Zhiyun SmoothQ: Smoother Video with Your Smartphone

Shooting video with your smartphone is convenient but often the results are pretty jarring with lots of shake and jitter. The Zhiyun SmoothQ is an affordable motorized gimbal which smooths out your video and is easy to use. In this episode, we have a closer look at the SmoothQ to see whether it might be a good option for you.
If you’d like to learn how to record and post process your sound, be sure to have a look at my sound for video courses at school.learnlig...
Visit us at learnlightands... for more updates on how to improve your lighting and sound for video. Also be sure to subscribe to get new episodes every week!
Gear used to record and featured in this episode:
-----------------------------
Zhiyun SmoothQ Motorized Gimbal:
Amazon USA: geni.us/vLXwF1v
Amazon UK: bit.ly/SMOOTHQUK
More Info: bit.ly/zhiyun-t...
-----------------------------
Manfrotto Monopod (for crane shots)
Amazon: geni.us/yaV7Y
B&H: bhpho.to/2mqVjhL
-----------------------------
DPA 4017B Shotgun Microphone
B&H: bhpho.to/2mb6pr6
-----------------------------
Sound Devices 633 Audio Mixer/Recorder
DVeStore: www.dvestore.co...
-----------------------------
Aputure Light Storm COB120t LED Light (Key Light)
Amazon: geni.us/Chkokp
B&H: bhpho.to/2mDOUoi
-----------------------------
Aputure Light Dome Soft Box (for COB120t key light)
B&H: bhpho.to/2lIDfj0
-----------------------------
Panasonic GH4 m4/3 Camera
Amazon: geni.us/7aGrpv
B&H: bhpho.to/2k9edgO
-----------------------------
Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 Lens
Amazon: geni.us/dz4Pe
B&H: bhpho.to/2k9dmg2
-----------------------------
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.

[@sameldin2022]

I like your reviews the most . . very informative. . intensive.. Clear. . No time wasting. . you're the best 👍👍 thank you 👏👏

[@curtisjudd]

Thank you Sam!

[@Chinanon-stop]

yes it was perfect

[@Albertriosh]

Finally I got mine here sites.google.com/site/MasterStabilizer

[@FlashgunFilmUK]

Yes I agree he talks really well, calm and polished - bravo!

[@kevindecker8559]

Look what I just found. It's for 124.99 USD www.gearbest.com/gimbal/pp_620374.html?wid=21&lkid=10665074 I bought one kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIrbmZ9nqZKkeK8

[@snackattackkid2801]

I was undecided on what gimbal to buy for my smartphone, but after watching this I just purchased my first gimbal!

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats! Happy shooting!

[@dudemanismadcool]

Just a heads up to anyone thinking of buying one. Wait until it releases because these are pre-production copies that will break after roughly a week of use in the words of Zhiyun themselves. Wait until the build quality and durability is assured.

[@ZhiyunTechGlobal]

it's a mistake bro. It is already the assured version.

[@ytfa70]

Definitely wanna pick this up for use with my Galaxy S6, soon to be S7. Like the size, features and the fact that is has an app and comes in a soft case.

[@curtisjudd]

+Sean Thompson yes, good combo!

[@jeffreycordone33]

Curtis, really appreciate your professional & succinct overview of the basic gimbal features. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jeffrey!

[@siddharth_r1]

It shows that you’ve studied the gadget and it’s manual before every review you do. For eg., saying that the battery is full as the blue light blinks 4 times etc. those snippets are really valuable. And still a solid gimbal for usage 😍

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@brandonbain5421]

This is by far the most complete video on this product that I've seen. Well done Curtis. Earned my subscribe 😊

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Brandon!

[@chitung2277]

Thank god someone who reviews this product who speaks excellent English! Nice job.

[@curtisjudd]

Haha! Thanks.

[@chitung2277]

And by that I mean excellent presentation and good communication.. Language by itself is not the important aspect. Makes every bit of the video delightful to watch. Most videos I just want to skip through them.

