Zhiyun Smooth 5 Gimbal

What's in the Box

• SMOOTH 5 Gimbal x1
• USB Type-C Cable x1
• Quick Start Guide x1
• Wrist Strap x1
• Protective Bag x1
• Fill Light Diffuser x4 (Combo package)
• SMOOTH 5 Extended Grip (Combo package)
• SMOOTH 5 Filter (Combo package)
• SMOOTH 5 VIP Card x1 (Combo package)

Note: Items marked with "*" are included in the SMOOTH 5 COMBO package.

Gimbal Overview and Controls

Familiarize yourself with the key components and controls of the Smooth 5:

1. Power Button: Press and hold to turn on/off. Short press to sleep/wake.
2. Mode Button: Cycles through PF (Pan Follow), L (Lock), F (Follow), POV (Point of View), and V (Vortex).
3. Joystick: Controls gimbal movement (pan, tilt, roll).
4. Record Button: Starts/stops video recording.
5. Shutter Button: Takes photos or starts/stops video recording (depending on mode).
6. Zoom Rocker: Controls digital zoom or focus (if supported).
7. Side Focus Wheel: Controls focus or zoom.
8. USB Type-C Port: For charging and firmware updates.
9. Mounting Slot: For attaching accessories.
10. Phone Clamp: Secures your smartphone.
11. Axis Arms: Allow for folding and adjustment.
12. LED Fill Light: Provides additional lighting.
13. Control Panel: Houses various buttons and indicators.
14. Battery Indicator: Shows remaining battery life.
15. 1/4" Screw Hole: For mounting on tripods or other supports.
16. FN Button: Customizable function button.
17. LED Indicator: Shows gimbal status.
18. Battery Compartment: Houses the rechargeable battery.
19. Lock Switches: Secure each axis during transport.
20. USB Output Port: For charging accessories.
21. Type-C Input Port: For charging the gimbal.
22. Phone Holder: Holds the smartphone securely.
23. SMOOTH 5 Logo
24. SMOOTH 5 COMBO Logo

Getting Started

Charging the Gimbal

Connect the USB Type-C cable to the gimbal's charging port and a power adapter. The battery indicator will show the charging status. The Smooth 5 supports PD fast charging.

Mounting Your Smartphone

1. Unfold the gimbal and unlock the axes.
2. Place your smartphone into the phone clamp, ensuring it is centered and secure.
3. Adjust the clamp to fit your phone's width.

Balancing the Gimbal

Proper balancing is crucial for optimal performance:

1. Tilt Axis: Loosen the tilt lock. Adjust the phone's position forward or backward until it stays in place when released.
2. Roll Axis: Ensure the phone remains horizontal. Adjust the roll motor if necessary.
3. Pan Axis: Unlock the pan axis. The phone should stay centered when gently pushed left or right.

Tip: Balance each axis individually before proceeding to the next.

Gimbal Modes and Operation

The Smooth 5 offers various shooting modes accessible via the Mode button:

• PF (Pan Follow): Allows the gimbal to follow horizontal movements.
• L (Lock): Locks all axes, keeping the camera fixed in one direction.
• F (Follow): Allows the gimbal to follow both horizontal and vertical movements.
• POV (Point of View): Provides a 360° roll axis rotation for dynamic shots.
• V (Vortex): Enables creative 360° barrel rolls.

Using the Joystick:

• Up/Down: Tilt the camera up/down.
• Left/Right: Pan the camera left/right.
• Roll Axis (via side wheel): Roll the camera left/right.

Using the Control Panel:

• Record Button: Press to start/stop recording.
• Shutter Button: Press to take a photo.
• Zoom Rocker: Push up/down to zoom in/out.
• FN Button: Customizable for quick access to functions like ISO, White Balance, or Focus.
• MENU Button: Accesses the gimbal's settings menu.

SMOOTH 5 COMBO Features

The COMBO package includes additional accessories for enhanced functionality:

• Fill Lights: Magnetic fill lights that attach to the gimbal for improved illumination.
• Extended Grip: Provides a more comfortable and stable grip for two-handed operation.
• Filters: Various filters for creative effects.

ZHIYUN Apps

The Smooth 5 is compatible with ZHIYUN's mobile applications for advanced control and features:

• ZY Cami App: Offers features like intelligent shooting modes, gesture control, time-lapse, motion-lapse, and parameter adjustments.
• StaCam App: Provides professional camera controls and advanced editing tools.

Connecting to the App:

1. Download and install the ZY Cami or StaCam app from your device's app store.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
3. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair with the Smooth 5 gimbal.
4. The gimbal's USER ID will be displayed in the app for connection.

App Features:

• SMART Mode: Access pre-programmed shooting templates.
• Parameter Settings: Adjust camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance.
• Gesture Control: Control gimbal movements with hand gestures.
• Time-lapse/Motion-lapse: Create stunning time-lapse sequences.
• LUT Support: Apply custom Look-Up Tables for color grading.

Advanced Features and Troubleshooting

Firmware Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates via the ZHIYUN website or the ZY Cami app to ensure optimal performance and access new features.

Gimbal Tools

The "Zhiyun Gimbal Tools" application can be used for firmware updates and diagnostics.

IMU Calibration

If you experience drifting or instability, perform an IMU calibration through the ZY Cami app or Gimbal Tools.

Calibration Steps:

1. Place the gimbal on a flat, stable surface.
2. Open the ZY Cami app and navigate to the calibration section.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the calibration process. This typically involves placing the gimbal in different orientations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Gimbal not turning on: Ensure the battery is charged.
• Unstable footage: Re-balance the gimbal and check for firmware updates.
• App connection issues: Verify Bluetooth is enabled and the app is updated. Restart both the gimbal and the app.

Technical Specifications

Battery Performance Example:

• Up to 4.5 hours of continuous use under typical conditions.
• Up to 25 hours in standby mode.
• Charging time: Approx. 2 hours for a full charge.
• Charging with 5V/2A adapter: Approx. 4 hours.

Safety and Compliance

Safety Precautions:

• Do not disassemble or modify the gimbal.
• Avoid exposing the gimbal to extreme temperatures or moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Ensure proper balancing before operation.

RoHS Compliance:

This product complies with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives, indicating reduced levels of hazardous materials such as Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr+6), Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE).