Review of the Hohem iSteady V3: the most complete gimbal for mobile

Three years after the analysis of the Hohem iSteady V2, we finally have the successor to this gimbal, which at the time was pioneer in automatic stabilization and tracking with AI. How could it be otherwise, its name is Hohem iSteady V3 and it includes a lot of new features and functions to be the AI ​​camera operator you need for your videos.

And, in addition to consolidating the 3-axis stabilization technology that we saw in the last generation, Hohem has added iSteady V3 to this new gimbal a couple of additional accessories to make it even more versatile and easy to use without third party help. We have been testing it thoroughly to tell you about our experience with it and if it is really worth it.

Hohem iSteady V3: an affordable gimbal with AI tracking, controller, light, extension stick and integrated tripod

The differentiator of the iSteady V3 is its independent AI trackeras well as its remote control. Both accessories attach magnetically to the gimbal and allow you to use the stabilizer more autonomously. This is its technical sheet:

What is the Hohem iSteady V3 like and what does it offer?

The Hohem iSteady V3 is a 3-axis stabilizer or gimbal whose objective is to stabilize your mobile phone to take photos or record videos without wobbles or strange movements. Basically, makes it possible to create professional quality content. It is made of solid plastic and some metal parts (the extension pole and the integrated tripod), weighing 420 grams.

For my taste it is too heavy to carry in your hand, but the robust construction is appreciated. I must also praise its foldable design with retractable parts that allow it to be stored in a backpack or its storage bag without taking up too much space.

As we mentioned before, one of the most interesting things about this gimbal is its remote control. This is magnetically attached to the handle and can be easily removed by pulling it. Used to control the gimbal via Bluetooth at a distance of up to 10 meters. Of course, you can also leave it on the wizard and use it as a regular control panel. By the way, this controller has a mini-screen that shows information about the battery and stabilization.

But the most unique thing about iSteady V3 is its magnetic tracker with AI and fill light. It is a small module that attaches magnetically to the side of the clamp that holds the mobile phone. This tracker, in addition to having LED lights, has a sensor for AI-assisted tracking and activation of gesture controlwith which you can operate the gimbal in a more intuitive and simple way.

At the bottom, it has a 1/4″ thread in which you can install the tripod you have. However, the Hohem iSteady V3 Bring your own retractable mini tripod which is very useful for leaving the gimbal standing on a table or flat surface. It is not the most stable tripod I have tried, due to its thin legs, but it does its job.

Another great detail about this stabilizer is its extender stick located on top (it’s like a selfie stick)with which you can extend its length greatly. Fully extended, the stick measures 205 mm, so it is good for making a chopped plane.

By the way, on the back of the handle there is a trigger for taking photos or videos. And on the side, there is a control wheel with which you can control the power and tone of the light AI tracker filler.

How does the Hohem iSteady V3 work?

One of the things I liked most about iSteady V3 is that the brand has created a ton of tutorials to learn how to use it. And yet, I didn’t have to read much because it really is very easy to use. The first thing to do is stretch the clamps and make them hold your phone in the center. Then, turn on the gimbal by touching the red button on the controller (or touching the button on the side of the handle if you don’t have the controller).

That way, you can now take advantage of the 3-axis stabilization of the iSteady V3 to make your videos. You can use the arrows on the controller to adjust the zoom, rotation, or even fill lighting. With the red button you can take photos and start/stop recording, while the joystick allows you to change directions of the tilt and rotation axes as you wish. It also has an “M” button to change modes and a function button that is mainly used to recalibrate the gimbal.

The AI ​​tracker needs to be mounted on the clip and flip its switch to turn it on. Once this is done, you can now use gesture tracking and control. To do this, you must position yourself at a distance of 0.5 to 1.5 meters from the gimbal and make this gesture:👌. When it detects it, you will see the LED on the tracker turn green and the gimbal will begin to follow you.

To stop AI tracking, you have to do this other gesture: ✋. The LED will turn red to visually indicate that the tracker is off. By raising your thumbs up you can tell it to put the phone verticallybut if you want me to put it horizontally, you will have to make the gesture of moving your thumbs from above to the side.

You can also make the shaka sign (🤙) with both hands to activate the shutter. But the gesture that I like the most is the one with both hands making an L (as if you were making a painting in the air), which allows change the composition of the tracking. That is, if you don’t want the gimbal to always keep you in the center of the image, you can make this gesture and move a little from the center. When you are in the desired composition, do that gesture again and the gimbal will begin to follow you maintaining the composition that you indicated.

Although it is not at all necessary for use, you will surely want to pair the iSteady V3 with its official Hohem Joy application compatible with Android and iPhone. Because? It will allow you to control the gimbal from your mobile with a simple and intuitive interface. In addition, it has several tutorials, templates and ideas to get the most out of the gimbal. Ah! And it has an exclusive function to capture a spectacular wide-angle panorama.

How does the Hohem iSteady V3 stabilize?

The Hohem iSteady V3 has three axes: the horizontal one, which is at the bottom, the tilt one, which is in the center, and the rotation one, which is at the top. All three move in sync and with precision to maintain stability against both slight and sudden movements. With the “full lock” mode, you can anchor the mobile in a fixed position no matter how you move it.

It has a very useful horizontal movement mode that makes the phone moves smoothly from left to right along with your movements. It also has a mode very similar to this, but that supports tilt, to smooth both horizontal and vertical movements.

Additionally, it includes a mode for content creators called “POV” that allows the mobile to rotate and move in any directionbut maintaining a certain stability and eliminating wobbles to achieve original and comfortable videos to watch.

The truth is that The operation of this gimbal in any of its modes is impeccable and it hasn’t given me any kind of problem.

Is the Hohem iSteady V3 worth buying?

The Hohem iSteady V3 gimbal is not economical 3-axis stabilizer that stands out from the rest with its innovative accessories. It has a separate AI magnetic tracker, which you can control with gestures, and it does a great job of tracking people or objects to keep them in the frame.

Its remote control, which is magnetically attached to the gimbal, is incredibly useful because allows you to control the gimbal as you wish from afar for more autonomous use. Additionally, it has an LED light on the tracker that can be adjusted to improve difficult lighting conditions.

Although its weight of 420 grams can be a hassle if you plan to carry it in your hand for a long time, It has an integrated tripod and a selfie stick extender that are very practical and improve the user experience in different situations. Additionally, you can fold it to make it more convenient to store or transport it. Its price is €149 and it seems fair to me considering everything it is capable of doing.

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3-axis stabilization with multiple modes AI Tracking Gesture control Remote control Integrated tripod