[@johnlawrence8000]

Excellent tutorial. Explained in full. I have watched several of your previous tutorials and must say you do an excellent job. I have now gone and purchased this device. Thank you very much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks John, and best wishes shooting with your new Smooth Q!

[@warnshot]

Finally bought this on amazon, waiting for it to arrive. Got to say, your video is so good! Really easy to follow, great, to the point tips and steps, thank you for this.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@newyorktourmonkey4655]

Best explanation of the 3 modes. Very simple and spot on. The only problem Iv'e had so far is that you can't really charge your iphone 7+ because the lightning port is covered by the grip. Unless you shoot in vertical mode which I virtually never do.

[@newyorktourmonkey4655]

This is because the production model I have seems derent from the model you have.

[@newyorktourmonkey4655]

Duh, nevermind you cover that with text that I didn't read first time through. :)

[@curtisjudd]

No worries, and yes that was a minor disappointment. But overall, its a great little gimbal.

[@JPacheco]

Great job describing how each feature works.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@parisbymoni]

I think I know what I want for my birthday :) Zhiyun looks great, shots are amazing and so professional!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy birthday Monika!

[@ZhiyunTechGlobal]

Thanks for your support :) happy birthday Monika!

[@Miniac]

That face following feature looks great. Wish I could get something like that for the GH4 without it costing a fortune.

[@curtisjudd]

Yeah, handy! Would be cool with mirrorless cams!

[@lanespecker]

I got mine for $99CAD. Very very pleased with it especially at that price point.

[@curtisjudd]

Glad to hear its working well for you!

[@achromaticwraps]

one of the best review I've seen. Keep doing this high quality all around review. Very appreciated

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Erik! Will do!

[@b1337z]

The best SmoothQ review ever! Thanks Curtis you're the only reviewer that didn't go over 10minutes and yet your video provided the most information and sample footages! Stay awesome bro!

[@b1337z]

One more thing, I almost skipped your review because the video thumbnail is too simple like it was a default snapshot chosen by KZbin. So maybe try adding more details to the thumbnail.

[@curtisjudd]

+BlitzyWasabi thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

+BlitzyWasabi thanks for the feedback!

[@majudua]

The note 8 puts it right at the edge of compatibility. Almost too long/heavy. But it just makes the cut and I love it

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@kanehi]

Thanks for the review. I just got mines and still experimenting. Mine Q came with a semi-hard case

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@kennethcaballero6349]

GREAT VIDEO QUALITY.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@TheLillianYoung]

Thanks for sharing tips on technique. I was disappointed upon testing it out of the box. Now I'll try the suggested technique.

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome and I hope it works better for you!

[@ODDLOT83]

Thank you so much for this, I just purchased my Smooth Q based off of this, and I love it, I am new to film making and just using my phone to start is really great to do some project I have in mind. Thank you again!

[@SanderFeinberg]

Looks like a fun accessory. Great video Curtis! Thanks so much.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Sander!

[@TheBaykayaker]

Nice instructional video. Love the boom technique and will be thinking when and where to use it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks David.

[@sharpcookiellc]

Hi Curtis, as always fantastic video. I just purchased this gimbal using the amazon link in the description. I hope that helps support your channel. This would be the second purchase I've made from recommendations from your channel. Thanks for your expert reviews.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi, nozrati, thanks! I hope it works well for you!

[@sharpcookiellc]

Thanks, me too. It won't be delivered till April 14th so hope it's worth the wait :D

[@scotthimel3650]

Preordered. Thanks, Curtis: you the man!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Scott, I hope it works really well for you!

[@KenTanis]

I caught a morph cut in this one. ;-) Nice work Curtis - so many of these reviews devolve into simply reading the spec sheet. I appreciate that you always talk about practical application.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Ken! Yes, definitely had to resort to a morph cut a couple of times in there.

[@aroundomaha]

Amazing value for $140. Time to sell of my jib and slider! Thanks for the reviews, which I always find interesting and high quality. Nice work!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks David. Not sure you'll necessarily want to sell everything off, but this is a pretty convenient option. Best wishes!

