I have been using Zhiyun's lighting gear for a few years now, and I have been continually impressed by the power output, design ethos, and affordability. So, when I got the chance to try out the brand's latest portable light, designed to work like a "miniature Arri SkyPanel X", I jumped at the chance.

The Fiveray M60 Ultra is a pocket-sized panel light with a staggering 60W output. It has RGB functionality, an all-in-one design with a sizable battery, and magnetic attachments for diffusion and light-shaping.

With an MSRP of just $129, it seems like a great deal for anyone seeking powerful continuous lighting in a portable package. Is it too good to be true? I've been using it for the past few weeks to find out.

Specifications

Price

The Zhiyun Fiveray M60 Ultra has an MSRP of £129 / $129 / €139 from Amazon or Zhiyun's official store, which is very affordable considering the features on offer here.

The closest panel light I could find, matching the 60W output and RGB functionality, is the Amaran Pano 60C, which currently retails for $165. However, this alternative doesn't have a built-in battery, and it's significantly larger.

You have far more options if you're open to COB lights, but if you're keen on a compact panel light, the M60 Ultra stands out as a unique option.

Design & Handling

One of the things I really like about Zhiyun products is that they don't try to blend in. Not every piece of pro camera equipment needs to be an anonymous black rectangle, and love it or hate it, the M60 Ultra certainly looks unique.

This light is around the same size as a modern smartphone, and about as thick as three of them stacked on top of each other. It comes with a beige/cream housing, with bright orange accents and contrasting black sections. It gives me a sort of retro-futuristic, rugged, and utilitarian vibe. It wouldn't look out of place on Tatooine.

The M60 Ultra is designed with cooling in mind, and despite its high power output and small size, there's plenty to ensure it doesn't get too hot. There are vents cut into almost every surface, a large fan in the centre of the rear panel, and the insides look to be mostly filled with heat sinks.

The front panel is entirely transparent, with no bezels, and a strong magnet in each corner. It almost looks unfinished, as you can quite clearly see the LEDs and PCB through the frosted plastic front panel. However, when you attach the magnetic modifiers, it looks much more polished. There's a honeycomb grid and a plastic domed diffuser included in the box, both of which can be magnetically stacked on the front panel.

On the base, there's a 1/4-20 tripod mount and a USB-C port for charging. I was pleased to learn it charges very quickly, too - supporting up to 18W speeds with a suitable USB PD plug, but you don't get one in the box, only a USB-C cable.

The unit is turned on and off via a large orange rotating switch on the top side. It's well protected by raised plastic lips around the edge, so you'll certainly never turn it on or off by accident, but it's quite stiff and a little fiddly. Still, I'd rather it be a little fiddly than open my backpack to find a blisteringly hot light that's been running for hours.

The rest of the functions are controlled via two control knobs and a tiny colour screen on the rear. Navigating the numerous options on this tiny screen can also take some getting used to, but it's well thought out, and after some trial and error, I managed to adapt. I really like that you access just about everything on the light itself, rather than needing to rely on a smartphone app, just expect a bit of a learning curve when trying to remember which knob does what.

That said, the M60 Ultra also supports wireless control via the ZY Vega app for Android phones. There's not currently an iOS equivalent, but Zhiyun says it's in the works and should be available in the near future.

The app is really handy, especially if you're trying to dial in a specific colour, as it gives you multiple tools for doing so. You can point your phone's camera at an object or another light, and it'll do its best to match it. I was really impressed with how quickly the light responds to changes in the app; it's almost instant. And if you have multiple Zhiyun lights, it gets even better, as you can control all of them at once.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the build quality. Despite being made from plastic and full of airflow holes, the M60 Ultra feels solid and robust. Of course, with such a cooling-focused design, I don't expect it to have any kind of water resistance, but you can't have everything in a footprint like this.

Performance

Considering that it can fit in your pocket, the Fiveray M60 Ultra is astonishingly powerful. It wasn't long ago that a light this powerful would have been a hefty unit requiring mains power; it's awesome to see the progression.

I've been using it almost every day for the past few weeks, either lighting my product shots for reviews like this or lighting talking heads and top-down shots in my YouTube videos.

For product photography, I mainly used the light without any diffuser, and I found I rarely needed to exceed 10% power. It puts out a fairly focused beam, which I found surprising, given its panel shape, and any spill can be reduced further using the magnetic honeycomb grid.

For talking head shots, I used the M60 Ultra as a key light with the supplied plastic diffuser. It does a great job of softening the light, but I was shocked at how much it reduced the output. In a well-lit room, I had to almost max it out to get the desired result. Of course, in a dimmer location, you wouldn't need to push it quite so hard.

The built-in fan only activates when it's needed, and it's barely audible when it does. I usually shoot in the same room as my desktop PC, and I never noticed the sound of the M60 Ultra over the constant background hum of the PC's fans. I often use Zhiyun's older pocket light, the Fiveray M40, and that fan is significantly louder, so I'm happy to see improvements in this area.

The M60 Ultra colour temperature can be adjusted from 2500k to 10,000k in its standard CCT mode, so you shouldn't have much trouble matching existing light sources. It also has full RGB support, and if you switch into HSI or RGB mode, you'll have millions of colours to choose from.

The RGB mode is a great way to add a splash of colour to an otherwise uninspiring scene. I found it really useful to spruce up talking head shots with a colourful wash on the background. It's still bright when using a colourful hue, but not as bright as the white mode, so I found that it's best used without any diffusion in front of it.

The M60 Ultra also has some special effects built in, and they're all somewhat customisable. You can replicate the look of police sirens, a fire, a flickering lightbulb, fireworks, and more. For most people, these effects will be of limited use, but they're quite impressive. If you're working on a short film, they could come in handy.

The light has a built-in 4500 mAh battery, and Zhiyun claims that it'll get you 160 minutes of runtime at 20% brightness. If you max it out at 100% brightness, it should still give you over 30 minutes on a charge.

As mentioned, I was usually running the M60 Ultra at less than 20% brightness, and the battery life really impressed me. That said, if you need the maximum output for longer, that's no issue, as it can be charged while in use. Zhiyun recommends a 60W or higher power source for this, and my 100W Sharge power bank was able to keep it running at full power without issue.

Verdict

If you need a super-powerful panel light that's compact and portable, few options are as compelling as the Fiveray M60 Ultra. It's reasonably priced, the battery life is solid, and it's very easy to transport.

Most 60W portable lights tend to be COB lights with a harsher output; pocket panel lights with such a powerful output are few and far between. Sure, there are products like the Amaran Pano 60C, but that's much larger, heavier, more expensive, and requires mains power. The M60 Ultra stands out as a unique offering.

So, if you're finding that your pocket panel light doesn't quite have the guts to keep up with your shooting needs, the M60 Ultra is very easy to recommend. I've had a great time shooting with it, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon.

Alternatives

The Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra is a 3-axis gimbal with a compact, foldable design that is incredibly portable. It boasts advanced stabilization, AI tracking, voice control, a detachable remote, and more. For the price, it's quite staggering how rich the feature set is.

This type of gimbal is an ideal solution for solo creators who need to be able to accommodate multiple setups. Its ability to flip between portrait and landscape modes also makes it a perfect fit for social media creators who crave versatility.

The Smooth Q5 Ultra competes admirably for a place in our guide to the best smartphone gimbals, with direct competition coming from the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P. Zhiyun's offering features some innovative accessories and a fill light, which help to set it apart.

Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra: Specifications

Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra: Price

The Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra is available from Zhiyun's Official Store for $99.99 / £84.99. If you'd like the combo kit that includes the AI tracking module and wireless remote control, then that costs $119.99 / £99.99. Alternatives include the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P for $129.99 / £118.50 and the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro for $159.99 / £145. Each device offers a similar set of specs, with the Smooth Q5 Ultra proving to be the best budget-friendly option.

Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra: Design & Handling

Having unboxed the gimbal, AI tracker, and remote control, I was fully up and running in around ten minutes. Everything shipped fully charged, and all I had to do was clip my phone in, attach the AI tracker, and pair it with my phone, and I was away. It could not have been easier.

The gimbal itself has a primary construction of plastic, which contributes to the overall lightweight design, weighing approximately 390g / 13.8oz. Holding it, even for long periods of time, didn't result in any arm, wrist, or hand strain, and for that I was grateful. It's marketed as a compact gimbal, and even though it's foldable, unfortunately, it's not small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket.

The design includes an ergonomic grip for comfortable single-handed operation, and the exterior boasts a matt white finish that is both scratch and stain-resistant. I have no concerns that it'll stay looking new for a long time to come.

At the top of the handle is a color display that keeps the user updated on the current state of the gimbal. This includes the amount of battery left, whether it's connected via Bluetooth, if the AI tracking is enabled, and a host of other indicators.

The clamp that holds the mobile phone is sturdy and strong, so strong that I nearly trapped my fingers in it while removing my phone. Take this as a positive rather than a potential health hazard. Zhiyun has also included an abundance of rubber grips inside the clamp to ensure your phone stays scratch-free.

At the bottom of the gimbal is a 1/4-20 screw mount that enables the attachment of a tripod or similar compatible accessories. There is a small tripod included in the kit, which is ideal for positioning the gimbal on a tabletop or even on the floor. There's also a 215mm extension pole built into the center of the gimbal. You wouldn't immediately know it's there, but if you push on the top of the handle, it'll begin to extend. This was super useful for capturing more arty, unusual shots.

A final feature that is worth mentioning is the inclusion of a fill light on the back of the gimbal. Using it will significantly reduce the battery life, but it is a handy little addition, especially for creators who want a lightweight run-and-gun setup.

The gimbal has a companion app called the ZY Cami App, which includes more intelligent tracking, an editor, and a slew of other additional features. It's not required, though, with the gimbal functioning fine with any mobile phone's default camera app.

Further to the core gimbal, the combo kit of the Smooth Q5 Ultra includes a detachable remote and an AI tracking camera. The remote allows for long-distance control, including the ability to hit record. The tracking camera attaches underneath the clamp mechanism and includes an indicator light that keeps you updated on its status.

Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra: Performance

Overall, I was very impressed with the performance of the gimbal. As mentioned, it was very easy to set up, and I was quickly able to crack on with capturing photos and videos. The 3-axis operation was reliable and predictable 99% of the time, although there were a few occasions where it seemed to drift a little from what I expected. At that point, I was grateful for the ability to recenter the gimbal head with the quick press of a button.

Operating the gimbal was straightforward, and even my ten-year-old, who has no prior experience using a device like this, was able to quickly yield predictable results. The button and dial placement also meant that it was possible to change settings while operating the gimbal.

The AI tracker was able to track my face with no difficulty and yielded smooth results every single time. This tracker is able to pick up gesture controls such as an okay sign that enables tracking, double thumbs up to toggle between portrait and landscape orientations, as well as a peace sign to take photos or start filming. Unfortunately, the sensors' ability to recognise these gestures was so hit and miss that I wasn't able to use them predictably.

The small and handy remote control allows for operation up to 10m away from the gimbal. It works seamlessly and includes the ability to control the gimbal's orientation as well as start/stop recording. With the remote switched on, it's also possible to control the gimbal with voice commands. It was responsive and much more reliable than gesture commands. One change I would like to see in this feature would be a move away from direct commands towards an AI model that lets you use more natural language to get the same results.

In terms of battery life, the gimbal lasts up to 13.5 hours, although this is reduced to 5.5 hours with AI tracking enabled and the fill light turned on. This is just about sufficient for a full day's filming, and you can always turn the fill light off between shots. It only takes two hours to recharge, although it's not a removable battery, so you might find it hard to operate the gimbal while you're charging.

Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra: Verdict

The Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra is a lightweight gimbal that is quick to set up and generally reliable in its operation. With AI tracking and a detachable remote, the device offers several innovative features that elevate the user experience. I wasn't enamored by the gesture commands, but that aside, I found the gimbal to be reliable, predictable, and overall a joy to use.

Alternatives

The newest gimbal from Zhiyun is designed to be both more ergonomic and more affordable. Announced on Tuesday, December 03, the Zhiyun Crane 4E is a new gimbal for filmmakers that sits at a lower price point and with lighter ergonomics over the Crane 4.

While the 4E version is only a few grams lighter than the 4E, Zhiyun claims the stabilizer improves weight distribution to reduce wrist strain by 25 percent. The company also says the new design makes it easier to use two hands.

The Sling Grip is a key feature for the gimbal that the company says allows for adjusting angles as well as opening up a dual-handle mode. The wrist rest was also redesigned for the 4E, the company notes.

The gimbal uses a built-in control wheel for quickly adjusting camera parameters like shutter speed, aperture, or ISO without moving hands from the gimbal to the camera. Another control wheel towards the front of the grip can be customized to adjust settings like electronic zoom or focus.

The new gimbal allows for videographers to use both a servo zoom and focus motor simultaneously. The company notes that, using added Trans Mount accessories, the gimbal allows creatives to use the tools for smooth manual focusing and zoom. Cameras can be locked into vertical or horizontal shooting positions as well.

The gimbal's specs don’t list a maximum weight but rather a list of compatible cameras and lenses, including options like the Canon C70 with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.

While the 4E model offers ergonomic improvements, the pricier Zhiyun Crane 4 (which earned a 4.5 star review) still offers a few features that the 4E does not. That list includes a 10W fill light as well as a balance indicator light.

The Zhiyun Crane 4E is expected to list for $499 and is already in stock at Amazon. In comparison, the Crane 4’s list price is about $670 / £529 / AU$ 1,033.

Read more with our list of the best gimbals for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Released in 2024, the Cinepeer Weebill 3E is the latest camera stabilizer in Zhiyun’s Weebill range. I tested and reviewed the older Weebill 3S back in June 2022. The range presumably takes the name ‘Weebill’ from the smallest bird species in Australia and like its namesake, the Cinepeer Weebill 3E is compact but highly maneuverable. 

Despite its relatively small stature - Zhiyun compares its profile to a sheet of A4 paper - the Weebill 3E is a powerful heavy lifter. It can carry a full-frame camera and lens combination up to a weight of 3kg. However, I got the payload information from Amazon as Zhiyun doesn’t make it easy to find that particular specification information on their site for whatever reason. A capable gimbal, with lots of features, a heavy payload, and a decent price, it sets the Weebill 3E up as potentially one of the best gimbals and stabilizers for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Cinepeer Weebill 3E: Specifications

Cinepeer Weebill 3E: Design & Handling

Unlike its jet-black Weebill 3S predecessor the Weebill Cinepeer 3E is constructed from a light grey plastic body with metal axis arms to support a heavy payload.  Although it’s a newer release in the Weebill range, the Weebill Cinepeer 3E lacks the built-in fill light and microphone of its Weebill 3S predecessor. Interestingly the space where the fill-light used to be is still visible as part of the design but is filled in with plastic. 

The Cinepeer is also down to one USB-C camera control port (instead of the Weebill 3S’s two ports). However, as the Cinepeer Weebill 3E can connect and control camera functions via Bluetooth the loss of one camera control port isn’t crucial.  We plugged the supplied USB-C cable into the Cinepper’s remaining camera control port and we were able to start/stop recording on our Sony Alpha 7C’s by pressing the dedicated Record button on the gimbal’s shaft. The lack of some of the older Weebill 3S' features in the newer model is reflected in the Weebill Cinepeer 3E’s cheaper price. 

A key design feature of the Weebill Cinepeer 3E is its support for Sling Mode 2.5. This enables you to attach a Zhiyun MasterMove sling handle sling to the gimbal. The sling handle (with its adjustable wrist rest that spreads the weight of the gimbal and payload) makes it easier to capture low-angle tracking shots. 

But here’s the downside - the basic Cinepeer Weebill 3E kit doesn’t ship with the MasterMove sling handle. That essential accessory will add $/£139 to the cost of the Cinepeer Weebill 3E. I say ‘essential’ because there’s a lot of wrist strain to endure if you support the gimbal with one hand. I’ll go into more detail about that issue in the Performance section. 

As with most gimbals, there’s a physical mode button on the rear of the handle that you can tap to change between modes such as F (Follow), PF (Pan Follow), and L (Lock). You can view the chosen mode on the Weebill 3E’s 0.96-inch OLED screen. 

When you expand the mini tripod you can rest the gimbal on a flat surface and use the joystick to perform smooth pans and tilts. The speed of the moves can be varied depending on how far you use the joystick which is useful for slow atmospheric pans or faster moves to keep up with a moving bus for example. 

You can also assign a shortcut to the trigger at the front of the gimbal to toggle between modes. The adjustment wheel enables you to tweak the tilt of particular axes or you can set it to control camera properties such as ISO. 

Cinepeer Weebill 3E: Performance

To test the Cinepeer Weebill 3E I drove to the Amberley Heritage Museum in England’s county of Sussex. The museum featured a vintage bus that drove around in a circular route. This made it easy for me to film the attractive old vehicle from different angles using a range of stabilizer-assisted camera moves. I could then cut the various tracking, moving, panning, and craning shots together into a seamless sequence (as you’ll see at the end of my supporting video). 

I popped a Sony Alpha A7C and a -105mm Sony lens on the Weebill 3E. The payload weighed 1.274 KG and the gimbal itself was just over a Kilo, so the combined weight was 2.284 KG. This doesn’t sound like a lot but maneuvering this weight with one hand put a lot of strain on my wrist and even caused it to shake on occasion. Zhiyun states that the MasterMove sling handle accessory reduces wrist fatigue by 40%, so it’s well worth considering a purchase of one. I didn’t have a MasterMove sling on my test shoot but 

by holding the gimbal in one hand and the supplied mini tripod with my other hand I was able to extend the length of the gimbal and spread its weight between both arms. This made it easier and more comfortable to maneuver. 

With a heavy payload, you need to balance a DSLR gimbal. As this was my 18th gimbal test for Digital Camera World I’d become aufait with the art of balancing the tilt, pan, and roll axes so that there was less strain on them (and therefore gimbal better performance and longer battery life). The locking and unlocking knobs on each axis were easy to operate, though the tilt axis was a little stiff when I tried to slide the payload into the optimum balanced position. Unlike the DJI RS4 and the RS4 Pro the axes don’t lock and unlock automatically, so occasionally the gimbal would flash up a lock warning on its OLED screen. I’d then have to find and unlock the relevant axis before I could use the Weebill, which could cause me to miss a shot.

I balanced the camera with the lens set to 24mm so that I could capture the widest angle of my subject. When I decided to shoot the approaching bus from a distance I changed the lens to 105mm. However, by extending the lens the payload became unbalanced and the gimbal shot down to protect its motors. This caused me to miss the shot though as the bus was on a circular route I was able to re-balance the gimbal and get the shot later! When testing smartphone gimbals I can move and shoot more quickly. My iPhone 15 Pro Max can switch from an optical 13mm to 120mm without requiring a gimbal rebalance, which is why I prefer shooting video these days on a lighter smartphone rig.

The physical Mode button enabled me to switch to F (Follow). In this mode, the camera would both tilt and pan depending on my wrist movement. For most of the shoot, I stayed in PF (Pan Follow) mode. This enabled the camera to pan but it wouldn’t tilt up or down. This was perfect for craning up from a low to a high angle as the bus approached during my test shoot. The cable-linked record button was useful in triggering a recording on the Sony Alpha A7C, though sometimes I had to press it a couple of times to make the camera beep and start recording. 

As you’ll see from the montage at the end of my supping video I was able to make a heavy camera and long lens float smoothly through a range of tilts, pans, tracking shots, and cranes and I enjoyed using Weebill 3E. It was also useful when mounted on its tripod to capture smooth pans via the joystick. 

Cinepeer Weebill 3E: Verdict

If you’ve got a heavy DSLR and want to free it from the limited pans and tilts of a static tripod then the Weebill Cinepeer 3E will give you complete freedom of movement, though we highly recommend the additional purchase of the Zhiyun MasterMove sling arm to help alleviate wrist strain and make complex camera moves (such as cranes) easier to perform. During our test, there was no axis juddering or shaking due to strain on the motors which should give you confidence that this heavy lifter can take the strain of a full-frame camera and long lens. The Weebill 3E lacks some of the features of the older Weebill 3S, but do you really need a fill light and built-in mic in a gimbal? 

Alternatives

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is a 3-axis gimbal (or stabilizer) that enables you to produce cinematic camera moves with your smartphone such as tilts, pans, and cranes (from low to high angles) as well as gliding sideways tracking shots and forward/backward dolly moves. It’s an updated version of the Zhiyun Smooth 5S that we reviewed back in 2022 - the main change being the addition of an AI sensor that enables the tripod-mounted gimbal to tilt and pan so that the attached smartphone follows your every move. AI sensors are becoming very prevalent in gimbals these days, especially with smartphone gimbals such as the Hohem iSteady M6 gimbal. 

Established in 2015, Zhiyun has a well-established reputation for designing a series of gimbals, from the smartphone-compatible Smooth series to the high-end Zhiyun Crane series for full-frame camera stabilization.

Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI: Specifications

Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI: Design & Handling

Since April 2022 I’ve tested 16 gimbals for Digital Camera World including the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI. Like all gimbals the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI ships with attachable tripod legs that enable you to rest the gimbal on the ground and use the joystick to perform smooth pants and tilts. When you fold the legs this increases the length of the gimbal so you can perform low-angle tracking shots close to the ground and then crane up to a high angle in the same clip. 

The key difference between the Smooth 5S AI and the previous Smooth 5S that we reviewed in 2022 is the addition of a magnetic AI sensor. This small sensor attaches to the top or bottom of the spring mount that holds your smartphone. The sensor can recognize a range of hand gestures that cause the gimbal to track your movement (even if you aren’t filming using the ZY Cami app).  If you do use the app you can get the sensor to follow additional hand gesture commands such as triggering the app to start/stop recording.

The gimbal is constructed in a black glossy plastic, which blends nicely with my black and grey iPhone 15 Pro Max. The handle is wrapped in textured silicon which means you can keep a firm grip on the gimbal when you’re making complex moves with it. The control panel at the rear has a translucent panel that gives an intriguing glimpse into the gimbal’s electronic interior. The control panel features a Mode button that toggles the gimbal between modes such as PF (Pan Follow), L (Lock), F (Follow) POV (Point Of View), and V (Vortex). A thin icon panel illuminates the currently selected mode’s initials, though these are too small to see on a sunny day. More on shooting modes in the Performance section. 

There’s a chunky and tactile wheel on the left side of the handle. When operating the gimbal through the ZY Cami app you can use the wheel to perform a digital zoom between a wide 0.5x and a 6x close-up. You can use the control panel’s red record button to trigger the ZY Cami app to start/stop recording. 

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is relatively compact compared to others on the market. When I first attached my iPhone 15 Pro Max to the spring-mounted universe clamp the phone looked very off-balance due to the shortness of the arm. However, you can slide the roll-axis arm to balance any smartphone and the gimbal handled my iPhone with ease. Unlike high-end gimbals where you have to adjust the pan, tilt, and roll axes to balance the camera, you only need to balance the roll axis on the Smooth 5S AI. This means you can get the stabilizer up and running very quickly.

Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI: Performance

To test the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI I took it up to the windswept craggy rocks of the Derbyshire Peak District. I also brought my wife along so that I could have someone to track with the gimbal. Despite the very rocky and hilly terrain I was able to test the stabilizer’s various shooting modes and produce smooth gliding footage as I followed my wife’s ascent up the hill. The most useful mode was PF - Pan Follow. This kept the horizon tilt-free at all times. The gimbal would keep the phone pointing forward so that you could perform a low-angle dolly shot close to the ground or crane the phone above head height for a dramatic reveal of the distant countryside. 

 Check out my supporting video to see the various modes in action. The Smooth 5S AI had no trouble maneuvering my chunky iPhone 15 Pro Max and as you’ll see from my footage there was no vibration or shaking caused by an unbalanced payload. 

As well as producing the usual pans, tilts, and rolls (which you get when in POV mode) I wanted to test the new AI sensor, which clips to a magnetic mount above the smartphone. After popping the gimbal on the ground using its mini tripod legs I fired up the iPhone’s native Camera app to keep my gimbal footage looking consistent with other clips shot via that app. 

You don’t need to use the ZY Cami app to enjoy most of the AI-sensors features. By making an OK gesture to the AI sensor I was able to get the gimbal to pan to follow me as I jumped from rock to rock or tilt to keep me in the shot when I crouched down low. A palm gesture stopped the gimbal from tracking, so I could walk out of the shot when I’d finished talking (and cut to myself in a new location).  If you do use the ZY Cami app to film you can also make a ‘Yay’ gesture (two fingers in the air) to start and stop the recording. 

By and large, the AI sensor did a great job of keeping me in the shot. It only got confused a couple of times when I was standing in front of a very bright sky, but on the whole, there were no major problems with its tracking abilities. 

I also enjoyed popping the gimbal on its mini tripod and using the physical joystick on the handle to pan to follow my wife’s movements as she explored the top of the cliff. The joystick enables you to perform smooth pans and tilts at varying speeds. There’s also a button on the control panel that activates the LED fill light on the front of the gimbal’s tilt arm. You can dial in various levels of brightness to help your subject stand out, though as it was a sunny day and I was a couple of meters away from the gimbal I didn’t use this LED feature.

Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI: Verdict

Thanks to the AI sensor you can treat the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI as a skilled camera operator who can follow your every move. This is a very attractive feature for solo vloggers or documentary presenters who want to add some movement to their ‘talking to camera’ sequences without needing another person to film them.  The various shooting modes enabled me to perform a wide range of smooth professional camera moves (despite moving over rugged terrain). The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI doesn’t ship with a carry case but as it's nice and compact I was able to pop it into my 25L Gomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack along with the mics, tripods, and other accessories.

Alternatives

Gimbal manufacturers Zhiyun have jumped on the ever-expanding bandwagon and released a gimbal with artificial intelligence modules. 

Designed for today’s larger smartphones, the new smooth 5S Ai smartphone gimbal can hold up to loads of 300g (10.5 ounces), and has three strong axes that can handle orthogonal movement. 

This means that phone content creators can take advantage of 360-degree rotation and get smooth and stable shots, even when capturing fast-paced action or Sophia Coppola-like serene landscape shots.  

This could prove useful to professional mobile filmmakers looking for high-quality integrated video solutions on their phones, such as travel vloggers or live-streamers who need stable footage, good lighting and intelligent tracking on the move. 

We’ve previously written about and rated the best smartphone gimbals for iPhone and Android, and how Insta360 added AI features to its phone gimbal. We’ve also  commented on its shortcomings: the vertical support on the Insta360 Flow can mess with the tilt axis range, and integrated tripod legs are flimsy and unsupportive. 

So, can the new offering from Zhiyun with AI assistance give Insta360 and its associates a run for their money? 

According to Zhiyun, the Smooth 5S AI gimbal features intelligent algorithms that deliver “unparalleled precision in multi-target recognition and tracking” and promises that users can create “professional-grade video effortlessly—always in focus and blue-free.” 

The magnetic AI tracker supposedly allows for rapid and responsive target tracking and is “unaffected” by strong light interference “allowing users to re-identify and recover object tracking even after reframing.” The magnetic attachment also allows the gimbal to be quickly rotated between the smartphone's front and rear camera.

