△ Many memorable moments in life can be recorded more realistically and vividly by video than by photos. Today's mobile phone products with increasingly powerful camera functions also lay a solid foundation for high-quality video recording. Many mobile phones can even meet the recording requirements of 4K ultra clear video. However, recording video has higher requirements than ordinary photography, and the stability of the picture will also directly affect the effect of film production. How can ordinary consumers shoot stable and smooth videos with their mobile phones? The Smooth II three-axis stabilizer launched by Zhiyun is a good companion for mobile phone video shooting. It can help mobile phones become professional cameras and easily shoot smooth video images.

△ Many friends have experienced this experience when recording videos on their mobile phones. They steadily hold their mobile phones and take the devil's pace to shoot, but the pictures they finally get still seem to be swinging around on a ship. Exporting them to a computer is even more dizzy. Even mobile phones with optical anti shake function can only slow down a certain amount of jitter when shooting video, which cannot be completely eliminated. This is because the mobile phone is limited by its size, and the optical anti shake mechanism is only a lens that can move slightly. It is easy to overload and lose effect for large amplitude vibration during video shooting. The Zhiyun Smooth II has an excellent three-axis stabilization system, and the three-axis motors cooperate with each other during the shooting process, so that the horizontal, vertical, and vertical The tilting movement can be effectively filtered, and finally a smooth professional video effect can be obtained.

△ Zhiyun Smooth series is one of the few stabilizers specially designed for mobile phones. As the second generation mobile phone stabilizer of Zhiyun, Smooth II has not only significantly improved its body technology and control, but also greatly strengthened and expanded its functions, which can be said to be the highest level of mobile phone stabilizer at present. Zhiyun Smooth II has also added the Bluetooth function this time. Later, with the customized APP, it can control the photo taking of the mobile phone, and adjust the parameters of the Smooth II with the mobile phone, so as to better expand the use needs of different scenes.

△ Smooth II can match 6.4 inch mobile phones with different specifications, even small micro orders. The strong torque motor used for the three axes has very low noise when working. With the cooperation of the honeycomb core algorithm independently developed by Zhiyun, it can quickly control the posture of the PTZ, and can accurately compensate and cancel even when encountering transient disturbances. The overall size and weight of the Smooth II is not too large, and 395g (without batteries) can be easily carried outside. As a stabilizer priced over 2000 yuan, it would be more perfect if you could generously provide a special storage bag, which would better protect the stabilizer.

△ The whole body is made of aluminum alloy, presenting a delicate and restrained scientific and technological texture, while giving consideration to both weight and durability. In order to obtain a better feel, the surface of the fuselage is carved with concave convex spray texture, and sandblasting process is used to play a good anti-skid role. The word "Zhiyun" on the outside of the pitch axis motor is a striking design, which is eye-catching but not overly publicized with high recognition.

△ In terms of power supply, 1 18650 battery is used, which has good endurance performance. At the same time, it supports the charging function of the fuselage, and can further extend the endurance time in cooperation with the charging bank. The micro USB charging port of the Smooth II can also be used to upgrade the firmware to improve the stability during operation. A 1/4 universal screw port is also set at the bottom of the battery cover, which can be used with various photographic equipment, such as extension rod, foot rest, suction cup, etc., to extend the use of Smooth II.

△ The overall function design of Smooth II is simple and intuitive, and the control of the main functions is set above the handle, which is just in the range that can be controlled by the thumb, so it is easy to use. The new multi-directional joystick has high operation efficiency and is easier to use. The power key on the right can also control the shutter of the phone through Bluetooth, and the lower joystick can control zoom and other functions. When working, the front indicator light indicates the current remaining power by flashing 4 times, 3 times, twice, and always flashing. When the power is low, the battery can be replaced or charged in time.

△ Before video shooting, some preparations should be made. First, the mobile phone should be installed on the PTZ, and its balance state should be adjusted accordingly. The PTZ adopts a universal design, and mobile phones of different sizes can be conveniently fixed through the elastic expansion clip on one side. It's just that this telescopic clip will be a little awkward during the activity, but it does not affect the actual use. The part inside the PTZ that contacts the phone is made of soft rubber, which can protect the phone from scratches.