[@oefitness]

i bought the smooth 2 then when it arrived i sent it back and bought the smooth q.

[@curtisjudd]

Good call!

[@gigidification]

I am not thinking to buy this product but I love your reviews so much. You are really informative! Thanks

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Öncü!

[@Nottincommand1]

Slight problem with the in-use iPhone charging from the Smooth Q. The small end of the charging cable isn't compatible with the Lightning socket on most iPhones. Also, when the iPhone is fully engaged in the clamp, access to the lightning socket is not possible. As you say in your video, charging the iPhone is only possible between takes, but that still means I have to use a dedicated USB to Lightning cable.

[@curtisjudd]

Agreed. Not awesome.

[@ahriik]

Loved your shots! Utah is such beautiful state, especially during that time of year when you have some sun, but still the snow-dusted mountains

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks ahriik! I agree, love this time of year here!

[@TheGizmodi]

Thank you for a very informative video / review. Stumbled upon your channel by chance and love the professional 'easy viewing' experience!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks! Haha! "Easy Viewing!"

[@tsizzle]

I recently purchased a Smooth Q for iPhone 7+. I've found the following problems: 1) there's something off about the roll axis default. 0.0 is slightly tilted... It looks like one will need to do some sort of manual override in the Ziyun Assistant app to compensate for the misaligned calibration. 2) you mentioned accessories lens compatibility... however as you stated there's a weight limit. Currently my Moment V2 wide lens + photo case (weighing 323 grams) simply won't work. I probably would need to rig some sort of counter balance on the other end to fix this.

[@curtisjudd]

Hey, good info T Sizzle, thanks for that! I'm curious about the roll axis issue. I also shoot with a 7+. Perhaps there's some variation from copy to copy...

[@Russ_Hoops]

Thank you for your tutorial. I really got a lot out of it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback Russ

[@RobertDNC]

Well produced and narrated, thanks for sharing

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Rob.

[@Techtippr]

One of the best videos on this Gimbal

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@richardbutlercoach]

Excellent video Curtis, many, many thanks, I am still getting used to the different modes!

[@curtisjudd]

+Richard Butler thanks! Happy shooting!

[@rodrigoperez258]

Very Cool the face tracking feature. Awsome review Curtis!!!!

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, the face tracking is cool! Thanks Jorge.

[@samueljwalter]

Thanks for showing this off! That price is looking really good right now. I bet pairing this with a Moment lens + an ND filter from Moondog could easily transform your iPhone into a movie making machine!

[@curtisjudd]

Would be cool to try that combo!

[@samueljwalter]

Well it is where my money will be going so I'll let ya know how it goes!

[@pettypoh]

thanks curtis, always enjoy your videos

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks pettypoh!

[@milosperic1960]

ok. this is the best review for this gadget on whole internet 😉 bravo!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Naruto!

[@Rphbalubaid]

Thank you so much for what you are providing to us 🌹 Your channel is the best 😍

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome and thank you for the feedback!

[@tedptasznik953]

one of the better videos I've seen finally thanks

[@itsjustme77]

Great review! We've picked one up as well and have also noticed that it's not really practical to charge a larger phone while shooting. However with a right angle lightning cable it may make it easier to balance larger phones. I also tried this on a small 5se and it's small enough to be able to be balanced with the cord in.

[@curtisjudd]

Good idea on the angled cable. Thanks!

[@SchibbiSchibbi]

omg those craneshots were incredible!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@gurumajuindonesia]

i heard the battery is non removable, what if it dies should we throw away the gimbal also ? i love your presentation

[@curtisjudd]

Correct, it is not removable. I'm not sure, I think I need to ask Zhiyun support.

[@marpa0]

Thank you for the good review Judd! Helped me for my decision!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@L4LTVuk]

I'd still use dual sound on this - bolting on a good sound option looks problematic but the price looks good. I will wait until the firm/ software is out. First question I was going to ask was - does it have a thread for tripod :) Like that feature - I have some extremely long boom poles.

[@curtisjudd]

I agree on the dual sound. And yes, that threaded tap makes it for me. I love the crane style shots I can get with a monopod.

