Hohem iSteady V3: The Ultimate Smartphone Gimbal for 2024?

Abdel July 10, 2024

Is this the only smartphone gimbal you’re going to need in 2024? With its detachable control center, in-built tripod, and advanced autonomous AI tracking, the Hohem iSteady V3 sounds like the real deal. But is it? Let’s delve into this promising piece of technology and see if it lives up to the hype.

First Impressions

Unboxing the Hohem iSteady V3 is a straightforward experience. While the packaging isn’t the shiniest, it clearly indicates Hohem’s intention to deliver a quality product. Inside, you’ll find the gimbal, a quick start guide, a detachable remote control, and some handy accessories like an in-built tripod and a selfie stick. The initial build quality doesn’t impress much, with its non-slippery plastic coating feeling somewhat underwhelming. However, it doesn’t crack or make weird noises, so it’s likely just a matter of personal preference.

Unfolding and setting up the gimbal is remarkably easy, much more so than with competitors like DJI Osmo Mobile or the Insta360 Flow series. Its compact size makes it pocket-friendly, provided your pockets are large enough. It’s perfect for jackets or hoodies but might be a tight fit in jeans.

Key Features and Specifications

The Hohem iSteady V3 boasts some impressive specs:

Three-axis mechanical stabilization with good angles of support.
Compatible with smartphones up to 280g in weight and 98mm in width.
A 1,400mAh battery providing up to 11 hours of operation.
A quick-release AI tracker and detachable remote.
One-watt fill light.
Communication with smartphones via the Hohem Joy app.

These specs are solid, but in 2024, user experience matters more than raw specifications. The harmony between hardware, software, user interface, and after-sales support is crucial. Hohem might not have the marketing budget of DJI or the flashy designs of Insta360, but their engineering team focuses on practical features that smartphone users need.

Practical Use and Performance

The Hohem iSteady V3 is designed with practical use in mind. The detachable control center is a standout feature, allowing you to control the gimbal remotely with gestures. This is particularly useful if you prefer not to use gestures directly with the gimbal. The control unit can be removed, enabling you to operate the gimbal remotely while your smartphone remains fully functional.

The built-in tripod is stable and doesn’t feel fragile, a significant advantage for outdoor use. The in-built selfie stick is a trendy addition, though not everyone might find it useful. Setting up the gimbal on the ground, opening the app, and enabling gesture face tracking is straightforward. The AI tracking works impressively well, even if the camera loses you momentarily. It resumes tracking as soon as you’re back in the frame.

Stabilization is excellent, as expected from a modern gimbal. It compensates for severe movements, ensuring smooth footage. Switching between modes is easy and intuitive, and the various shooting angles are a plus. The control area is simple to navigate, with a trigger button for quick access to the “all lock” mode, which locks the axes for steady shots.

Interestingly, the default startup mode places your smartphone vertically, catering to TikTokers and Instagrammers who primarily use vertical content. The Hohem iSteady V3 supports iPhones exceptionally well and allows the use of your phone’s native camera app, thanks to the AI module’s processing capabilities. The module also includes a ten-level fill light, which, while not professional-grade, improves low-light scenes significantly.

Hohem Joy Smartphone App

The Hohem Joy app complements the gimbal well. Unlike DJI’s or Insta360’s apps, which restrict frame rates, Hohem Joy allows full access to your smartphone’s capabilities, including 4K 60fps and 24fps modes. The app offers various pre-programmed features and templates for quickly creating short videos, making it ideal for social media content creators.

While the app’s library isn’t extensive, it’s adequate for most needs. Depending on your target social media platform, you might already have preferred alternatives, but Hohem Joy provides a good starting point for creating engaging content.

Design and Build Quality

Let’s talk about the design and build quality of the Hohem iSteady V3. At first glance, it doesn’t have the most premium feel, but its design is practical and user-friendly. The non-slippery plastic coating ensures a firm grip, which is crucial during extended shooting sessions. Despite its plastic build, the gimbal feels durable and sturdy enough to withstand regular use.

The size of the iSteady V3 is quite manageable, making it easy to carry around. Its foldable design means you can conveniently store it in a bag or even a large jacket pocket. This portability is a significant advantage for vloggers and content creators who are always on the go.

Detachable Control Center

One of the standout features of the Hohem iSteady V3 is its detachable control center. This innovative addition allows users to control the gimbal remotely, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you’re setting up a shot from a distance or simply prefer not to use gestures directly on the gimbal, the detachable control center provides the flexibility you need.