According to Zhiyun, “Traditional 3-axis gimbals – which often do not have such complete movement flexibility – unexpectedly freeze and let users down when they want to create the most powerful and dramatic professional effects like low-to-high transitions, 360° barrel shots, and so on.”

The tilt axis is also equipped with a high-power fill light with 650 lux peak illuminance, and two additional magnetic fill lights, which, combined with the built-in unti, provide 2040 lux at peak.

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is now on sale and retails for $249 / £249. 

Check out our guides to the best gimble heads for tripods, the best GoPro gimbals, and the best gimbals for mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

Zhiyun is a leading manufacturer of gimbals and LED lighting for videography and film production, offering products for both amateurs and professionals. The new Zhiyun Weebill 3E is designed for both, offering users a lightweight gimbal option with enhanced stabilization that's ideal for video content creation. 

Designed for creators on the move, the Weebill 3E weighs just 990g and folds down into a compact form measuring just 361 x 121 x 265mm – a key feature when traveling.

The ergonomic design is another key factor here, offering comfortable shooting over extended periods. 'Sling Mode 2.5' facilitates users further comfort and control by introducing an attachable wrist rest and adjustable handle, "alleviating over 40% of fatigue while maintaining stability even at extremely low angles".

Feeling comfortable to use is only half the battle, as the main purpose of a gimbal is to aid in the production of a smooth and stabilized image. The Weebill 3E combines pro algorithms and potent motors to create smooth camera movements in several shooting scenarios.  

A customizable trigger and function wheel enable the user to control camera settings such as the ISO and the gimbal axes from the handle of the gimbal grip. This is helpful when shooting on the move, and offers more versatility in creating camera movements. This can also be conveniently monitored via an integrated OLED display. 

As with all things portable and electronic, power is vital as you do not want to find yourself losing assisted stabilization mid-shoot! Zhiyun states that on a full charge, the Weebill 3E can run for 16 hours without needing a top-up – more than enough time to cover even the longest video shoots. However, if your shoot does run a little longer, the integrated 2650mAh batteries can be operated while charging via USB-C. 

Other notable features include Bluetooth shutter control, a native portrait switch, a quick-release plate and an attachable tripod. 

Although we haven't had a chance to get our hands on the Weebill 3E yet, Zhiyun has a great reputation for producing great stabilizers so I am eager to test this one out. 

The Zhiyun Weebill 3E is available now for just $249 / £249 / AU$ 389. It is compatible with most mirrorless cameras, but always double-check that this includes your model before purchase.

You may also be interested in our guides to the best camera for video, the best cine lenses, and the best stabilizers. 

The Molus B500 is part of the Zhiyun Molus B range of studio lights which also includes the B100, the B200, and the B300. When given a choice of model to review we went for the B500 as it was the biggest and brightest COB (Chip-on-board) LED in the range, and thanks to its 500W of power it is capable of an eye-blinding 76400 LUX when you attach the supplied reflector to it! A light of this size, weight, and output is designed for studio work, so I tested it in a studio environment - see my supporting video in the Performance section. Indeed it may be too powerful for some photographers and videographer’s needs so it’s worth researching the less powerful versions in the Molus B range before making a purchasing decision.

Like its B range siblings, the Molus B500 is designed to give filmmakers and photographers precise control over the light’s color temperature so that they can get it to complement the color temperature of other light sources as a key light or change the mood of stills and clips with a warm, neutral or cool color temperature emission. The color temperature range of the B500 is extensive, from a warm 2700K to a much cooler 6500K. The light takes advantage of its ability to produce a variety of color temperatures when you trigger animated lighting effects such as CCT Loop, Candle, and Lightning. This should make the Molus B500 a useful asset when adding lighting effects for studio-based video shoots. 

In my quest for the best video light, I’ve reviewed previous releases in the Molus range before with the Molus G200, which I shot in the same studio as the B500. The 500W B500 is a much more powerful LED than the 200W G200 and the B500 boasts design innovations in relation to power and cooling - as I’ll explain in this review. LED lights come in all shapes and sizes, from portable battery-powered light sticks to chunky studio COB lights like the Molus B500.

Zhiyun Molus B500: Specifications

Zhiyun Molus B500: Design & Handling

The mighty Zhiyun Molus 500B shares several of the design features found in the palm-size Zhiyun Molus X60 RGB, though at 500W of power, the 500B blows its 60W cousin out of the water when it comes to output. Both LEDs are easy to control thanks to two dials placed on opposite sides of the light. 

One dial controls brightness while the other changes color temperature. You can see the chosen color temperature and brightness setting on a small but useful screen on the rear of the light. The two dials double up as buttons that you can press to choose animated modes that will enhance video clips (such as Firework, Explosion, and Lightning). You can also press a dial to jump between 5 levels of brightness or change color temperature more quickly in 5 preset increments. This consistency of design enables you to get up and running with any Zhiyun Molus model very quickly.

The Molus 500B also boasts the Mk 5 version of the DynaVort Cooling System found in other Molus models. This highly visible cooling system (with circular metal grids on the top and sides of the light) includes two pressure sensors to eliminate turbulence and optimize airflow, resulting in improved heat dissipation efficiency within a smaller space. This more compact cooling system enables the Molus B500 to be up to 70% lighter than other LEDs of equivalent power. 

The power source is built into the body of the light so there’s no need for a bulky power supply box to clutter up the studio floor. Simply plug an AC cable into the rear of the light and you’re good to go. 

Zhiyun Molus B500: Performance

In my supporting video review, I point out that the Molus B500 ships in a branded cardboard box rather than in a more robust carry case. I’ve just reviewed the small Molus X60 RGB which ships with a nice branded carry case, but in fairness, the larger Molus B500 is a studio light that you’re not likely to carry around on shoots, so it doesn’t need a dedicated carry case like its more portable X60 RGB cousin.

Once I’d freed the Molus B500 from the cardboard box’s foam-padded interior I mounted it on a studio light stand, attached the supplied reflector with a twist and a click, and plugged in the AC ‘kettle lead’ into the rear of the light. After a flick of the ‘on’ switch I was able to rotate the Dim button on the left of the light to change the brightness to the LED and rotate the opposite CCT button to change the color temperature between a range of a warm 2700K and a cooler 6500K. Check out my supporting video to see the lamp and its features in action. 

Thanks to its 500W power I had to dial the intensity of the light down to 60% output to avoid the highlights becoming clipped on my test subject. As well as controlling the LED via its two dials I was also able to adjust intensity and colour temperature via the ZY Vega smartphone app. This app is very handy for solo operators who need to control lighting remotely. 

To test the DynaVort cooling system I whacked the brightness up to 100% and set the color temperature to 6500K. The fans were triggered and they were audible when I stood next to the LED, but the fan noise was quiet enough to be negligible when recording someone standing in front of the camera a few meters from the light.

Zhiyun Molus B500: Verdict

Thanks to its 500W power the Molus B500 is certainly powerful enough to provide a strong key light in any large studio environment. If you’ve used any Zhiyun Molus lights in the past then you’ll get up and running quickly with the Molus B500 - indeed it’s two dials are simple enough for newcomers to master too! Its comprehensive range of color temperatures enables you to mimic a wide range of light sources, from candlelight to daylight. 

Its universal Bowens mount compatibility means that the Molus B500 can be used with other accessories that you might already own such as soft boxes. But if you don’t need to produce 76400 Lux (at 1m with the reflector) then save yourself some money and buy one of the less powerful lights in the Molus B series, such as the B100, B200 or the identically sized but slightly lighter B300.

Alternatives

The Molus X60 (and the Molus X60 RGB) are COB (Chip-on-board) lights from Zhiyun, a well-established designer and manufacturer of LED lights.  Unlike traditional flash guns, the best LED lights are ‘always on' during a shoot rather than being triggered to sync with the camera’s shutter. This makes them suitable for capturing both well-lit stills and video clips. As with flash guns, an off-camera LED light can emphasize the shape and form of a model’s face to create a three-dimensional portrait (rather than the flat-lit two-dimensional look produced by an on-camera flash). An LED can also be used to fill in harsh shadows caused by a key light such as the sun. 

The key difference between the two Molus X60 lights is their ability to emit color. The X60 can produce a range of different color temperatures between a warm 2500K to a cool 6500K. The slightly more expensive X60 RGB boasts the same color temperature range output, but you can also adjust its hue and saturation to produce a wide range of gel-like colors. The RGB version also boats a wider range of animated lighting presets that involve color (such as Disco or Hue Loop). 

At the time of writing the Molus X60/X60 RBG is the latest in Zhiyun’s comprehensive Molus range. The bulkier and heavier Molus G200 that I reviewed back in 2023 is designed for mains-powered studio shoots, whereas the newer battery (or power bank) powered X60 range provides strong key or fill light sources in any location, yet is small enough to fit in your kit bag.

Zhiyun Molus X60: Specifications

Zhiyun Molus X60: Price

The standard Molus X60 costs $199 / £163. It’s comparable in size and shape to the similarly specced SmallRig RC 60B - but that portable handheld LED costs a little bit more, making the X60 a more appealing LED for those on a budget. The X60 RGB costs around $50 / £40 more than the X60, but it’s well worth paying a little extra to enjoy the RGB version’s wide range of hues and color-based animated video effects. 

Zhiyun Molus X60: Design & Handling

Both the Molus X60 and the X60 RGB lights fit nicely into the palm of your hand, and although their bodies feel predominantly plastic they are reassuringly heavy due to a recessed metal grid and a metal fan protector that enable the DynaVort cooling system to dissipate heat. 

Once you clip the similarly sized battery to each LED you can still carry it comfortably in one hand, though the batteries are heavier than the lights. The X60 RGB and its battery are silver in color, whereas the X60 version’s lamp and battery are mostly black. 

Both versions of the X60 ship in an identically sized padded and branded Zhiyun kit bag that has foam partitions to separate and store the supplied mains power cable and a mini reflector with a diffusion dome for a softer light source. The carry cases can be bulky (especially if you want to fit two light kits inside your camera bag), so Zhiyun supplies a smaller mesh bag to transport your LED and battery. 

The battery clips on quickly and easily and you can also easily attach and detach the reflector with a twist and click. This makes the LEDs very fast to rig and de-rig. 

Most Zhiyun LEDs in the Molus range (such as the mighty Molus G500 studio light - review coming soon) have two plastic control dials. The X60 LEDs are no exception. One dial enables you to adjust brightness, while the other changes properties such as color temperature. On the X60 RGB version, the second dial also enables you to adjust properties such as Hue and Saturation so that you can add creative washes of color to your subject. 

The dials double up as buttons that you can press to choose animated modes to enhance video clips (such as Disco or Fireworks on the RGB model), or summon simpler animated effects on the X60 such as Lightning or Bad Bulb. The animated effects on the X60 vary between a color temperature range of 2500K - 6500K, but for a wider range of color-related effects make sure that you buy the X60 RGB model (and it’s only around $50 / £40 more than the standard X60 version).

Zhiyun Molus X60: Performance

To test the Zhiyun Molus X60 and the X60 RGB I took both lights with me on a model shoot. Despite lovely sunny weather for most of the week, there was a 70% guarantee of rain on the day of the shoot, so I relocated to the gloomy (but dry) walkways of London’s Barbican center. 

I enjoy shooting in the Barbican as the curves and lines of the concrete brutalist architecture contrast nicely with a posing model. However, on a gloomy day and in dark corridors my iPhone 15 Pro Max can struggle to capture a non-grainy motion blur-free shot. For that reason, I was delighted to take the two powerful (yet portable) X60 LED lights with me. Both X60s had a 1/4” thread so I was able to mount then on mini tripods and point them at the model. 

A gust of wind did knock one of the lamps over when it was mounted on a Joby GorillaPod, but the LED was undamaged.  (I also dropped an LED on a later studio shoot from a meter in height but again it was robust enough to carry on shining). 

The 60W output of both lights was more than bright enough to cast plenty of light on my model for both close up portraits and ‘strike a pose’ long shots. The kit’s supplied rubber diffusion dome enabled me to add a soft and flattering modeling key light to the subject’s face, while the second X60 light filled in harsh shadows or acted as a backlight to help the model stand out from dark backgrounds.  

The RGB version of the Molus X60 in particular was very useful as I could dial in creative color hues to complement or contrast with existing colored light sources on location.  Being able to dial in a range of color temperatures with the standard Molus X60 enabled me to complement the cold daylight, or add a warmer hue to counteract the dull weather. 

Although I wasn’t shooting much video I set the Molus X60 RGB to Disco mode. This emitted cycling bursts of different colors and as my model changed her pose every few seconds this was a quick way to capture a wide range of poses featuring different color hues (rather than having to dial in various colors manually). 

The LEDs are kept cool using a DynaVort cooling system. Up close I could hear the fans whirring, but as the lights are strong enough to shoot a ‘talking head’ from a distance any whirring sounds should be negligible. I wasn’t aware of any fan noise on location as I was focussing on shooting stills anyway.  I had the model booked for a two-hour shoot so the LEDs’ 50-minute battery life could have been an issue. However, we turned the lamps off when moving between several locations so there was plenty of power when it was required.

I also used one of the Molus X60s when I was reviewing the larger Zhiyun Molus B500 in a TV Studio (review coming soon). Most of the studio’s house lights were on low, but the small Molus X60 acted as an effective key light to illuminate me and the G500 as I demonstrated its features.

Zhiyun Molus X60: Verdict

If you have to rely on available light when on a shoot then you’re limited in your compositional choices. By having a powerful yet portable key or fill light such as the Zhiyun Molus X60 (or X60 RGB) in your kit bag you can add bring out the shape and form of your model’s face to create much more professional looking portraits. The RGB version of the X60 also enables you to add creative washes of color to change the mood and atmosphere of your portraits. 

Videographers will also enjoy the animated effects produced by both lights, but we strongly urge you to spend a little more and get the 6 extra color effects on the RGB version, especially if you shoot dramas and need a police car to appear (off camera)!

I’ve shot the same model in the same location twice before but the quality of my photos was elevated to a new level thanks to the addition of the Zhiyun Molus X60 and X60 RGB LEDs.

Alternatives

Zhiyun manufactures some of the best gimbals and LED lighting in the photo and video industry, and this year it has stepped up its COB lighting game. 

Just last week it announced an entirely new range of LED COB lights, named the B-series, that cater to enthusiasts up to professionals, with a power output range of 100-500W. Today, it has announced the Zhiyun Molus G300 – a new 300W COB light aimed at professional photographers and filmmakers. 

First debuted at NAB 2024, the Molus G300 turned heads for its compact and durable form yet powerful lighting features. The Zhiyun G Series of LED lights are developed with professionals in mind and are jam-packed with features that make lighting a set a breeze, providing what Zhiyun says is "the perfect combination of form and function". 

For the Molus G300, Zhiyun has introduced an upgraded control system designed specifically for filmmakers. It features a separate controller (below) attached via a 7.5 meter-long cable, enabling flexible lighting control from a distance. The controller has cushions, a USB port for future firmware updates, and a responsive display for precise adjustments, "ensuring a seamless and limitless professional lighting setup".

Although presented as a 300W model, the G300 can be pushed beyond that with the capability to produce a ramped-up 500W (20300 Lux) of power. This is possible due to the 'Max Extreme Mode', which pushes the tiny light to its absolute limit and makes it even more versatile. 

With high power output, and certainly with Max Extreme Mode engaged, cooling plays a major part in the light's operation and functionality. Zhiyun has developed a state-of-the-art cooling system named DynaVort Cooling System MKII: "This precision-engineered system delivers exceptional heat dissipation in a compact form, ensuring a perfect lighting experience""

The small form factor is one of the main draws of new COB lighting systems, and the G300 is no different. Measuring just 148 x 259 x 84mm it takes up little space on set, enabling more room for multi-lighting setups. 

Despite the small size, it can achieve a peak brightness of 15500 Lux. Color temperature is also designed for the working professional, as it boasts an ultra-wide color temperature adjustment from 2700K to 6500K and exceptional color rendering for true-to-life lighting details in every shot.

Other notable features include a Bowens mount, video lighting effects, wireless control via the ZY Vega app, and a tiltable and rotational head. 

The Zhiyun Molus G300 is available now at an impressive price of $599 / £599 (Australian pricing to be confirmed). 

See our guides for more information on the best lights for video, the best studio lighting kit, and the best light for YouTube. 

Showcased at NAB 2024, the new series of LED lights is called the Zhiyun Molus B-Series and will become a separate and completely new lineup from its existing LED series. The new B-Series currently consists of four compact LED fixtures at varying output levels, designed for exceptional performance at an affordable price point. 

The new COB LED lights range from 100-500W and are named B100, B200, B300, B400, and B500 representing the output. The varying levels of output mean that the series provides all you need, from small initial shoots to larger-scale productions. Although these lights have a compact form they boast some impressive features that are staples in some of the best video and photography lights. 

The CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) ranges from 2700-6500K and excels in color rendering, ensuring professional-grade color fidelity for any scene. Intuitive step-less dials and an accompanying controller make changing the color temperature and brightness quick and efficient.

Further control can be had via the ZY Vega App, Zhiyun's lighting app which makes precision control even easier and more efficient. The app enables the control of multiple lights in a setup, controlling brightness, color temperature, and more.

The lights are powered via an AC mains cable and have an inbuilt power supply meaning that they can be easily transported and set up with less fuss. With an inbuilt power supply usually comes heat, therefore Zhiyun has added an all-new industrial design that features a dual cooling structure inspired by vortex, seamlessly integrating the cooling system with the light to be more compact.

Zhiyun states, "The B series redefines thermal efficiency with its MK V-type DynaVort Cooling System, featuring two pressure sensors to eliminate turbulence and optimize airflow, offering significantly improved heat dissipation efficiency within a smaller volume."

The Zhiyun B-Series comes fitted with a Bowen's mount meaning mixing and matching accessories is effortless. Zhiyun offers several great light modifiers however the universal Bowens mount means that other options are also encouraged – so no need to replace your existing favorites.

Other notable features include Live Mode, which enables the user to power all lights simultaneously, and Lighting Effects which include flames, TV, lighting, plus many more that can take your video work to the next level.

The Zhiyun B-Series lights are available for pre-order now and are scheduled to start shipping in May. The price points will be: Zhiyun LED Molus B100 Cob Light at $230 / £230; The Zhiyun LED Molus B200 Cob Light – $360 / £360. The Zhiyun LED Molus B300 Cob Light at $540 / £540. The Zhiyun LED Molus B500 Cob Light at $720 / £720. (Australian pricing is to be confirmed).

See our guides for more information on the best lights for vlogging, the best-LED light panels, and the best flashguns. 

COB lights are a great option if you want a small and versatile lighting kit and Zhiyun has just announced two that can fit in your pocket. 

The new Zhiyun Molus X60 and X60-RGB portable COB lights are ideal for both photographers and videographers who require a minimal lighting blueprint. COB lighting has become a trendy option among videographers and content creators due to its often compact size but constant and significant brightness and the new X60 models are just a fraction larger than a credit card with a 60W power output.  

• See our guide on the best video lights

What is COB lighting?

COB is an acronym for Chip On Board and means that the bare and often stacked LED chips are in direct contact with the substrate and circuit board. This enables a large and even spread of light over a large area and offers benefits such as faster cooling, energy efficiency, brightness, and compact design. 

The Zhiyun Molus X60 and X60-RGB take advantage of that last benefit by measuring 100 x 71 x 56mm and weighing just 313g (319g for the X60-RGB). Despite their minimal weight, the lights are constructed from a rugged all-metal design, which is also sleek and modern. 

The two model options offer something a little different depending on your intended usage. The standard X60 offers 'flicker-free dual color temperatures (2700K-6500K) and high color rendering accuracy (CRI≥95, TLCI≥97)', while the X60-RGB offers pure white light and vibrant colored light, that is precisely adjustable across the RGB spectrum. 

The lights interface takes its lead from other Zhiyun lighting, and offers the user a simple dual dial control, one for the lighting temperature and one for the intensity/ brightness, which enables instant and intuitive adjustment. 

For even further ease of use, the X60 series offers 50 minutes of battery life, with further power options via a USB PD connection. In addition, the combination of the COB design and Zhiyun's DynaVort Cooling System ensures users never have to worry about overheating. 

Other notable features include compatibility with Zhiyun's ZY Vega app for wireless color and brightness control, 100W PD fast charge support, six creative RGB lighting moods and nine lighting effects, and compatibility with Zhiyun's ecosystem of lighting modifiers and accessories. 

We have seen recent releases of small portable lights such as the Hobolite Mini and the SmallRig RC 60B, and larger (slightly) COB lights from Zhiyun. They have become extremely popular with streamers and content creators who require versatile lighting options in a small package. Although I will reserve all reviews until after testing, I think the new X60 models could be placed among the best lights for YouTube videos. 

The Zhiyun Molus X60 and X60-RGB will be available in three different kits. The Standard Kit includes a lamp, an AC adapter, a Zhiyun mini reflector, and a dome. The Combo Kit includes everything in the Standard Kit plus a battery power grip, USB-C cable, and carrying case. Lastly, the Pro Kit includes everything in the Combo Kit plus a Zhiyun softbox and an extra battery power grip.

The new Zhiyun Molus X60 and X60-RGB will be available soon at the price of Molus X60 Standard $265 / £209.99 / €239.99 | Molus X60 Combo $355 / £279.99 / €319.99 | Molus X60 Pro $430 / £339.99 / €389.99 | Molus X60 RGB Standard $342 / £269.99 / €299.99 | Molus X60 RGB Combo $430 / £339.99 / €389.99 | Molus X60 RGB Pro $520 / £409.99 / €469.99. (US prices were estimated via conversion from the UK price).

For more information on lighting, we have helpful guides on the best-LED light panels, the best lighting studio kits, and the best lights for Zoom calls.  

Zhiyun is perhaps better known to most for making some of the best camera gimbals or best smartphone gimbals around, but in recent years the company has pushed into lighting in a big way with its take on the latest LED lighting tech, with a unique Zhiyun design twist.

Going after the blossoming content creation market, Zhiyun’s lights combine distinctive style, with compact design, and as much power as can be squeezed out as possible. This has paid off in dividends, with products like the Zhiyun Molus X100 being one of the best video lights I used last year. 

Not resting on their laurels, Zhiyun has a new duo of lights for creators – the Zhiyun FIVERAY M20, a pocket-sized LED panel with a variable white balance, and the FIVERAY M20C, the full-color equivalent – which is the version of the M20 light I am testing here.

Although based around LED technology, LED panels differ from Zhiyun’s more recent lights which have featured COB (chip-on-board) LED tech. The main difference is the layout of the light emitting diodes (or LEDs) – in a COB light these are tightly packed together, offering a more powerful, beam of light that is more energy efficient, so can be used in a smaller housing. 

The downside of COB lights is they usually need light modifiers like a softbox or umbrella to spread the light evenly in a flattering and natural way, meaning that even though they are small, they often take up a lot of room once these accessories are attached.

LED panels spread the LEDs further apart over wider areas and can usually provide a more direct light with minimal light shaping accessories, this makes them better for mounting directly on a camera, or in close proximity to a subject where there isn’t a lot of space.

The FIVERAY M20C utilizes a small LED panel that should be perfect for creators looking for a quick and simple way to add some additional lighting to their vlogs and videos, but in a crowded market, how does the M20C compare?

Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C: Specifications

Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C: Price & Availability

The launch price for Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C in the combo kit is $159 / £169, while the M20C light on its own is $129 / £139. This is exceptional value when you consider that the combo kit includes the light, cage, barn doors, diffuser, and honeycomb grid for a mere $30 extra. You can get small camera-mounted LED RGB panels for less, although these vary wildly in quality and consistency, and don’t offer the features and functionality of the Zhiyun.

If you really don’t think you will use the RGB colors at any point, then you can save a considerable $50 with the bi-color-only version of the M20 costing $109 / £119 for the FIVERAY M20 Combo Kit.

Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C: Design & Handling

There are so many small LED lighting panels on the market right now featuring the same design that it is near impossible to tell one brand apart from another. While the Zhiyun Fiveray M20C doesn’t completely reinvent the design, Zhiyun definitely puts enough of a spin on it that it looks distinct enough from everything else out there, which is unsurprising from a company that had given us bold designs like the Molus X100 and Molus G60.

I fell for the design of the M20C immediately upon pulling it from its box, the light just looks cool, although I can see that maybe the ‘sci-fi – steampunk’ design won’t be to absolutely everyone's tastes. But for the target audience of vloggers, YouTubers, and other creatives, I think this design is right on trend, and I’d be happy to feature it in my kit bag on looks alone.

The build of the main light is plastic-y although feels very sturdy, with hints of metal around the light in areas that might see a bit more wear and tear like the latch to open the cage, the barn doors, or the honeycomb grid, which are great touches that shown Zhiyun has put thought into these areas.

The cage and accessories

 For mounting the light, on one side of the cage, there is a hot shoe mount for mounting the light directly onto a camera, or the mount has a standard 1/4in thread for mounting to a tripod or light stand. The other three sides all have cold shoe adapters for connecting several M20Cs together or attaching other accessories like microphones.

The M20C cage has a few other clever tricks up its sleeve. If you opt for the M20 or M20C Combo editions then you will get some accessories in the box including a diffuser, honeycomb grid, and barn doors which all mount magnetically to the front of the M20C cage. It's far from the first time I have seen this on a light, but I love this for small lights like this as it just makes attaching and detaching accessories so quick and easy.

The magnets in the accessories are strong enough that they won’t drop off at any point in the shoot, however, an issue I found a lot is I would try to move the light by gripping the barn doors, and the magnetic connection is not strong enough to hold the weight of the entire light which sent it tumbling to the ground. Now this is as much my error as the product, but it is certainly something to bear in mind, and I tend not to think about these things when moving lights in the heat of the moment.

One of the coolest features is the cage has two magnets in the rear for mounting the light quickly to any magnetic surface, this also has been carefully considered with the rear of the cage featuring a soft silicon pad to try and prevent any damage to the magnetic surface you choose. I found the magnets have no trouble holding the weight of the light with all the accessories attached, but they are not so strong that I couldn’t whip the light off one-handed in a hurry.

Controls

The light is controlled by two buttons/dials on the rear, if you have used a lot of other LED lighting this will be a familiar control scheme, with the right-hand button/dial cycling through settings options or changing lighting modes, while the left dial changes the settings such as precise brightness control in one percent integers, or can be pressed in to quickly cycle through settings e.g. 0%-50%-100%.

This system works really well and is near impossible to get confused by. The dials offer some good resistance making them harder to turn accidentally, the dials also require a fair amount of turning to do much damage, so an accidental twist is only likely to knock the brightness by one or two percentage points. The only annoyance I found was trying to get from HSI color back to normal CCT you have to cycle through all the modes (including the settings menu).

Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C: Performance

For an LED panel the amount of brightness the M20C outputs is impressive, this isn’t going to be lighting up a studio, but as a key light while filming a vlog, or offering background lights in video, this is an excellent choice. There are brighter COB options out there, even with Zhiyun’s own range it offers the Zhiyun Molus X100 (pictured below) or the Molus G60. Although these lights pack way more of a punch than the M20C, they lose the convenience of an inbuilt battery and don’t have any of the M20C’s HSI colors or lighting effects. So which one is for you is really a question of power versus convenience. 