[@KiiTrailers]

Great Review on the SmoothQ! Thanks for making it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@CreativeForceAssoc]

I just bought the Lucidcam VR which has 2 lenses side by side for 180 degree 3D video. If I mounted the camera in the SmoothQ with the lenses facing where the phone screen would be, would it work to stabilize the video? I know that none of the buttons on the SmoothQ will work because there is no bluetooth and since it's not a phone, no app. It's not worth it to me to buy a gimbal made for a larger camera since those gimbals cost more than the Lucidcam VR itself. Thanks.

[@MichaelScrip]

Wow! Great price! Other similar gimbals have been in the neighborhood of $300 like the Osmo Mobile. But this SmoothQ is in impulse-buy range!

[@curtisjudd]

Yeah! I was impressed given the price.

[@marius18br]

shut up and take my money! can't wait for this to come out! thanks for the presentation.

[@curtisjudd]

Haha! Thanks!

[@pundadah]

Can Zhiyun Smooth Q accommodate Xiaomi Yi2 4K or SJCam or even GoPro5 ? Where is the best place to buy This gimble and how much does it cost? Serious and bones answers please.

[@curtisjudd]

Links for the gimbal in the about section. There are other comments here about 3rd party adapters for action cams. Good luck!

[@mehrabmirza]

Great video and thanks for the tips. I want to get a smooth Q for interviews and it looks like it'll be a great way to stabilize my shots. Would/Could you recommend a good microphone to use with the iPhone? I'm using an iPhone 6 at the moment.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Mehrab, which type of microphone are you considering? Are you recording yourself? Interviewing someone? Would a lavalier microphone work or are you looking for something more like a shotgun microphone? It probably will NOT work to mount the mic on the phone while on the gimbal due to the extra weight and especially because of the way the phone fits in the gimbal, the bottom of the phone is blocked by the gimbal arm.

[@mehrabmirza]

Hey Curtis, I'm not sure what to consider. I'll be interviewing someone else. I would like to make the footage a little more dynamic than just standing there, walking around, moving from room to room in the office, etc, that's why I want a wireless mic. I think a lavalier (lapel) mic is what I need but possibly wireless.

[@curtisjudd]

You could record the sound separately with something like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vRfqSuqNxpb6M and then sync the sound to the video in post.

[@PhotoBooth72]

Be interested to see it with the iPhone 6s plus as I had the osmo mobile and this would fight the 6s plus IS in the camera so be interest to see any improvement with the smooth Q.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll give that a try if I come across a 6S+.

[@WladimirBoldyreffmh2c]

très belle prise de vue avec les rapides sur la rivière et les massifs enneigés au loin. La stabilisation semble très efficace.

[@curtisjudd]

Oui, merci!

[@davemyatt9709]

Beautifully done. Thanks for sharing.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the kind words David.

[@pundadah]

Just like everything else...especially Gimbals...Its JUNGLE OUT THERE...so many to chose from and non of them are just the right one for me. What I need is one gimbal for Smartphones (iphones and Androids) Action Cam (Sony fdr3000R) GoPro, SJCam or Xiaomi Y2 4K. Can anyone give me an unbiased opinion on which one is more suitable as I don't want to upgrade my gimbal after a couple of months as there is "new one in the market". Serious and Honest advise please folks. Thank You

[@curtisjudd]

Some commenters below have linked to third party harnesses that fit into the Smooth series gimbals from Zhiyun.

[@peterpanda7506]

will it have motion timelapse feature?

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't seen the app yet. I hope so!

[@shanelewis4111]

It does have motion timlapse. Just purchased today

[@SinisterSkip]

Excellent review, great production quality as well. Keep up the great work Curtis Judd. I'm gonna get the Smooth Q for my Sony X3000 cam. Excellent performance for half the price of regular gimbals, while having 2-3 times higher battery life? That's a done deal.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you! Happy shooting!

[@malinkodithuwakku5299]

what about taking a selfie while the phone is attached to the gimbal, can we take a selfie from the control buttons in the handgrip?

