Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2, we analyze the most versatile compact gimbal

Mobile devices and recording cameras increasingly have more advanced image stabilizers. However, when we are looking for a somewhat "professional" result for example for our creations on YouTube, we need one more leap in quality in stabilization. While it is true that smartphones do offer a video recording quality that is up to the task to become a tool for continuous use.

We review Zhiyun's SMOOTH-Q2 gimbal, a versatile mechanical stabilizer designed for mobile devices. This new gadget can become an excellent travel companion for many content creators on platforms like YouTube.

As it is not the same to read it than to see how it works, I recommend that you take advantage of the video that we leave at the top of this analysis, so you can see how the recording results of the Zhiyun's SMOOTH-Q2. To carry out the tests we have used two smartphones of different brands and operating systems with the intention of obtaining more precise results without limitations, More specifically, we have used an iPhone X running iOS 13.1.2 and a Huawei P30 Pro running Android 10 under its EMUI 10 layer. However, first we are going to take a first look at the device.

Design and materials, feels premium

The packaging is quite simple but effective, we have a box protected with a cardboard that reveals the design of the product, as well as two seals that assures us that we are the first to open them. The gimbal itself is quite compact, possibly one of the most compact in the world, so the package does not offer too much size. Once we open the box, we find the documents related to the product, where we find it translated into the main languages ​​where the gimbal is sold. We have a first view of the product between the classic foam molding and a small box, in which the USB-C cable is located that will help us to charge the device.

• Size: 20,4 x 10 x 4,1 cm
• Weight: 380 grams

The full size is 20,4 centimeters and is made of metal (aluminum), with a rubberized coating on the knob that helps maintain a correct grip. The remote control is where we find below a screw cap that houses the battery, the recording and setting change buttons as well as the USB-C, We can then choose between the different recording modes directly from the gimbal without the need for any additional adjustment. The product definitely offers a sense of quality right out of the box. We have an easily adjustable extra-pole piece that allows us to put the smartphone on and off the gimbal with just one lever.

Technical characteristics

It should be noted that we are before a gimbal that is designed by and for mobile telephony, That is why it includes both the adjustable and universal support for the mobile phone, as well as its universal thread on the bottom that will allow us, for example, to add any type of support, ideal in case we use the automatic tracking configuration and that is how we record ourselves. themselves. But it is time to learn more about what it is capable of doing.

We have the possibility to record in 360º in a generic way, more specifically 305º of mobility in vertical recording, 265º in horizontal recording and 360º if we wish, for example, to record a fixed point making the appropriate movements. We have a maximum deviation of 0,5º and a minimum of 0,03º and Lastly, it is capable of fluidly supporting and moving phones with a minimum of 75 grams and with a maximum of 250 grams, So, in general terms, we will be able to record with almost any of the smartphones available on the market, especially those that have cameras capable of offering the best results.

Autonomy and versatility

We find ourselves with an autonomy that promises us a whole day of use. Being an element with moving parts and their motors, and as we can understand, the autonomy will depend a lot on how much and how we use it. The firm guarantees results that range between 17:13 p.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., as we have said, depending on the use we give it. In our tests we have obtained results closer to 13 hours of recording, so in autonomy we did not find any problem and I have to say that it seems really good, the charging times oscillate two hours and with its extra microUSB port we can even charge our device.

Versatility is its key point, for this it uses the clip mechanism, an adaptable tool for mobile phones that once fitted we simply have to position the lever so that it stays locked. It is also important to note that the SMOOTH-Q2 allows us to record both vertically and horizontally, something that is not available in many gimbals of this type of characteristics and that will also allow us to record content for social networks such as Instagram and its Stories, designed to be recorded vertically. We can also broadcast live in places like Facebook Live, highly versatile.

Various one-touch recording modes

The SMOOTH-Q2 It has a button dedicated to recording modes and is capable of automatically adapting to the native camera of the phone that we are using, regardless of whether we have an iPhone or an Android smartphone. Once it is working and after linking it through Bluetooth, we can use all these recording modes:

• Motion Lapse: A faster version of the TimeLapse to record it in no time.
• Time Lapse.
• POV: That allows us to record in a cinematic way, a standard stabilization.
• multimode: (L) for image lock, (PF) for panorama, (F) for tracking and POV.
• Vortex: It allows us to record on the same point giving a 360º turn
• Object tracking: If we use a support, adjusting a fixed point automatically follows it horizontally.
• Zoom: To get away without losing the same recording point.

For many of these modes we will need to download the application (iOS/Android).

Editor's opinion

This SMOOTH-Q2 has ipsofacto become a tool of the Actualidad Gadget, This is due to the fact that in the various events and recordings we usually use high-end mobile telephony to be able to record and take pictures at any time without limits, and the versatility that this SMOOTH-Q2 has offered me both in terms of autonomy and size and functionality. It is a product that I cannot but recommend, and that is that compared to others like the DJI Osmo Mobile we have a price of only 142 euros, you can buy it in THIS LINK at the best price.