The quality of light is also good, again there are lights that offer a marginally more reliably accurate CRI color rating, but unless you are doing precise color-critical work then the M20C is more than good enough. If you do find that the green or magenta tones are a little off, the M20C offers a quick scale to adjust the hue to get a more pleasing measure. There is also a mode for controlling the RGB balance independently, which is very useful for anyone who needs a specific tone, although this definitely takes some know-how and practice.

There is also the option to use the full HSI color spectrum. Colors on offer are very wide, and the M20C offers more than enough colors for most creators who are thinking about purchasing this light. The M20C claims to offer 360º of color, and this is mostly true, although sometimes the color jumps between two major hues rather than being a smooth transition. Colors do offer both brightness and saturation controls, so I was able to tune them to my perfect output.

Almost every lighting effect I could want has been included in the M20C, including classics like broken bulb, TV, lightning, and paparazzi, but also ones that make use of colors like police car and disco, you can also set the M20C to just cycle through all the hues. There is also a good level of control over all the effects and I could change the cycle speeds, number of colors, or just the overall look of the effect, there was so much to play with here.

Adapters

The clip-on light adapters mentioned earlier are mostly very good. The diffuser is the weakest of the bunch, there isn’t a huge amount of diffusion going on, but it does take a slight edge off the shadows, but don’t expect miracles. Although it does have the benefit of being slightly easier to look in the direction of the light for a subject without being nearly blinded.

The barn doors work exactly as you would expect for angling the light to be more direct, the shape of the doors also means they can be folded in to make an almost makeshift snoot. 

The final adapter is the honeycomb grid, which is the best of the adapters, and is very effective at narrowing down the beam of light to be more direct on the subject, used in conjunction with the barn doors offers a lot of control over the light.

ZY Vega App

The FIVERAY M20C can also connect to Zhiyun’s ZY Vega app which is available for iOS and Android as a free download from the relevant App Stores. 

The app works well, the initial setup process was very easy (on Android anyway), with the connection to the light being straightforward once the appropriate permissions are granted. I have used an earlier version of the app and found the interface to be quite buggy, but thankfully Zhiyun seems to have squashed the worst of them, and controlling the M20C went off without a hitch. 

The ZY Vega app allows for full Bluetooth control over the M20C, and goes surprisingly in-depth, with a lot of fine-tuning options without ever having to touch the light itself. 

Power and Temperature

The Fiveray M20C features the Mark II version of Zhiyun’s signature DynaVort cooling system, which in layman's terms, is a fan and heat sink that keeps the temperature of the light to a manageable level. Zhiyun’s system has always been top-notch, and the M20C is no different, with the light remaining only warm at best – ideal when the light will be handled so much in use. The little orange fan on the rear also makes barely any noise, with a slight perceptible whine when it goes full pelt, but not loud enough to be captured on my footage.

Battery life actually went beyond my meagre expectations with batteries always one of the weakest features with LED panel lighting. The battery easily lasted me for a couple of hours using the M20C at less than 50%, and when pushing the light up to 100% power, I managed to get around 45 minutes of power. The M20C can also be powered by a USB-C PD connection if you run out of juice, either straight from the wall or connected to a power bank with a high enough output.

One quirk I did find with the USB-C charging, is a couple of the more powerful chargers/cables I used were able to power the light just fine when it was on, but were not able to charge the battery when the light was off, causing the M20C to make a strange high pitch beeping whine sound and just flash the battery logo at me. I managed to just swap to a lower-powered charger which worked fine, but I found this a slightly odd behaviour.

Zhiyun FIVERAY M20C: Verdict

While the FIVRAY M20C cannot match the best COB lights for raw power, it more than makes up for that in its features – offering practically everything any creative could want in a small LED light panel. There is very little that lets this light down, and it really should be on the wishlist of any vlogger, YouTube creator, or filmmaker.

The brightness is more than enough for close-up work such as vlogging, portraits, or product photography, but the M20C really shines (pun very much intended), when it comes to creative work with a full HSI color spectrum, creative lighting effects, and precise color tuning. 

The build quality is exceptional, I love features like the magnetic attachments, both to stick the light to metallic surfaces and also to attach light shaping accessories to the front of the light. Battery life is decent for an LED panel, lasting hours if used conservatively, and with backup USB-C PD power, it can go for much longer.

Alternatives

Zhiyun’s first LED in the Molus series was the pocket sized Molus X100, a lightweight portable key light with a 100W of power that could emit an eye-blinding 3381 Lux.   The newly released Molus G200 blows the X100 out of the water when it comes to output, with a default 200W output that can be boosted to 300W when you need that extra power. The compact Molus X100 is a useful light to illuminate subjects while out and about, making it perfect for social media content creators. The more powerful and larger Molus G200 will be of more interest to studio-based film makers than YouTube vloggers.

Zhiyun Molus G200: Video guide

Watch our video guide (above) to the Zhiyun Molus G200

Zhiyun Molus G200: Specifications

Output power (max) 320W

Input power (max) 350W

Cooling method Active Cooling

Power adapter operation voltage  100~240V AC 50~60Hz 5~2A

Color Temperature range  2700-6500K

Dimming range  0~100%

CRI (RA) ≥95

TLCI ≥97

Brightness at a distance of 1 meter on 200W power  9460 Lux

Control method via device/via Bluetooth app

Operation temperature -10℃～40℃

Extension Bowens mount

Size (header) 127x67.5x225mm

Size (adapter) 164.5x58.9x125mm

Net Weight (without standard reflector) 2.209kg

Key features

Because it is a chip-on-board (COB) light rather than an RGB LED the Molus G200 can’t emit a full-color spectrum of light – so there are no dramatic red, green, or blue gel-like effects. However, as a bi-color LED you can dial in a wide range of color temperatures in Kelvin to mimic warm tungsten light at one end of the Kelvin scale (2700K) to cooler daylight temperatures of 6500K at the other end. This enables you to match other light sources in your location or add warm or cool mood lighting to your subject.  

With a default output of 200W the Molus G200 can kick out a powerful 9460 Lux key light. This output can be turbocharged to 300W if you need a stronger key light, but in our test shoot 200W was more than enough and we still had to dial down the brightness to avoid blown-out highlights on our subject. Another key feature is Music mode, which is something I haven’t encountered before on an LED. This causes the Molus G200 to flash to an audio input such as clapping hands or the beat of a tune. That could be of interest to filmmakers who need to complement a performance with creative lighting that matches the music’s tempo. 

Build and handling

The Molus G200 consists of two main components. A black and grey box houses the LED. At 67.5mm thick this powerful light source is very compact.  A second similarly sized box doubles up as the power pack for the G200 as well as performing control duties.  The controller/power supply also has a handy strap so that you can hang it on your light stand and operate it close to hand. 

There are two dials on the controller. The left dial (labelled Dim) adjusts the light intensity output for the Molus G200 between a scale of 0 and 100%.  The right dial (labelled CCT) adjusts the color temperature. You can also use the right dial as a button to jump more quickly to color temperature presets (instead of having to dial them in manually).  If you press both dials simultaneously then you trigger Max mode which boosts the output from 200W to 300W. The controller also has a little monochrome display screen so you can see properties such as brightness levels and color temperature.

Performance

On Max mode the output of the Molus G200 was far too bright for my studio set-up and my subject’s highlights were completely blown out.  With traditional lights you need to wait for quite a while to let them cool down before you can de-rig your kit. LED lights tend to run much cooler than traditional glass lamps and thanks to the Molus G200’s DynaVort cooling system the light didn’t get too hot to handle, even when I pushed it to the max 300W output. I didn’t hear the fan operating either so it didn’t interfere with my audio recording (check out our supporting video to see the Molus G200 in action).  The Molus G200 is mounted on a tilting head that enables you to rotate it through 180º, so it should be able to illuminate the subject from any angle that you require.

One nice touch is that the Molus G200 can be controlled via the ZY Vega app. It’s actually faster and more convenient to dial in a brightness value or color temperature setting by swiping the app’s sliders than it is to twiddle the physical controller’s knobs. You can also tap on preset buttons in the app to jump to specific color temperatures rather than toggle through the same presets by pressing the controller’s CCT button. 

Zhiyun Molus G200: Verdict

The Molus G200 LED light is far too bright for my specific needs as a video maker but if you need to light a subject from a distance then it is well worth considering (especially thanks to its ability to boost the default 200W output to the max 300W). It will suit professional corporate and studio-based filmmakers more than social media content creators, who might be better off with the cheaper and smaller Molus X100.  Music mode could be useful to certain connect creators but I imagine that it’s not a deal breaker for most people. The lack of animated preset effects (such as Flash and Lightning) is disappointing, given that they are featured on other similar COB bi-color lights such as the SmallRig COB 350D. 

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Zhiyun is a relatively new name in the world of photography, founded only eight years ago, Zhiyun has rapidly become one of the most exciting and innovative brands to watch. One of the leaders of the new wave of Chinese innovation, rapidly pushing forward emerging technology and disrupting the industry that is still dominated by camera companies a century old. 

Zhiyun recently held its first Middle Eastern Summit to coincide with the announcement of its latest trio of products, the Zhiyun Crane 4, Zhiyun Fiveray V60, and Zhiyun Molus G200, and the company was generous enough to invite me along. Set against the fitting backdrop of the Museum of the Future in Dubai, this international summit is one of the first chances to get to know the up-and-coming brand better, and a chance for Zhiyun to show off what it has in store for its own future. 

Out of its three most recent announcements, the one that is most exciting is the new Zhiyun Molus G200, its most powerful light yet, with up to 300W of boosted lighting power in a box that fits in the palm of your hand, this is a light that challenges some of the best professional lights in the industry. Zhiyun’s lights are now renowned for their unconventional designs and the G200 is no different, I asked Zhiyun why it chose to take a risk on potentially divisive designs:

"I believe time will definitely allow [users] to understand the innovations of the technology, and being an innovative technology company, at Zhiyun it is always our objective and our ambition to be the pioneer in terms of new innovations of the technology. So, if you want to look at some of the designs of the recent lights that we have actually launched, I think this is a really good breakthrough in terms of how we can actually design these lights to be so small, so compact, but yet able to deliver the power from the light itself. So, I think this is something that our R&D team has done a really amazing job to be able to create such an innovative technology and this is what I always say, this is definitely a game changer in terms of the future of lighting equipment."

Zhiyun’s second new light is the Zhiyun Fiveray V60, its new entry in the lesser-appreciated segment of light sticks/wands. If you’ve followed Zhiyun’s lighting solutions, then you might be familiar with the Zhiyun Fiveray F100, and on a quick glance, the lights look very similar. Why has Zhiyun launched the V60, well according to Zhiyun;

“some professionals need just to focus on the needs for the most basic color and sometimes less is more”.

Having bi-color lights allows the lights to reach higher brightness and more accurate color, so for users who appreciate the most consistent output for their color-critical work, the Fiveray V60 is now the best option light wand. The Fiveray F100 is in fact currently the only colored light in Zhiyun’s lineup, but with other manufacturers jumping headfirst into the market of RGB lights, I asked if we were going to see any other RGB lights from Zhiyun in the near future.

"We do have full-color lights now in terms of the model F100, but when we launched the X100, it was actually catered more to a different group of users, especially, for outdoor users for live streamers, and we just wanted to keep it simple in terms of bi-colors so that we get the maximum output from this really small light…. RGB is also the trend now and I think for us, RGB is definitely in consideration for more products in the near future."

With the X100, F100, G60, M40, and now V60 in Zhiyun’s range, I wanted to know the logic behind the letters in the product names.

"I think the main difference, for example, for the G-Series, we are actually putting the G series more towards DC powered lights, so any of the future G-Series lights will all be actually powered using DC power. We will actually sort of promote this light more as a studio light where DC power is no problem…  so that is going to be the G-Series will be positioned as a studio light. And for the X series where we have portable power solutions, we will actually promote the X series for more of an outdoor use, like a kind of running gun outdoor use…. And in terms of the V series, and even the F series, It's going to be a wand light… so the F-series will be an RGB stick light… and the V series will be a bi-color stick."

The final product from the Summit is the latest in Zhiyun’s professional gimbal lineup, the Zhiyun Crane 4, this is the most professional gimbal in Zhiyun’s lineup, made for heavier DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras, this is the gimbal for serious filmmakers. Zhiyun’s recent developments have all made it into the Crane 4, with the Zhiyun Weebill 3S’s much-improved grip and wrist rest being the most prominent addition to the Crane 4. 

With the growing prevalence of in-body and optical stabilization in cameras, including the incredible digital and optical stabilization combinations on the latest phones, I asked if Zhiyun believes that gimbals will always have a place in filmmaking.

"Optical and digital stabilization only works in certain movements such as Ninja walk…. but when you need to shoot or create cinematic shots, a gimbal is a must… there are certain limitations of how digital stabilization can work, but when it comes to creative movements, in terms of having POV shots, these are some of the movements that you will not be able to achieve with digital stabilization."

Well, what is next for Zhiyun? Well, they have confirmed that they will increase their focus on LED lights in the short term, looking for new and inventive ways to use lights to increase the creative opportunities for content creators and pushing into new lighting areas. And earlier hints suggest that the next light might be more focused on RGB color output too. I am always excited to see what Zhiyun does next, and as a reviewer, I recently gave full marks to the Zhiyun Molus X100, so hopefully they can continue the momentum into the future. Check out below all the latest releases from Zhiyun.

You can find out more about the latest and best video lights, the best lights for YouTube videos, or the best DSLR gimbals for mirrorless and SLR cameras in our guides.

To date, I’ve tested and reviewed nine gimbals for Digital Camera World, with the Crane 4 being my tenth. They all do the same job of enabling you to track, dolly, pan, tilt and occasionally roll your camera or smartphone without the need for a cumbersome tripod or tracks.  

On the gimbal spectrum, the Crane 4 fits into the heavy-lifting category, so smartphone users needn’t consider it. If you’re a smartphone filmmaker check out my ZHIYUN Crane M2S and Smooth Q4 reviews. I tested the Crane 4 with a mirrorless full-frame Lumix S5 sporting a Lumix 20-60 mm lens, though I'm confident it could handle a heavier payload.  ZHIYUN doesn’t specify a specific payload weight for the Crane 4 but you can find a list of compatible cameras here. 

Zhiyun Crane 4: Specifications

Weight: 1.673Kg (without mini-tripod)
Tilting range: Max: +142°, Min: -72°
Rolling range: Max: +71°, Min: -251°
Panning range: 360 °
Bluetooth: 5.0
Touch screen size: 1.22 inch
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
LED: 3200 Lux

Zhiyun Crane 4: Key Features

All gimbals feature tilt, roll, and pan axis motors that enable you to perform a range of smooth handheld camera moves and these motors are of course present and correct on the Crane 4. However, there’s a welcome new key feature relating to these motors that I’ve not seen in the other nine gimbals that I’ve reviewed! 

To make a gimbal perform smoothly you need to adjust the position of its arms so that the camera is perfectly balanced. If the camera and lens aren’t balanced then this puts strain on the motors which causes the arms to judder and invariably the gimbal will go into sleep mode to protect the motors.  The Crane 4 helps you ensure that the camera is perfectly balanced thanks to warning lights on each of the three-axis motors. If a motor is happy with the balance then it displays a white light. If a motor is under strain then the light changes to red. 

This enables you to quickly diagnose where the camera is out of balance so you can slide the appropriate adjustable arms until the relevant motor light displays as white. These diagnostic balancing lights reduce the ‘hit and miss’ approach of trying to work out where the balance problem lies so they should reduce the time it takes to perform the often tedious task of balancing the camera and lens. 

The Crane 4 also boasts a powerful fill light (up to 3200 Lux) which could come in handy for capturing better-quality clips in low-light locations. You can trigger the light with a press of a button/dial on the pistol grip and then dial in a range of brightness levels. You can also use the dial to change the LED’s color temperature in degrees K (between 2700K - 5500K) so that the light matches the warm or cool available light in your location.  The selected color temperate is displayed on the gimbal’s 1.22-inch touchscreen in degrees Kelvin. 

Another welcome key feature is a small attention to detail that could also save you lots of time setting up your camera on the gimbal. For the gimbal to perform correctly you need to make sure that the camera is securely attached to the quick-release plate.  Just below where the camera sits is a mini magnetic wrench that’s always at hand to let you tighten the screw that attaches the camera to the plate.

 Now there’s no longer any need to rummage around in your pocket for a coin that you can use to attach the camera to the quick-release plate. The quick-release plate can be quickly removed from the tilt axis’s tripod plate and mounted vertically for portrait-oriented shooting, which is handy when shooting reels for Instagram for example. 

Zhiyun Crane 4: Build & Handling

If you’ve used an older Crane model such as the Crane 3S then you won’t recognize the Crane 4 due to a complete re-design. The Crane 4 has incorporated many of the design features of ZHIYUN’s Weebill 3S. 

Like the Weebill 3S the Crane 4 now has an easier-to-hold pistol grip design on the main body. The Crane 4 also boasts the Weebill’s sling grip, which you can use to make the gimbal perform dramatic close-to-the-ground tracking shots. The sling grip can be swung vertically alongside the pistol grip so that you can use it as a second grip handle for maneuvering heavy payloads in comfort. 

A Weebill-like adjustable wrist rest also helps you carry the gimbal single-handed with less strain on your wrist.  Both the sling arm and wrist rest can be attached via an Allen (or hex) key to suit left or right-handed operators. If you compare a Crane 4 and a Weebill 3S side by side they look very similar in size apart from the Crane 4’s considerably longer arm length which enables it to accommodate larger cameras. 

While balancing the gimbal you need to lock and unlock the three-axis arms in turn. The tilt axis has a raised ridge along the edge of the motor. As I rotated the tilt axis my finger got pinched between the motor’s raised ridge and the gimbal’s LED which gave me a bit of a nip. This isn’t a major design flaw and it didn’t happen again once I became aware of the nipping hazard. 

Thanks to the balance warning lights on each motor the Crane 4 is easier to balance, though like the Weevil 3S the arm’s adjustable sliders need a fair bit of pressure to push them into the optimum position. Sometimes you apply so much pressure to make a stiff slider move that it overshoots the desired balance point. What would give the Crane 4 an extra half-star is the cog wheel found on the DJI RS 3. This enables you to rotate the cog wheel to fine-tune the balance of that gimbal’s 3 axes arms with ease and precision. 

Zhiyun Crane 4: Performance

Once we got our Lumix S5 with its 20-60 mm lens balanced the Crane 4 performed smoothly in all of its shooting modes, without the dreaded take-ruining vibration caused by motor strain. The combination of the sling arm and the wrist rest enabled us to tilt, pan, roll, track, and dolly with the minimum of effort as you’ll see from our supporting video. 

Thanks to the smartphone ZY Play app you can mount the gimbal on its supplied mini tripod and then control it remotely.  The app’s Sync Motion feature enables you to pan and tilt the gimbal by panning and tilting the smartphone courtesy of a Bluetooth link and you can fine-tune the speed of the pan, tilt, and roll axis using sliders in the app. This isn’t a unique feature to the Crane 4 but it could be very handy when you need to perform camera moves remotely (such as panning to follow a fast car that drives by close the the camera).  

If your camera is paired to the gimbal via Bluetooth then you can also use the app to trigger the camera’s record button.  The Crane 4 model that we tested had a damaged touchscreen so we couldn’t change shooting modes by tapping it. Fortunately, the adjacent mode button enabled us to toggle between PF (Pan Follow), Follow (F), Lock (L), and Point of view (POV). We could also access all these shooting modes with a tap on the app’s screen, so we could put the Crane 4 through its paces as you’ll see from our supporting test video. 

Zhiyun Crane 4: Verdict

If you’re a DSLR or mirrorless shooter who is new to the joys of gimbal operation then the Crane 4 is well worth considering, especially as it reduces the time taken to balance the camera on the gimbal courtesy of the motor warning lights on its 3 axis. The option to control it remotely via the app will also give you extra shooting opportunities. The incorporation of a Weebill 3S-style sling grip and adjustable wrist rest makes the Crane 4 a comfortable gimbal to maneuver smoothly even with a heavy payload. 

Read more: find out more about the best DSLR and mirrorless camera gimbals in our guide. You can also find out more about filmmaking with our guides to the best camera for video and the best 8K and 6K cameras.

Light wands or light sticks might look like a cheap knockoff from a popular sci-fi film, but rather than for epic space duels, light sticks have proven to be incredibly useful and versatile lighting tools for photos and video. Rather than traditional lighting solutions, which are usually boxy lights mounted on a stand or boom, often with a sizable reflector or softbox attached, light wands are small and compact, with a unique form factor that makes setting up and lighting from awkward and hard to reach angles or space a breeze.

Zhiyun has become one of the pioneering companies pushing the light wand as a serious photography tool for content creators. Zhiyun’s FIVERAY F100 light stick got full marks from our reviewer when he tested it out. The FIVERAY V60 is not a replacement for the F100, as the F100 will remain for those keen on a full RGB-colored light. Instead, the FIVERAY V60 will sit alongside the F100 in Zhiyun’s range for users who want a powerful light, but with very accurate and consistent color through the normal color temperature spectrum.

ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60: Specifications

Output Power: CCT Mode: 60W, MAX Mode: 100W(PD)/120W(DC)
Color Temperature Range: 2700K - 6500K
Dimming Range: 0 - 100%
Peak Illuminance: 22500 Lux (100% brightness, 4300K)
Extension: 1/4 Threaded Hole
CRI: ≥96
TLCI: ≥98
Charging Time: 1 hr 21 min (USB-C PD)
Continuous Runtime (4200K/100% Brightness): 24min
Operation Temperature: -10ºC - 40ºC
Size: 448 x 53 x 53 mm
Weight: 891g

ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60: Key Features

The FIVERAY V60 drops the RGB color modes from the F100, but in its place, the V60 offers incredible color accuracy with figures of CRI ≥96 and TLCI ≥98 over its color temperature range of 2700K - 6500K. The V60 also has a slightly lower constant brightness of 60W (compared to the F100's 100W), although when plugged into DC power, or 100W USB-C PD power, the V60 can enter into Max boosted mode offering a full 100W of power.

The light is kept cool by Zhiyun’s DynaVort cooling system, which is the name Zhiyun has given to the fans and heat dispersion in the back of its products, which it has used to great effect in its other lights. These fans and Zhiyun’s design enables the V60 to run constantly even in its max boosted mode without shutting down due to excess heat.

The V60 (and Zhiyun’s other lights) connect to its ZY Play app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The process of linking the light is very smooth, and once linked, the app offers a really easy way to control the V60’s brightness and color temperature or access the visual effects. For more advanced setups with multiple Zhiyun lights, you can group the lights together for one-touch group control.

ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60: Build & Handling

The FIVERAY V60 has changed a little in design from the F100. Where the F100 was a little more minimal, the V60 has more of an edge to its design. With its big fans and grills, and metal bars running down the side, this looks like a more serious tool. The FIVERAY V60 fits in much better with the Molus X100 range of lights, with its cool futuristic steampunk style, rather than the white robotic aesthetic of the Molus G60 and M40. I am not sure which style I prefer, but I like my photography gear to not steal the show, and the FIVERAY V60 is just enough that people will clock it, but it won’t draw attention.

The FIVERAY V60 is solidly built though, I feel like I could accidentally swing it into a few things on a busy shoot and it would come out the other side just fine. It does have a bit of heft to it but it isn’t too heavy to use one-handed, however, I did find my arm tired holding it outstretched for long periods. Luckily it does have a screw in the bottom for mounting onto stands and poles if you are going to shoot with it static for a while.

The light is controlled by two dials on the side, one for color and the other for brightness. These dials are simple to understand and use and work well in controlling the light. Settings are easily visible on the small screen set in the handle of the V60. You can also push the dials in to quickly cycle through three levels of brightness and color. If you hold in the CCT dial it launches music mode, and holding in the Dim dial goes into the FX settings.

However, I'm not completely sold on these dials, they offer no resistance, so not only are they easy to accidentally turn during use, but it's also hard to know how much you are turning them without any tactile feedback, I wish the dials had a subtle click to them.

ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60: Performance

The FIVERAY V60 gets impressively bright, at full power at 60W it is easily capable of lighting up a small room just on its own. For modeling work or blogs where the light will be close to the subject's face, you definitely will need to dial down the power settings. However, even down at one percent the light is still brighter than expected, it feels a little like the V60 goes from bright to very bright and it would be nice to see an even broader range of brightness available, starting dimmer at the lower end.

The light is diffused well by the plastic cover over the array of LED beads and provides a softer and more even spread of light than an unfiltered COB LED light. However, the light is still directional and can cause some harsh shadowing if used too close to the subject, which is something to be aware of for anyone who might want to invest in an additional softbox or scrim. The V60 can be bought in a combo bundle that includes an additional diffuser and barn doors, although I don't have these to test for this review. Luckily the light is powerful enough to bounce off surfaces for a more even spread. 

The V60 has several lighting effects such as siren, candle, and TV effects, which are incredibly useful and work very well. Although I would criticize the FX patterns as being too repetitive, for example, the lightning effect is the same "bolt of lightning" the same distance apart each time. It would be nice for the effects to be a little more randomly spaced. There is also a music mode that flashes the light to the beat of the music, it doesn't match the beat flawlessly, but it is very close and it looks very cool.

The fans on the FIVERAY V60 are quiet, I had to listen closely to hear that they were even on, and they definitely won't interfere with audio recording in anything except the very quietest of environments. They do a great job at keeping the light cool, which is essential as the light spends so much time being handheld. I used the light for long periods, and while the head of the light heated up, it didn't make me concerned about accidentally touching it.

New for the latest round of Zhiyun lights is a boosted max power mode. Plugging the light into its included DC adapter or a 100W USB-C charger allows the light to be boosted from 60W to 100W. This feature sounds slightly more exciting than it is in reality, and the difference between battery power and max power didn’t instantly blow me away, but it is a noticeable bump in lighting power and a neat feature, especially if you plan to use the light plugged in a lot anyway then you're getting extra power thrown in.

Battery life on the V60 is decent, at low brightness, and I am content with the amount of time I'm getting out of it, I have been using it at under fifty percent as the light is more than bright enough for my needs at those levels, and this is giving me an hour or more of juice depending on the brightness and temperature. 

Zhiyun quotes just 24 minutes of continued operation at 100% brightness and 4200k, but in my testing, I was getting around 31 minutes at the same settings. The battery does have an odd quirk of draining the first bar (out of four) almost instantly and hanging on the final bar for more time than the three other bars put together, which makes it really hard to gauge just how much time you have left.

ZHIYUN FIVERAY V60: Verdict

Battery-powered and with impressive longevity, the V60 is simple to set up and control, you can easily put the light in previously inaccessible places and become even more creative with your shots. The V60 is bright enough to light up a substantial space down to a blogging studio, and variable color temperatures can match any environment. Music sync mode and lighting effects, especially when controlled via the Zhiyun app are one of the simplest ways to step up your storytelling. 

The V60 is let down a little by loose control knobs that don't offer enough resistance to accidental or precise turns. The Max boosted power mode is also a useful addition, but this is first and foremost a portable light, and it just won't also be worth the hassle of carrying the DC adapter and finding an outlet for many.