[@curtisjudd]

+Malin Kodithuwakku yes, can do.

[@victitto1493]

Amazing review! Thank you very much!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Victoria!

[@CornerStoneTrinidad]

I found your presentation very informative and enlightening. Thanks. I am using the new ZY Play app for the first time with my S8+ and it seems to be very interesting (the old app never worked well for me so we just used the gimbal manually) but cant seem to find the tracking mode. Can you help?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi, thanks for the kind words. Im afraid I do not have an android phone so I’m not sure how the Android app engages face tracking. On the iPhone version, you draw a box around the face of the person you wish to track. I hope that helps!

[@jrswab]

Great review! I have been looking into gimbals for the past few days and this this might be the one I get due to it's lower price and what seems to be very good results.

[@curtisjudd]

+Jaron Swab thanks! Good luck finding the right gimbal for you!

[@jams6279]

Wonderful video. You have really convincing personality. 😃

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@jams6279]

Curtis Judd I appreciate your reply. Keep up the good work .😊

[@SubToTripleThreatRC]

Nice job Curtis, thanks for sharing! Thumbs up!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for your support!

[@NathanLeduc]

Thanks for the great review Curtis. Can you post your recommended lenses for the cellphone?

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Nathan! With the iPhone 7 plus, I just stick with the built-in lenses (it has a wide angle and telephoto) and I've been quite happy with them. As a result, I don't have any recommendations, unfortunately. :(

[@TheGizmodi]

Just wanted to follow up on my previous comment, loved the review as stated so purchased one on pre-order and have been playing with it for the past week or two! Just about to test it in Vegas 😜

[@curtisjudd]

Excellent. I hope it works well for you in Vegas!

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Great review thank you much

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@robcab25]

can you demonstrate a auto panoramic please. vid that you shared didn't quite answer my question

[@curtisjudd]

Perhaps this one? facebook.com/ZhiyunGlobal/videos/1842717626001745/

[@ynacastillo]

There's a 4th mode, press the mode button 3 times.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks.

[@anshuljoshi6149]

Very nice review. Thank you.

[@matthewalford1985]

Thanks for the fantastic review!! Do you know if an iPhone 6 will fit correctly in it?

[@curtisjudd]

+Matt Alford thanks, yes iPhone 6 fits!

[@jankarlsson8341]

I saw the Zhiyun uses parts of your review on their instagram account.

[@curtisjudd]

Good news!

[@majudua]

thank you!!!!! Finally a proper video

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@MontanaiPad2]

There is a 1/4-20 camera mount included as shown in one of the side pictures. Could be doing some city biking with it. Just wonder how top heavy the whole assembly would be using an iPhone 7+. Certainly is cheap enough.

[@curtisjudd]

Right around 2 lbs at the top of a 12 inch assembly. Sounds iffy, but might be worth a try.

[@MontanaiPad2]

Maybe should just go with a Feyiu-Tech wearable gimbal and a cheap action cam instead. Will not have the battery life however. What do you think?

[@curtisjudd]

I think something purpose built for what you're trying to do is probably a good idea.

[@MontanaiPad2]

Thanks for your responses. I enjoyed your review of the Smooth Q and think it has the possibility of becoming the go to hand held gimbal of the masses. It probably won't be long before we see it on sale at the sweet spot of $99.95 and that along with good reviews will fuel sales.

[@yoyoyohk]

great video. I actually just bought smooth-C few days ago for us$130, not sure what's the different between C & Q, I guess Q is about 50g heavier with build-in battery plus adjustable arm? quite happy with smooth-c just wish its lighter as I found it a bit heavy

[@curtisjudd]

It also has a newer processor and motors which are supposed to be more responsive though I don't have the smooth C to compare.

[@clarydsilva8617]

please find out whether i can put a yi4k in it PLEASE !!!

