Comparison Zhiyun Smooth-5S vs Hohem iSteady X

— Phone mount(like a screen). The ability to use your smartphone as your stabiliser screen. The device's camera is not used in this case: filming is carried out either on the built-in camera of the stabiliser or on the action camera attached to it. Note that the smartphone can be used not only as a viewfinder but also to control the camera; specific features depend on the stabiliser model.

— Focus control mechanism. A device that allows the stabiliser controls to focus the lens on the installed camera. It simplifies the use of manual focus lenses greatly.

— Two-handed handle. The two-handed handle increases agility, stability and precision.

— Quick release plate. This element makes it possible to quickly install and remove the camera from the stabiliser without using third-party tools.

— Tripod. The presence of a small tripod in the stabiliser kit — a tripod, which allows you to use the device in a stationary position, setting it on a flat hard surface. Usually the tripod is detachable.

— Remote control. The presence in the kit of a small remote control. It is convenient when the device is installed at a remote distance, for example, in a car.

— Bag / Case. The pre...sence of a bag or case in the standard package of the stabilizer. Bags often come with handles or a strap for convenient carrying, while cases are somewhat simpler — they don't have handles and are designed to be carried in a travel bag, backpack, etc. A bag or case protects the device from dust and other contaminants and to some extent shields the contents from damage in case of bumps or falls. Additionally, bags or cases can often be used to store extra accessories.

The maximum weight that the stabiliser is designed to carry.

This is the maximum weight of the camera with all accessories allowed for this model.

The range of rotation angles supported by the steadicam.

In this case, it means turning the camera to the right or left, without tilting back and forth.

The range of forward-backwards tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the stabiliser.

It can be written in different ways.

The simplest option is when one angle value is indicated in the characteristics. This may mean that the camera can deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.

Another option is used when the angles of tilt forward and backward are not the same. In such cases, the horizontal position of the camera on a vertical steadicam is taken as zero, the “-” sign indicates the maximum angle of camera deflection back, lens up, and the “+” sign — forward, lens down.

The range of roll angles (to the side) supported by the stabiliser.

Can be recorded in two ways (See "Tilt angle")

The maximum size of the phone that can be installed in the stabiliser mount.

Model of the battery used in the stabiliser. This information is not very important when choosing: if you wish, knowing the battery model, you can find detailed information about it. However, the key characteristics of the battery are usually given in general information about the stabiliser. Nevertheless, model information can be useful if you plan to purchase an additional battery, or if you already have a battery and you need to evaluate its compatibility with the device.

The capacity of the battery used in the stabiliser.

In theory, a higher capacity allows you to work longer without recharging, but the battery life of the stabiliser also depends on its power consumption. So, only models with similar performance characteristics can be compared with each other according to this indicator; and when choosing, it is better to focus not on the capacity, but on the directly claimed battery life.

The maximum length of time the device will work before it needs its battery to be recharged. It is worth considering that the manufacturer indicates the maximum time, which does not correspond to real indicators due to the conditions and intensity of use.