Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3 Smartphone Gimbal Released

Gimbal News

by Jeff LochMay 18^th, 2021

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Zhiyun has just released a new smartphone gimbal: the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3. This lightweight and highly portable gimbal can take a maximum payload of 280g, which covers some of the heavier smartphones on the market, including the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The SMOOTH-Q3 features a built-in LED light, 17 creative shooting modes, and it’s just $89.00.

After the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q2 that came out in 2019 on Kickstarter and the palm-sized Zhiyun SMOOTH-XS last year, the company is back on the smartphone gimbal market with the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3.

Zhiyun SMOOTH Q3 – Features

The Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3 is a foldable compact smartphone gimbal with dimensions of only 45 x 154 x 180mm when folded, and 90 x 127 x 279mm when unfolded. With a weight of 340g/0.75lbs, it can take payloads ranging from 150g/0.33lbs to 280g/0.61lbs.

The SMOOTH-Q3 features a built-in 1300mAh battery with a maximum runtime of 15 hours, according to Zhiyun. The charging time is around 3 hours.

As you can see, Zhiyun changed the buttons’ layout compared to previous models. In front of the gimbal, you now have a zoom rocker on the left, a mode selector, a trigger button, a joystick, and the USB Type-C charging port on the right. At the back of the gimbal, you’ll find a position reset button; if you press this button multiple times, you can switch between landscape/portrait/selfie mode.

The Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3 features a new built-in LED light. To turn it on, press the switch on top of the light. Then, if you press it again, you can select between three brightness levels. It’s not a really bright LED light, but it’s certainly much better and pleasing than your smartphone’s built-in flashlight.

Shooting modes

To take full advantage and control over the Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3, you’ll need to download the free ZY Cami App, which is available for iOS and Android smartphones.

Inside the App, you’ll have access to 17 shooting modes, including Dolly Zoom, Object Tracking, Gesture Control, Panorama, Time-Lapse mode, and so on.

Also, you can fully edit your footage inside the ZY Cami App. However, if you want to access the App’s templates or stream directly to social media, you’ll need to subscribe to the Zhiyun Prime program.

Price and availability

The Zhiyun SMOOTH-Q3 is available for pre-order and should start shipping on May 20th. The standard kit retails for $89.00/€80.00. In the box, you’ll find the gimbal, a small tripod, and one USB Type-C charging cable. You can get the Combo kit for $109.00/€95.00, which includes an extra compact bag, a wrist strap, and a ZY Cami Prime Card.

For more information, please visit Zhiyun’s website here.

What do you think about this new SMOOTH-Q3 smartphone gimbal? Do you often use a gimbal with your smartphone? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!