[@tm9661]

can you direct me on how to use face tracking mode. Just step by step guide will be awesome thanks

[@curtisjudd]

The ZY Play app has the face tracking feature. You draw a square around the person you want it to track and it does the rest. Here's a simplistic demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g32zeH93ma-mgdE

[@tm9661]

Thanks heaps mate

[@hardridermotorcycle]

I like you reviews and I have watched them a few times but the question I have that I find that is not addressed well on any of these feeds is: 1. how do you know what mode you are in and 2. although fairly well explained, it would be great to have a whole complete indepth mode on when and how and where to use or why to use the various modes. Example I am confused as to where would I use mode one over mode 3 or visa versa. I would really like your input on this...thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Hello Alan, thanks for the feedback. The way to know which mode you are in is by how the gimbal reacts to movement, at least that is how I have used it. It is possible that the new app shows which mode though I have not had a chance to use the new app yet. 1) I use pan following mode when walking or doing simple handheld shots where I want to be able to control panning. 2) Lock mode is what I use when I do crane shots or when I want to keep the camera trained on something right in front of it. 3) Pan and tilt following mode - I don't really use this but presumably it is useful for cases like handheld (standing in place) or walking shots where you want to tilt the camera up or down. I hope that helps and best wishes!

[@hardridermotorcycle]

Is the new app out yet. I just downloaded or updated yesterday when I received my new smooth q3. Maybe its there and I just don't see it. but because I am new I find it challenging to know what mode I am in. Is there a fail safe when you are not sure that you just hit mode x number of time and it will take you to one of them. Seems very odd. I think I saw where YOU like mode 2 the best...? But I am still looking for a "detailed" viewpoint of pros and cons of each mode and the kind of shooting for each and WHY? There are a lot of feedback initial points...but these to me are the dealbreakers for getting a leg up on how to use. Appreciate your response...thx

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yes, the app is called ZY Play. The fail safe way to get back to pan following mode is to turn the gimbal off and back on, though moving it will tell you quickly with a little practice. If it stays trained straight ahead when you move the gimbal in all directions, you're in lock mode. If you twist the handle and the gimbal pans but does not tilt when you lean the lever forward, you're in pan following mode. I prefer the lock mode for crane shots where I have the gimbal attached to a monopod because then the gimbal doesn't try to pan (since I don't want that with my crane shot). When I'm just handholding the gimbal I usually prefer the pan following mode so that I can pan and follow my subject. I would just stay in pan following mode (the default mode) until you feel comfortable with how it responds or are finding that it pans when you don't want it to. Then switch to lock mode.

[@hardridermotorcycle]

Thanks very much for helpful feedback.... Please let your subscribers know if you hear or see any case of the modes indicated somewhere so we know the mode we are in without having to guess... thx

[@JussfreshMedia]

I'm wondering if this will work with the 7 plus and a lens attached. Like the ollo clip

[@curtisjudd]

It definitely works with the 7+ with a case. I'm not certain with the olloclip but I bet that if the olioclip is not too heavy it would work.

[@KLustgarten]

Great review, wish it were even more detailed in how to use the modes. I have found that the gimbal shuts off every few seconds while recording in the default mode (haven't gotten past that mode yet), even though the Galaxy S6 phone is correctly positioned in the harness and balanced perfectly before I turn it on (fully charged). Maybe I got a lemon, but it doesn't work like yours does, just shuts off spontaneously.

[@curtisjudd]

That sounds like there's some sort of technical issue. You'll definitely want to contact Zhiyun support. They're quite responsive on their Facebook page is well if you prefer to contact them there. Good luck!

[@NowIKnowMedia]

Curtis Judd how do you activate face tracking mode? I cant get it to work

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Kevin, on the ZY Play app, there is a little circle that looks like a target in the lower left. You press that until the center turns red. Then with your finger you draw a box around the person's face you want to track. Good luck!

[@NowIKnowMedia]

Curtis Judd Aweosme thanks so much !!

[@LivingWalks]

Hi there, we've really been enjoying watching this, thanks for the info'. We film natural sight and sound walks in cities using gopro hero 6 black and a zhiyun gimbal, and find the combination just right (you can see several films using this combination and also using our camera phone with the gimbal on our page if it's helpful?). Thank you for taking the time to add this helpful video.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@FLOODOFSINS]

How does this compare to the dji osmo mobile gimbal? I was thinking of getting dji

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't use the Osmo Mobile so I'm not sure. Perhaps someone else here has.