△ Fix the mobile phone at the rear of the stabilizer pan tilt to start balance adjustment, loosen the center of gravity adjustment screw on the back of the pan tilt, slide the position of the pan tilt to keep the pitch axis as horizontal as possible, and then tighten the adjustment screw to fix it. Next, adjust the balance of the roller shaft. At this time, hold the handle vertically and adjust the depth of the PTZ to grip the phone so that there is not too much weight on the left and right. The installation of this small iPhone SE in my hand is very easy. If a large phone like iPhone 6 plus or a relatively heavy small micro phone can not achieve balance, balance can also be achieved by installing balance weights.

△ Smooth II provides three practical modes: follow, lock and full follow, which can meet various video shooting needs. By default, the boot mode is the follow mode. At this time, the roll and pitch are locked, and the PTZ will follow the handle horizontally left and right. At this time, press the up and down direction keys of the rocker to adjust the tilt angle of the PTZ.

△ In the following mode, click once and press the rocker to switch to the locking mode. In this mode, the PTZ will always lock the direction when switching the mode. We can adjust the tilt angle of the PTZ by clicking the up and down direction keys of the rocker, or rotate the horizontal shooting direction 360 degrees by clicking the left and right buttons.

△ The full follow mode is more suitable for continuous shooting in the state of long-term movement. Double click the rocker key to enter the full follow mode. At this time, the handle should also be changed to a vertical grip, and the pan tilt and the handle should keep the same following action. In this mode, click the left and right buttons of the rocker to adjust the roll angle of the pan tilt.

△ In the actual test, I used iPhone SE to shoot videos, and the overall matching effect with Smooth II was quite good. The use of the stabilizer also forms a sharp contrast with the video taken when not in use. Smooth II can filter out most of the vibration to keep the picture stable. The three modes of follow, lock and full follow can also be switched freely and quickly to easily cope with different shooting scenes. The overall operation of Smooth II is smooth and smooth, and the response speed is fast. Even the fast running video can still keep smooth and smooth, without obvious jitter. Of course, if you want to shoot a video with a stable picture, you also need to pay attention to the control of your feet when shooting. Through simple practice, you can easily shoot a professional video clip. See the video above for the specific use effect. Text and pictures cannot show the strength of Smooth II.

△ Although the iPhone's built-in camera interface is highly reliable, some camera players still hope to have more phone settings. "Zhiyun Camera" is a camera software launched with the Bluetooth II function, which provides manual adjustment of ISO, exposure and white balance. More importantly, it can take photos and record videos with the shutter key of the Smooth II itself. It can also use the dial to perform digital zoom and switch between front and rear cameras. It can take photos and record videos without touching the mobile phone screen, which is very sour and refreshing to use.

△ The other "Zhiyun handheld assistant" APP is also quite easy to use. It can not only monitor the running status of the stabilizer and upgrade the firmware, but also remotely control the mode and working angle of the stabilizer. If the stabilizer is mounted on a longer bracket, it is also quite good to use the "Zhiyun handheld assistant" APP on another mobile phone as a wireless remote control.

  | Experience summary |  

△ It is easy to see from the rise of sports cameras and the quiet popularity of various live and small videos that the enthusiasm of the public for mobile video shooting is gradually growing. Nowadays, mobile phones with more and more powerful performance also have good video recording ability, but it is difficult for ordinary users to take stable pictures without shaking. The appearance of the Smart Cloud Smooth II mobile phone stabilizer makes up for the inherent shortcomings of mobile phones, allowing mobile phones to shoot professional videos, even if some sports scenes are shot, it is no problem. The simple and intuitive function layout of the Smooth II is very easy to operate, and it can interact with a dedicated APP through Bluetooth. Playability and scalability have reached a new level, which is also not available in many similar products.  

However, a small problem was also found in the use. The stability of the Bluetooth connection needs to be improved. Occasionally, abnormal operation occurs from standby to power on. At this time, the power switch must be turned off and turned on again to restore. I hope these problems can be solved by upgrading the firmware. In general, Zhiyun Smooth II has brought me a lot of surprises in the video shooting, which can more calmly grasp the wonderful moments of the unknown. If you are a mobile video enthusiast, you might as well try this practical and versatile Zhiyun Smooth II three-axis stabilizer. I believe it will be your favorite.