The Zhiyun Z1-Evolution is an innovative and reliable 3-axis stabilizing gimbal for GoPro’s and similar sized action cameras. The Z1-Evolution can help content creators to produce smooth and professional shots with minimal effort with small POV cams, which usually don’t have any sort of image stabilization system onboard.
The Z1-Evolution is designed for the GoPro Hero4 Black and Silver but can be re-calibrated to work with other action cameras of a similar size and shape through the software. The calibration process is simple and effective; you can program the motors to distribute the weight more efficiently producing smoother shots.
The unit is weighted nicely and has a robust build. It is made up of aluminum primarily. The three brushless motors produce strong torque and smooth rotation.
The motors don’t produce any audible noise, so the camera mic won’t pick up the movement of the motors. You can control the pitch, roll, and pan through automated settings or manual controls. The rotation angle of each motor is up to 330 degrees. The unit also offers a 3.5mm headphone jack that outputs audio and video.
You can charge your GoPro through the unit as well, which is extremely handy for long shoots. The four-way joystick control is smooth and simple to use, feels comfortable, and is very responsive. A mounting screw on the base of the unit allows for a multitude of mounting options. The battery life is great – up to 12 hours of continuous use. Charging this unit is extremely fast as well.
Overall, the Z1-Evolution from Zhiyun is a powerful gimbal that can help to create professional-looking video productions. We were very impressed with the simplicity of the setup and installation process. We also felt that the controls were responsive and easy to use.
Available at: Amazon