[@dczepiel]

+Curtis Judd thanks so much for this helpful video. I just bought the Smooth-Q and I was wondering if you can recommend how to train and get fluent in the gimbal moves. I have to say I am totally new to videography but super excited about this adventure and I find it hard to locate something like basic tasks to start with when using a gimbal so I can learn through practice. ANy recommendation? Or maybe an idea for a next movie, like a 'start with a gimbal challenge' ? :)

[@HopeMediaChiapas]

Hi Curtis! Which app did you use to film this? or did u use the native iPhone cam?

[@MynamesImanZakia]

Very informative and clear...

[@curtisjudd]

+My names ImanZakia thanks!

[@veritas86]

Great review! Did you notice an issue with panning on the joystick?

[@curtisjudd]

Panning with the joystick only seems to work in lock mode, otherwise you twist the handle to pan. No issues once I figured this out.

[@onerugrat]

wonder if the new app will work with crane or crane M? How do you use the face tracking feature?

[@curtisjudd]

In the old app, the face tracking is just on by default, but you can turn it off in the hamburger menu if you prefer. In the demo of the new app I saw, you use your finger to select what you want the camera to follow and it follows what you selected. It looks really cool!

[@caveirarj]

Nice review. Your bag/case is pretty different form the usual grey one. I just missed talking about GoPro on your video.

[@curtisjudd]

Do they have a GoPro adapter now? They did not when I did the review...

[@james_0c]

Awesome video, not many out on the q yet! Ok the big question, which is better, the Zhiyun Q or the DJI osmo mobile? I know the Q has a larger range of movement and supposedly stronger motors, but Im worried that being made out of plastic, its not as high quality. What do you think?

[@curtisjudd]

If you drop them, the Osmo may hold up better. But then again you can almost buy two SmoothQs for the price of the Osmo mobile. I'm pretty impressed by the build quality of the SmoothQ and I'd put my money there.

[@eminorb5]

Very useful video, you made it easy and cleared, this is a quick shortcut for me. thank you. ;)

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@ChimobiHD]

Thanks for the infomative video. Mine should be here tomorrow :)

[@curtisjudd]

You're welcome and I hope it works well for you!

[@Brianwashere92]

Great Review! Will the gimbal operate without the app?

[@curtisjudd]

+Brianwashere92 yes, I used the default camera app to shoot the clips here except the face tracking clip. Face tracking does require the Zhiyun app.

[@Tianablue1]

Fantastic review!! Many thanks! I noticed the Li-ion battery is rated at 26650.. do you know if this will cause problems if I want to take it on a plane for future holidays? thanks again!

[@curtisjudd]

+Tianablue1 should not be a problem as long as you carry it on to the plane. I carried much larger batteries on to a plane recently without incident.

[@MrTerryabel]

can the gimbal hold a 7plus with a silicone case on? I am hoping to not have to uncase my iphone.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, I have the Apple leather case for the iPhone 7+ here and it did fine. If the case is much heavier than that it may cause issues but fine here so far.

[@talkingshift2939]

Can you use a mic while using this gimbal? small rode mic or similar model?

[@curtisjudd]

+Talking Shift possibly with some Android phones if the mic input is in the right spot. I'd probably mount the mic on the gimbal handle so the gimbal doesn't strain under the additional weight. Would not work with iPhone 7 because the lightning port is up against the gimbal motor.

[@raymondgilkie2551]

Would this work well for recording skiing. A little different from walking or running but it looks like it would give some quality recording.

[@curtisjudd]

I would think so. Battery life may be reduced somewhat when out in the cold for extended periods of time but should last a full ski day (6 - 8 hours).

[@finedecks]

Hello Curtis, thank you for this great video. Never used a gimbal before but I see that it only has a video record button. Can I shoot a photo or pano with it as well? Thanks so much

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Clemens, yes, the new app will also have a photo and pano mode.