Zhiyun just announced their brand new smartphone gimbal – the Smooth 5S AI. As the name might suggest, this is an upgrade on the Smooth 5S which was released back in 2022. What this new AI version represents is a glimpse into the future of filmmaking, with more and more integrated assistance from AI. Let’s take a closer look.
Doing the basics well
If you wanted to know the ins and outs of this brand new smartphone gimbal, you can probably just read a review of the original Smooth 5S. This is pretty much the exact same gimbal, with some minor tweaks and of course, the AI module, which we’ll cover in detail below.
As expected from an industry-leader like Zhiyun, the build quality feels superb and the button operation is comfortable and intuitive. There’s an assured weight to the thing, and a nice silicone grip on the handle. Everything feels right and I’m able to intuitively start operating the gimbal within a matter of minutes.
Just like the Smooth 5S, you’ll be able to operate this gimbal with a smartphone weighing up to 300g, which is more than enough for even the largest flagship handsets. There’s a full pan of 360°, with 349° capable for both roll and tilt. Additionally, the battery life has been increased to 26 hours, comfortably beating all competitors in the field from DJI to Insta360 and Hohem.
The gimbal also comes stacked with features and apps. I particularly like the built-in fill light on the gimbal arm which is fantastic for those tricky low-light situations (especially when you’re shooting on a phone) and you can add two extra clip-on lights to increase your brightness. There are two apps – one for beginners and casual content creators (Zy Cami), one for more serious filmmakers (StaCam).
Overall, even before we get to the inclusion of AI in this latest model, this is a really great smartphone gimbal. It’s designed and built expertly and holds its own in what is a crowded field these days.
The AI module
So, onto the key differentiator. The Smooth 5S AI, when purchased as a combo or pro version, comes with an additional AI module. Just like the extra fill lights, this clips onto the gimbal clamp very easily and intuitively.
The best way to think about this is as a webcam that’s tracking and monitoring your movements. With this AI module, I can now control various functions with different gestures, including toggling object tracking, triggering both the app or native camera app for photo and video capture, and initiating custom framing tracking.
To begin recording, all I have to do is hold up the two-finger ‘peace sign’, and very quickly and responsively, the module recognizes the gesture and begins filming. It’s really simple and intuitive. Could this be the future?
How AI is changing filmmaking
This little AI upgrade to the Zhiyun Smooth 5S represents part of a larger picture in the filmmaking industry. In post-production, we’re already seeing how rapidly AI is being integrated into our editing software. There are tons of frustrating, time-consuming jobs involved in post-production that I can now suddenly delegate to and speed up with the help of AI. For most editors, that’s a very welcome thing.
Even here at Artlist, we’ve integrated AI into our services to improve the user experience. Using a specially designed algorithm, the ‘for you’ recommendations feature feeds personalized song and artist recommendations to users, giving content creators sophisticated music recommendations that suit their individual tastes and styles, but from artists they might not have encountered on their own.
In production – the act of filming itself – we’re starting to see how AI will be integrated straight into our cameras and gear. The AI module on the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI allows me as the filmmaker to spend more time on the actual creative filmmaking, rather than messing around with camera operation. With simple hand gestures and signals, it’s becoming easier to be a one-man filmmaking band as the AI effectively becomes my camera operator.
Now, I don’t for one minute see AI taking over and replacing Hollywood DP’s altogether. But at a prosumer level, whether it’s swiping through and applying different LUTs, switching camera modes, finding focus or changing focal length, I do expect to see more and more AI integration with modules and software that will help make the day-to-day process of camera operation easier and smoother than ever before.
Of course, some people are more comfortable with this than others. Some want to maintain full manual control and keep it as analog as possible. However, for many other creators, AI will simply become baked into their day-to-day filmmaking process.
Is the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI worth the upgrade?
If you already own the Zhiyun Smooth 5S, I’d say that the Smooth 5S AI isn’t quite worth an upgrade. However, if you don’t yet own one and want to buy a new smartphone gimbal, I’d recommend the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI. It’s up there with the best smartphone gimbals on the market in 2024.
Even without the AI module, this is a fantastic smartphone gimbal designed by experts for creators and comes with an array of useful features. The addition of the AI module is fun and certainly makes the filming process slightly easier. I, for one, am looking forward to where this technology heads next.
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