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Although most YouTubers these days have high-quality video recording material for their vlog sessions and tutorials, however, it should be mentioned that not every individual can afford such devices. In fact, your favorite YouTubers may probably be utilizing a budget friendly gimbal stabilizer to avoid shakiness and jumps in their videos.
As somebody who is a keen fan of recording videos and vlogs, I decided to test out 2 of the popular gimbal stabilizers in the market: the Zhiyun Smooth 4 and the Zhiyun Smooth X. The following comparison Zhiyun Smooth 4 vs Smooth X is based on experience, with the features, pros, and cons of the stabilizers described in detail.
| Zhiyun Smooth 4 | Zhiyun Smooth X | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Dimensions | 4.84 x 4.13 x 12.91 inches | 14.9 x 6.2 x 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 2.29 pounds |
| Number of axes | 3 | 2 |
| Rotation range | Yaw (Pan): 300°
Pitch (Tilt): 240° Roll: 240° |
180 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise
Pan: 300 degrees Roll: 285 degrees |
| Ports | 1 USB Type C | – |
| Battery | 2000 mAh | 1000 mAh |
| Battery Runtime | 12 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Features | External add on capability, 5th Gen, Object Tracking, Rechargeable battery | Integrated control panel design, longer runtime 2 way charging, focus pull & zoom capability, object tracking, time-lapse expert, powerful motor |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Zhiyun Smooth 4 vs Smooth X
When compare in detail Zhiyun Smooth 4 vs Smooth X many differences are noticeable. See what the differences are between these stabilizers and which is better in the categories in which they differ.
Design and Size
Zhiyun Smooth 4
This device has dimensions of 4.84 x 4.13 x 12.91 inches and weighs around 2.2 pounds. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is black and also has multiple rotational features. It can pan tilt to 300 degrees, roll to a maximum of 240 degrees, and have a pitch tilt to 240 degrees. It has a total number of 3 axes.
Zhiyun Smooth X
The Zhiyun Smooth X has dimensions of 14.9 x 6.2 x 2.9 inches and weighs 2.29 pounds. The stabilizer itself is black and comes with a wide array of rotational settings. It can be rotated 180 degrees clockwise and 180 degrees counterclockwise; a complete 360-degree rotation is currently not possible on this stabilizer version. Zhiyun Smooth X can also pan-tilt to 300 degrees and roll to 285 degrees. It has a total number of 2 axes.
Winner: The Zhiyun Smooth 4, as it has better rotational settings, and an additional axis.
Ports and Battery
Zhiyun Smooth 4
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is equipped with one USB C port and has a battery of 2000 mAh, giving it a higher battery runtime of up to 12 hours. This is suitable for most videos, as the recording process can be quite lengthy in itself.
Zhiyun Smooth X
This stabilizer doesn’t have any specifically mentioned ports. It has a battery of 1000 mAh, giving it a runtime of a maximum of 5.5 hours. This time is slightly lower than its competitor.
Winner: The Zhiyun Smooth 4, as it has a more powerful battery with more runtime.
Features
Zhiyun Smooth 4
With a sleek control panel design, the buttons on the stabilizer’s back can easily recognize different modes. Multiple buttons are available such as the Vertigo shot or the Roll angle timelapse button. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 can be charged two ways and run for a more extended period. The FN switch button allows the phone to focus and zoom in automatically, which gave me more creative shots. There are multiple Timelapse settings on this stabilizer, such as the motion lapse, hyper-lapse, and slow motion. Object tracking helped in tracking objects and movements while recording shots.
Zhiyun Smooth X
Telescopic extend grip can make the stabilizer extend for up to 260 mm, which is entirely flexible. Smooth transitions from landscape to portrait mode using the mode button will reduce awkwardness and lag while recording. The Zhiyun Smooth X also comes with the object tracking feature, as well as gesture control. It also has an inbuilt app that I could use and experiment with to unleash my creativity.
Winner: Tie. Both of these stabilizers have distinct features that make them unique.
Value for Money
The Zhiyun Smooth X has a lower price than the Zhiyun Smooth 4; however, the difference is not too significant. With better features, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 will give you a better value for money.
Also read: Zhiyun Smooth-Q vs Smooth 4 – Which Stabilizer is Better?
Pros and Cons
Zhiyun Smooth 4
Pros
- Easy to use
- App is quite helpful in answering queries
- Only gimbal offering focus pull and zoom feature
- Strong
Cons
- User handbook is not as helpful when it comes to guidance
- May not be controllable and compatible with specific phone models
Pros
- Smooth, slow panning shots for easy videos that are fun to make
- Portability and extending arm feature makes this device unique
- Has the ability to take 360-degree pictures by stitching the images together
- App was a great way of editing videos and boosting my creativity levels
Cons
- Does not reach up to the standard of a three axes gimbal stabilizer
- Manual does not help as much as Youtube videos did
- Settings and modes may need some time to get accustomed to
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While the Zhiyun Smooth X may have defining features, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 takes the cake. I would recommend the Zhiyun Smooth 4 for its long-lasting and excellent battery performance and a three-axis stabilizer with better features and rotational options.