The quality of smartphone filming being better than ever, so good in fact that parts of the Hollywood Blockbuster, 28 Years Later was famously shot on an iPhone. The Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra proves that smartphone filmmaking has well and truly grown up. Gone are the days of wobbly holiday videos that look as though they were filmed but a running toddler. This compact 3 axis gimbal comes with features that help turn your phone into a capable filmmaking tool without requiring a degree in cinematography.
At just 390g, the Smooth Q5 Ultra is lightweight enough to throw into a backpack yet feels reassuringly sturdy in the hand. It supports smartphones between 170g and 300g, with widths from 60 to 85mm, covering everything from compact Android handsets to the latest iPhones. The built in 215mm extension rod is particularly handy for selfies and filming from creative angles, while the folding design makes it far easier to carry than many larger stabilisers.
The AI assisted subject tracking can follow people without relying entirely on the companion app, voice controls allow for hands free operation when you’re in front of the camera. The magnetic fill light gives you some control of the environment by providing adjustable illumination for low light filming without having to carry separate lighting equipment. It also features Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, the ZY Cami app, multiple shooting modes and both horizontal and vertical recording complete an impressive feature list.
Battery life is equally respectable, lasting up to 13.5 hours under lighter use, or around 5.5 hours when pushing the motors and lighting harder. Charging takes roughly two hours via USB C, and the gimbal can even power your phone while filming on compatible devices.
The only real drawbacks are that some of the smarter features work best within Zhiyun’s own app, and some features require optional module not included in the Standard kit. Even so, the Smooth Q5 Ultra offers excellent value, combining stabilisation, thoughtful design and genuinely useful creative tools. For aspiring content creators or anyone wanting smoother smartphone footage, it’s a steady hand that’s well worth having. RRP $89
- Excellent 3 axis stabilisation
- Built in 215mm extension rod
- AI tracking and voice control
- Bright magnetic fill light included
- Long battery life and compact folding design
- Some advanced features rely on the ZY Cami app
- Phone charging compatibility varies between devices
- Learning curve for complete beginners