However, the Zhiyun FIVERAY V60 is one of the least complicated ways to instantly improve the lighting in your photos or videos and is well worth adding to your kit bag.

Read more: find out more about the best video lights or the best lights for YouTube in our guides. 

Zhiyun is making a huge play to be the most exciting name in lighting right now. Today it is launching its latest Zhiyun Molus G200 light, which can produce up to 300W of lighting power in boost mode in a mind-blowingly small form factor. Not satisfied with just that, Zhiyun is also launching a new light stick, the Zhiyun Fiveray V60, with a boosted 100W of light.

This is only a few months after Zhiyun debuted its latest Molus X100 and G60 lights, for former of which got a five-star review from me as I was so impressed by the power, design, and form factor. With that in mind, let's dig into today's announcements.

Zhiyun Molus G200

The Zhiyun Molus G200 is an evolution of the Molus X100, keeping the small form factor and design that made that light so interesting, but now offering a standard 200W of lighting power. This power can be boosted to 300W using the G200's new MAX power settings, although it is a little light on details of how this works or how long MAX power can be maintained.

At peak brightness and at 1m, the Molus G200 can output 9,460 lux (without reflector) or 61,500 lux with ZHIYUN’s standard reflector. In MAX Extreme mode it offers 13,800 Lux (without reflector) 85,800 Lux (ZHIYUN standard reflector). CCT (colour correlated temperature) range spans from 2700K - 6500K and the G200 has a  colour rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a television light consistency index (TLCI) of ≥97.

The Molus G200 cannot run on battery power or USB-C PD like the previous lights in the Molus range, instead the Molus G200 comes with a separate 0.91g wired controller that also throughputs power to the light. The controller has a display screen and two interactive buttons for setting brightness and color temperature as well as accessing lighting effects and music sync mode, to match the lights output to the beat of a song.

The Zhiyun Molus G200 looks as cool as expected from Zhiyun, and looks incredibly small, roughly palm-sized (for a large hand). The light itself weighs 2.21kg, and measures a compact 127mm x 67.5 mm x 225 mm (WxDxH). The G200's stand has a full 180º flexibility for more creative positioning, as well as a umbrella slot, although the G200 is also compatible with the Bowens mount for a very wide variety of accessories.

The Molus G200 is available right now, priced at $369 / £369. The Molus G200 kit includes the Molus G200 COB light; G200 Power adapter; Power cable; ZHIYUN standard reflector; quick start guide and storage bag.

Zhiyun Fiveray V60

The new Fiveray V60 is an updated version of Zhiyun's popular Fiveray F100 light stick. While the F100 was capable of displaying a wide variety of colours, Zhiyun has switched it up to just a variable color temperature for the Fiveray V60. This might have been a decision made to get incredible colour accuracy with Zhiyun quoting figures of CRI ≥96 and TLCI ≥98 over its colour temperature range of 2700K - 6500K.

The V60 also has a slightly lower constant brightness of 60W (compared to the F100's 100W), although when plugged into DC power, or the correct USB-C PD power, the V60 can enter into Max mode offering a full 100W of power.

The Fiverray V60 is operated using two dials on the side of the stick for brightness and color temperature, these settings can be viewed on the small screen built into the handle. Using the Zhiyun app, you can also directly control the V60, or groups of lights using your phone, as well as activate lighting effects including SOS, TV, broken light bulb, candle, lightning, fire. Finally music mode syncs with the beat offering another dynamic lighting experience.

The Zhiyun Fiveray V60 is available now and comes in two options, the The Fiveray V60 combo includes the V60 Light Wand, USB-C cable, quick start guide, storage bag, power adapter, adapter pouch, barndoors, diffuser, grid, and modifier manual and will cost $249 / £249. The Fiveray V60 can also be purchased alone for $169 / £169.

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Fresh off the back of releasing upgraded Crane M3S and Weebil 3S models just last month, ZHIYUN isn’t resting on its laurels and is back with an upgrade to the biggest and badest gimbal in its range with the new Zhiyun Crane 4.

The Crane series encompasses both the Crane-M range of smaller and lighter gimbals for small to mid-sized mirrorless cameras and also the regular Crane series, for larger and heavier camera setups. The last Zhiyun Crane we saw in the latter category was the Crane 3S back in 2020, and Zhiun has shown that two years is a long time, with the new Crane 4 coming with a raft of updates.

The feature that grabs my attention most is Zhiyuns new built-in balance indicator lights, giving you at-a-glance calibration status for each motor on the Crane 4. This seems like a game-changer for gimbals, as one of the most frustrating aspects is getting a gimbal perfectly balanced, and then keeping it that way! Gimbals have a bit of a learning curve to them, but if this feature comes to lower models then will surely encourage more people to use a gimbal for the first time.

Zhiyun claims they have made the Crane 4 lighter than the previous generation and you can work one-handed or two-handed, although this will strongly depend on your camera setup and upper body strength as I find holding even smaller gimbals and cameras hard to maintain for long periods of time. The Crane 4 does have an ergonomic wrist and an adjustable sliding grip which Zhiyun claims allow for more comfortable operation and faster switching between sling and two-handed modes.

The Crane 4 doesn’t seem to have an official payload, but Zhiyun says it is able to take heavier full frame DSLR cameras and compact cinema cameras, such as Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, ZCAM, and SIGMA FP series. It sounds like the Crane 4 will comfortably take a lot of modern camera setups, but there will be a tool launched on Zhiyun’s website to see if your camera setup is compatible.

Other new features include an integrated 1.22-inch color touchscreen, which allows you to change the different stabilization modes, see feedback from the gimbal such as balance, as well as fine-tune the motors. Zhiyun has used this touch screen on their most recent models when reviewing the Crane M3S, I found it the easiest way yet to control a gimbal, although it did register a lot of accidental touches, so we will have to see if the Crane 4 screen is less sensitive. The Crane 4 can connect via Bluetooth wirelessly to your camera (so long as it is compatible) and allows you to have direct shutter control and start and stop recording directly from the handle.

Another feature making it over from Zhiyun’s content creator-focused gimbals is a first for a pro Crane series gimbal, the Crane 4 includes a built-in 10W fill light mounted to the side of the camera. The light has a max illuminance of 3200 lux, a CRI of 95+, and a CCT between 2700K-5500K.

The Crane 4 is powered by four high-capacity 18650mAh batteries that provide up to 12 hours of runtime (although expect this to vary based on your camera setup, gimbal settings, and movement) The Crane 4 can be fully recharged in under two hours via USB PD fast charging using any PD charger, although Zhiyun doesn’t list the maximum fast charge wattage.

The Crane 4 will be available in two options, with the Crane 4 alone costing $669 / £669, and a second Crane 4 Combo kit will be available with MasterMove accessories and a storage bag for $749 / £749. Both are available to order right now.

Looking for the right stabilizer for your camera, check out our guides for the best camera gimbals. Or if you are looking to change up your filmmaking equipment, then check out our guides to the best camera for video or the best camera for filmmaking. 

In August 2022 I tested and reviewed Zhiyun’s Weebill 3 DSLR and mirrorless camera stabilizer and was impressed enough to give it 4.5 stars. 2023 sees the release of the Weebill 3S. The fact that this incarnation isn’t called the Weebill 4 might lead you to think that there’s not much difference between the 3S and its predecessor. Indeed the differences between the 3 and the 3S may be relatively subtle but they are still welcome upgrades and improvements on last year’s model as we’ll explain.  

Like Australia’s smallest bird (the Weebill), the aptly named Weebill 3S has a compact profile. In fact, at a net weight of 1.05 kg/2.33 lbs, it’s even lighter than the 1.13kg/2.49 lbs of 2022’s Weebill 3. Despite its smaller stature, its motors are powerful enough to enable your mirrorless or DSLR cameras to perform a range of smoothly cinematic moves (as you’ll see if you scroll down to watch this review’s supporting video).

Zhiyun Weebill 3S: Specifications

Product Size (W*D*H): 305*210*72.5 (mm)
Weight: 1.05Kg/2.33lbs 
Tilting range: 310°
Rolling range: 340°
Panning range: 360 °
Battery Runtime: 11.5 hours
LED: 2600k-5500K, CRI: 90+

Zhiyun Weebill 3S: Key Features

One of the chores faced when using a gimbal is getting your camera balanced in the tilt, pan, and roll axes. An unbalanced camera makes the stabilizer’s motors work harder, leading to a shorter life span for the device. The performance of an unbalanced gimbal will also be adversely affected, leading to shot-ruining shakes.

Fortunately, the Weebill 3S is relatively quick and easy to balance thanks to the adjustable and lockable sliders.  You sometimes have to put a bit of pressure on the roll, tilt, and pan arms to move them into a balanced position but once you’ve got the balance right you can unclip the camera via the quick-release plate, transport the gimbal and camera to your shooting location and then re-attach the pre-balanced camera via the quick release plate in seconds so that you can start shooting quickly. 

The Weebill 3S Combo kit ships with a backpack that stores the locked and folded gimbal in the top section and your camera and other accessories in the bottom. This makes the Weebill 3S relatively quick and easy to transport and deploy.   

A welcome new key feature is the ability to trigger the attached camera’s shutter button via Bluetooth (if your camera supports Bluetooth that is!).  You can make the camera start recording by pressing the red Record button on the gimbal. This saves you the hassle and inconvenience of attaching the camera to the gimbal via cables (which could hamper its performance).  

The Sling Mode 2.0 on the Weebill 3 has been upgraded to Sling Mode 2.5. Like the old sling handle, the new sling enables to sweep the camera along a few inches from the ground. However, the new sling can also be rotated the run parallel with the main grip, in effect giving you a two-handed grip that provides more control when maneuvering a heavy payload.  The quick-release plate can be redeployed so that you can quickly switch between landscape and portrait-oriented compositions. 

The Weebill 3S also features a built-in dual-color Fill light. This LED emits up to 1000 lumens to illuminate closer subjects such as ‘talking heads’.  Magnetic clip-on filters enable you to change the color temperature of the LED.  A dial on the gimbal’s handle also functions as a button. You can turn on the lamp with a press and then rotate the dial to adjust its brightness.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S: Build & Handling

Zhiyun doesn’t mention the maximum payload in their Weebill 3S specifications, but their website does have a comprehensive list of compatible cameras and lens combinations. You’ll then need to click on the Weebill 3S thumbnail. 

With a weight of only 1.05Kg the Weebill 3S is not too heavy to hold, even with the additional 1.42 kg payload that we used in our test.  The adjustable wrist support acts like a lever and really does make it easier to carry the gimbal one-handed while reducing fatigue during a long or complex camera move.  

At the base of the gimbal is a little plate that you can use to attach the optional sling grip and wrist support. Initially, this plate rattled and wobbled a little but the problem was solved by a few twists of an Allen key to tighten two fixtures. The upgraded Sling Mode 2.5 grip can be re-configured to act as a second support handle, providing a two-handed grip. You can adjust the length of the sling to make it easier to hold during a shoot and easier to stow in its bag.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S: Performance

Initially, I tested the Weebill 3S with a Canon 650D DSLR carrying an L-series 24-70mm lens. This payload weighed in at 1.48 kg.  After balancing the camera we were pleased to see that there was no sign of vibration or shake and the stabilizer performed any move we made nicely and smoothly.  

For our location test shoot, we used a payload of a Sony A7 III mirrorless camera sporting a Tamron 28-77mm lens. Again this similar payload was carried smoothly and effectively by the Weebill 3S with no signs of strain on the motors. 

We tried out a range of shooting modes that were easy to access by tapping on the Mode button. The relevant mode appeared on the gimbal’s 0.96-inch non-touch Single-color screen. In F (Follow mode) the Weebill 3S would pan and tilt to follow the movement of our arm. In PF (Pan Follow) mode the gimbal would pan but not tilt up or down. Using Lock mode we were able to keep a subject in the same part of the frame when tracking left or right or craning up and down. Check out our supporting video to see the various modes in action. 

The joystick on the gimbal was also very effective at enabling us to pan and tilt as smoothly as we could if we were using a heavy-duty tripod’s fluid head. The supplied mini tripod legs enable us to shoot with a small footprint. The Combo kit’s backpack makes it easier to carry all your gear to a location (rather than lugging a heavy gimbal carry case and separate camera bag).

We also liked the fact that the adjustment wheel on the front of the gimbal could be customized via the menu button and the OLED screen. We set the wheel to control the tilt axis so we could fine-tune our shots’ starting positions. We were then able to film some background video clips during a graduation ceremony. The portability of the Weebill 3S meant that we could quickly move between a range of locations at the venue and capture professional camera moves without the need for a heavy-duty tripod. 

Zhiyun Weebill 3S: Verdict

We loved the Weebill 3 when it was released last year and the lighter but equally powerful Weevil 3S gives us even more to love thanks to some nice evolutionary touches.  The upgraded sling-grip 2.5 can be rotated alongside the grip handle to enable a two-handed grip which is useful for managing heavier payloads.  It also carried a DSLR and mirrorless camera with ease, making it an attractive purchase for videographers who need to shoot on the move without cluttering up a location with a heavy tripod (plus it’s harder work to lug a tripod around, especially if you’re shooting an event with multiple locations such as a graduation or a wedding). 

Read more: find out more about the best gimbals for mirrorless and SLR camera users, or to up your phone photography game, find out more about the best smartphone gimbals.

Zhiyun Crane series of handheld camera stabilizers has rapidly gained widespread popularity among videographers and filmmakers. Launched only in 2016, they have quickly become renowned for advanced features and compact design, with a more wallet-friendly price than other rivals.

Versatility is a key characteristic of the Zhiyun Crane series, as it is compatible with a broad range of cameras, from smartphones, to mirrorless cameras to lightweight DSLRs. Zhiyun has continuously refined and expanded the Crane series, introducing models with improved capabilities and ergonomics. With its affordability, user-friendly interface, and impressive performance, the Zhiyun Crane has become a go-to choice for videographers of all levels of expertise.

The Crane-M 3S comes in as a replacement for the Crane M3, the newer model keeping the general design of the Crane M3 but expanding on its performance with improvements in battery and load capacity. 

Zhiyun Crane-M 3S: Specifications

Load capacity: List of compatible cameras
Dimensions: 284.2 x 74.5 x 163.5 mm (54.01 x 2.93 x 64.37 in)
Weight: 705g (1.55 lbs)
Battery life: up to 7.5 hours
Charging time: 2 hours USB-C PD
Operating temperature: -10 to 50 ºC (14-113 ºF)
Features: built-in 1.22-inch touchscreen display, built-in bi-color LED fill light, 360-degree pan, 305-degree tilt, 314-degree roll rotation, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0 shutter control

Zhiyun Crane-M 3S: Key Features

The Zhiyun Crane-M 3S offers an array of impressive features for filmmakers and videographers. Its three-axis gimbal system ensures stability and balance, allowing for smooth footage even during movement. Designed with portability in mind, the Crane-M 3S is compact and lightweight, weighing just 705g including the battery.

The Crane-M 3S has a strong payload capacity capable of carrying a wide range of mirrorless camera and lens combinations, including popular configurations like the Sony A7 III and 24-70 f/2.8 lens. Its strength and size can accommodate a lot of different devices, from phones to mirrorless and even lightweight DSLR cameras. Setting up the Crane-M 3S is quick and easy, thanks to Zhiyun's use of its simple and efficient lock and balance adjustment system.

The Crane-M 3S offers multiple shooting modes, including pan follow, locking mode, following mode, and POV mode. The M 3S also offers a number of manual controls including a multi-directional joystick, and a panning wheel. There are also options in the settings for photographers looking to create automated panoramic images or time-lapses.

The built-in rechargeable battery of the Crane-M 3S delivers a runtime of up to an estimated 7.5 hours when used with a camera and lens of a similar weight to a Sony A7 III and 24-70 f/2.8, and can be charged in 2 hours using USB-C PD. Additionally, it supports wireless control through the dedicated ZY mobile app, enabling remote control and customization of settings, as well as wired or Bluetooth shutter control with compatible cameras.

Zhiyun Crane-M 3S: Build & Handling

The build quality of the Crane-M 3S is much better than its relatively affordable price tag would suggest, it feels solid and really well designed, the main body is made of a sturdy feeling plastic with a soft grip, while the 3-axis stablizer is made of metal. Like other Zhiyun gimbals, you can lock the axis in place when travelling, which also helps when initially balancing the camera during setup, these locks are strong and secure, and didn’t come loose as I carried it around in my backpack. 

The sliders for balancing the gimbal are thankfully less stiff than previous gimbals, in the past I have had trouble moving them the minute amounts needed to perfectly balance the gimbal as they wouldn’t budge, which then caused me to exert too much force and move them too far. The Crane-M 3S sliders are all much more forgiving and slide back and forth with minimal effort. All the sliders lock with thumb-press levers, which are good at staying put while shooting, but did all easily get unlocked while transporting the gimbal in a bag.

There are several function buttons on the main handle, these control the different shooting modes available on the 3S, there is also a wheel on the side to control the fill light brightness and color, and a custom wheel on the front for smooth panning. These buttons and wheels feel a little plastic-y, with a bit of a rattle and mushy feedback when pressed, but they all have worked flawlessly in my time with the gimbal, they just don’t feel especially premium.

The touchscreen is a really nice little feature, it is by far the easiest and most intuitive way I have controlled a gimbal yet. The menu system is really easy to follow, and although the choices of settings aren’t overwhelming for this gimbal, there is an in-depth level of customization available for anyone wanting absolute control. My only issue with the touchscreen is that it is very easy to accidentally touch it while using the gimbal, I found several times when putting down the gimbal I had managed to go several pages deep into the menu system or had started changing settings. A lock screen might be a useful addition to a future model.

The looks of the Crane-M 3S might be divisive, while I think it looks great, I love the look of Zhiyun’s products and the 3S is cool and very stylish and fits the brand perfectly. However, I also am torn as it doesn’t look as professional as I might want for every shooting situation. The gimbal is clearly designed for vloggers and content creators first, with a noticeable stand-out design, but I also wish it was available in a sleeker and more demure all black version, it would just be nice to have the option. If you opt for the combo bundle, you will also be treated to a carry case/backpack, which although surprisingly premium quality, it’s quite feminine/childish and not my thing at all, I wish I just had a regular case option.

Zhiyun Crane-M 3S: Performance

I honestly cannot fault the Crane-M 3S performance, from initial setup the gimbal is an absolute breeze to use. The setup processing is incredibly simple, you lock the axis in place, attach the camera and then unlock one axis at a time balancing the camera weight until each is perfectly aligned. Admittedly I am an experienced stablizer user, but I managed to have my Fujifilm XT-5 balanced in less than a minute after taking the gimbal out of the bag. Once you have the camera all perfectly aligned, the 3S can then run a calibration check to fine tune the motors for your particular camera load.

Above: watch how the Zhiyun Crane-M 3S performs against the camera's handheld IBIS when walking and running.

During shooting the M 3S is comfortable to hold, and one handed shooting is possible depending on your camera and lens combination. I found with the Fujifilm XT-5 and Fujinon 24mm f/1.4 lens I could hold the gimbal in one hand, but only for short bursts, for the majority of the time, I used a two handed setup with the tripod attached to the bottom as an additional grip. If you plan to shoot with something lighter, or a smartphone, then you should have an easier time of one-handed shooting. You can also attach the tripod grip (or anything with a ¼ inch screw) to the side of the gimbal for an alternative way to hold the gimbal steady.

Footage shot with the Crane-M 3S is superb. My camera has decent in-body image stabilization and lenses with optical stabilization, but I could not get anything as smooth and stable shooting handheld as I could when the camera was on the gimbal. Panning shots are silky, but where the gimbal really shines is during more heavy movement like walking or running where the gimbal takes the worst of the jolts and bumps.

The stablization modes including pan, pan follow, POV and lock all work exactly as expected, for inexperienced gimbal users, it might take a while to fully be at one with each stablization mode as they offer very different control, but for anyone familiar with gimbal shooting you will be able to jump right in and start creating. The Crane-M’s joystick also provides smooth movement, with three speed settings. I found it easy to get a smooth sweep, although the wheel on the front of the gimbal is my favorite method to to get a slow and steady pan while static.

Finally, a quick mention of the fill light, the light is actually deceptively powerful for such a tiny little light. The variable color temperature is super useful, and the light can be dimmed too. The light is quite harsh, and will cause some shadowing, especially on faces, but having any light in low-light situations is better than having nothing.

Zhiyun Crane-M 3S: Verdict

The Zhiyun Crane-M 3S is one of the best gimbals you can buy if you are a vlogger or content creator looking for an effective and affordable way to step up to more professional looking footage on your mirrorless camera or even your phone. The gimbal is light, yet powerful, capable of taking most mirrorless camera and lens combinations. The controls are also intuitive, with plenty of buttons and dials for quick controls and a really useful mini touch screen for settings, it is a great gimbal to start with if you are not an experienced user.

Footage is smooth and a step up from handheld shooting, even with in-body and lens stablization, results from the M 3S were just more stable, especially with heavier movement. However, one handed operation with mirrorless cameras is very straining. The Crane-M 3S is very well built and looks very modern and stylish, although I do wish it was available in a darker option too.

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The biggest competition Zhiyun has in the gimbal space is from DJI, with the closest version to the Crane-M 3S being the DJI RS 3 Mini, which offers a similar set of features and functions for around the same price. 

There are also several brands on Amazon that sell gimbals and stabilizers, although when you are attaching a very expensive camera to a piece of equipment, it is often wise to go with a reputable brand.

Read more: Find out more about the best DSLR gimbals for mirrorless and SLR cameras or the best smartphone gimbals for iPhone and Android.

Zhiyun has been making a name for itself as the camera stabilizer company to rival DJI’s dominant position. Zhiyun is now updating two of its most popular series of gimbals to meet the increasing needs of videographers, with the Zhiyun Crane M3S and the Zhiyun Weebill 3S.

Zhiyun Crane M3S

The Crane M3S is the successor to ZHIYUN's popular Zhiyun Crane M3. The Crane system is designed to be a light and portable gimbal, and the perfect companion for vlogging, travel, live streaming, and interviews where setups and cameras are smaller, and mobility and minimal setup is key.

The new Crane M3S weighs just 705 grams and measures 284 x 74 x 164 mm. Zhiyun claims the new version has a higher load-bearing capacity than its predecessor, although has neglected to mention specific numbers, as a guide, product images show it is capable of supporting a Sony A7III with a 24-70mm f/4 lens. Although the Crane M3S is also designed for easy use with phones, action cameras, and vlogging cameras like the Sony ZV range.

The Crane M3S continues Zhiyun's monochromatic design, which looks modern and chic, but does seem to divide opinion. The Crane M3S has a two-in-one quick-release system with plates, which allows for more seamless battery changes (on compatible cameras) without the need for the plate to be completely unscrewed. When stabilizing the camera for the first time, ZHIYUN claims that once the stabilizer is balanced, it retains its balance, which will be interesting to test.

The Crane M3S also has Bluetooth to compatible cameras allowing for wireless control of zoom and record functions, cameras can also be plugged in via cable for those models which don’t have Bluetooth compatibility. The gimbal can also be controlled using the small 1.22in touchscreen on the main handle of the device which has a newly designed interactive user interface.

Lastly, like previous models, the Crane M3S also comes equipped with Zhiyun's Lumen Amplifier bi-color fill light which is around the size of a coin, which adds an extra bit of light when filming subjects close to the camera, for example in an interview. The light offers temperature adjustment from 2,700K-5,500K and can emit up to 1,000 lux brightness. The M3S also has PD fast charging, a full charge can be achieved in just two hours, providing up to 7.5 hours of maximum battery life.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S

The Zhiyun Weebill 3S is the stabilizer for serious filmmakers, and according to ZHIYUN is capable of supporting most mainstream mirrorless cameras on the market, alongside mainstream lenses. The Weebill 3S weighs just a little over a kilogram and measures 305 x 210 x 72.5 mm.

The Weebill 3S features the tenth generation (somehow) of Zhiyun's stabilization algorithms, which provides customizable handling based on common shooting scenarios and operating habits. The Weebill 3S introduces a couple of new features to its gimbal line including a new way to quickly switch between portrait and landscape shooting without the need for rebalancing the gimbal. There is also a new sling grip for more comfort and ease of use during long sessions.

The Weebill 3S is compatible with the ZY Play App, allowing users to control functions like the TransMount Follow Focus/Zoom Units, TransMount Image Transmission System, TransMount Transmitter/Receiver, and MasterEye Visual Controller VC100.

With two rechargeable batteries, the Weebill 3S offers an operation time of up to 11.5 hours in static environments, and using PD fast-charging technology, it can be fully charged in just two hours. The stabilizer is also equipped with a 0.96-inch display screen, providing easy access to features such as motion lapse and V mode, and a control wheel for adjusting parameters, focus motor, and gimbal axes, giving filmmakers complete control over their shots.

Availability

Both gimbals are available for order right now, with the Zhiyun Crane M3S costing $299/£299 for the base version, or is available for $359/£359 in a bundle including the gimbal, tripod, phone clamp, and backpack. The Zhiyun Weebill 3S will cost $319/£319, or for the combo bundle including the gimbal, tripod, backpack, sling grip, and wrist rest it’ll cost $439/£439.

Find out more about the latest video equipment for steady footage with our guides to the best smartphone gimbals, the best DSLR and mirrorless gimbals, and the best video tripod.

Zhiyun has gained a reputation as one of the top brands for best camera gimbals and best phone gimbals, but they have also expanded their video range to include a variety of LED lights. Among them is the new Zhiyun MOLUS G60, which utilizes COB (chip-on-board) technology to provide a powerful 60W constant light in a Rubix Cube-sized chassis.

Read More: Find out how to improve your lighting with our guides to the best video lights and the best LED light panels.

COB lights feature multiple LED chips mounted closely together on a single circuit board, creating a highly efficient and uniform light source. This design allows for improved brightness and color accuracy compared to traditional LED lights, while also remaining lightweight and compact.

With so many video lighting options available, how does the Zhiyun MOLUS G60 stack up?

Specifications

Output Power: 60W
Cooling Method: DynaVort Active Cooling
Color Temperature: 2700K~6500K
Brightness Adjustment Range: 0~100%
CRI: ≥96
TLCI: ≥97
Illuminance In 6500K/100% Brightness (1 meter): 2,376 lux (11,194 lux with reflector)
Power Supply Method: USB-C PD, AC power adapter
Power Adapter Operation Voltage: 100V~240V
PD Input Power: ≥18W
Extension: 1/4 General Threaded Hole
Size (WxDxH): 90.6 x 67 x 66.95 mm
Weight: 300g

Key Features

The Zhiyun MOLUS G60 features the same design language as other Zhiyun products, and is distinctly in the same design family as last year's FIVERAY M40, despite the MOLUS name change. The G60 might have fit better looks-wise in the FIVERAY family, but it doesn’t really fit in with its more professional-looking brother, the Zhiyun MOLUS X100, although it does share the same Zhiyun ZY mount for accessories. 

The MOLUS G60 is an impressively compact lighting unit that lives up to its name by delivering a whopping 60W of power. It has a color temperature range of 2700K-6500K, with a CRI (color rendering index) of ≥95 and a TLCI (television light consistency index) of ≥97. The light's brightness and color temperature can be conveniently adjusted using the ZY Vega app via Bluetooth or through manual control dials located on the rear of the device.