The remote control is intuitive and straightforward to use. It connects seamlessly with the gimbal, allowing you to adjust settings, switch modes, and start or stop recording without having to touch your smartphone. This feature is especially useful for group shots, selfies, and vlogging.

Advanced AI Tracking

The advanced AI tracking capabilities of the Hohem iSteady V3 are another highlight. The AI tracker can recognize faces and follow movements with impressive accuracy. This is particularly beneficial for solo content creators who need to move around while filming. The AI tracking ensures that you stay in frame, even if you’re moving quickly or unpredictably.

Gesture control is another aspect of the AI tracking that sets the iSteady V3 apart. Simple hand gestures can activate the tracking, start recording, or switch modes. This hands-free operation is not only convenient but also adds a layer of creativity to your filming process.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the Hohem iSteady V3 doesn’t disappoint. With a 1,400mAh battery, the gimbal can operate for up to 11 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can shoot all day without worrying about running out of power.

Charging the iSteady V3 is straightforward, thanks to its USB-C port. USB-C is a universal standard, making it easy to find compatible chargers and cables. The gimbal also supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery if needed.

Versatility and Compatibility

The Hohem iSteady V3 is highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of smartphones. It supports devices up to 280g in weight and 98mm in width, making it suitable for most modern smartphones, including larger models. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, the iSteady V3 is designed to accommodate it.

This versatility extends to the shooting modes and angles available. The gimbal offers various modes, including pan follow, pan and tilt follow, and all lock mode. These modes allow you to capture different types of shots, from smooth panning to dynamic tilting. The ability to switch between portrait and landscape modes seamlessly is another advantage, catering to different content creation needs.

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Real-World Performance

In real-world use, the Hohem iSteady V3 performs admirably. The stabilization is top-notch, ensuring smooth footage even during rapid movements. This is crucial for activities like vlogging, sports filming, or any scenario where you need to move while shooting.

The AI tracking works well in most conditions, maintaining focus on the subject with minimal lag. The gesture control is responsive, making it easy to operate the gimbal without touching your smartphone. The built-in fill light, while not professional-grade, adds useful illumination in low-light situations, enhancing the overall video quality.

User Experience

The overall user experience with the Hohem iSteady V3 is positive. The setup process is quick and straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions provided. The gimbal is intuitive to use, with a user-friendly interface that doesn’t overwhelm you with options. The Hohem Joy app further enhances the experience, offering additional features and customization options.

One of the standout aspects of the iSteady V3 is its ability to use the smartphone’s native camera app. This means you’re not restricted to the gimbal’s app and can take advantage of your phone’s full camera capabilities. This flexibility is a significant plus for those who prefer using specific camera settings or features available only in the native app.

Value for Money

Considering its features and performance, the Hohem iSteady V3 offers excellent value for money. It’s competitively priced compared to similar models from more prominent brands like DJI and Insta360. Hohem has managed to pack a lot of advanced features into a reasonably priced product, making it an attractive option for both amateur and professional content creators.

The detachable control center, advanced AI tracking, and extended battery life are features typically found in more expensive models. By offering these at a lower price point, Hohem provides a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Hohem iSteady V3 has many strengths, it’s not without its drawbacks. One notable absence is a magnetic clamp, which would have made mounting and dismounting the smartphone more convenient. Advanced protection for the gimbal, such as a hard-shell case, is also missing. While the build quality is good, the non-slippery texture might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the lack of a more sophisticated paint job or texture might be a downside.

While the build quality of the Hohem iSteady V3 is solid, it lacks the premium feel of some high-end competitors. The non-slippery plastic coating, although functional, might not be to everyone’s taste. Some users may prefer a more luxurious finish, which would enhance the overall tactile experience.

Another drawback is the absence of a magnetic clamp. This feature would have added convenience, allowing users to mount and dismount their smartphones quickly and securely. The current mounting system is adequate, but a magnetic clamp would have been a welcome addition, especially for those who frequently swap between different devices.

Furthermore, the gimbal doesn’t come with a hard-shell protective case. Given its portability, having a durable case would ensure that the gimbal remains safe during transport. This is particularly important for users who travel frequently or use the gimbal in rugged outdoor conditions.

Advanced AI Tracking and Gesture Control

The advanced AI tracking and gesture control are standout features of the Hohem iSteady V3, offering a high level of automation and ease of use. However, these features are not perfect. While the AI tracking performs well in most situations, it can occasionally lose track of the subject, especially in complex environments with multiple moving objects. When this happens, it takes a moment to reacquire the subject, which can interrupt the shooting flow.

Gesture control is innovative and convenient, but it can sometimes misinterpret commands or fail to recognize gestures if the lighting conditions are not optimal. Users might need to practice a bit to get consistent results, and in some cases, manual control might still be preferable for precise operations.

