ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E COMBO Gimbal Stabiliser for Smartphone

What it is and what it solves

The ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E COMBO is a 3‑axis smartphone gimbal system designed to steady video on the move. It combines cinema‑grade stabilisation with practical features such as a built‑in fill light and an external magnetic fill light option. If you’re creating vlogs, social clips or on‑location shoots, this kit aims to reduce shake, improve lighting and offer flexible control in one compact package. It’s pitched toward vloggers, live‑streamers, travellers and creators who want smoother footage without bulky rigging.

How the orthogonal three‑axis design helps

On paper, the orthogonal three‑axis architecture expands the shooting space and aids stability. The SMOOTH 5E relies on strong motors and ZHIYUN’s stabilisation algorithms to provide five gimbal modes (pan‑follow, lock, full‑follow, POV and V mode). In real use, that translates to smoother pans, more reliable subject tracking and a range of shooting styles without swapping hardware.

What’s included in the COMBO

The COMBO version bundles essential extras: one AI tracker, a magnetic fill light, four light filters, a tripod, a USB‑C charger, a VIP card and a quick start guide. It’s worth noting that the COMBO includes a single magnetic fill light, an additional light can be purchased separately if you need more brightness for higher‑key scenes or crowds. The magnetic light setup enables quick on‑the‑go lighting enhancements without extra rigging.

AI tracking and gesture control in practice

Tracking is designed to be straightforward: use the ZY Cami app to frame your subject and enable intelligent tracking with a tap. The remote trigger adds another layer, allowing you to lock onto a subject and follow with minimal input. Gesture control adds a hands‑free element—making a quick hand signal can start recording or lock the subject, which is handy when you’re moving around a scene.

Apple Watch remote and ecosystem notes

The integration with Apple Watch lets you control tracking, zoom and monitoring from your wrist once connected to the ZY Cami app. This can be useful for solo creators who want to stay in frame or adjust framing while filming. Bear in mind compatibility requirements: iPhone needs iOS 16.0 or later and watchOS 9.0+ on supported Apple Watch models.

Who it’s for and who it isn’t ideal for

If you primarily shoot casual vlogs, travel diaries or short social clips and you value a compact, single‑handed stabiliser with built‑in lighting and remote controls, this kit could fit well. If you require extreme payloads, pro‑level modular rigs or heavy use in highly dynamic environments, you may find the max payload of 300g a limiting factor and might want to look at larger stabilisers.

What to check before you buy

• Payload limit: ensure your phone plus any case and accessories stay within 300g.
• Lighting needs: the kit includes one magnetic fill light, consider whether you’ll need a second light for interviews or brighter scenes.
• App compatibility: some features rely on the ZY Cami app and Apple Watch integration, confirm your devices run compatible iOS/watchOS versions.
• Workflow: AI tracking works with supported apps, for non‑native camera apps, behavioural quirks could appear.

Practical use case

Imagine recording a seaside stroll: you mount your phone, enable AI tracking to keep a family member in frame and stretch your hand for a smooth, stable shot as you walk. The built‑in light helps in shaded sections, and the watch control lets you pause or zoom without breaking stride. It’s not a magic wand, but it can save setup time and reduce steadiness issues when you’re shooting on the move.

How this compares to other approaches

If you’d rather travel light and keep post‑production flexibility, a smartphone gimbal with these features offers a middle ground between handheld stabilisation and larger rigs. It’s less customised for action‑style shoots than heavy pro stabilisers, but it prioritises convenience and smart features that cater to everyday creators.

Is it worth it?

Buying verdict

A solid pick if you prioritise integrated stabilisation, lightweight form, built‑in lighting and intelligent tracking for mobile video. It isn’t the cheapest option in the range, and you’ll want to ensure the bundled light setup meets your brightness needs. If you value seamless app control, Apple Watch remote capability and a compact footprint, this kit could be worth prioritising.

Quick FAQ

• Does the 5E COMBO support multiple lights? The COMBO includes one magnetic fill light, additional lights can be purchased separately.
• Will AI tracking work outside the ZY Cami app? AI tracking can be used with the phone’s native camera and other apps via the magnetic tracking module, but performance varies by app.
• Is it suitable for heavy field shoots? The payload is 300g max, so heavier phones or accessories may push the limits, consider alternative stabilisers if you regularly shoot with larger rigs.