The new Zhiyun NY Vega companion app can wirelessly control both the G60 and other lights from Zhiyun. The app enables complete control over individual lights or selected groups of lighting with minimal effort.

There are two ways to power the MOLUS G60, either using the included DC adapter or by using the 100W PD USB-C power port. If connecting using the USB-C PD port, then the supply from the wall adapter will affect how bright the light can go, with a 100W wall adapter recommended for 100% brightness.

The MOLUS G60 utilizes Zhiyun's DynaVort cooling system which has been used to great effect in its previous lights. DynaVort uses a gyroscope-modeled heat sink and a FOC fan to prevent overheating, based on a fluid dynamics and attitude control algorithm, the technology significantly increases cooling efficiency by more smartly controlling airflow through the light. As a result, the lights provide a consistent source of illumination without any flickering or cool-down periods.

Build & Handling

The build quality is good if a little plastic-y, it doesn’t feel cheap or breakable, however, it doesn't quite have the same premium feeling as the MOLUS X100. The dials for the brightness and color temperature are on the rear of the body and have a nice click as you turn them, you can also press them in to cycle between three quick settings. This fast cycling is fairly essential, as the G60 does require you to turn the dials far more than feels necessary. The dials also have a slightly different shape from one another, which both adds to the playful design but also allows you to turn each dial by feel alone.

The overall design might be divisive, I personally think the design is fun and quite enjoyable, but it might stick out as not being serious in a professional setting. Although with these lights aimed at content creators more than high-end studios that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

The MOLUS G60 has a connected arm at the base which can be positioned at different angles, this is a really quick and simple setup and works really well for small setups like using the light for product photography or vlogging. The arm has a 1/4-inch screw hole so it can be attached to Zhiyun's included mini tripod or a larger light stand.

The light is so incredibly compact, it fits in the palm of my hand. This is a blessing and a curse, when using the Bowens mount adapter and even medium softboxes, the light is not heavy enough to balance the weight and the stands tipped forwards. If you want to use larger lighting adapters then forget about it without properly weighting your light stand.

It is also slightly frustrating that the G60 does not contain a battery or comes with an optional external battery like the MOLUS X100. The G60 just seems like it was destined to be run wire-free, so having trailing wires traipsing from the light and across the floor is more of a hindrance than it could have been. You can run the light from a PD power bank, but powerful enough power banks are not in abundance, with only one or two trustworthy ones available at time of writing.

On the subject of USB-C PD, powering the G60 with USB-C is one of the most exciting prospects, however, a big caveat is that a 100W PD USB-C wall adapter is very hard to find, with a couple of chargers (including my 97W MacBook charger) not working at all. The X100 can be used at a lower max brightness with less power. I managed to achieve a 60% brightness using a 65W GaN wall charger, but PD might be more exciting as more powerful power adapters become available.

The DynaVort fan in the G60 is phenomenal, it does an exceptional job at dissipating most of the heat, although it still requires a few minutes after being turned off before I would recommend returning it to its case. The fans are whisper quiet, I could barely hear them except for in a totally silent room, and even then I had to get really up close.

The G60 offers a range of high-quality optional accessories, including larger diffused reflectors, mini softboxes, and Bowens mount adapters. These accessories can be purchased separately or as part of kit bundles. The light comes with a small reflector as standard.

The accessories use Zhiyun's ZY mount, which features a simple and secure lock and release system. However, it can be a bit tricky to line up the accessory correctly when attaching it, resulting in some awkward fumbling while trying to click it into place. It would be helpful to have a more obvious starting arrow to ensure proper alignment.

Performance

The MOLUS G60's 60W power output is truly impressive given its compact size, and is more than sufficient for most content creation scenarios within close to mid-range distances. However, in my small studio setup, full brightness was actually a little overpowering.

When used with just the reflector, the light is quite directional, which may not be flattering depending on the intended use. I observed harsh shadowing on product shots and on my model. However, the optional softbox and other light shaping tools available for purchase alongside the G60 provided enough diffusion to soften the light to a pleasing level. The optional Bowens mount adapter with an umbrella hole allows for using existing light modifiers.

The G60 offers a color temperature range of 2700K to 6500K, providing natural-looking light throughout the day. The color accuracy appears consistent, with a ≥95 CRI rating and no discernible hues on my test footage.

The new Zhiyun ZY Vega app is user-friendly, though somewhat basic. I tested the app on Android, and the G60 connected via Bluetooth instantly, allowing me to update the firmware wirelessly and control the lighting effortlessly using the brightness slider. The app enables grouping lights or controlling them individually.

While it is disappointing that the G60 does not offer RGB colors or lighting effects, it is possible to use gels to achieve additional colors. However, this is not as accurate or consistent as using colored LEDs. The absence of lighting effects is surprising, given that most LED lights offer modes for lightning, watching TV, and more. Zhiyun's FIVERAY F100 light stick offers a range of color options and lighting effects, making it a surprising omission from the G60. Hopefully, this can be added via a future update.

Verdict

The Zhiyun MOLUS G60 is probably one of the best options for any content creators who move around a lot, who don’t have a lot of space, or just need a simple but incredibly functional lighting source. The 60W power is bright enough for most close to mid-distance situations such as talking to camera or a studio shoot, and the DynaVolt fan does a great job at keeping it cool. Neat features like PD USB-C, as well as a dedicated power supply offer improved versatility. The accessory system is well thought out, with great quality accessories from Zhiyun as well as a Bowens mount adapter. 

There are some small disappointments like the lack of an optional dedicated battery pack, or lighting effects or colors, but these are easily looked past when you are reminded of how much power Zhiyun managed to squeeze into this Rubix Cube size box. 

Read More: Find out how to improve your lighting with our guides to the best video lights and the best LED light panels.

Zhiyun has become one of the go-to brands for the best camera gimbals and best phone gimbals. Recently Zhiyun has expanded its video range to include a range of LED lights, from the pocketable yet powerful Fiveray M40, to light sticks such as the Fiveray F100. 

Zhiyun has expanded its video lighting range to include two new models of COB (chip-on-board) – the most powerful being the new Zhiyun MOLUS X100.

An LED COB video light consists of multiple LED chips mounted closely together on a single circuit board to create a powerful, uniform light source. The COB design allows for a higher level of brightness and color accuracy compared to traditional LED lights. These lights are also typically lightweight, compact, and energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for portable and studio setups.

Read More: Find out more about the best lighting for your videos in our guide to the best video lights or our guide to the best LED light panels.

With a lot of options for the best video lights, how does the Zhiyun MOLUS X100 compare?

Specifications

X100

Output Power: 100W
Cooling Method: DynaVort Active Cooling
Color Temperature: 2700K~6500K
Brightness Adjustment Range: 0~100%
CRI: ≥95
TLCI: ≥97
Illuminance In 4300K/100% Brightness (1 meter): 3881 Lux
Power Supply Method: PD adapter, power adapter, grip battery
Power Adapter Operation Voltage: 100V~240V
PD Input Power: ≥18W
Extension: 1/4 General Threaded Hole
Size (WxDxH): 144.5 x 94 x 36.1 mm
Weight: 385g

Battery Grip (optional)

Capacity: 2600mAh
PD Charging Time: 2H33MIN
Runtime (maximum power): 30min
Size: 52.8 x 94 x 61 mm

Key Features

The Zhiyun MOLUS X100 is a larger and flatter design than its little brother the G60, although still manages to remain highly portable, weighing in at only 385g. As the name suggests the Molus X100 manages to deliver a massive 100W of lighting power from its compact form factor.

The X100 operates at a color temperature range between 2700K-6500K, with a color rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a Television Light Consistency Index (TLCI) of ≥97. The light's brightness and color temperature can be easily adjusted using Bluetooth on the connected ZY Vega app or using on-device manual control dials located on the side of the light. 

The new Zhiyun NY Vega companion app can wirelessly control both the X100 and other lights from Zhiyun. The app enables complete control over individual lights or selected groups of lighting with minimal effort. The X100, using the ZY app, also offers a music mode that will sync the light to changing music or sound effects for wider creative filmmaking opportunities.

There are three ways to power the Molus X100, either using the included DC adapter, using the 100W PD USB-C power port, or attaching the optional battery grip available as a bundle or a standalone purchase. 

Both new lights feature Zhiyun's DynaVort cooling system which has been used in its previous lights and was well received by our reviewers. DynaVort uses a gyroscope-modeled heat sink and a FOC fan to prevent overheating, based on a fluid dynamics and attitude control algorithm, the technology significantly increases cooling efficiency by more smartly controlling airflow through the light. This creates a consistent light source with no flickering or cool-down periods.

Build & Handling

Let's start with aesthetics, I personally think that the X100 looks awesome, looks are subjective, and although I am sure it is not to everyone’s tastes, I think it looks very modern and cool, if you turned up to a shoot with this light, then people would be impressed. Some may enjoy the more traditional tube or box style or round dishes like a Rotolight, but these MOLUS lights from Zhiyun stand out from the crowd.

The build quality is top-notch, it feels and looks very premium, with a mix of metal parts covered with a translucent plastic shell reminiscent of a 90s GameBoy. The dials for the brightness and color temperature are on the side of the body and feel solid, with a nice click to them as you turn them, they also click in to cycle between three quick settings. This fast cycling is fairly essential, as the X100 does require you to turn the dials far more than necessary to change settings manually.

The light is incredibly compact when run from mains power, and weighs only 385g, so can easily be carried around on a boom arm for long periods. It also just feels less ‘in the way’ when on set, I didn’t find it as much of an obstacle as other lights, and it can easily just be moved from place to place. The light can also fit into tighter spaces with its small flat design, although that does restrict air circulation and increases the heat, so be careful. 

When the optional battery is added it does add some considerable size and weight, but it is still plenty portable. The battery doubles as a decent grip for moving the light around, as without the battery there is not much to hold on to without getting your fingers too close to hot parts of the light. 

One of the best things about the X100 is its ability to be powered by a 100W USB-C PD cable, however, a big caveat is that 100W PD USB-C is nearly impossible to find. On Amazon at the time of writing, there is only a couple of reputable GaN plugs that can provide a 100W or more from one port (with many rated for 100W or more splitting their power over several ports). The X100 can be used at a lower max brightness with less power, however, this was a bit hit and miss, with my MacBook charger unable to power the X100, but I had more luck with a GaN wall charger rated 65W that managed to get 60% brightness. 100W PD USB-C may be more useful going into the future than it is today.

The X100 can get quite hot during use, the DynaVort fan does a good job at dissipating a lot of the heat, but with 100W of power in a small form factor, there is only so much that can be done, so use it with some caution. The light cools down quite quickly after it is turned off, but you will still have to leave it for some time before it is safe to return it to its case. The X100 is not an exception, with most LED lights getting warm, but larger lights have more space to expel their excess heat, so tend to cool quicker than this little Zhiyun.

The optional accessories for the X100 are really great quality, the light comes with a small reflector as standard, however, there are also larger diffused reflectors, mini softboxes as well as Bowens mount adapters available in kit bundles or separate purchases. The accessories use Zhiyun’s own ZY mount, which is simple to use and has a secure lock and release system, however, it is not obvious where to line up the accessory when attaching it, which leads to a bit of awkward fumbling while you attempt to click it in place, a much more obvious starting arrow would be appreciated.

Performance

The 100W power offers a total of 3881 Lux without the included reflector, and 17317 Lux with the Zhiyun Mini Reflector, which is impressive for a device of its size. This level of power will easily be enough for most content creation situations in close to mid-sized distances. In my small studio setup where I tested the light, the power at full brightness was simply too much.

The light with just the reflector is also very direct, which depending on what you are using it for can be unflattering. When testing on product shots and on my model, it created a quite harsh shadowing. I was provided with the optional softbox and other light shaping tools that can be bought alongside the X100, and the softbox (my usual go-to modifier) provided enough diffusion to soften the light to a pleasing level. There is also an optional Bowens mount adapter, with an umbrella hole, for using existing light modifiers.

The color temperature ranges from 2700K to 6500K, which is enough to portray natural light at all hours of the day. The color accuracy seems to be spot on, the light is rated at a ≥95 CRI, and I couldn’t notice any discernible hues on my footage. 

The new Zhiyun ZY Vega app is very good, although slightly bare-bones. I tested the app on Android and I was very easily able to set up the X100 on the app in just a few simple taps, the light connected via Bluetooth instantly, and I was quickly able to update the firmware wirelessly. Controlling lighting is simple with the option to group lights together or control each individually using a brightness slider.

The light also has a music mode that has limited success, the light should flash in time to music, and it did almost flash on beat, but not to the point where I would actually use it. It would also be great if it pulsed and dimmed as well as flashing to give a bit more variety and usefulness. I also had to turn my music quite loud to get it to work, so apologies to my neighbors.

It is a shame that the X100 does not offer any RGB colors, the light can of course use gels to offer additional colors, but this is not as accurate or consistent as using colored LEDs. It is also unfortunate that the X100 doesn’t have any lighting effects, beyond the music mode, with most LED lights offering modes for lightning, watching TV, and more. Zhiyun offers a range of color options and lighting effects in its FIVERAY F100 light stick, so I am surprised they didn’t offer it here. 

Verdict

The X100 is a revelation for content creators who move around a lot, this light is super compact and portable and can be set up almost anywhere in a flash (no pun intended). The 100W power is bright enough for most close to mid-distance situations such as talking to camera or a studio shoot, although it is a shame there are no lighting effects for a content creator aimed light. The light can get also quite warm, so you occasionally need to think a little about where you will place it, but the DynaVolt fan does a great job at keeping it cool. Cool features like PD USB-C, as well as a dedicated power supply offer improved versatility. If you choose to get the optional battery pack, then this makes it even easier to get great lighting on the go. The accessory system is well thought out, with great quality accessories from Zhiyun as well as a Bowens mount adapter. The Zhiyun MOLUS X100 is one of the most exciting new entries to video lighting.

Zhiyun has become one of the go-to brands for the best camera gimbals and best phone gimbals. Recently Zhiyun has expanded its video range to include a range of LED lights, from the pocketable yet powerful Fiveray M40, to light sticks such as the Fiveray F100. 

Today Zhiyun is expanding its product video lighting offerings with a new range of compact Chip-on-Board, or COB, LED lights for content creators – the new Zhiyun MOLUS G60 and MOLUS X100 ultra-compact COB lights.

Both new lights feature Zhiyun's DynaVort cooling system which has been used in its previous lights and was well received by our reviewers. DynaVort uses a gyroscope-modeled heat sink and a FOC fan to prevent overheating, based on a fluid dynamics and attitude control algorithm, the technology significantly increases cooling efficiency by more smartly controlling airflow through the light. This creates a consistent light source with no flickering or cool-down periods.

The new Zhiyun Molus lights are launching alongside a new ZY Vega companion app that can wirelessly control both the X100 and G60. The app enables complete control over individual lights or selected groups of lighting with minimal effort.

Zhiyun MOLUS G60

The Zhiyun MOLUS G60 weighs just 300g and is roughly the size of a Rubik's cube, what's more, the Molus G60 can be powered using the included DC adapter or a USB-C cable with 100W power delivery, although will perform at lower brightness on lower inputs. This offers maximum portability and easy setup in any location.

At full power, the Molus G60 can produce 60W of power, which is very impressive for such a small device. It also offers a dynamic color temperature range of 2700K - 6500K, which is adjustable by Bluetooth or the brightness control dial on the rear of the G60, with 3 preset brightness levels for quick navigation.  The Molus G60 offers a CRI of ≥96 and a Television Light Consistency Index (TLCI) of ≥97 ensuring accurate color reproduction.

Zhiyun MOLUS X100

The Zhiyun MOLUS X100 is a larger and flatter design than its little brother the G60, although still manages to remain highly portable, weighing in at only 385g. As the name suggests the Molus X100 manages to deliver a massive 100W of lighting power from its compact form factor.

Like the G60, the X100's color temperature can range between 2700K-6500K, and the X100 offers a color rendering index (CRI) of ≥95 and a Television Light Consistency Index (TLCI) of ≥97. The light's brightness and color temperature can be easily adjusted using Bluetooth and the connected ZY Vega app or using on-device manual controls. The X100 also offers a music mode that will sync the light to changing music or sound effects for wider creative filmmaking opportunities.

There are three ways to power the Molus X100, either using the included DC adapter, using the 100W PD USB-C power port, or attaching the optional battery grip available as a bundle or a standalone purchase. 

You can find out more about lighting for your videos in our guides to the best video lights, the best LED light panels, and best photography lighting kits. 

Last year, the world's leading gimbal manufacturer Zhiyun launched a global competition for short videos – with a prize fund worth over $100k! The winners have now been announced, which we're pleased to share with you.

Short videos are now the mainstream of the online world. Social media platforms, YouTube and more provide the perfect platform for content creators to post their work and share useful tips and personal experiences.

Innovative brand Zhiyun (who makes some of the best smartphone gimbals) is committed to building its own growth platform for videos, and that's why it launched the ZHIYUN Annual Short Video Contest for video content creators last year. The contest was hosted by Zhiyun, with Nikon as the title sponsor and partners including RØDE, Aputure, YC onion, Desview, SmallRig, iFootage, and Lexar, among others.

The 2022 version of the contest has been successfully concluded, with a total of 1,429 entries submitted to the contest, and 25 groups of entries awarded prizes. 

These winning entries were selected by professional judges after assessments in various aspects. The Zhiyun Annual Short Video Contest has now been held four times, attracting over 100,000 international content creators to take part.

Zhiyun Annual Short Video Contest 2022 winners

The 1st prize was awarded to Space Girl from India by Sarvesh Ponnusamy.

The 2nd prize went to The Art of Wushu: Darren Deng by Blue Hippo Films and Carving Through Time by 9 Seconds Production.

At just over 4 minutes long, this sweet video was shot using a Canon EOS 200D.

The 3rd Prize went to “Beneath the Lonesome Skye” by Rob Layton, “MALLORCA - A Magical Adventure” by Sergio Mota”, and “Geng Merah” by SixFiveVisuals. 

The Nikon Fresh Clip Award went to “The Cypriot Pipe Maker” by Yiorgos Doukanaris, “The Siege” by ALOHUB, and “Big Foot Rail Slide” by David Peterson. 

Speaking to Digital Camera World, Zhiyun says that these winning entries all stand out for having innovative ideas, strong storytelling, and good shooting techniques.

Find out more about the Zhiyun Annual Short Video Contest. You might also like the best DSLR gimbals and our best camera for video guide.

The best smartphone gimbals make it trivially easy to shoot super-smooth video. Even the best stabilization systems can't fully ward off the effects of a shaky hand, and with a dedicated gimbal, you can effortlessly create smooth panning and sweeping motions in your footage. Many modern gimbals also boast smart features that allow them to track subjects in the frame, making them perfect for to-camera presenting.

In this guide, I've compiled the best smartphone gimbals available today, based on the DCW team's reviews and my own experience. These mechanical stabilizers use multiple axes of rotation (usually three) to steady your smartphone, with independently working motors compensating for movement in all directions.

Furthermore, the best smartphone gimbals come equipped with companion apps that wirelessly integrate in order to offer advanced features like subject tracking, automated panoramas, and more. If you're using a dedicated camera rather than a smartphone, be sure to check out our separate guides for the best gimbals for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as best GoPro gimbal.

Best smartphone gimbals: the full guide

Best smartphone for novices

If you’re after a gimbal that can grow with your skills, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is one of the most compelling options we’ve tested. It builds on DJI’s long-running Osmo Mobile series with a remarkably robust and well-thought-out design: the telescopic extension pole and integrated tripod make it easy to shoot everything from elevated crowd shots to hands-free time-lapsing, and the ergonomics feel more purposeful than the flimsier plastic alternatives in this category.

Where the OM8 really sets itself apart is in its subject tracking and smart features. The built-in Multifunction Module doesn’t just add a fill light – it also uses an optical sensor to help the gimbal’s AI keep people (and pets) in frame, and the whole experience feels slick whether you’re using an iPhone’s native camera app or DJI’s Mimo app. Battery life is more than adequate for a day’s shooting, and the option to charge your phone from the gimbal’s USB-C port is a thoughtful bonus.

In practical use, footage is confidently smooth, and the controls – wheel for zoom or focus, joystick for framing, and simple buttons for recording – are intuitive enough for both novices and more experienced creators. The OM8 doesn’t come with a remote in the box, and its feature set can take a few moments to master, but its overall performance, solid build quality, and price point give it a strong value proposition in a crowded field.

Read more: DJI Osmo Mobile 8 review

Best smartphone gimbal for tracking

The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is a compact and portable smartphone gimbal packed with features to enhance mobile videography. Featuring a lightweight, foldable plastic body for easy transport. The magnetic spring clamp ensures a quick and secure attachment of your iPhone, making setup effortless.

One of its standout features is the built-in tripod integrated directly into the gimbal’s shaft. Unlike other models with separate or flimsy tripod attachments, the Flow 2 Pro offers a sturdy and stable base simply by extending its legs. This design makes it more convenient for stationary shots, time-lapses, or hands-free filming.

A major advantage is its ability to pan continuously through 360 degrees, allowing for seamless subject tracking without limitations. This feature is especially useful for dynamic shots where movement is key. The Insta360 also offers access to Apple's Dockkit tech, which enables intelligent tracking – following your subject by locking focus and keeping them in the center of the frame – very clever stuff.

If you're looking for a gimbal that balances portability, functionality, and stability, this one is a solid choice – although it is a little more expensive than rival products.

Read more: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro review

Best iPhone gimbal for price

If you want strong stabilization and smart shooting tools without paying premium gimbal prices, the Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra makes a compelling case. It’s lightweight, compact, and generally effortless to use straight out of the box – setup is quick and intuitive, and the controls feel natural whether you’re capturing quick clips or longer sequences.

The Smooth Q5 Ultra’s headline feature is its AI-based subject tracking and detachable remote, which together elevate the basic gimbal experience. The tracking system will keep your subject centred reliably, and the remote lets you control framing and recording from a distance – a neat advantage for solo creators. There’s also a built-in fill light and ergonomic grip that make shooting more comfortable and flexible during longer sessions.

Performance is solid overall: the 3-axis gimbal does a credible job of smoothing out motion, and its battery life is generous, giving you plenty of filming time before you need to recharge. A few features, like gesture controls, can be a bit inconsistent in everyday use, but the core experience is dependable and accessible across both iPhone and Android devices.

Read more: Zhiyun Smooth Q5 Ultra review

Best minimalist smartphone gimbal

If you're looking for a gimbal more to improve your holiday videos and have fun with friends, as opposed to becoming a Serious Content Creator™, then the Insta360 Flow 2 is your best bet. It's an entry-level stabilizer for smartphones, with an emphasis placed on ease of use, portability and affordability. But it still delivers the goods in terms of its stabilization, and is a great choice for travel.

A smaller cousin to the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro featured above, this gimbal is slim and easy to use. As it supports NFC One-Tap Pairing, you can get up and running with the Insta260 app right away, though it'll also work with the native iOS Camera App if you prefer. You don't really need to spend any time balancing it the way you do with more complex camera gimbals

Equipped with AI smarts, the Flow 2 can track human subjects through the frame and pan to follow them, and can also emulate classic camera moves like tilt, pan, crane and dolly. Gesture control allows you to trigger different modes without needing to be physically proximate, and there's also a built-in tripod that means the gimbal can be set up to stand independently – perfect for holiday group shots!

There are some compromises when compared to the flagship Flow 2 Pro. The Flow 2 has more restricted pan and tilt angles, meaning it can't follow a subject around a full 360°. However, it produces solid stabilized footage for a very reasonable price, and is probably the better entry-level buy for those who want something straightforward and easy to operate.

Read more: Insta360 Flow 2 review

Best smartphone gimbal with a remote screen

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra isn't just one of the cheapest and lightest gimbals on this list, but also has plenty of other tricks up its sleeve as well.

A slight upgrade on the previous iSteady V3, the iSteady V3 Ultra adds just 8g to the weight of the previous model, but brings in a host of new features. It can pan freely the full 360° range, meaning that if you've got it tracking yourself or another subject via the intelligent AI system, it'll always be able to keep you in the frame. It also now has a touch-sensitive screen, which also doubles up as a live video feed monitor for the AI tracking system, giving you a means of keeping an eye on your composition while filming yourself.

Of course, the reason filming yourself is possible at all is because the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra has a self-contained compact tripod design. Slide its three legs out of their storage compartment in the handle, and you've got yourself an independent, free-standing platform to hold your phone while you record. The legs are a little spindly, so you might see a little sway, but it's still hugely useful for solo content creators.

In use, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is smooth and impressive, as George discovered in our full review. The AI tracking is reliable and consistent, and the gesture-based controls mean you can switch tracking modes on the fly without needing to trudge back over to your setup and fiddle with buttons. The real game-changer though, is that front-facing video feed, which just makes it so much easier to capture content when you're by yourself.

Affordable and light on its feet, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is an ideal starter gimbal for smartphone shooters, especially those who are going to be shooting their content independently.

Read more Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra review

Best premium smartphone gimbal

One challenge we face when using a stabiliser is whether to use the smartphone’s front or rear cameras. If you use the front camera, you can see your footage on the smartphone’s screen and know exactly where you are in the frame. However, the front camera tends to be more limited and of lower quality than the rear cameras, but if you use the rear camera, then you won’t be able to see your footage as it's being recorded. The Insta360 Flow 2 featured elsewhere in this buying guide solves this problem by having a mirror on the rear of the gimbal, which gives you an idea of where your face is positioned when shooting a selfie ‘blind’. The more expensive Hohem iSteady V7 offers a more effective solution by feeding live video footage from the AI-sensor at the front of the gimbal to the touchscreen display at the rear.

The Hohem iSteady M7’s AI-tracker enables you to rest the gimbal on its mini tripod, extend the selfie stick (or extension pole), and then it will follow your every move as you walk and talk freely. You can also operate it remotely by detaching the touchscreen panel and using the mini joystick to pan and tilt the camera. When holding the M7 in your hand, it’s an easy operation to tap the physical Mode button to make the gimbal perform classic Pan, Pan Follow, and POV (Point of View) moves as well as craning the camera from a low to high angle for a cinematic look. Check out our full review to see a video of the M7 as it makes some Hollywood-style moves with it.

Every rose has its thorns, and in the case of the Hohem iSteady M7, we could occasionally glimpse a bit of the roll motor at the far right of the frame when making a steep tilting move. This didn’t cause problems for most of our camera moves, but it means the gimbal isn’t perfect, so it didn’t quite hit the 5-star rating that its innovative live front-to-rear camera feed would have earned it.

Read more: Hohem iSteady M7 review

How to choose the best smartphone gimbal

When looking for the best smartphone gimbal features, there are several important factors to consider. First, it's crucial to check the phone size specifications to ensure your device will fit the gimbal. Many of today's best camera phones are quite large, so this compatibility is essential. Another desirable feature is the ability to quickly rotate between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations, which can be especially useful for capturing content for platforms like TikTok.

Selfie sticks integrated into the gimbal design can also be a convenient addition, allowing you to hold the device further away to film yourself effectively. Additionally, the folded size of the gimbal is worth considering, as the most compact models can fit easily into a bag or coat pocket, making them highly portable. Finally, some gimbals come equipped with built-in or magnetically attached LED lights, which can be surprisingly powerful and effective for illuminating selfie shots.

