Zhiyun Smooth 4 gimbal, using it with ZERO filmmaking experience. How did it go? Success or Failure?

I recently bought the Zhiyun Smooth 4 gimbal because I wanted to see if I could produce that “cinematic footage” you see or hear about all the time. You know what I’m talking about.

I set it up, practiced some moves but the footage was ehhh at best. I then watched some videos on how to actually handle the gimbal and then the footage got better. Not great but definitely better.

Not only was I watching videos on how to handle the gimbal but also what settings I should dial my phone to to get that smooth and buttery footage, no pun intended.

I started combining what I was learning and it was getting better. I then decided to get my son involved as my subject.

I said “ Let’s go make a video!” and he said “ I guess”

Admittedly, I didn’t have a clear vision of what exactly I was going to film or what I wanted him to do. I just knew what “moves” I wanted to use, so that’s what I did. I was not able to get the right settings (ISO & Shutter Speed) dialed in because of how bright it was. I did set it to 1080p but then it reset itself to 720p without me noticing. I think I shut it off and didn’t dial it back to 1080p when I turned it back on. Trial and error right ?

Either way, we shot for like an hour and to be honest he was telling me what he wanted to do for some of it.

“Dad, I think I should walk going this way and you follow me.”

“Dad, now I’m going to walk towards the door but you are going to be in front of me and then we will do another shot where you are following me”

I thought the footage came out ok. I know what things I need to work on but it can only go up from here, right? The only other recording I’ve done is simple youtube videos, where I use my iPhone and just press record.

Watch the video for yourself and let me know what you think

If you have any pointers, drop them down in the comments.

Get your Zhiyun Smooth 4 here