Rising smartphone cameras
In 2019, as powerful smartphone cameras become one of the most important phone features, it’s easier than ever to shoot great video with our phones. With a correct app and correct accessory, better shots will be much easier. The new released Zhiyun Smooth Q2 gimbal is no doubt that kind of correct accessory.
However, in our review videos, what we used to avoid filming with were phones. Though it’s the most convenient filming device, the shortages like a rolling shutter, poor stabilization, and low image quality made us give up the convenience. We generally used DSLR or mirrorless as part of a filming system. For our shoots, we use all kinds of filming tools, such as tripods, gimbals, and sliders. But thanks to the latest high-quality camera integrated into phones, using a phone to filming our review videos is becoming possible, especially when increasing accessories like gimbals are bringing it to another level. And after we received the Smooth Q2, it’s much sure that it stays not just as a possibility but more a choice.
Design
The Smooth Q2 is a 3-axis hand-held gimbal that is compatible with most smartphones (weight≤260g). Compared to its last generation, the Smooth Q, the Q2 is smaller to take less space of your backpack, which is even the smallest phone gimbal with full stabilization that I’ve ever seen. The smooth Q2 weighs 404 grams and is made from metal, so the build quality is excellent compared to the plastic of the Q1. And the rubber handle cover also leads to a comfortable experience when need to hold it for a long time.
For operation, the smooth Q2 cuts down all the controls to two buttons and one joystick, which is pretty intuitive and convenient. To start your filming, it’s pretty easy: install the phone, and make sure set the balance of the phone correctly, and then press and hold the power button for 2 seconds, and then use the joystick to choose a shooting mode you like. So that’s it.
Multiple modes&features
The Smooth Q2 supports 360 degrees of rotation and has 3-axis stabilization, containing a Tilt motor, a Roll motor and a Pan motor. Upgraded from the 3 modes of the smooth Q, the Q2 supports 5 shooting modes including a Pan-follow mode, a full-locking mode, a full-follow mode, a point of view mode, and a Vortex mode. Let’s see how it works with every mode.
The Zhiyun Smooth Q2 really takes care of any previous problems. They almost fix all the problems of the Q1, like body material, weight, operation, and phone-grip design. It seems that they are trying so hard to bring a final product to meet customers’ demand, easy operation for general users, professional stabilization for filmmakers.
No matter which mode we used, the gimbal keeps most movements incredibly smooth and stabilized. Even when you move the gimbal all around, the picture will remain stabilized with default pan-follow mode.
In the ‘point of view’ mode, it simulates a first-person perspective as a kind of special filming. It guarantees the fast reaction and smooth movement even when we move synchronously along three axes from all directions.
To switch from one mode to another one, all you need to do is to click the joystick and doable click for the last mode. Otherwise, the joystick enables the filmmaker to adjust the camera angle or pan in any direction with any shooting modes.
The Smooth Q2 supports a fast switch between ‘selfie mode’ and the others. Just dual-click the lower button, which is pretty a smart design for the vloggers to have interaction with the camera easily and smoothly.
With a quick Bluetooth connection with the native phone, the Smooth Q2 supports direct control over the phone camera app. As a result, if you prefer using phone cameras, you can easily control the photo/video shutter within fingertips on the gimbal.
Battery&charge
The gimbal can be charged via USB type-c and the battery lasts around 12-17 hours, which definitely can bring a reliable endurance when having outdoor filming. You can charge it with a USB charger or a power-bank. Otherwise, it can also provide power charging for your phone when filming.
Overall the Smooth Q2 has almost professional-quality stabilization and smooth movement in any direction. There is no perceived vibration or shake when using it during the shooting. the Zhiyun Brand is not just focusing on the hardware building, but also developing their exclusive software, the ZY Play app to expand their gimbals’ capacity. Like using the latest app, it supports a tracking mode to automatically stay focus and follow the movement of the target object. The Zhiyun team claims that they are testing the latest App for the final compatibility with the Smooth Q2, and it will come soon. We are really looking forward to seeing how the app can enhance the possibility of the Q2 gimbal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to the pricing of the Q1, we believe that without question, the Q2 will be an incredible value. Although we haven’t tested the compatibility with the action cameras like Gopros, Based on the Q1 solution, there should be no problem if you are thinking to let it work with those action cameras, but before that, you should buy an appropriate mount for the camera grip without block the lens or vision. Smooth Q2 has a 1/4’’ thread hole on the bottom so that you can mount it on a pole or tripod to access more special angles.
As a result, the Smooth Q2 gimbal is more like a product to help general users solve the main filming problems with great user experience. It allows you to start creating without the limitation of hardware, only if you have a powerful camera phone, and a Zhiyun Smooth Q2.