How we test smartphone gimbals

Our expert reviewers put smartphone gimbals through a rigorous testing process to assess their real-world performance and capabilities. First, they carefully balance the gimbals to ensure optimal weight distribution and smooth operation. They then test the various shooting modes, evaluating how well the gimbal is able to stabilize the phone during different types of movement and camera angles.

The accessibility and intuitiveness of the controls are also closely examined, as is the quality of any companion apps. Our testers assess features like the fill light, zoom/focus mechanisms, and tracking algorithms to see how they enhance the filming experience. Durability is tested too, by seeing how the gimbal handles being transported and used in different environments. Finally, the overall value proposition is considered: do the features and performance justify the price point?

Price comparison

The only 5-star rating I’ve ever awarded to a product on Digital Camera World is the Zhiyun FIVERAY F100C light wand. I loved that LED’s combination of power and portability when it came to lighting subjects for photo or video shoots, and it's easily one of the best video lights despite its size.

However, now that Zhiyun has released an upgraded version of that light stick – the similarly named Zhiyun Fiveray F100 – I have no room to add extra review stars that reflect the additional features found in the newer model. So what are the differences between the old Fiveray F100C and the newer F100? 

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 specifications

Brightness: Can reach up to 20708 lux at its 100W max power
Weight: 950g
Run time: 31 minutes
Colour temperature range: 2700º K to 6200º K
Hue: 0-360º
Built-in Battery Capacity: 6S/2600 MAH
Max Power Mode 4000K/100% Illuminance (LUX): 2200 (in 1 meter)
TLCI Index: ≥97 
CRI Index: ≥96
Product Size: 502*46*47(mm)
Power Adapter Output Voltage/Current: 24V/5A
Extension: 1/4" Threaded Hole
Operational Temperature: -10°～40°

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 features

Let’s start with a look at the new (and extra) features that you get with the upgraded Zhiyun Fiveray F100 compared to the older F100C model. The main body of both light sticks looks and feels identical though the new F100 boasts a set of barn doors that enable you to control the spread of light emitting from the columns and rows of LEDs. 

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The inside of the barn doors is also reflective to help you target the light onto the subject in a more effective and accurate way. The supplied elasticated diffuser slips over the barn doors and enables you to create a softer spread of light. You can detach the barn doors and replace them with a supplied canvas light grid - though this accessory doesn’t do that much to change the pattern of light emitted by the F100’s LEDs.

A welcome new feature is a collection of pre-programmed special effects that control the behavior of the light stick’s multiple LEDs. The new F100 boasts more LED chips (324) than the older model’s 256 chips and these extra LED chips can now be used in more creative ways thanks to these special effect presets. The preset effects enable you to creatively augment a location’s lighting (in a similar way to the Nanlite PavoTube T8-7X’s creative lighting presets). For example, you can trigger a preset to make the F100 flicker like a TV set, or emit a distress flash using the SOS setting.

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Build & handling

Thanks to the barn doors the F100 is slightly heavier than the F100C by 30g, but it still weighs in at under a Kilogram (950g), making it easy to carry and deploy on a shoot.

As with the F100C the Fiveray F100 has a control dial that enables you to adjust its color temperature to complement the available light. In daylight, you can dial it to 5600º K to match the cold light of day. When shooting indoors you can rotate the dial to choose a color temperature closer to a warmer tungsten light source (around 3000º K). 

The control dial also enables you to dim the intensity of the light (which is important as it can blow out a subject’s highlights thanks to its 100W output.)  The control dial is quite small and can be a bit fiddly to adjust (especially if it gets wet due to rain). 

The control dial also has four buttons. Press the bottom of the dial (at the 6 o’clock position) to access the HSI (Hue, Saturation and Intensity) menu. This enables you to dial in blues, greens and reds that are perfect for adding a neon-style look to urban photography. 

The 9 o’clock CCT button accesses color temperature controls. Press the dial at the 12 o’clock position to trigger the Max output of the stick.  The 3 o’clock position (labeled FX) accesses the new the six new special effects presets - SOS, TV, Faulty Bulb, Candle, Flash and Fire. These can provide springboards to creatively enhance your video projects as you’ll see from our supporting test video.

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Performance

For our test shoot, we took the F100 to a windswept Scottish hill. The operational temperature of the F100 light stick ranges between -10°and 40°C. Our shoot was on the cold (and wet side) but the F100 kept on glowing despite the constant wind and drizzle. I shot the test footage on an iPhone 14 Pro Max (and had to constantly wipe the iPhone’s lenses and my glasses to keep on shooting!). 

The available lighting on location was very flat due to the foggy weather conditions but the F100 enabled me to add a bit of modeling light to help the subject stand out from the bleak background.  I could also tweak the color temperature dial to make the LED match the location’s light.  

I popped the F100 onto a mini Manfrotto tripod using the 1/4" threaded hole at the light stick’s base. However, once I fully opened the barn doors they acted as a sail and the stick would occasionally blow over in the grassy and hilly windswept location. We appreciate that this was an unusual and extreme location to test the light in so we won’t knock off a star for this issue.  

We then adjourned to the shelter of a bunker where I used the F100’s Fire preset to create a scene where a soldier appears to warm his hands over an off-screen fire (see our supporting test video). To shoot the intro for the video portion of this review I set up the F100 on the same Manfrotto tripod at dusk (and there were no toppling-over issues due to lack of wind).  

The 100W LED emission was enough to help me stand out in the encroaching darkness as I talked to the camera. I really enjoyed using the various settings on the F100 to add practical and creative lighting effects to my footage. In fact, the presence of the Fire FX effect gave me the idea for the final scene in my test video.  

The F100 should last for 31 minutes at Maximum output and it did indeed keep on shining during my test shoots. It has Type-C and DC charging ports so you could hook it up to an external power source such as the SmallRig VB99 battery if you need to light a location or subject for longer.  

Zhiyun Fiveray F100 Verdict

The new Zhiyun Fiveray F100 is a bit more expensive than the previous F100C model due to extra features such as the clipped-on barn doors, more LED chips, and the collection of special effect lighting presets. It also ships with a sturdy protective case that makes it easier and safer to transport the F100 and its accessories to a location. We found the flimsier carry bag that ships with the older F100C Combo kit made it harder to transport (and easier to drop) so the carry case that ships with the F100 Combo kit are worth an extra star (if we had the space to add one!).

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is Zhiyun’s top smartphone gimbal, replacing the Smooth 5, we guess, with a wider clamp for bigger phones, wider-spaced axes for wide-angle and add-on lenses, and new algorithms for the motors to cope with larger phones.

You can buy it on its own, or as a Combo kit which includes an additional magnetic fill light. You can actually add two of these, though you’ll have to buy the second separately. These supplement the built in fill light, which is one of this gimbal’s claims to fame. 

It might qualify as one of the best gimbals for smartphones, but only if you don't need to attach a mic (more on this below) – and if you're going to the trouble of investing in a premium smartphone gimbal like this one, won't you also want to use one of the best microphones too? On the plus side, some of the best camera phones these days are pretty big, and the Smooth 5S should handle them easily.

Specifications

Battery runtime: Max 24k (standby), min 2.5h
Charging time: Max: 3h40min, min 2h (via PD fast charging)
Tilt mechanical range: Max: 209°, Standard: 349°, Min: -140°
Roll mechanical range: Max: 259°, Standard: 349°, Min: -90°
Pan mechanical range: Max: 180°, Standard: 360°, Min: -180°
Dimensions: 311 x 168 x 52mm
Weight: 625g (with battery)

Key features

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a 3-axis gimbal with a built in fill light that can deliver up to 650 lux. It also has two magnetic mounting points for a further two snap-on fill lights, each of which takes a selection of magnetic color filters. One light is included in the Combo kit.

There’s a control panel with mode and record buttons, a joystick, a button for the light and a control wheel to adjust its intensity. There is also a Menu button to take you to the home screen of the ZY Cami companion app and buttons around the controller for camera settings, but these didn’t appear to do anything with the ZY Cami app. Zhiyun also offers a more advanced StaCam app with paid-for premium features and the Filmic Pro app, which is also paid for, should be compatible (it is compatible with the previous Smooth 5, at least).

You can also use the Smooth 5S with a non-paired app like the native iOS camera app. It will still function fine as a gimbal, complete with joystick control and most operating modes, but the side dial won’t do anything.

There’s no display for showing more detailed gimbal settings and controls – you’ll need the ZY Cami app for that – but there is a trigger at the front for resetting the gimbal to its straight-ahead position or flipping it around for selfies.

Gimbal modes include basics like Pan Follow, Lock, Follow and POV modes, plus Vortex (Inception style) and Sling modes.

Handling and performance

Balancing the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is easy, though as usual with smartphone gimbals you have to balance the tilt axis by wrestling with the jaws of the clamp. 

Unusually, only the pan axis has a locking switch. The tilt and roll axes have strong detents which click into place – you have to use a fair amount of force to unlock them, which is worrying if you can never remember which way they are supposed to turn.

There’s enough length in the tilt axis bar to accommodate and balance the biggest phones, but mounting a phone on the Smooth 5S reveals its biggest problem. Like so many smartphone gimbals, it jams the right edge of the phone up against the tilt motor, completely covering the port. This makes fitting a mic next to impossible unless you can find a very compact right-angle adaptor and don’t mind rebalancing the gimbal with your phone further from the tilt motor to allow space.

There is an an accessory mounting thread on the side of the grip, but that seems optimistic given the mic connection issues. 

The lack of a display isn’t a major issue, but the mode display text is absolutely tiny. You can perhaps figure out which mode you’re in from the position of the little lamps, but you might need to fetch your glasses to check for sure.

The tiny mode indicator lamps also double as charging indicators, cycling through from left to right while the gimbal is charging.

It’s hard to fault this gimbal’s performance. Its motors never had the slightest trouble with our bulky iPhone and it switched seamlessly from regular to low-level sling mode.

The zoom wheel worked well with the ZY Cami app, though there was a noticeable jump when it switched from the regular camera to the ultra-wide camera.

Verdict

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a perfectly good gimbal but with a weird app setup where you need ZY Cami for some things, StaCam for more advanced features and a ZY Prime membership for others. The Smooth 5S feels well made and is easy to set up, but the mode indicator lamps and text are ridiculously small and using these to indicate charging is hardly intuitive. The documentation is pretty thin too, but luckily there’s plenty of on YouTube. The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is very effective, and while the apps are a bit of a muddle, you can use it with your phone's native app too with basic stabilization and controls.

See also our guide to the best iPhone power banks, and the best iPhone tripods

The video light market is a very crowded area with a lot of tough competition, from a wide range of brands, including some of our best video lights. Zhiyun has a lot of experience creating excellent gimbals, but the Fiveray M40 is the latest in a new venture into video lighting solutions from Zhiyun together with the Fiveray F100 light stick and the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Light Wand, which we gave a glowing review.

On specs alone, the M40 is primed to make an impact. It's a pocketable little video light that packs impressive 40W power, and at only 320g it manages to include 176 LED chips giving a peak brightness of 14,000 lux, which places it far ahead of much of the current competition in devices of this size and weight. At around $99/£99 it is very competitively priced.

Zhiyun Fiveray M40: Specifications

Max power: 40W
Color temperature: 2700K~6200K
Dim level: 0~100%
Max brightness: 14000lux (4300k, 0.3m)
CRI: ≥96
Charging time: 1hr50m
Runtime: 29 mins (100% brightness)
Size (WxDxH): 136.5x77.8x29mm
Weight: 320g

Zhiyun Fiveray M40: Key Features

The Fiveray M40 gets its name from the power this light can provide – a maximum power output of 40W that's considerably high for a light of this size. The light can be dimmed from 0-100%, and at 100% brightness, there is a peak output of 14000lux, with the small caveat that this must be at the color temperature 4300K.

Speaking of color temperature, this light can cover cool white to warm with a range of 2700K-6200K, giving you the freedom to change the atmosphere of a shoot.

The light should remain cool throughout use thanks to a built-in fan and heat sink. At 100% brightness, the battery will last around 29 minutes, and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to recharge, but can be used while recharging, so you won't miss out on precious shooting time.

Zhiyun Fiveray M40: Build & Handling

First off, I love the design of the M40. It is bold and striking, with the orange dials and large font jumping out immediately. It just looks fresh and cool and is a light designed to be seen on social media. The design might be a little divisive though, and I feel for those preferring a more demure look, it might be a bit too stand out. 

Build quality is very good, it feels really solid but is a little weighty, but it does pack a lot of power for its size, so it is a trade-off to decide on. The exterior casing is made from a mix of sturdy-feeling plastics. I think you can comfortably throw this in a kit bag on the go without any worries, however, I am not confident it would stand up to a significant drop onto a hard surface and live to tell the tale.

The control dials at the bottom of the M40 allow you to independently control the brightness and color temperature and are really quick and easy to use, with no messing about with screens and buttons. Anyone could pick this up and use it intuitively in seconds. The bottom bracket has a ¼” tripod thread for mounting, swings open for variable angles, and cleverly hides the USB-C charging port.

Unfortunately, the dials are not without their issues. First off, the small white text, against the bright orange is not the easiest to read, especially in a hurry and from behind your thumbs. While testing the M40, I managed to change the dial settings accidentally a couple of times just by knocking them unknowingly. This can have a really disastrous effect on a long shoot when maintaining consistency across shots is imperative. It would be nice if the dials had click stops, or could be locked. 

Zhiyun Fiveray M40: Performance

For a light of its size, the M40 is hugely impressive. As a fill light, at 100% brightness it quickly filled up every small to medium-sized room I tested it in. On-camera, as a video light or interview light, max brightness might often be overkill, as looking into the M40 at high levels is quite frankly blinding, however at lower brightness this gave a nice even glow to faces and objects within around 0.3-2m (1-6ft) from the light.

Colour accuracy is very consistent and accurate throughout the range. This light does only venture from 2,700-6,200k, with no multicolor or effects options found in similar rival products, which is a bit of a disappointment for wider creative applications.

At 100% brightness, the fans kicked in at about 60 seconds, initially at a low speed, but this does increase to a second higher speed the longer the light is in use. The fans are quiet, however, they are audible in a silent environment, so you will have to bear in mind how close you can use this light to microphones during audio recording in some situations.

The fans, utilizing Zhiyun’s DynaVort technology, do an exceptional job at controlling the heat. After 30 minutes at max brightness, the panel and body were both cool to the touch, so this panel could be handheld for long periods of time if needed.

Zhiyun Fiveray M40: Verdict

This light has no right to be this powerful in such a compact chassis, all without overheating. With enough brightness for projects that previously would have required much larger or more significant lighting setups. The only major downside is a slightly touchy control system, and the inability for extra colors makes the uses more limiting. This easily pocketable video light will provide a lot of creative opportunities that were previously unthinkable. 

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Great lighting doesn't have to be heavy or mounted to a stand. Chinese brand Zhiyun is proving this with the launch of its new Fiveray F100 portable stick light, and Fiveray M40 pocket fill light, both designed for power and portability.

These lighting devices are available now and feature the company's latest stay-cool technology to prevent overheating, known as the patented and disruptive DynaVort Cooling System™ from Zhiyun.

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As part of the upcoming Black Friday deals these lights are currently on offer for a limited time with up to 55% off, and next month for just two days from December 7th to 8th, Zhiyun will be having a buy one get one free special offer event on both of these lights, where you can save hundreds of dollars. The F100 stick light will cost around £249/$249/AU$371, and the M40 pocket light at £99/$99/AU$147. 

Zhiyun's so-called DynaVort Cooling System™ is a stay-cool technology inspired by a panel of expert physicists. The tech is said to work by raising the cooling efficiency with intelligent control, and its two-way cooling system is what prevents overheating.

The Fiveray F100 stick light is a new professional lighting stick, the second one to be introduced in the Fiveray product range (check out our Fiveray FR100C review). It's designed for one-handed use with total control and comfort to adjust settings while providing a simplified yet powerful color rendition. It certainly looks like a lightweight and versatile pro lighting stick to use on location.

The F100 stick can reach 20,708 lux at its peak 100W maximum power and has been embedded with 5 times the amount of LED chips than others in its range, offering an ultra-bright output and illuminance. 

The integration of its 100W high power and six creative lighting effects will make this light ideal for shooting in smaller spaces without the room for a larger setup, and still allow the user to achieve creative results.

Special features of the Fiveray F100 include a one-click operation of settings such as Hue and Saturation, as well as Intensity mode via the control dial, and the professional color rendition can be increased by 47% from 2700K to 6200K, with the RGB when put into CCT Mode. As for the build of the light, the frosted casing will create a diffused and warm ambiance when desired.

As for the Fiveray M40, this powerful pocket light can produce amazing results with its 40W maximum output and fast charging features. This ultra-bright light can reach 14000 lux and has algorithm-controlled cooling technology, as previously mentioned above. Weighing only 320g, this light is super pocket-sized and perfect for portable shooting when out and about or at a shoot on location.

176 LED chips offer great illuminance with incredible color rendition in warm and cool hues with bi-color adjustment. The pocket light is controlled by two dial wheels for accurate dimming and has 360° fill light potential when used with one of Zhiyun's gimbal stabilizers and rotational brackets. 

Zhiyun's CEO, Yilun Liao, has shared that "we are passionate about using breakthrough innovations -  whether it’s with our iconic gimbals or our new FIVERAY lighting devices - to simplify and reshape content creation. With several industry firsts under our belts including the M40’s DynaVort Cooling System™, our products offer full creative control and convenience for anyone wanting to experience and express their inner filmmaker.”

You may also be interested in our guides to the best photography lighting kits, and the best ring lights, as well as the best light stands and best light meters.

Zhiyun has updated its Smooth 5 smartphone gimbal to the Smooth 5S, to allow for a larger generation of camera phones and wider angles of view, together with add-on lenses.

The best camera phones are excellent video tools but they are getting larger all the time, many have wide-angle lenses and vertical shooting is becoming the social media norm, prompting Zhiyun's latest smartphone gimbal upgrade. Zhiyun features regularly in our list of the best gimbals.

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a professional 3-axis gimbal designed for solo shooters. Compared to the previous version it’s more powerful, with superior stabilization thanks to upgraded motor algorithms.

It keeps the unique feature of its predecessor – snap-on 300 lumen magnetic fill lights which can be placed either side of the phone clamp – and adds a third fixed fill light mounted on the tilt arm. The two magnetic lights are optional extras, though you do get one included with the Smooth 5S Combo kit.

The Smooth 5S works with Zhiyun’s ZY Cami app to offer a range of ‘follow’ options, with MagicClone Pano, Slow Motion, Timelapse features features, together with templates, filters, music, transitions and stickers. It can even by operated by gestures. 

The gimbal itself has an integral control panel with a mode display, fill light button, a joystick for controlling the gimbal direction, a side control wheel for zoom or focus, and a portrait mode switch for quickly swapping to vertical shooting, made possible with the Smooth 5S’s wider phone mounting.

Zhiyun quotes a battery life of up to 25 hours, and says that the recharge time is just two hours via PD fast charging.

Zhiyun Smooth 5S pricing

The Smooth 5S will come in a standard version at $169/£169 (about AU$261) or a Combo kit costing $219/£219 (about AU$338). The Combo kit adds a mini tripod to screw into the gimbal base, a magnetic fill light and filters, a wrist strap, protective bag, USB-C charging cable and a Zhiyun membership card. 

Photographers and videographers both face the challenge of illuminating their subjects. Without a portable and adjustable light source, the subject’s face can look boringly flat in available light. An additional light source helps add modeling to your subject as it emphasizes the contours of their face.  It can also add drama and change the mood of the shot. Videographers tend to lug heavy flight cases of lights and lighting stands to shoots. Photographers might use an external flash that’s triggered to fire when then they press the shutter button on their DSLR. 

LED lights such as the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to traditional lighting set-ups. Unlike a flashgun, LED lights remain turned on throughout the shoot, so you can snap away without worrying if the flash will sync with your stills camera. We used the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C to illuminate the test video that supports this review. We also took it on a location shoot with a professional model and were delighted with the results.

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C specifications

Brightness: Can reach up to 20708 lux at its 100W max power
Weight: 920g
Color temperature range: 2700K to 6200K
Hue: 0-360º
Built-in Battery Capacity: 6S/2600MAH
Max Power Mode 4000K/100% Illuminance (LUX): 2200 (in 1 meter)
TLCI Index: ≥97 
CRI Index: ≥96
Product Size: 502x46x47(mm)
Power Adapter Output Voltage/Current: 24V/5A
Extension: 1/4" Threaded Hole

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C features

One challenge faced by filmmakers and photographers is to get their artificial light source to match the available light in the location in which they are shooting. Different light sources have different color temperatures and this can add cold blue or warm orange color casts to your clips and stills. 

The Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C has a handy control dial that enables you to adjust its color temperature to complement the available light. In daylight, you can dial it to 5600K to match the relatively cold light of day. When shooting indoors you can rotate the dial to choose a color temperature closer to a warmer tungsten light source (around 3000K).  The control dial also enables you to dim the intensity of the light (which is just as well as it can blow out a subject’s highlights thanks to its 100W output.) 

The control dial also acts as four buttons. Press the bottom of the dial (at the 6 o’clock position) and you can access the HSI (Hue, Saturation, and Intensity) menu. This enables you to dial in vivid blues, greens, and reds that are perfect for adding a neon-style look to your urban photography. Press the dial at the 12 o’clock position to trigger the Max output of the wand. The 3 o’clock button (labeled CCT) enables you to dial in various color temperatures. A press of the button at the 9 o’clock position makes the dial dim the intensity of the wand’s output. 

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Build & handling

Although it is made primarily of plastic the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C feels reliably solid. In fact, I dropped it a couple of times on a shoot due to loose straps on my rucksack and it continued to function. At the base of the wand’s front, there’s a textured handle which makes it less slippy to hold. At 920g it’s surprisingly heavy for something so compact so you could get arm ache holding it for a long shoot. Fortunately, it has 1/4 inch thread at the base so you can mount it on a tripod. I used a mini Manfrotto tripod with an adjustable ball head so I could tilt the light wand toward my subject. 

A mini tripod is also less conspicuous so my location shoot wasn’t interrupted by a zealous security guard (something that’s quite common when shooting in the city with lots of kits). At full intensity, the LED light can get quite hot so the rear of the wand is fitted with six fans to cool it down if required. In theory, this could interfere with the audio recording of a video shoot but in practice, I only heard the fans kick in once and they were quiet enough for me to continue recording sound.

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Performance

The Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C is more compact and portable than traditional video lighting kits but it still packs a punch due to its 100 Watts of power. At full intensity, it was powerful enough to illuminate our model halfway down a gloomy indoor corridor of the Barbican center (see supporting stills). Its compact size enabled me to carry it in a backpack alongside the mini tripod. 

I was highly impressed with its range and versatility. It provided additional ‘modeling’ light in dull locations and creatively colored neon hues that complemented the artificial light in indoor settings.  During my three-hour London shoot, the Fiveray FR100C kept shining whenever I needed it (which was often given the day’s gloomy weather and the dark corridors of the Barbican center.) 

You can charge the wand using a 25W PD Fast Charge via a Type-C port or with the 120W switching adapter (that ships with the Combo kit) you can continuously use Fiveray FR100C while charging it. 

Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C Verdict

The first thing you’ll want to do after powering up the Zhiyun Fiveray FR100C is to switch it to a glowing fluorescent color and wave it around while making light saber noises. It looks and feels like a Jedi’s weapon of choice and when it comes to lighting photos or videos the force is strong with this one.

Once you’ve got Star Wars out of your system you’ll find it an invaluable bit of kit that will improve the production values of your photo or video shoots. In fact, I can’t imagine going on a shoot without the Fiveray in my backpack as it makes a huge difference to the look of my clips and stills. It’s also the first gadget I’ve reviewed for Digital Camera World that gets 5 stars!

The Zhiyun Weebill 3 is the latest gimbal to roll out from Zhiyun and as you’d expect from a new release it has evolved to contain welcome new features such as a wrist support (but only with the Combo version). 

This attachable device can be adjusted to give extra support to your wrist when carrying the gimbal with one hand and it’s a very welcome feature indeed (because gimbals tend to feel heavier as the shoot progresses!) 

The Weebill 2 Combo kit had a rather chunky sling grip to help you capture low angle camera moves and this has been slimmed down on the Weebill 3 Combo for a slicker silhouette. You can also extend the Weebill 3 Combo’s l-shaped sling handle to suit your needs.  

Surprisingly the Weebill 3 lacks the flip-out 2.88-inch display of its predecessor to create a lighter and more streamlined unit. Some people might miss the display but most will be content to view the live feed from their gimbal-mounted DSLR or mirrorless camera. We’ll get to the other new features as this review progresses.

Presumably the Weebill 3 has been named after Australia’s smallest bird and if so then this is an apt choice. The Weebill 3 has a compact profile, and despite its relatively small stature its powerful motors are strong enough to put your camera through some impressively smooth cinematic moves.

Specifications

Weight: 1130g
Tilting range: Max: 180°, Min: -130°
Rolling range: Max: 60°, Min: -280°
Panning range: 360 °
Battery Life: Up to 21 hours

Key features

One of the chores we face when using a gimbal is getting the camera balanced in the tilt, pan and roll axis. An unbalanced camera makes the motors work harder (which can shorten their life). The performance of the gimbal will also be adversely affected if the camera isn’t balanced, leading to shake and vibration. 

The Weebill 3 is relatively quick and easy to balance, thanks to adjustable and lockable sliders on each axis. Once you’ve got the balance right you can unclip the camera via the attached 11 mm upper-layer quick release plate, transport the gimbal and camera to your shooting location and then re-attach the camera via the quick release plate in seconds. The camera will remain balanced so you can hit the ground running. 

With the combo kit you get a backpack style bag that stores the locked and folded gimbal in the top section and your camera and other accessories in the bottom. This makes the Weebill 3 one of the easiest gimbals to transport and deploy that we’ve tested. 

A key new feature is a built-in mic at the front of the Weebill 3. You can connect the mic to your camera via one of the Combo kit’s many  supplied cables and record audio via the Weebill’s mic instead of your camera’s built-in mic.  The sound from the Weebill’s mic was a little muffled compared to the sharper sound from our X-S10’s built-in mic, but the X-S10’s audio suffered from lots of ambient noise so wasn’t as clean as the sound from the Weebill 3. It’s easier to sharpen muffled sound in a post-production package such as Premiere Pro. (Reducing background noise can add unwanted artefacts to a sound track so on balance the Weebill 3’s mic wins the battle for the best sound recording solution in out test shoot.)

The Weebill 3 also features a built-in LED to cast a little light on those selfies. A dial on the handle also functions as a button. You can turn on the lamp with a press and then rotate the dial to adjust its brightness. Magnetic clip on filters enable you to change the colour temperature of the lamp. 

Build and handling

With a weight of only 1130g, the Weebill is not too heavy to hold, even with our additional 952g payload. The wrist support acts like a lever and really does make it easier to carry the gimbal one-handed while reducing fatigue. 

What we really loved was the ability to make the camera run at a low angle using the sling grip and then smoothly crane up. We could swap from holding the grip in our left hand to grabbing the main handle with our right without seeing a bump in our footage. This makes the Weebill 3 perfect for fast, smooth and professional looking camera moves. 

Zhiyun don’t mention the maximum payload in their Weebill 3 specifications, but their website does have a comprehensive list of compatible cameras. 

Performance

To test the Weebill 3 we used a Fujifilm X-S10 and a pretty hefty XF16-80mm f/4 zoom lens weighing in at a total of 952g – and the Weebill 3 tilted panned, and craned the payload effortlessly. There was no motor sound at all from the gimbal during operation and unlike the Manfrotto MVG460 the horizon stayed level at all times.  

If we did need to tilt the horizon we could do so with the control wheel at the front (which is much quicker than having to fine-tune the offset of the roll angle in an app like you do with the MVG460). 

The three shooting modes worked perfectly. PF (Pan Follow) makes the gimbal pan left or right to follow your and movements and the action is organic and smooth rather than jerky and mechanical. L (Lock) keeps the gimbal pointing at the same object at all times making this a great mode for crane shots (see our test video). F (Follow) makes the gimbal tilt the camera as well as pan (again following your hand movements).  

If you need to follow a fast or erratically moving subject, then holding down the trigger takes you to the souped-up 'Go' mode which makes the responses to your arm movements become much faster. Check out our accompanying video to see these modes in action. There’s also the obligatory joystick which enables you to perform smooth tilts and pans (or fine-tune your composition).

A couple of times during our test the pan axis’s locking switch slid accidentally,  locking the gimbal and stopping it from performing. Fortunately the OLED screen gives an axis lock warning so we were able to quickly flip the switch and continue shooting.  

Verdict

This is a great gimbal. It's not cheap, but due to its ergonomic wrist support and the new Sling Mode 2.0’s l-shaped handle it’s far easier to manoeuvre a DSLR or mirrorless camera and capture smooth tilts, pans, tracks and cranes. 

It’s especially fun to use the sling handle to make the camera run horizontally inches from the ground and then swoop it up for a high-angle crane shot in one smooth move. 

The noise cancelling hi-fi microphone isn’t prefect but it can capture a cleaner track than a camera’s built-in mic (and you can still use an external mic on the camera instead). The Combo kit’s backpack makes it a pleasure to carry all the gear to a location (rather than lugging a heavy handheld gimbal carry case and separate camera bag). 

The Smooth Q4 is the latest smartphone gimbal from ZHIYUN, a company with an experienced track record of making a wide range of professional and consumer camera stabilisers since 2014. I’ve owned a ZHIYUN Z1-Evolution gimbal since 2018 and it performed very well with a GoPro. 

However, these days I tend to take advantage of the professional video quality of the iPhone 13 Pro, so I need a smartphone gimbal like the Smooth Q4 to capture precise moves such as pans and tilts as well as tracking and crane shots. The iPhone 13 Pro does have built-in optical image stabilisation, but not when using its ultra-wide lens.

The 3-axis Smooth Q4 enables me to capture striking wide-angle shots with no shake while keeping my horizon level at all times (as you’ll see from the test video that will pop up on this page). The joystick on the rear of the gimbal also enables me to perform pans and tilts handheld without the need for a tripod.

Specifications

Battery Life: 10 hours
Tilt range: 338º
Roll range: 338º
Pan range: 331º
Weight: 370g
Dimensions: 181.7 x 107.7 x 56.3mm
App: ZY CaMi
Extendable pole: 215mm

Key features

As with most budget stabilisers, the ZHIYUN Smooth Q4 is a 3-axis gimbal that enables you to tilt, pan and roll your iPhone (depending on which mode you set it to). Usually the roll x-axis will be used to keep the attached smartphone’s horizon level at all times (which is hard to do when you move a handheld smartphone without stabiliser assistance.) 

The Smooth Q4 has a Mode button on the rear to change the behaviour of the gimbal. For example the lock (L) mode keeps the smartphone pointing in the same direction while F causes it to pan and tilt to follow your hand movements. A trigger at the front lets you triple tap to change the iPhone’s orientation from landscape mode (for traditional 16:9 widescreen filmmakers) to portrait mode (for vertical social media content on sites such as TikTok). 

Many of the Smooth Q4’s features are unleashed when you link it via Bluetooth to the ZY CaMi app running your gimbal mounted smartphone, as we’ll explore in the Performance section. 

There’s also an attachable mini tripod that enables you to use the gimbal handsfree (which is actually very useful as we demonstrate in our supporting test video.) The Combo kit also features a storage bag to protect the gimbal when its in transit (and it holds other accessories such as the magnetic fill light.)

Build and handling

In relation to build and performance, the ZHIYUN Smooth Q4 is very similar to the rival DJI OM 5 smartphone stabiliser. As well as having similar grey plastic and silicone bodies, both gimbals have a telescopic rod that extends by 215mm, enabling you to capture a wider field of view when filming selfies. 

The DJI OM 5 boasts a magnetic smartphone clamp that makes it quicker and easier to attach your smartphone to the gimbal. However, the Smooth Q4 Combo kit ships with a removable magnetic fill light that helps illuminate dark locations. 

You can buy a magnetic clamp that has a built-in light for the DJI OM 5, but this costs extra. The Smooth Q-4 Combo kit has a somewhat higher retail price, but that does include the fill light.

Performance

As you’ll see from our test video, the Smooth Q4 does a great job of keeping the horizon level while panning, tilting and craning an iPhone 13 Pro mounted on the stabiliser. However, when shooting using the ultra-wide lens we occasionally captured some of the gimbal’s roll motor at the edge of the frame. 

The Smooth Q4 was strong enough to keep our larger iPhone Pro Max nice and stable, but in landscape orientation the Max ran the risk of bumping into the tilt axis when held at certain angles. All the footage in our test video was shot on the smaller iPhone 13 Pro.

What really impressed us was the way the gimbal could be controlled by the free ZY CaMi app. When connected via Bluetooth to the smartphone app, you can rotate the dial on the left of the gimbal and zoom in or out of your subject. A press of the dial turns on the magnetic fill light mounted at the top of the gimbal. A tap on the record button lets you start and stop recording. You can perform all of these operations with one hand while simultaneously making your camera moves. Without the gimbal you’d need two hands to operate the iPhone. One to hold it and the other to tap the screen.

When the gimbal is mounted on its tripod you can switch to the smartphone’s selfie camera and use gesture control (raising your palm) to trigger Follow+Shoot mode. This causes the gimbal to track your face wherever it goes. The app does a great job of panning and tilting the gimbal as you walk around – as if you had a camera person with you on location. Watch our supporting video the see this useful and impressive feature in action. 

The app also provides other shooting modes that aren’t as impressive. The HYPERLAPSE mode lets you shoot time lapse style sequence while on the move, but the resulting video compression artefacts are really noticeable in footage captured using this mode. PANO mode causes the gimbal to rotate and shoot a series of consecutive images which it then stitches together as a wider composite shot. The stitching between the edge of each image is often noticeable as horizontal lines are misaligned. However these are small niggles compared to the gimbal’s overall excellent performance when it comes to capturing smooth tilts, pans and tracking shots.

Verdict

The Smooth Q4 is an adequate smartphone gimbal that’s on par with the DJI OM 5 in relation to price, features and performance. If you want a faster way to attach your smartphone to a gimbal then the OM 5’s mount has a magnetic clamp that might sway you to buy that device. 

If you want a gimbal that ships with a magnetic fill light that illuminates your selfies then you may lean towards the Smooth Q4 Combo. 

These two gimbals shouldn’t bust your budget, but for a cheaper alternative you could consider the lower-priced FeiyuTech Vimble 3, which also ships with app-enabled controls and a mini-tripod.

Read more:

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The New Zhiyun WEEBILL 3 is the latest product in the company’s WEEBILL range. Zhiyun says it’s designed for DSLR cameras but naturally would support mirrorless cameras too. It has three main upgrades over the previous model: an interesting-sounding SLING 2.0 design, built in microphone and fill-light, and a powerful all-day battery.

The ‘sling’ is not some kind of strap or harness, but a new design for handling DSLR and mirrorless camera rigs with less fatigue. It includes a restructured L-shape handle that’s more stable when self-standing, a new wrist rest, and a repositioned, extendable sling grip, which Zhiyun says will shift weight on to your arm and give over 40% more support to your wrist. The idea is that moving the sling grip to the bottom of the gimbal provides better stability when shooting at low-angles.

The grip has thumb buttons, a mini control stick, a finger trigger and a customisable control wheel.

Interestingly, the WEEBILL 3 has its own built in 1,000 lumen ‘fill light’ (with color temperature adjustment) and microphone, two accessories videographers would normally have to mount separately. The ‘Hi-Fi’ microphone offers forward focused cardioid recording, with a noise-cancelling feature.

The WEEBILL 3 also has a new 7,800mAh internal battery offering a claimed 21-hour battery life. It also supports PD fast charging with just two hours needed for a full charge. The gimbal can also provide pass-through 5V/1A charging for cameras.

There’s also a new ‘next-gen’ quick release system with a dual quick-release plate and an embedded magnetic wrench. Once the camera is balanced, Zhiyun says it can be detached and re-attached without the need for re-balancing.

The Zhiyun WEEBILL 3 is available now at a price of $499 (about £413/AU$720), or $529 (about £438/AU$763) for a combo kit that includes a backpack, wrist rest and extendable sling grip.

Zhiyun launches FIVERAY FR100C Light Stick

Video lights come in many forms, from smartphone-sized blocks like the LumeCube through to Rotolight's powerful NEO 3. Zhiyun's solution is the FIVERAY FR100C, its first light stick accessory.

It's more than just a pretend light saber or novelty gadget, however. Zhiyun is claiming 5x the luminosity of rival products, generating up to 21195 lux at 0.3m. It's controllable too, with 100 dimming steps and a fully adjustable color temperature range from 2700K-6300K – and with an HIS full color mode with hue, saturation and brightness adjustment.

The FIVERAY FR100C has internal fans for cooling, which could be especially useful in high-temperature environments, has a 6-cell battery for 'hours' of illumination, and fast 120W PD charging via USB-C.

The FIVERAY FR100C is available now in white or black and costs $199 (about £165/AU$287)) on its own, or $249 (about £206/AU$359) with a 120W power adapter.

Read more:

• Best camera gimbals
• Zhiyun WEEBILL 2 review
• Best video tripods

Gimbal stabilizer brand Zhiyun has launched a new, compact smartphone gimbal called the Smooth Q4, which weighs just 370g. Building on the success of the Smooth Q3 (which was the first smartphone gimbal with a built-in light) it's aimed at those using their smartphone on the go.

The best gimbals now come in all shapes and sizes, but whether users find themselves wanting to shoot a lifestyle film or a live-stream for YouTube, the Smooth Q4 looks to be an improvement on its popular predecessor for smartphone shooters, thanks to a raft of new features...

Zhiyun Smooth Q4 specifications

• Dimensions: 181.7 x 107.7 x 56.3mm
• Weight: 370g
• Maximum battery run time: 15 hours
• Charging time: 2.5 hours
• Payload: 150g~280g

Zhiyun Smooth Q4 features

There's a new 3-axis stabilizer inside the Zhiyun Smooth Q4, designed to keep – as the name suggests – footage smooth while filming. The power of the motor has increased by 30% to improve stabilization further.

When it comes to handling, settings are change via a multi-functional control wheel – which should allow operation to be done with just one hand. Users press to adjust the brightness or slide to change the focal length. Zhiyun says that the Smooth Q4 has a "brand-new look for a better grip and easy packing. With the ergonomic design and smooth surface, the gimbal feels just great in your hand." The arm has been redesigned slightly, and most notably, photographers can switch between landscape and portrait mode in just one click. There's also an extendable rod that's built in, and at full length it reaches over 20cm. Could be good for reaching tricky angles or just fitting more of your pals in the frame.

The Smooth Q4's double-sided magnetic fill light (which is not included in the Smooth Q4 Standard Package but is included in a combo package) is rated at a neutral color temperature of 5500K and because it has four levels of adjustable brightness, users should be able to tailor to power to suit the environmental conditions and the atmosphere they want to create.

The Zhiyun Smooth Q4 works alongside Zhiyun's free ZY CAMI App, which has plenty of smart features to help photographers capture professional camera movements and footage, as well as filters, special effects and music.

The Zhiyun Smooth Q4 is available now, for an RRP of £119/$119/€129.

We'll be looking to review the Zhiyun Smooth Q4 very soon, but for now why not check out the Zhiyun Smooth 4, the Zhiyun Crane M3 and our expert buying guide to the best gimbals?

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The Zhiyun Crane M2S is the latest in a line of gimbals produced by Zhiyun. These devices enable you to pan, tilt and roll your camera to make smooth and steady camera moves. 

The Crane M2S is pitched as a multi-device gimbal which can handle everything from phones to mirrorless camera setups, though the Zhiyun website doesn't quote a maximum payload and retailer B&H lists the M2S as having a 2.2lb (1,000g) maximum, so a lightweight mirrorless camera with a light prime lens sounds like its limit. A compact camera like a Sony ZV-1 or a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III might be a better fit. We tested it with an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

With the advent of built-in smartphone stabilisation technology you may wonder if you need a gimbal at all. The iPhone 13 Pro Max that we used in our test is quite capable of capturing smooth handheld pans or tracking moves without needing to stabilise footage in a post-production app. 

However you may inadvertently rotate a handheld smartphone and create a tilted horizon. You’ll then need to straighten the horizon in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. Moreover, if you shoot using the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s wide angle camera then there is no built-in stabilisation available for that lens, so you will need to fix camera shake/wobble in post. 

The Crane M2S will keep your gimbal-mounted camera’s horizon looking horizontal at all times. It will also allow you to shoot striking wide-angle footage that’s much smoother than you could achieve handheld. Check out the test video that we shot to see the Crane M2S in action.

Specifications

Tilt Mechanical Range: 320°
Roll Mechanical Range: 320°
Pan Mechanical Range: 360°
Battery Runtime: Max 10h 35min (lab data)
Charging Time: 1h 41min (lab data)
Size (WxDxH): 240x68x150mm
Weight: 550g

Key features

We reviewed the Combo kit, which provides the Crane M2 S with an attractive and functional bag that’s designed to safely store the gimbal and all of its accessories (such as charging cables and even coloured gels that clip onto the built-in fill light to change its colour). 

To transport the gimbal safely you can lock its pan, tilt and roll motors using three separate red switches. However if you later forget to unlock one of the three motors the gimbal will instantly go into Sleep mode when you try to use it. This sleepiness did cause us to scratch our head for a few minutes when we took the Crane M2S on its first test shoot but all was well once we fully unlocked the three motors. 

The gimbal’s Menu button enables you to switch between shooting modes. Some modes such as Follow cause the gimbal to tilt and pan as you move it while others such as Pan Follow will pan but not tilt. 

There’s also a trigger button at the front that performs various functions. For example three rapid presses of the trigger cause the gimbal to pan 180 degrees so you can switch smoothly from front-facing subjects to shoot a selfie (and then rotate back again if need be). 

There’s also a red record button, but this will only trigger a mirrorless camera that’s physically attached to the gimbal via the supplied cable. For a smartphone you need to tap the onscreen record button manually. 

You can also slide a switch on the Crane M2S to turn on the built-in fill light which emits up to an impressive 1000 lumens of light. You can use the switch to change the brightness by five increments. 

Build and handling

The section of the gimbal that enables you to roll, tilt and pan your camera is made of metal. Each axis is controlled by a motor that produces a smooth movement. 

To make the motors perform to their optimum capacity you need to spend some set-up time balancing the camera/smartphone on the gimbal. This involves unlocking, sliding and then locking the camera in place so that it stays level. It should then be easy for the gimbal to tilt, roll and pan the balanced camera with the minimum of effort using its motors. 

The initial balancing process can be a challenge to master and Zhiyun’s support videos tend to be promotional rather than educational. However, we found that a quick YouTube search provided a comprehensive third-party step by step walkthrough on the set-up process.

The body of the gimbal is plastic, which helps keep its weight down to 549g. This also enables you to hold it for longer without getting arm ache when on a shoot. During our second test shoot we were startled to notice that the plastic joy-stick control knob had dropped off. Fortunately we found the detached knob in the gimbal’s bag and it clipped back onto the gimbal without any fuss. 

Performance

As you’ll see from our test footage, the Crane M2S can swoop your smartphone around smoothly and effortlessly. However, when we mounted a Panasonic GH5 with a 15-35mm lens the gimbal went to sleep within a few seconds, indicating that it wasn’t happy with the heavier camera load. 

The GH5 is listed as a compatible camera, but we’d be very cautious about recommending the Crane M2S for use with cameras of this size and weight. It can also be trickier to lock a larger camera in place on the gimbal as the camera’s wider body can stop you tightening some of the locking mounts.

However, when carrying our iPhone 13 Pro Max the Crane M2S performed perfectly. We enjoyed experimenting with the various modes, especially with the drone-style floating movement produced when shooting in POV mode. Modes such as Follow or Go cause the gimbal to pan and tilt, so you can intuitively produce interesting camera work that tells a story in a few seconds. 

Verdict

The double act of the Crane M2S and a smartphone can produce sweeping and gliding camera moves that are as slick and impressive as those featured in Hollywood movies. The gimbal’s different Menu modes enable you to perform complex camera moves such as tilts, pans and even drone-like banking manoeuvres (see the POV section in our test video). If you need to add some camera movement to your stock video clips then this gadget will certainly make your footage more marketable. 

On the downside, you might need to keep an eye on the plastic joystick knob to make sure it stays attached. The joystick isn’t essential but it does help you fine-tune the starting position of the gimbal for perfect composition.

Take you're cinematography to the next step with smooth transitions and cinematic movements that are shake-free with the Zhiyun Tech Crane 2S Pro gimbal that is now seeing an amazing price cut at B&H with a saving of $410 - that means you get this professional gimbal for just $439, that's an impressive 48% off.

See also: Best gimbals in 2022

A follow-up to the Crane 2, the Zhiyun-Tech Crane 2S Pro has been highly upgraded to better suit the needs of filmmakers. Featuring a new-generation 9th Instune Algorithm that improves the responsiveness of each axis, the Crane 2S is capable of stabilizing large cameras such as the Blackmagic Pocket 6K, Panasonic S1H, and Canon EOS 1DX Mark III along with accessories - making this gimbal the perfect tool for professional filmmakers that like to get on the move with their cine cameras, but are looking for the best stabilization possible, out of post-production.

Offering dedicated mounting points for attaching an optional Zhiyun-Tech TransMount transmitter or other accessories, including the new feature, vertical quick release mount that enables you to set your camera up vertically, making your you get those perfect shots for clients socials. Besides this, a new FlexMount system is used for mounting your camera as standard, this technology simplifies the mounting and setup process, while securing your camera with a double-safety mechanism. The axis-locking mechanism for balancing a camera has also been improved with a two-phase locking design. The axis-locking mechanism additionally ensures that there's no movement of the gimbal components during travel or storage.

The grip handle is made out of carbon fiber so the gimbal feels lighter in your hand, it also features and upgraded built-in handwheel on the side of the handle to allow for very low delay when controlling an add-on lens motor, sold separately, so you can make adjustments with more precision. 

No matter whether you're just stating out in your video career or are a seasoned professional a good gimbal can save a vast amount of time while shooting and later in the editing suite and this Zhiyun-Tech Crane 2S Pro bundle for just $439 is a great investment into your video career.

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Gimbal specialist Zhiyun has launched a brand new gimbal aimed at “high velocity, run-and-gun filmmakers”, with low weight and cost, advanced features and broad camera compatibility, handling everything from a smartphone to a mirrorless camera, such as a Sony A7 III with a small prime lens attached.

Despite advances in camera in-body stabilization, a gimbal is still the best way to get smooth footage while moving. A gimbal doesn’t just stabilize the camera, it smooths out fast movements when panning, tilting or walking/running with the camera.

Zhiyun already makes some of the best gimbals for filmmakers and video, is pitching the Crane-M2S between its Crane M-2 and Crane M3 models, providing more features than the Crane M-2 and a lower price than the Crane-M3.

The Crane-M2s weighs just 549g yet offers stronger motors and extended movement axes compared to the company’s existing Crane-2 model. It has a built-in 0.66-inch display for showing gimbal and camera status and offers a range of modes including Pan Follow, Follow, Lock, POV, Vortex, Go and more.

One of the key features of the Crane-M2S is its built in light with “Lumen Amplifier” for generating over 1000 lumens, and it offers five brightness settings and four color filters.

USB PD fast charging up to 12W is supported via USB-C connector, and Zhiyun says full it can be fully charged in just 100 minutes – and will then have a run-time of up to 10 hours. What’s more, if you connect a compatible camera via USB-C (for direct shutter control), the Crane M-2S can supply up to 5V/1A of power to the camera, extending its battery life.

The M-2S also has the quick release technology from Zhiyun’s flagship gimbals, with dual safety locks.

The Crane M-2S is available on its own for $269/£259 (about AU$369) from the Zhiyun store and Amazon, or as a Combo pack for USD$349/£329 (about AU$479), which includes a custom bag.

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The standout feature of the Zhiyun Crane M3 (aside from the fact that it's white) is its compact design. When you first take it out of the matching carry case it comes in, the size of the gimbal is quite exciting.  It's a lot lighter than the DJI RSC 2 so you'll be able to hold it for much longer without getting an achy wrist – a massive plus if you've ever had to use a gimbal for an extended period. 

We also loved the fact that it's able to take a mirrorless camera, a phone or an action camera, which makes it the perfect all-rounder especially if you want it for traveling. It also means that no matter what device you choose to shoot on, you'll always achieve smooth, professional-looking video. 

It comes with a built-in light that has three colored filters with it, and also has various modes including vortex and portrait mode. Everything about this gimbal seems great until it comes to balancing it, which is more than a little frustrating due to the clunky slide arms and stiff locks. 

It probably won't make its way into our list of best gimbals, though it would be interesting to test it with a smaller camera or even a phone or action camera (we tested it with a Sony A7 III, which is a fairly typical camera body).

Zhiyun Crane M3: Specifications

Weight: 730g
Dimensions: 24.1 x 155 x 72.5mm (folded)
Payload: 2.2 kg
Power: Li-Ion, USB charging, charging time 1.5hrs
Battery life: Up to 8 hours
Charging time: 2 hours
App: ZY Play

Zhiyun Crane M3: Key Features

Unlike other gimbals that have a minimum and maximum payload, the Zhiyun Crane M3 is designed to work with camera phones, action cameras and mirrorless cameras. It comes with an adjustable phone mount that could fit a phone in as big as the new iPhone 13 Pro Max. 

It also benefits from a built-in light capable of 800-lumen output, which is perfect for those moments where you need just a little more light and don't want to add extra weight by using an external LED panel. You can turn it on by holding down the wheel on the side and then change the brightness by rolling it up or down. 

The M3 also comes with an expansion base that can be screwed into the bottom of the gimbal. This includes a camera control port, a 6.5mm microphone input and a 1/4-inch screw. It seems like a helpful device, but we're not sure why the mic input isn't the standard 3.5mm jack you would find on a camera.

Zhiyun Crane M3: Handling and usability

To use any gimbal, you need to start by balancing it. Following the instructions provided by Zhiyun, we set about balancing the three axes – pan, tilt and roll. First we balanced the tilt axis, which was pretty straightforward – just a case of moving the camera backwards and forwards until you find that sweet spot and the camera stays balanced to the ground. 

Next up was the vertical balance of the tilt axis which is where we ran into our first issue: the rubber viewfinder on the camera would hit the back of the roll axis, and we couldn't properly balance it. 

The second issue we faced when adjusting the vertical tilt was using the spring-loaded screw to loosen the level mount. It felt like you almost needed three hands to complete the action – one to hold the gimbal, one to hold the camera in the correct position and one to untighten, twist the screw and move the camera up or down on the axis. We never managed to get the gimbal to balance with the lens facing use but found you could still use the gimbal regardless. 

None of the axes move particularly smoothly and the locking arms is quite stiff – almost so stiff that you feel like you might knock the balance when trying to lock them. 

Adjusting the pan and roll axes was much easier, and what you would expect from a gimbal. It was simply a case of moving the gimbal up and down or left and right then locking it into place. 

Once the gimbal is finally set up, it's easy to use and offers smooth, seamless movements. There are different modes you can select including pan follow, lock, follow, POV, Vortex and Portrait. You can also use the joystick to move the camera. All movements had to be pretty steady, though, otherwise you would risk knocking one of the slide arms with part of the camera. While for the most part that's fine, if you want to be really creative with your shots you might need to be able to do quick, moving transitions. 

One of the big advantages of the M3 over other gimbal systems is that you are able to swap the camera batteries without having to rebalance – which is a good job considering what a long, frustrating process it can be. The last thing you want on a shoot is to be spending as much time balancing it as you are shooting with it. If you just plan on shooting with one lens, you can pack down the gimbal in 'half storage' mode, which means when you want to shoot again you can just attach your camera and go. 

The display on the Zhiyun Crane M3 is a bright, 1.2-inch touchscreen that is responsive and bright. It makes it easy to navigate around the menu systems, and to go back you simply swipe toward the left of the screen.  

Zhiyun Crane M3: Verdict

At first glance the Zhiyun Crane M3 makes you want one. Not only does it stand out from other gimbals thanks to its white, black and red finish, it also feels really nice in your hand due to its weight. However, when you start to use the gimbal you realize why DJI gimbals are so popular. It was a frustrating process trying to get the gimbal balanced on all three axes, especially as the sliding arms weren't very smooth and the locking mechanisms were really tight. 

If you're a videographer who works with multiple devices, this gimbal would be a good choice – but if you are looking for something that is easier to balance (which is especially important if you change lenses a lot) there are better options out there. While the size of the handle is nice, the sliding axis feels a little small to deal with some of the bigger cameras it's compatible with.

If the size of the gimbal handle was kept the same, but the space between the sliding axis was slightly bigger, we would rate the gimbal a lot higher. The fact we couldn't get it to balance as instructed without the rubber viewfinder hitting the gimbal put it down a peg or two. 

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Zhiyun has launched its latest "small yet mighty" gimbal, the Zhiyun Crane M3 – a three-axis gimbal that's the size of a 500ml bottle of water and features a built-in LED fill light and touchscreen control. 

Designed for camera phones, action cameras and full-frame mirrorless cameras (with certain lenses), the Zhiyun Crane M3 claims compatibility with "over 90% of mirrorless cameras". 

• Read more: Zhiyun Crane M3 review

Indeed, Universal TransMount Quick Release plates are available for the Sony A7 III, Sony A7C, Sony A6000, Sony A7S, Sony ZV-E10, Canon EOS M50 / Canon EOS M50 Mark II, Nikon Z fc, Fujifilm X-S10 and Fujifilm XT-4.

Promising a better user experience than the previous Crane, the M3's quick-release design facilitates seamless changing between camera types – as well as fresh batteries – without the need for rebalancing.

Upgraded motors with increased torque should deliver improved stability, with a new 1.22-inch full color touchscreen enabling granular adjustments to follow speed as well as settings such as portrait, go-mode and vortex mode.