The Hohem Joy App Experience

The Hohem Joy app is an essential component of the iSteady V3 ecosystem, providing access to various features and settings that enhance the gimbal’s functionality. The app is generally user-friendly, but it could benefit from some improvements. The interface, while straightforward, feels a bit dated compared to the sleek designs of apps from competitors like DJI.

Additionally, the app’s library of templates and pre-programmed features, while adequate, isn’t as extensive or as polished as those offered by some other brands. This might not be a deal-breaker, but users looking for a more robust editing and shooting experience might find it lacking.

One positive aspect of the app is its flexibility with frame rates and resolutions. Unlike some competitor apps that restrict these settings, the Hohem Joy app allows you to fully utilize your smartphone’s camera capabilities, which is a significant advantage for professional videographers who need specific settings.

Versatility in Shooting Modes

The Hohem iSteady V3 offers a variety of shooting modes, making it versatile enough to handle different filming scenarios. The pan follow, pan and tilt follow, and all lock modes allow users to achieve a wide range of shot types, from smooth panning to dynamic tilting. This versatility is beneficial for content creators who need to adapt to various shooting conditions.

The ability to switch seamlessly between portrait and landscape modes is another advantage, catering to the needs of social media influencers and vloggers who often switch between different types of content. This feature ensures that the gimbal can accommodate various creative requirements without the need for additional adjustments.

Stabilization Performance

Stabilization is the core function of any gimbal, and the Hohem iSteady V3 excels in this area. The three-axis mechanical stabilization effectively compensates for hand movements and vibrations, ensuring that your footage remains smooth and stable. This is particularly important for action shots or when filming in dynamic environments.

The gimbal’s performance is impressive even during rapid movements, making it suitable for sports filming or other high-energy activities. The stabilization is reliable, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about shaky footage.

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User Feedback and Community

Hohem has a growing community of users who share tips, tricks, and feedback about their products. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and help you make the most of your iSteady V3. User feedback is generally positive, with many praising the gimbal’s performance, ease of use, and value for money.

However, some users have noted the same drawbacks mentioned earlier, such as the lack of a magnetic clamp and the need for a more premium feel. These points of feedback are important for potential buyers to consider, as they highlight areas where the product could improve.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Hohem iSteady V3 is a highly capable and versatile smartphone gimbal that offers excellent value for money. Its advanced AI tracking, detachable control center, and extended battery life make it a strong contender in the market. While it lacks some premium features and build quality, its performance and functionality more than compensate for these shortcomings.

The iSteady V3 is particularly well-suited for vloggers, social media influencers, and content creators who need a reliable and easy-to-use gimbal. Its support for both iPhone and Android devices, coupled with the flexibility to use the native camera app, adds to its appeal.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone gimbal in 2024, the Hohem iSteady V3 is definitely worth considering. It combines a host of advanced features with a user-friendly design, all at a competitive price point. Whether you’re a professional videographer or a casual content creator, this gimbal has the tools you need to elevate your filming experience.

However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If a premium build quality or a magnetic clamp is a must-have for you, you might want to explore other options. But if you prioritize functionality, ease of use, and value for money, the Hohem iSteady V3 is an excellent choice.

Community Engagement and Support

Engaging with the Hohem community can enhance your experience with the iSteady V3. Users often share tips, tutorials, and creative ideas that can help you get the most out of your gimbal. Additionally, Hohem’s customer support is generally responsive and helpful, addressing any issues or questions you might have.

Future Improvements

Looking ahead, it would be great to see Hohem address some of the feedback from users. Adding a magnetic clamp, improving the build quality, and expanding the features of the Hohem Joy app could make the iSteady V3 an even stronger competitor in the market. These improvements would not only enhance the user experience but also solidify Hohem’s position as a leading brand in the gimbal industry.

Conclusion

The Hohem iSteady V3 is a well-rounded, feature-packed gimbal that offers great value for its price. Its advanced AI tracking, versatile shooting modes, and extended battery life make it a reliable tool for content creators of all levels. While it has some areas for improvement, its overall performance and functionality make it a strong contender for the title of the best smartphone gimbal of 2024.

Whether you’re capturing professional-quality videos or creating content for social media, the iSteady V3 provides the stability and control you need to produce smooth, high-quality footage. If you’re considering purchasing a smartphone gimbal this year, the Hohem iSteady V3 should be at the top of your list.

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Abdel

Abdel Editor at Superfashion.us. I've been writing about the tech industry for many years and my favorite topics to cover include Big Tech, media, and gaming.

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