“Sorry, you caught me talking to the gimbal” – this is what users of the Zhiyun Cinepeer CQ5 stabilizer will probably say in the near future. This is because the latest version of the gimbal from the renowned Chinese gimbal manufacturer – intended for many top camera phones – offers a voice function AND Artificial intelligence-based control.
According to Zhiyun, the “Hey Cami” command combined with the necessary voice commands can be used to control the device completely hands-free via the ZY Cami app. This is enhanced by AI-based tracking, which is able to track a subject’s face, body, and objects. Additionally, it can respond to the user’s hand gestures. You’ll have to pay a little more for the AI features, however, as the Magnetic AI Module is only available in the $139/£149 Combo Pack. The standard package costs $99 / £109.
As Zhiyun puts it, “Whether you’re vlogging solo or recording action shots, the person following you is your personal camera operator.” The device also has a built-in retractable selfie stick, which Zhiyun designed to support wide-angle compositions and group selfies. Magnets on both sides of the gimbal’s phone clamp hold the AI module and a 2W magnetic LED light that offers five brightness levels (48-520 lux).
The Zhiyun Cinepeer CQ5 smartphone stabilizer has the ability to track objects using the AI module included in the combo pack (Photo: Zhiyun)
Despite the advanced control options of the Zhiyun Cinepeer CQ5 stabilizer, it also has several physical controls. You’ll find power, mode and photo/video buttons, a trigger, a dial to zoom in and control the magnetic light intensity, as well as a joystick and four mode indicator lights.
The Zhiyun Cinepeer CQ5 stabilizer folds into a package measuring 124.3 x 188 mm / 124.3 x 188 mm when not in use, and weighs 0.9 lb / 398 g. It can support a load of approximately 0.3-0 .6 lb/150-280 g, making it suitable for the large iPhone Pro Max. The gimbal is compatible with a wide range of phones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, but iPhone 16 products are not currently listed. You can find the full compatibility list on the Zhiyun product page.
A gimbal wouldn’t be a gimbal without image stabilization. Zhiyun says: “Our advanced technology delivers incredibly smooth footage that looks almost as steady as a shot on a tripod… Quick and easy phone mounting saves you from having to make multiple balance adjustments.”
The Cinepeer CQ5 stabilizer also boasts a maximum battery life of 11 hours, taking two hours to fully charge. Its mechanical ranges of motion are tilt: -90-214°, roll: -150-154° and rotation: -60-225°.
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