Another Stabiliser from Zhiyun - for smartphones this time.

Zhiyun has launched the SMOOTH 5S AI Stabilizer for smartphone video makers. With advanced AI tracking technology, this gimbal provides stabilization and operation for capturing smooth and professional-quality footage with users’ smartphones.

And yes, it has ‘AI’ (as seemingly most new devices these days do.

According to Zhiyun, the SMOOTH 5S AI features intelligent algorithms, enabling precise and accurate subject tracking. These advanced algorithms continually adjust the gimbal based on the subject’s movements, ensuring consistently sharp and clear footage. Users make professional-grade video effortlessly – always in focus and blur-free. There is also an an advanced AI tracker, with a magnetic attachment that allows it to be swiftly rotated to control a smartphone’s front or rear camera. With intuitive gesture control, users can easily manage tracking functions. The tracker allows simple hand gestures to start and stop shooting via ZHIYUN’s ZY Cami App, or by directly controlling a smartphone camera, as well as controlling custom framing and tracking. This makes long-distance solo video recording effortless and helps users capture wonderful moments that would normally be missed.

Zhiuyun go on to say the orthogonal 3-axis structure, provides true 360° rotation, and immersive visual effects such as “Vortex Mode”. It delivers incredibly smooth and stable shots, whether capturing fast-paced action or calm cinematic scenes. 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 easy-to-reach tactile controls provide the kind of professional parameter adjustments normally found on high-end cameras. These physical controls – buttons, dials, joysticks, switches, and so on – ensure users can quickly choose exactly the settings they need for the best shot, without taking their eyes off the action.

A sleek new visual design elevates the aesthetics of the SMOOTH 5S AI. The axis arms are crafted with textured translucent material to enhance the sensory experience. The handle’s gradient texture and silicone coating improve grip and comfort. The SMOOTH 5S AI provides both aesthetic appeal and ergonomic functionality.

There is also a built-in high-power fill light which boasts an impressive peak illuminance of 680 lux. Two additional magnetically-attached fill lights can add their power to provide a combined peak illuminance of 2040 lux – rivaling even dedicated pocket-sized fill lights. Subjects are clearly but sensitively illuminated, capturing every detail while making them look their best.

I don’t have the Australian pricing as yet, but the USD$ for the standard unit is $169, for the combo (with the AI Tracker included) is $219 and for the Pro version which includes the tracker, lights and a storage bag, $249.

I expect to have a review unit in the very near future.