The built-in receiver at the base can be paired with a transmitter module for wireless Bluetooth control of certain camera bodies, with a control wheel and joystick (to manipulate roll, aperture, shutter and ISO) offer simple one-handed operation. 

The Zhiyun Crane M3's built-in LED fill light, powered by heat generated by the device, is rated at 800 lumen – at its 6W peak it delivers 2600-5400K color temperature with a 90+ CRI. Magnetic light filter accessories are also available, adding further control to the illumination. 

Professional microphones can be easily and directly connected to the M3's TransMount Expansion Base, removing the need to add cables or weight to the camera itself. The gimbal comes with TransMount Shotgun Microphone as standard, with a 6.5mm audio jack. 

The Zhiyun Crane M3 is available now, starting at $369 / £369 (Australian pricing TBC) for the standalone stabilizer.

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The Zhiyun Weebill 2 is a 3-axis gimbal for stabilising a range of cameras up to models like the Sony A7 III and Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens mounted. While it’s heavier than the Weebill-S its not as big or as heavy as the Zhiyun Crane 2S.

It has a similar upside-down L-shaped body compared to its predecessor, but the controls have been rearranged and there’s a new vari-angle touchscreen. There's a lot of competition in the DSLR and mirrorless camera gimbal market right now, and Zhiyun faces plenty of competition from DJI and FeiyuTech – and even Manfrotto has got in on the act with the Manfrotto MVG220 (actually a rebadged FeiyuTech).

Specifications

Tilt mechanical range: Max: + 190°, Min: -150°
Roll Mechanical Range: Max: +80°, Min: -260°
Pan Mechanical Range: 360º
Gimbal modes: Pan Follow, Locking, Point of View, Follow, Go, Vortex
Battery life: 9 hours
Dimensions: 35 x 22.5 x 15cm
Weight: 1.47Kg including the internal battery

Key features

The Weebill 2 has an Infineon sensor and an improved core algorithm plus upgraded motor torque to give it greater stabilising power. Zhiyun is always a bit cagey about payloads but the Weebill 2 is thought to be able to support a payload of up to around 4Kg. 

For the first time on a gimbal, the Weebill 2 has a 2.88-inch vari-angle colour touchscreen. This folds in against the horizontal section of the gimbal’s body and can be flipped out for use. It can display a menu of features, but when the gimbal is paired with Zhiyun’s TransMount Video Transmission Transmitter AI, it can also be used to view the scene and to monitor the SmartFollow object tracking. 

As usual, the Weebill 2 has a collection of stabiliser modes including Pan Follow, Lock, Follow, Point of View, Vortex, Go and Portrait. Pan Follow makes a good default choice but part of the skill in using a gimbal is selecting the right mode for the shooting situation.

Zhiyun supplies the Weebill 2 with a mini tripod that can be attached to the base of the grip during balancing and shooting when the gimbal is controlled remotely via the free Zhiyun smartphone app. with the legs closed in, this tripod is also useful as an extension to the handle. Alternatively, it can be attached to the end of the horizontal section of the gimbal to create a sling-style grip which is particularly useful for low-level shooting.

Build and handling

Slightly larger and around 500g heavier than its predecessor, the Weebill 2 also has a higher quality feel, a more ergonomic grip and a better control arrangement. The main grip, for example, is clear of controls and with the exception of the trigger button around the front, the controls are all on the left of the horizontal section. This makes them less likely to be pressed or nudged accidentally, but still easy to locate. However, left-handed users will not be so happy with the location of the controls.

As usual, after charging the Weebill 2’s battery, the first step in using it is to balance the camera on it. If you’ve not done this before, allow yourself 30 minutes, but it gets quicker and easier with practice. All the moving part sliding easily and smoothly so it doesn’t take long to find the correct balance point with each axis.

Performance

When it’s not in use the Weebill 2’s axis locks keep the arms neatly aligned for easier storage and transportation. There’s no annoying ‘chatter’ from the locks as you walk. The locks are also easy to use and, unlike the Weebill-S, they never seem to stick so you can unlock everything quickly.

Most importantly, the Weebill 2 does a really excellent job of stabilising the footage recorded on a camera like the Panasonic GH5 II or Sony A7 III. However, it seems quite a snug fit for a full-frame camera with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and you need to take care with the angle of the camera’s screen. 

Naturally, it pays to hold the gimbal steady, but it generally flatters your skills and smooths out the bounce, shake and wobble that happens when you walk with a camera. 

Verdict

Like any gimbal, the main purpose of the Weebill 2 is to produce more stable, better quality footage, and it does that well even in when it’s being carried over uneven ground. It also enables a wide range of creative opportunities to make the video more dynamic and interesting. 

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The Zhiyun WEEBILL 2 is a ‘reinvention’ of the company’s WEEBILL S DSLR gimbal, with a flip out touchscreen command center (screen) and trend-setting ‘industrial’ design.

The new 2.88-inch flip-out screen is rotatable and retractable, and offers  settings adjustments and, when used with the Video Transmission Transmitter AI, a live view of the scene being captured.

The WEEBILL 2 is designed for both mirrorless and DSLR camera and lens combinations, such as the Sony A7III with Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 lens, or the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with the Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8. 

It features Zhiyun’s Infineon ‘two-filter vector-splitting embedded sensor’ with upgraded motor torque and core algorithm. Modes include one-touch SMART FOLLOW and TIMELAPSE and GESTURE CONTROL, which can be applied via the touchscreen without having to use the ZY PLAY companion app.

Zhiyun’s MasterEye Visual Controller and Image Transmission is included  with the WEEBILL 2 Pro+ kit and eliminates the need for a separate monitor, image receiver and motion controller.  There’s also a the TransMount Image Transmission Transmitter AI, which supports up to 1080p and 60FPS output and a transmission distance up to 150m. 

Zhiyun WEEBILL 2 compatible cameras

• Sony: A9 II, A9, A7R4, A7R3, A7M3, A7S3, A7R2, A7M2, A7S2, Α7C, A6600, A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100

• Canon: 5D3, 5D4, 5DS, 5DS R, 6D, 6D2, 80D, 90D, M50, EOS R5, EOS M6 Mark 2, EOS R6, EOS R, EOS RP

• Nikon: D850, D780, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6 II, Z7 II, Z50

• Panasonic: G9, GH5, GH5S, S1, S1H, S5, DC-BGH1

• Fujifilm: X-T3, X-T4, X-T30

• Z CAM: ZCAM E2

• Blackmagic: BMPCC 4K, BMPCC 6K

• Sigma: SIGMA fp

• Olympus: OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Zhiyun WEEBILL 2 pricing

The WEEBILL 2 will be available in four kits:

• Standard ($549/£509/AU$899): Weebill 2, Handheld Tripod

• Combo ($649/£599/AU$1,049): Weebill 2, Handheld Tripod, Carrrying Case, Weebill 2 Sling Grip Handle

• Pro ($899/£809/AU$1,489): Weebill 2, Handheld Tripod, Weebill S Carrrying Case, Sling Grip Handle, Video Transmission Transmitter AI, Focus/Zoom Control Motor 2.0

• Pro+ ($TBC/£979/AU$TBC): Weebill 2, Handheld Tripod, Carrrying Case, Sling Grip Handle, Video Transmission Transmitter AI, Focus/Zoom Control Motor 2.0, MasterEye Visual Controller VC100

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The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 is the latest iteration of the company’s affordable smartphone Smooth Q range, but this third version does things a little differently. 

Physically it’s undergone something of a makeover, but not necessarily as you might have expected. Gone is the  aerospace grade aluminium alloy, replaced by a flimsy plasticky feel, but there’s been a definite upgrade to its ergonomics. Where the Smooth Q2 was straight and tube-like, the Q3 has a curved joystick look and feel. It’s got a relatively small handle, but it folds-up rather cleverly for extra mobility. However, the chief change is the addition of a fill-light that will make filming a piece to camera possible in all kinds of low light. 

So this is a gimbal for vloggers, right? Here’s everything you need to know about the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 gimbal and why it should help all kinds of filmmakers and content creators. 

Specifications

Compatibility: Smartphone (7-10mm thickness/280g max.)
Stabilization: 3-axis
Weight: 340g
Dimensions: Unfolded: 90x127x279mm folded: 45x154x180mm
Battery life (approx): 15 hours

Key features

The Smooth Q3 makes a serious attempt at becoming a filmmaker’s friend with its three-axis stabilization; it pans (300º), tilts (340º) and rolls (340º). Happily it can take weighty phones like the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung S21 Ultra, though only if they’re not wearing heavy-duty cases.

The diminutive handle’s button layout is clear and concise, with a thumb easily able to reach a small joystick and a zoom rocker on the side. Two more buttons swap from video to photos, and toggle around four stabiliser modes (PF, L, F and POV). On the reverse is a trigger button to reposition the smartphone, switch between portrait and landscape orientation, and enable both ‘PhoneGo’ (where the roll axis is locked) and SmartFollow 3.0 Object Tracking modes. On the right-hand side is a USB-C slot to refuel its battery. Sadly, it lacks two-way charging for the smartphone it’s hosting; shouldn’t gimbals be including wireless charging by now?  

Clearly the standout feature on the Smooth Q3 is its built-in 4,300k fill light, which forms the top of the smartphone clamp and can be toggled through three levels of brightness. Better still it can be rotated through 180° so it works just as well for filming through a smartphone’s front or rear cameras. 

In the box is a USB-C cable, a small detachable tripod, a protective bag and a wrist strap. Users also must download the ZY Cami app, which is oddly insistent on obtaining a user’s location and personal details.  

Performance and usability

Once it’s been balanced properly – and after spending some time learning its fairly intuitive controls – the Smooth Q3 hugely helps make video footage wobble-free while its novel fill-light proves useful. 

However, upon first hold of this gyroscopically balanced gimbal we noticed that its handle is small. Really small. Add the plasticky build and it felt akin to a children’s toy. The flip-side to that is that the Q3 is very easy to travel with; the entire gimbal collapses in half thanks to a slider. 

Its joystick is excellent. It ranges left, right, up and down smoothly and purposefully. However, the zoom is poor. It stutters as its switches between the lenses of a quad camera phone. Hopefully it’s because the app was in beta when we tested it. 

We do have issues with the ZY Cami app that tethers to the Smooth Q3. It’s obsessed with ‘glamour effects’ (quickly make your own face slimmer, smoother and rosier) and social media-style videos, with 17 ‘smart’ templates with titles such as ‘travel vlog’, ‘cute’ and ‘fall in love’ – mostly TikTok trash – though some are useful. 

Happily, the raw shooting experience is full-featured. You can set the ISO (up to 2500), shutter speed (all the way down to half a second), resolution and frame rate (up to 4K 60fps), film in slo-mo, time-lapse and dolly zoom, and take both timed and panoramic photos. The app also allows video creation, edits and sharing to social platforms. Although there’s a lot to unpack in the app, some functions – including remote control by another smartphone, online editing, and face-tracking during live-streaming – come under a subscription option. 

The fill-light, enabled by enabling ‘wakey’ in the app, is really easy to use and gives an even daylight effect across the frame. A long press switches it on and off while a short press toggles between three light levels. 

Verdict

This third generation is a seriously compact and travel-friendly upgrade on Zhiyun’s previous gimbals in the Smooth Q range. It’s clearly aimed at vloggers and Tik Tok users, but it’s got plenty of manual control for pro-users and, best of all, it’s just so intuitive to use. 

Sure, it’s solo filmmakers that will benefit most from its fairly impressive built-in fill-in light, but it’s nevertheless a feature that just as easily be used when using the front or rear cameras. We also loved its joystick, though there are things about the Smooth Q3 we’re not convinced about. The most obvious is its slightly flimsy feel – the flip-side to its lighter, foldable design – though it can take a bigger, heavier smartphone than before. 

We also discovered an issue with a jumpy zoom rocker and we’re not convinced that the ZY Cami app needs to collect as much personal data as it wants. But that app is comprehensive to say the least, and helps make the Smooth Q3 an overall impressive addition to the brand’s enormous range of gimbals for every scenario. 

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Zhiyun-Tech has launched the Zhiyun Smooth-Q3, the third iteration of its consumer-oriented Smooth-Q smartphone gimbal and the first smartphone stabilizer we know of to incorporate an adjustable fill light.

The addition of a fill light turns the Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 into the perfect tool for vlogging, offering three levels of brightness for better lit video footage and more flattering selfies. The 4,300K warm-toned light features touch-button control for instant front or rear lighting.

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The Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 is lighter than its predecessor, the Smooth-Q2, weighing 340g compared to 450g. It is also easier to fold and boasts a higher maximum payload of 280 grams compared to 260 grams, although battery life is a little shorter, at 15 hours compared to 17 hours. The Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 can charge from empty in three hours.

Like its cheaper Zhiyun Smooth X and Zhiyun Smooth XS siblings, the Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 uses the ZY Cami app for video, giving you access to new features such as SMART templates, which lets you use music, special effects and filters to create professional-looking videos in an instant.

Other features include gesture control, SmartFollow 3.0 Object Tracking, an instant Dolly Zoom, and MagicClone Pano, which is operated using a single press trigger button to mark the target and activate smart following. Other neat tricks include triple tapping the trigger to instantly switch between portrait and landscape modes. 

The Zhiyun Smooth-Q3 is available priced at $89 / £85 or $109 / £105 for the combo pack, which includes the Smooth-Q3, charging cable, tripod, protective bag, VIP card and wrist strap. At this price it looks to be in direct competition with the likes of the Feiyutech Vimble 2, the Feiyutech VLOG Pocket and the Moza Mini-S.

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The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a high-end gimbal that's built for smartphones, but looks like – and performs like – semi pro DSLR camera gear. Obviously created to challenge and undercut the likes of the DJI OM4, Zhiyun’s Smooth 4 goes for a lower price. 

It’s a big effort, both feature-wise and physically. A superbly solid-feeling three-axis gimbal that can pan, tilt and roll, the Smooth 4 weighs-in at 547g and stretches to 328mm in length. So it’s a candidate for shoving into (and probably strapping to the outside of) a camera backpack. 

Elsewhere in the box is a USB-A to USB-C cable for recharging the Smooth 4 via a USB-C slot beside the control panel and an excellent little tripod. Weighing 71g and with three legs each 114mm long, it provides an exceptionally sturdy platform for the Smooth 4 while also being simple to twist-off to easily pocket. It attaches to the Smooth 4 via a standard 1/4-inch thread.  

Specifications

Compatibility: Smartphone (65 to 82mm width)
Stabilization: 3-axis
Dimensions: 123x105x328mm
Weight: 560g
Battery life (approx): 10 hours

Key features

The Smooth 4 is a 3-axis gimbal that pans (though 300°), tilts and rolls (both 240°), though the smartphone payload it can handle is surprisingly slight. Sure, it can take most mainstream smartphones, but it checks-out at 210g, which excludes the very largest ‘phablet’ smartphones including the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (228g) and Samsung S21 Ultra (229g). Since they’re both smartphones that photographers and videographers adore, that’s plain weird, though plenty of the best phablets do weigh under 210g. 

Although the Smooth 4’s click wheel doesn’t offer joystick-style control for making manual moves, its control panel is otherwise excellent. It’s large and roomy, with plenty of dedicated buttons including for pan-following, for quickly taking a still photo, and for locking the Smooth 4 so it can be used simply as a tripod. 

On the left-hand side of the control panel is a tactile wheel that can be used to either focus or to zoom in and out, with a dedicated button to swap between the two. It’s super-smooth to use. Just behind the control button is a rocker that can be used to follow, or to do so more quickly in’ phone go’ mode. 

However, the Smooth 4 omits one feature that it really ought to offer; face-tracking, which its cheaper cousin the Smooth XS includes for a lower price. It’s not a huge issue, but it’s a surprise not to see it here. 

Performance and usability

The Smooth 4 isn’t all that easy to fire-up. Getting a smartphone into a balanced position is reasonably simple thanks to a small lock wheel, but we had problems getting the ZY Play app to connect to the Smooth 4 via Bluetooth. It worked eventually, though the next time we used it the link wasn’t made instantly; it’s all a bit too manual for our liking. 

That app is pleasingly tech-savvy. It offers a ton of semi-pro features like time-lapse, hyper-lapse, long exposures, panoramic photos and an excellent motion time-lapse mode. With HDR, filters, scene modes, a ton of manual tweaks and an ability to shoot in up to 4K 60fps, its interface is simple and easy to navigate using the plethora of shortcut buttons on the gimbal’s comprehensive control panel. However, there is a learning curve. 

In use the Smooth 4 lives up to its name, helping create fluid and stable footage across all axes thanks to its dependable build quality. Kudos in particular goes to the wheel on the side of the column, which makes it easy to fine-tune a shot. Its function can be swapped between focus pull and zoom using a shortcut on the control panel’s click wheel.

One thing that the Smooth 4 has in spades is battery power, with its 2,000mAh lithium-ion power pack good for a 10-hour shoot. That’s something less to worry about, but it gets better. The Smooth 4 allows for two-way charging, making it possible to attach the in-situ smartphone to a micro USB slot hidden on the tilt axis arm. That makes it possible to charge-up the Smooth 4 and your smartphone simultaneously – most likely from a battery pack in your pocket – though why Zhiyun chose to use the ageing micro USB specification is a mystery. 

Verdict

An effective stabilization solution at a low price, the Smooth 4 includes plenty of on-body controls, chief of which is a wheel for focusing or zooming. Tactile and easy to use, the Smooth 4 teams-up with the excellent ZY Play app to create time-lapses, panoramic photos and motion-lapses. An excellent build quality and enviable ease of use helps make this a standout choice for any smartphone content creator user looking for a prosumer DSLR-like gimbal experience.  

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The Zhiyun Smooth XS is perfect if this sounds like you: you adore TikTok, YouTube and Instagram and you wish there was a small, compact gimbal-cum-selfie stick to help you produce slicker-looking novelty videos without you having to lug around a load of gear. If none of that applies to you then look away now because the Zhiyun Smooth XS seems aimed at this specific demographic of social media users.

Sure, it’s super lightweight and foldable for travel, and can perch on any tripod, but if you’re tempted to invest in this – one of the smallest smartphone gimbals on the market – then you need to know more about what it does and doesn’t do. 

Specifications

Compatibility: Smartphone between 50 to 90mm width
Stabilization: 2-axis
Battery life (approx): 5.5 hours (1,000mAh)
Dimensions: with center post extended: 260x57x56mm, folded: 188x61x56mm
Weight: 249g

Key features

Compact and lightweight gimbals with premium features don’t exist, and the Smooth XS doesn’t change that. It weighs just 249g and shrinks down to a mere 188mm long, but though it’s the smallest smartphone gimbal around, it’s not easily pocketable (despite what the maker claims). 

At its most foldable its central column slides down behind its handle, though it’s easily extended once you’re out in the field. A clamp takes smartphones up to 90mm in width and 235g in weight. Once in position you can unfurl a telescopic selfie stick to increase its reach by 260mm. Either way, once you’ve downloaded the accompanying – and oddly compulsory – ZY Cami app, the Smooth XS offers 290° pan and 268° roll, but no tilt. 

Its most obvious exterior feature is an ergonomic, though relatively small, handle. It sports a small orange joystick and some buttons all within the reach of a thumb. There’s a USB-C slot on the clamp’s slider to beef-up its internal 1,000mAh battery, which should give about 5.5 hours of use. 

Also in the box is a small tripod, a hand strap, a USB-C cable for recharging, and a 130x235mm drawstring bag that, slightly confusingly, is softer on the outside than on the inside.  

Performance and usability

The initial device activation process is unpleasant. The ZY Cami app turns out to be compulsory and needlessly intrusive; Zhiyun requires your email address, a long password and even your location to set-up an account… just to keep a smartphone stable? That’s ludicrous and off-putting, a bit like the app itself, which focuses on ‘glamour’ filters, emoji-strewn templates and selfie-centric video options. 

However, it also features slo-mo, time-lapse, a panoramic photo mode, timed photo capture and tweaks to ISO, shutter speeds, resolution and frame rate. Being locked into one app – particularly one this novelty-obsessed – won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does the job if all you want to do is create creative videos. 

Once it has a smartphone in position and a Bluetooth 5.0 link is established, the Smooth XS comes to life. Its curved handle is just big enough, and while this gimbal has a slight, light and plasticky feel, it’s ergonomics are impressive. There’s an anti-slip pad under the thumb and even an indent on the reverse to rest an index finger. Below the joystick for manual movements is a mode button and a record button while on the side is a zoom trigger. 

Power it on and it goes into the default pan/follow mode, which can be locked by a tap of the mode button. A double-tap toggles the Smooth XS between landscape and portrait mode, a triple-tap between video and photo mode. You can also flip it over for a low angle shot. 

Of course, the Smooth XS’s two motors limits it to two-axis stabilisation – pan and roll (but not tilt) – though it does have two intriguing hands-free modes. One is reliant only on hardware; in the box is a small tripod, which offers three 117mm legs. It attaches to a 1/4-inch tripod thread on the bottom of the handle. The second is a ‘wave’ hand gesture that takes a photo or starts a video. It’s also possible to track a face within a frame, which is handy if you want to put the Smooth XS on its tripod and have it follow your ugly mug. 

Verdict

A more compact and ergonomic upgrade to the Zhiyun Smooth X, its outward appearance and key features point to the Smooth XS being solely a lifestyle product for vloggers and social media fanatics. It’s definitely that, but at its core the Smooth XS comes with plenty of useful and reliable features. Sure, it offers only pan and roll – no tilt – but it’s priced accordingly, while the built-in selfie stick comes in seriously useful while vlogging. The compact tripod and built-in thread also helps this product feel like it could have been an all-rounder for all kinds of smartphone users – if it wasn’t for that compulsory app. 

A compact yet feature-packed gimbal, the Smooth XS is ideal as a ‘my-first-gimbal’ for vloggers after some travel-friendly smartphone stablization on the road, though most will be disappointed to be tethered to a compulsory app that’s hungry for your personal data and offers mostly novelty features in return. Zhiyun’s walled garden approach is a shame because the Smooth XS has the features to be considered a good value all-round gimbal for all kinds of smartphone users. 

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The Zhiyun Crane 2S is one of a series of hand-held stabilising gimbals that's well-known amongst videographers, and this model is aimed at DSLR or mirrorless camera users. 

The Crane 2S is lighter than the Zhiyun Crane 3S which is for bigger cinema and DSLR camera systems, but can still accommodate a hefty camera like the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III as well as smaller models like the Sony A6600. Zhiyun does not, however, quote a maximum payload.

Specifications

Pan range: 360°
Tilt range: -91° to +155°
Roll range: -57.5° to +237.5°
Power: 3x 2600mAh rechargeable batteries supplied
Weight: 1.88g (excluding tripod and batteries)

Key features

As a 3-axis stabiliser, the Crane 2S has three motors to control the movement of the camera. As well as ironing out the wobble of hand-held footage, these can make deliberate movements such as a smooth pan or a corkscrew-like rotation.

Mindful that filmmakers often have to swap between a gimbal and a tripod, the Crane 2S’s quick release plate is compatible with tripod heads that accept Manfrotto 500PLong plates. Also, thanks to the Flex Mount system, it’s easy to switch to vertical shooting on the Crane 2S.

Bluetooth connectivity is built in to enable the Crane 2S to connect with a smartphone running Zhiyun’s ZY Play app. The app lets you control the gimbal remotely, making smooth movements using the motors.

Build and handling

After charging the batteries, assembling the Crane 2S and mounting the camera, the first step before using the gimbal is to balance it and use the Auto Tune feature. This is a straightforward and logical process, and the adjustments are easy to make, but allow 20-30 minutes the first time you do it. 

Unlike some smaller gimbals, the Crane 2S has plenty of clearance around the average full-frame mirrorless camera and there’s a good range of adjustment to get the balance just right. 

If your camera doesn’t have a vari-angle screen, the Crane 2S’s rear roll motor may obscure it on the back of the camera, but there are a couple of solutions. The first is attaching a monitor to the Crane’s 2S’s accessory connector – but that adds extra weight. The alternative is to take out a removable section of the arm, lowering the motor. It’s a fiddly process that needs to be done with care.

At 1.88Kg without the batteries or mini tripod which doubles as a handle extension, it takes some muscle power to use the Crane 2S on a long shoot. However, that weight is because of its solid build and strong motors.

Performance

Ideally, the camera should be balanced in the gimbal with it set-up exactly as you intend to use it, but inevitably, as soon as you start shooting you realise that the screen needs to be tilted to a slightly different angle, the neutral density filter that you thought you’d need isn’t required and you need to zoom in a bit. The Crane 2S takes this kind of thing in its stride, keeping the camera level and steady.

There are six stabilisation modes to choose from, Pan Follow (PF), Locking (L), Following (F), Full-Range POV (POV), Vortex (V) and Go. These are selected by single, double or triple-pressing the M button or using the trigger button (Full Follow mode), and the active mode is shown on the small screen. It takes a while to get to grips how to access each option and which to use when, but Pan Follow is good default choice.

The Crane 2S does a great job of compensating for the bounce and swing that is normally introduced when walking with the camera, transforming jerky footage into smooth, watchable video. It means you can walk or run with a subject, keeping them tightly framed in front, behind or alongside the camera.

Vortex mode creates corkscrew rotations which can be effective or nauseating depending upon how you apply it and the strength of your stomach.

Verdict

There are smaller, lighter and more affordable gimbals but the Crane 2S is a reliable piece of kit that helps you create steady footage in a variety of situations. It’s also versatile, letting you swap between different cameras and ways of shooting with ease. After a few hours of use, you forgive the extra weight and enjoy exploring new creative opportunities. 

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The Zhiyun Crane has always been one of the best gimbal stabilizers for use with big camera set-ups, but the latest Crane 2S offers a great load capacity and more shooting flexibility than its predecessor.

Designed primarily for use with DSLRs and mirrorless camera set-ups, the Crane 2S is the successor to the popular Crane 2 – and with the three-axis motorized gimbal designed to handle larger cameras such as the BMPCC 6K, Panasonic S1H, and Canon EOS 1DX Mark II. No maximum payload is given, as the set-up depends as much upon the size of the camera being used. The weight of the gimbal is 1.88kg (4.1lbs).

The new larger 0.96-inch OLED screen in the CRANE 2S offers a wider view that enable you to navigate through the entire menu system and switch between modes swiftly. Three detachable 18650-type lithium ion batteries are said to give a maximum running time of over 12 hours.

A new feature, is that the gimbal can now he used for vertical shooting - without the need for additional accessories.

The Crane 2S is equipped with multiple mounting points: a 1/4" screw hole on the back of the quick release base plate for the camera to shift between different devices such as sliders and video tripods. Two 1/4" screw holes with crown gear and a 3/8" screw hole on the gimbal for creative adaptation. The TransMount Image transmitter can directly slide into the bottom of quick release base plate without screws

Zhiyun’s Crane 2S provides six gimbal modes which promise "buttery smooth movement", satisfying all demands from basic to advanced: pan following, locking, following, full-range POV, Vortex mode, and Go mode. Advanced cinematic effects include Panorama, Timelapse, Motionlapse, and Long Exposure Timelapse modes.

The Zhiyn Crane 2S will be available in three different configurations from the end of August, with prices starting at $599/£599.

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