ZHIYUN CINEPEER Smooth 5E Combo Phone Gimbal Stabilizer - Vlog Ready

In this review of the ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E Combo, the bottom line is simple: creators who need steady, cinema-style smartphone footage and built-in lighting will find a capable, versatile tool here. The gimbal's custom orthogonal three-axis structure and ZHIYUN stabilization algorithms deliver noticeably smoother motion than handheld shooting, while the built-in and magnetic fill lights make it easier to get usable video without separate lighting. This review focuses on real-world use for vloggers, live-streamers, and casual filmmakers who want dependable tracking and simple remote control options.

Key Features

• Orthogonal three-axis: The unique axis layout gives a larger shooting space and stable, cinema-grade movement for pans, tilts, and POV shots.
• Five gimbal modes: Pan-follow, lock, full-follow, POV and V mode cover most handheld shooting scenarios for smooth, intentional framing.
• Built-in and magnetic fill lights: An integrated arm light plus a magnetic light provide immediate front illumination and the system supports adding up to two more magnetic lights for brighter fills.
• Precise tracking: ZY Cami app tracking locks subjects quickly with one-finger framing or the rear trigger for reliable follow shots during movement.
• Gesture recognition and AI tracking: Start and stop recording or initiate follow with simple gestures, and use a magnetic AI module to track in native camera and short-video apps.
• Remote control options: Apple Watch integration and app controls allow remote start, zoom and monitoring, freeing the creator from staying next to the phone.

Who It's For

The SMOOTH 5E Combo is aimed at vloggers, live-streamers, and social creators who shoot frequently with a smartphone and value smooth motion plus on-device lighting. It also works well for solo travelers and small production creators who need tracking and compact setup without carrying heavy equipment.

Those who primarily use professional mirrorless cameras, need ultra-heavy payloads, or require advanced cinema features beyond smartphone stabilization should look elsewhere. Likewise, buyers who never plan to use app-based tracking or magnetic lights may find some features more than they need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust stabilization from the orthogonal three-axis design makes handheld footage noticeably smoother.
• Integrated and magnetic fill lights simplify low-light shooting and can be expanded for stronger illumination.
• Accurate subject tracking and gesture controls reduce the need for a second operator.
• Apple Watch remote support and guided apps help streamline solo production and editing.

Cons

• Accessory magnetic lights beyond the included unit are sold separately for higher brightness.
• Advanced users who need camera-grade rigs or very heavy phones may find the 300 g payload limiting.

Specifications

Product	ZHIYUN CINEPEER SMOOTH 5E Combo phone gimbal
Axis design	Orthogonal three-axis cinema-grade structure
Gimbal modes	Pan-follow, lock, full-follow, POV, V mode
Lighting	Built-in fill light + magnetic fill light (expandable)
Payload capacity	Up to 300 g phone payload
Tracking	ZY Cami app smart tracking and magnetic AI tracking module
Remote control	Apple Watch integration and app remote functions

Our Verdict

The SMOOTH 5E Combo is a practical choice for smartphone creators who want a compact, easy-to-use gimbal with built-in lighting and reliable tracking. It strikes a good balance between portability and capability, making it a strong value for vloggers and solo producers who need smoother footage and faster setup without carrying extra lights or an operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the gimbal track subjects without the ZY Cami app?
Yes, the magnetic AI tracking module enables tracking in the phone's native camera and many short-video or beauty apps without using ZY Cami.

How many magnetic lights can be used?
The integrated power system supports the built-in light plus up to two additional magnetic fill lights for increased brightness (additional lights sold separately).

Is Apple Watch control supported?
Yes, Apple Watch integration allows remote control of tracking, zoom and monitoring when paired with compatible watch models and required OS versions.