Comparison Hohem iSteady M6 vs Zhiyun Smooth-5

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 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 diagonal of the phone that can be installed on this stabiliser.

This parameter is more relevant for models for various purposes, not only for those that were originally designed for smartphones. Here we note that the maximum diagonal is a rather approximate parameter: models with the same screen size may have different actual dimensions.

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

— Joystick. Usually, the joystick has the form of a switch that can move or tilt in different directions. With it, the user can control the position of the camera mounted on the stabiliser — namely, tilt it and turn it to the sides.

— Buttons. The presence of buttons for turning the camera in one direction or another. Compared to joystick control, it is a less comfortable and convenient solution.

— Time lapse. Shooting video in time lapse mode involves a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes). In the completed video, the effect of fast movement is achieved (for example, the day from sunrise to sunset fits in just a few minutes). However, this is the general principle of time lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different depending on the specific model of the stabiliser.

- Selfie mode. A separate mode for shooting selfies. This function can be implemented in different ways, depending on the purpose of the device. It is aimed at filming himself and the immediate environment of the operator.

- Sports mode. The mode is designed for high-quality shooting of dynamic scenes in motion. In sports mode, the stabiliser automatically compensates for frame deviations from the reference location, while the motor runs at the highest possible speed.

- Panorama. In this shooting mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates around its axis, taking a series of shots, from which the panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas. However, camera movement in the vertical plane can also be provided.

— Tracking mode. Automati...c tracking of a certain object by pointing the camera so that the shooting target is constantly in the centre of the image, or at least in the frame. The subject for tracking is set by the stabiliser operator.

— Inversion mode. This mode allows you to turn the device upside down, retaining all its functions and camera position. It will come in handy when shooting from atypical angles (for example, from the ground).

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 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.