If you’re a content creator or just someone who enjoys capturing videos with your smartphone, you might have wondered how to improve the stability of your shots. A camera stabilizer can make a huge difference, and in this review, we’re diving into the Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 smartphone stabilizer.
This product isn’t just another run-of-the-mill stabilizer; it’s a versatile tool that offers several features, some of which might surprise you. While I’m not providing a full tutorial in this review, I’ll focus on answering some key questions you might have before deciding whether this stabilizer is worth your investment.
Who is Zhiyun and What Do They Offer?
Zhiyun may not be a household name for everyone, but they are a recognized brand among photographers and videographers, both amateur and professional. While they’re perhaps best known for their high-quality stabilizers and gimbals, the CINEPEER CQ5 is a testament to their expertise in mobile videography tools. Zhiyun is renowned for creating devices that offer smooth stabilization, and this model is no exception.
What’s in the Box?
If you decide to purchase the CINEPEER CQ5, the box includes the stabilizer itself, a USB Type-C charging cable, a folding tripod, an AI tracking camera, and a small light. At first, I couldn’t find the light and assumed it was missing, but it was tucked away under some plastic packaging. Once found, the light turned out to be a handy addition for low-light situations.
Design and Build Quality
The CINEPEER CQ5 is essentially an automatic selfie stick with the ability to stabilize your smartphone’s camera. One standout feature is its telescopic part, which extends to about half a meter, allowing for some flexibility in how you capture shots. There’s a hinge at the end of the stick, so you can position your phone at an angle—similar to a traditional selfie stick, but with better control and stabilization.
It’s not too long, which makes it portable and easy to handle. The bottom of the stabilizer includes a screw mount for attaching the included tripod or other compatible accessories. The device uses motors powered by a battery, which is rechargeable via a Type-C connection. A small downside is that the device can’t be charged while in use, so you’ll need to charge it fully before starting your session.
Phone Clamp and Compatibility
The phone clamp is designed with soft claws, which hold your phone securely. It’s especially well-suited for devices with waterfall screens, like Samsung phones, but I had no issues attaching other phones, even with protective cases. I personally use a strap to further secure the phone just to be safe.
It’s worth mentioning that balancing your phone in the clamp is crucial. If it’s not properly balanced, the stabilizer’s motors will have to work harder, draining the battery faster. Fortunately, the clamp isn’t limited to smartphones—it can also accommodate action cameras like my GoPro, which adds to the versatility of this stabilizer.
The AI Tracking Module
One of the standout features of the Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 is its AI tracking module. This small camera uses artificial intelligence to track people and automatically adjusts the stabilizer to follow them. It works independently, meaning you don’t need an app to use this feature—great for creators who need hands-free tracking. However, if you want to track something other than a person, like a pet or an object, you’ll need to use the accompanying app.
The tracking works well, and the device can adjust its position on its own. This is particularly useful for vlogs or live streams where you need the camera to follow you around the frame without a dedicated cameraman.
Voice and Gesture Control
If you’re a fan of hands-free operation, the CINEPEER CQ5 has you covered. The device understands voice commands, which can be activated by saying “Hey Camy” (in English). After that, you have 15 seconds to issue your next command. If no command is issued within that time, the stabilizer goes into sleep mode, which is a useful safeguard to avoid accidental activation.
In addition to voice commands, the stabilizer recognizes certain gestures, but this feature requires the AI tracking module to work properly. So, if the tracking module isn’t attached or calibrated correctly, the gesture control won’t function.
Charging and Battery Life
As mentioned earlier, the stabilizer charges via Type-C, but it cannot be used while charging, which can be a bit inconvenient if you’re in the middle of a recording session. It’s best to charge the device fully before your shoot to avoid interruptions. Overall, battery life seems decent, but it can be impacted by how much the motors are working (i.e., if your phone is balanced correctly or not).
App Integration
The CINEPEER CQ5 has a companion app for both Android and iOS, although the Android version doesn’t support 60 FPS video recording. Thankfully, the app isn’t essential for the stabilizer’s main functions. You can pair the device with your phone via Bluetooth to control basic camera functions like starting/stopping recording or taking pictures, which can also be done with a wired or wireless headphone remote.
Who is This Stabilizer For?
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 is a fantastic tool for bloggers, vloggers, and mobile creators who often find themselves moving around during shoots. If you’re recording workshop tutorials, cooking videos, or gym workouts and need your camera to follow you, this stabilizer can track your movements and keep your shots steady. Plus, if you’re streaming or creating videos on platforms like TikTok, the tracking feature is incredibly useful.
For those who simply need a stabilizer for walking shots or casual filming, the CQ5 is ideal. However, if you don’t need a phone and just want a stabilizer with a built-in camera, you might be better off with a standalone gimbal like those offered by DJI.
Conclusion
The Zhiyun CINEPEER CQ5 is a very solid stabilizer for a reasonable price. The quality of the materials, including the plastic and overall build, feels similar to high-end products like DJI stabilizers. While it’s not perfect—particularly with the AI tracking module’s reliance on weak magnets and the occasional charging inconvenience—the device offers excellent value for those who need a mobile stabilizer with a lot of functionality. If you create content on the go, especially with your smartphone, the CINEPEER CQ5 could be a game-changer.
In short, if you’re a solo creator or a vlogger who often moves around while filming, the CINEPEER CQ5 is a fantastic tool to elevate your content. But, if you’re looking for a more streamlined stabilizer for stationary shots, you may want to explore other options.