DJI OM 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S: Which is Better?
By Linus T.
Updated May 2023
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S are two of the most popular smartphone gimbals available in the market today. With the increasing number of content creators and vloggers, these gimbals have become essential tools for capturing smooth and stable footage.
In this review, we compare the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S on price, design & specs, and features.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Design & Specs
#3 Features
DJI OM 6
Efficient & convenient
✓ 3-axis stabilisation & ActiveTrack 5.0
✓ Up to 6.5 hours of battery life
✓ Built-in extension rod
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Great for heavy users
✓ 3-axis stabilisation
✓ Up to 25 hours of battery life
✓ 360° rotation & built-in light
1. Price
DJI OM 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is priced at US$159, while the Zhiyun Smooth 5S costs US$169. Both options may be purchased at slightly lower prices during seasonal promotions.
In our opinion, the price difference between the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S isn't significant enough to be a dealbreaker, although you can save a few dollars going with the DJI Osmo Mobile 6.
2. Design & Specs
DJI OM 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S have a similar form factor to that of a smartphone gimbal. However, upon closer inspection, they do differ in certain aspects.
Both gimbals have a fairly comfortable handle and come with a tripod stand. They are also equipped with a clear display that shows you the current mode, making it very convenient to switch between modes.
One factor to consider when choosing between the gimbals is their rotational ability. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 can only rotate up to 230°, which may limit the range of motion when shooting. On the other hand, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S offers a full range of motion at 360°, which can provide more flexibility in capturing a wider range of shots.
In addition, the Smooth 5S has a built-in LED light that is not present in the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. This feature is especially helpful for those who enjoy night photography, as it provides additional illumination for low-light situations. With the DJI, you would need to buy an additional light attachment to achieve the same result, which would cost an extra US$60.
Another aspect where the Smooth 5S triumphs over the Osmo Mobile 6 is battery life. On a full charge, the Smooth 5S can last you up to 25 hours while the Osmo Mobile 6 sits at a mere quarter of that at 6.5 hours. Despite this, the Smooth 5S's battery can double as a portable charger to power your phone during filming, which can quickly drain your phone's battery.
The Osmo Mobile 6 stands out in a couple of ways. Firstly, it features a convenient quick-release magnetic phone clamp that enables fast setup. It also includes a built-in extension rod that can lengthen it by up to 215mm. The extension rod unlocks more viewing angles, making it possible to capture high or low shots that you need to take.
The DJI Osmo Mobile is also a great option for those who value portability and compactness in their equipment. Its foldable design makes it even more convenient to carry around, and it is significantly lighter than the Zhiyun Smooth 5S.
3. Features
DJI OM 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S both have excellent stabilisation capabilities for recording videos on a smartphone. With 3-axis stabilisation, you can capture smooth and steady footage, even on the move. Both models also feature subject tracking when filming and are compatible with most major smartphone models, making them versatile and easy to use.
Both the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and the Zhiyun Smooth 5S are high-quality gimbals that offer impressive stability for your mobile device. In addition, these gimbals come with their own respective companion apps — the DJI Mimo and ZY Cami, which provide a variety of useful features to enhance your filming experience. These apps allow you to access advanced shooting modes, such as slow-motion or timelapse, as well as settings that can help you achieve the perfect shot. Moreover, you can use these apps to edit your footage directly on your mobile device, making it easy to create professional-quality videos with just a few taps.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 has a key feature that sets it apart from the Zhiyun Smooth 5S: "Quick Launch". This function powers on the gimbal as soon as you unfold it, eliminating the wait for it to power on. This feature saves you roughly 10-15 seconds compared to the Smooth 5S and ensures that you won't miss the perfect shot when the time comes. Additionally, the Osmo Mobile 6 can transition between Portrait and Landscape modes much more quicker than the Smooth 5S.
Compare DJI OM 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Final Thoughts
Overall, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S are both excellent products that offer reliable stabilisation for mobile devices.
In our opinion, if you are optimising for efficiency and convenience, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is a good choice. Its compact size, portability, quick setup, and smooth transitions make it more compatible with your needs.
On the other hand, if you consider yourself a heavy user who needs to film in diverse environments, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S will be a more reliable partner. It offers a huge leap in battery life, a built-in light, and a sturdier build to handle complex filming needs.
If you like to read more on Gimbals, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Gimbals
Best Gimbals for iPhone 2023
4 Best Gimbals for DSLR (2023)
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile 5
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile SE
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