Comparison Snoppa Atom vs Zhiyun Smooth-4

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 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.

The ability of the device to work in power bank mode (see the relevant paragraph) without using a cable. The phone is charged wirelessly. When choosing this type of stabiliser, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself, which you plan to use for recording, supports wireless charging.

— 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.