Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a professional-grade 3-axis gimbal stabilizer designed for smartphones, enabling users to capture smooth, cinematic footage. It features a dedicated control panel, a large focus/zoom handwheel, and various intelligent shooting modes to enhance mobile filmmaking.

Image 1.1: Zhiyun Smooth 4 Gimbal Stabilizer with included accessories.

2. Product Components

The Smooth 4 stabilizer consists of several key components:

• Gimbal Body: The main structure housing the motors and control system.
• Phone Holder: Adjustable clamp to securely hold your smartphone.
• Control Panel: Integrated buttons and a joystick for various functions.
• Focus/Zoom Handwheel: Large side-mounted wheel for precise control over focus and zoom.
• Trigger Button: Located on the back of the handle for quick mode changes.
• Tripod: A mini tripod for stable placement or extended grip.
• USB Type-C Port: For charging the gimbal and charging the smartphone.

Image 2.1: Detailed view of the Smooth 4 control panel and handwheel.

3. Setup Guide

3.1 Initial Charging

Before first use, fully charge the Smooth 4 using the provided USB Type-C cable. Connect the cable to the gimbal's charging port and a USB power adapter (not included). The indicator lights will show charging status.

3.2 Mounting Your Smartphone

1. Extend the phone holder arms.
2. Insert your smartphone into the holder. Ensure the phone is centered and securely gripped. Remove any phone cases for optimal balancing.

3.3 Balancing the Gimbal

Proper balancing is crucial for optimal performance and battery life. Follow these steps:

1. With the phone mounted, adjust the roll axis arm until the phone remains level when released.
2. Adjust the tilt axis arm until the phone stays horizontal without motor assistance.
3. Ensure the phone is balanced in all three axes before powering on the gimbal.

3.4 App Installation and Connection

Download the ZY Play app from your smartphone's app store (iOS 9.0 or higher, Android 5.0 or higher). Power on the Smooth 4, then open the ZY Play app and connect via Bluetooth. The app provides access to advanced features and settings.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Power On/Off

Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to power on or off the gimbal.

4.2 Control Panel Functions

Image 4.1: Overview of the Smooth 4 control panel.

• Menu/Return Button: Access menus or return to the previous screen in the app.
• Parameter Display Button: View current settings.
• Zoom/Focus Handwheel: Rotate to zoom in/out or adjust focus.
• Focus Switch Button (FN): Press to toggle between zoom and focus control for the handwheel.
• Video Button: Start/stop video recording.
• Photo Button: Take a still photograph.
• Mode Switch Slider: Slide up for Pan-Following (PF) mode, slide down for Locking (L) mode.
• PhoneGo Mode Button: Activates PhoneGo mode for rapid scene transitions.

4.3 Focus Pull & Zoom

The large handwheel on the side allows for precise control. Press the FN button to switch between focus adjustment and zoom control. This enables cinematic effects such as dolly zoom (Vertigo Shot).

Image 4.2: Focus Pull & Zoom capability using the handwheel.

4.4 Intelligent Shooting Modes

The Smooth 4 offers various modes for creative filmmaking:

• PhoneGo Mode: Engages the motors at full speed for instant scene transitions, capturing fast-moving objects without delay.
• Vertigo Shot: Achieves a dolly zoom effect by simultaneously zooming and moving the camera.
• POV Orbital Shot: Allows the camera to rotate along the roll axis for a dynamic perspective.
• Roll-angle Time Lapse: Creates time-lapse videos with a rotating camera angle.
• TimeLapse, Hyperlapse, Motionlapse: Customize unique time-flow footage, capturing movements and objects over time.

Image 4.3: Time-lapse capabilities of the Smooth 4.

Image 4.4: PhoneGo Mode for instant scene transitions.

4.5 Object Tracking

The ZY Play app allows the Smooth 4 to track objects and human faces with high precision. Simply frame the desired object on the screen, and the gimbal will automatically follow its movement.

Image 4.5: Object Tracking feature in the ZY Play app.

4.6 Two-Way Charging

The Smooth 4 features a USB Type-C port that allows it to charge your smartphone while shooting, extending your filming time. It also supports charging the gimbal itself via the same port.

Image 4.6: Two-way charging functionality.

4.7 App Compatibility

The ZY Play app offers varying feature availability depending on whether you are using an iOS or Android device. Refer to the compatibility chart for details.

Image 4.7: Feature compatibility for iOS and Android devices.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

Wipe the gimbal with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents that may damage the surface or internal components.

5.2 Storage

Store the Smooth 4 in its original packaging or a protective case when not in use. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

5.3 Battery Care

To prolong battery life, fully charge the gimbal at least once every three months, even if not in regular use. Avoid completely draining the battery frequently.

6. Troubleshooting

• Gimbal not powering on: Ensure the battery is charged. Connect to a power source and try again.
• Gimbal motors vibrating or unstable: Re-check phone balancing. Ensure the phone is securely mounted and the gimbal is properly balanced before powering on. Perform a motor calibration via the ZY Play app if the issue persists.
• Bluetooth connection issues: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone. Restart both the gimbal and the ZY Play app. If issues continue, try restarting your phone.
• App features not working: Verify your smartphone's operating system meets the minimum requirements (iOS 9.0+, Android 5.0+). Check the compatibility chart (Image 4.7) for feature availability on your specific device. Ensure the ZY Play app is updated to the latest version.
• Phone not charging from gimbal: Ensure the USB Type-C cable is correctly connected to both the gimbal and the phone. Check the gimbal's battery level.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty Information

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 comes with a 12-month limited warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and issues arising from normal use. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact Zhiyun customer service.

9. Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or warranty claims, please visit the official ZHIYUN website or contact their customer service department. You can often find helpful tutorials and FAQs on their support pages.

ZHIYUN Store Link: Visit the ZHIYUN Store on Amazon