video that compares the OM4 with this gimbal here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGe3qnWtbqaHfK8

[@Feelingconyongvlogger]

Unfortunately may gimbal which is the same as this never turns on no matter how i try balancing it . Its just very disappointing.

[@OttoJulian_]

So sorry about that

[@TechnologyandThings]

Sir, This is Kanishk From India, Saw some of your videos and Subscribed, let me tell tell u u make awsome videos. I have also started on youtube a few montsh a ago and right now, just about to complete the 4000hrs mark, and as a creator I can inderstand the amount of effort u are giving in every single videos. Keep up the good work, I sure will see u on the top some day. BDW my channel name is Technology and Things.

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Kanishk!! Yeah I wish it was easier to put out more videos but every video requires lots of time like you said. Thank you for your comment and feedback. Not everyone understands the time that it's being invested on these videos. Good luck with your channel, and congrats on hitting 4000 hours. I'll check it out when I have a few minutes

[@ivanzitla8775]

This convinced me to buy it

[@OttoJulian_]

Sounds good! hope you like it !

[@charlenelim4003]

Sir may i ask, why my gimbal is vibrating??

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Charlene. you need to place the gimbal on a flat surface when placing the phone. make sure the phone is balanced before turning it on.

[@charlenelim4003]

@@OttoJulian_ thank you so much Sir. Godbless

[@OttoJulian_]

@@charlenelim4003 you are welcome Charlene!

[@alexcheng6747]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@OttoJulian_]

Hey Alex!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@AZZABASHIRNAJIart662]

👏👏👏👏

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Azza! Thank you!!!

[@Karlasancho]

👏

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Karla!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@Coulter89420]

What are all these bot account comments? lol

[@OttoJulian_]

bots? Interesting...I don't see any

[@MommyandLanni]

Great video but this product is garbage unfortunately , I had to return it, the blue light never lighted up

[@OttoJulian_]

Hello Jenny. Thanks for the feedback, and I'm sorry that it didn't work for you.

[@MommyandLanni]

@@OttoJulian_ Your video was quite helpful, but the product was a bummer. I reached out to them to see what can be done. I have a 3 year warranty on it

[@OttoJulian_]

So are they going to send you a new one or are you going to get something else?

[@MommyandLanni]

@@OttoJulian_ I wrote to them yesterday, by their policy they have to respond no later than tomorrow and ill know what happens.

[@OttoJulian_]

Ok I hope they do give you a solution

[@MommyandLanni]

I am still trying to make this work and mine I believe is processed by a demon. It will not work at all like you say, its flopping all around and always facing back instead of front ,... it's a nightmare. I only got a refund , the company didn't want to help out at all. Worst company to buy from

[@OttoJulian_]

hello Jenny! I'm so sorry about your bad experience with this gimbal. 2 axis gimbal like this one are not my favorites, and I wish I had been able to help you out sooner. Sometimes it's just a small tweak to fix the problem but the fact that they were not helpful is bad.

[@MommyandLanni]

@@OttoJulian_ I kept it in case one day I can make it work but its just so bad that im not sure its salable. Any other recommendations ?

[@Elenatravels]

This gimbal is shit don't buy it, the app doesn't work for the cheaper version. So it's a $100 dollar selfie stick!

[@OttoJulian_]

interesting. thanks

[@cambelldosantos2148]

This product is complete trash

[@OttoJulian_]

It’s a very basic product and it doesn’t have 3 axis so for the average joe it’s not going to be ok