Zhiyun Smooth Q3 vs Zhiyun Smooth Q2
The smartphone gimbal has evolved.
On May 10, 2021, Zhiyun-Tech released the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 smartphone gimbal, which looks very much like the DJI OM4 and the Moza Mini MX.
The name itself says it is the new version of my favorite Zhiyun Smooth Q2.
Is it time to replace the Q2 with the Q3? What are the differences? What’s new?
First, let me compare the 3 main reasons why I like the Zhiyun Smooth Q2.
- Compact and lightweight
- Pans 360 degrees non-stop
- Very wide tilt angle
I also like the replaceable battery, accessible ports, and simple controls. However, I don’t like the protruding arm that gets into the view of my Ultra-wide camera.
Weight
The new Zhiyun Smooth Q3 weighs 0.75lb (340g) and the old Zhiyun Smooth Q2 weighs 0.84lb (380g).
Just as I suspect from the first look. Q3 looks lighter because it is all plastic outside while the Q2 is mostly metal.
Smooth Q3 wins.
BUT the Q3 looks bigger though!
Size
When folded or collapsed, the Smooth Q3 measures 1.77×6.06×7.09 in (45x154x180 mm) and the Q2 measures 8.03 x 4.02 x 1.65 in (204x102x42 mm).
So the Q3 is shorter but broader when inserted into my pants pocket. Yes, that’s how I like to carry my gimbal, not put them in some casing.
It’s a draw.
Pan Range
My favorite Q2 pans 360 degrees non-stop while the Q3 pans from -150 to +150 degrees.
I want 360 degrees for that freedom of movement and those vortex roll effect.
The old Q2 wins.
Tilt Range
The old Q2 tilts 305 degrees while the new Q3 tilts -260 to +80 degrees.
I want my gimbal to look low when in tripod mode, especially when shooting product reviews.
It's a draw.
App
I rarely use the Zhiyun camera app for any shoot, because I think my native camera on the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone can perform better.
Anyway, Q3 and Q2 use different apps.
Smooth Q2 uses the ZY Play app while Smooth Q3 uses the ZY Cami app.
What does that mean? Which app is better? Which one has better features?
User Manuals
The operating instructions and official specs can be found in the downloadable user manuals.
Download Zhiyun Smooth Q2 User Manual here.
Download Zhiyun Smooth Q3 User Manual here.
Price
Of course, what is the price?
As of May 2021, The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 costs US$89 and the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 costs US$79, US$10 less. These are promo prices and may change over time.
Q3 or Q2
Launched in August 2019, the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 is still a worthy buy with a bigger capacity, replaceable battery, which makes it last longer.
The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 has these extras: built-in video light, gesture control, zoom buttons, smart templates, edit directly with ZY Cami app, no protruding motor arm to get in the view of the ultra-wide camera, and a mini tripod included.
Which will you get? Let’s discuss the features in the comment section.
~ Adrian Lee
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