My new favorite phone accessory has a really useful AI camera feature

Key points of ZDNET

• The Hohem iSteady V3 Gimbal is now available on Amazon
• This smartphone gimbal makes it easy to create smooth video and offers one of the better auto-tracking features I’ve used.
• The iSteady V3 documentation leaves much to be desired.

I love a good gimbal. In fact, about 15 years ago I made one for a GoPro, it may not have been up to industry standards, but it worked and allowed me to create some very interesting and artistic photos. For my video camera, I always choose the DJI RS4 Pro gimbal, it gives me many options for filmmaking.

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With Danny Boyle announcing a part of 28 Years Later was filmed with an iPhone 15 Pro MaxYou can bet that interest in smartphone filmmaking will increase. Of course, Boyle didn’t shoot the entire movie on an iPhone, and he also has a penchant for using ridiculously expensive lenses mounted on iPhones. Even so, it proves that, with the right know-how and creativity, you can do a lot with a little.

It goes without saying, when a PR firm reaches out about a review Hohem iSteady V3 smartphone gimbalI have overcome it all.

View at Amazon

When I received the gimbal, I immediately unboxed it and prepared it for its first run, which was disappointing because the product shipped with the worst documentation I’ve ever seen. At the very least, instead of anything informative, the document is nothing more than a collection of confusing illustrations. After contacting the PR rep, I was sent a bit more documentation (which should have been available) and I was finally able to get everything up and running.

Soon, the smile returned to my face and I discovered that a smartphone gimbal can really make a difference in the quality of videos produced. Before diving into this review, let’s talk about the specifications.

specifications

• Weight – 420g (±5g)
• Dimensions – Unfolded: 127x65x312mm – Folded: 98x44x160.5mm
• Smartphone width compatibility – ≤ 7 inches (Cell width: 58mm to 98mm)
• Smartphone thickness compatibility – 12.5mm
• Supported load – 300g
• Controllable range – Pan: -120° to 210°, Roll: -195° to 135°, Tilt: -35° to 45°
• Battery – 7.4V/1400mAh with approximately 13 hours runtime or 4 hours when using AI tracker
• Charging time – 2.5 hours
• Bluetooth-5.1
• Gesture control with AI tracker
• Includes integrated stand and extendable column
• The remote is detachable so you can easily control the gimbal from afar
• Price – $129 on Amazon

My experience

As I mentioned, the path was a bit difficult at first. Because the documentation is poorly written, it’s hard to figure out which button serves what purpose, which means I struggled to gain control of the gimbal.

However, I finally figured it out. Press the M button (on the detachable remote) twice to switch between portrait and landscape mode. Tap the trigger three times to switch between regular mode and selfie mode. Use the “OK” gesture to enable smart tracking (this also requires the Hohem Joy app available for both Android And iOSand the device must be connected to your phone via Bluetooth).

With those basics out of the way, I was finally able to use the gimbal and I immediately fell in love with it. While it’s not nearly as powerful as the DJI RS4 Pro gimbal, for a smartphone, this inexpensive device is a marvel… especially thanks to its AI tracking feature.

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My DJI RS4 Pro has a built-in Lidar that performs automatic tracking, and I have to say that the iSteady V3’s automatic tracking feature is equally impressive. With very little effort, I was able to create smooth videos, even while climbing many stairs. Here’s a sample (with cats included) to give you an idea of ​​how smooth your footage is with the Pixel 9 Pro and iSteady V3.

Then I tested the AI ​​tracking feature, which surprised me. Here’s a sample clip of me being weird in my office. Seriously, the AI ​​tracking is very good. In just a few quick minutes, I was off and running, creating all sorts of different videos, the only drawback being that the Pixel 9 Pro’s selfie camera isn’t nearly as good as the main camera.

This makes it less than ideal for quality video, and trying to use the main camera with AI tracking on its own isn’t exactly a straightforward exercise. The good news is, with a little patience, you can reverse your phone into the mount and use the main camera for AI tracking.

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Even with that limitation, the iSteady V3 is still an impressive little gimbal, especially for the price. This gimbal has impressed me so much that whenever I want to make any kind of video with my Pixel 9 Pro, you can bet I’m grabbing this baby. It may not beat my DJI RS4 Pro, but when I need something quick and easy the Hohem iSteady is hard to beat.

To add to the already impressive first impression the iSteady makes, it is very lightweight. I’m used to carrying my RS4 Pro with a fully equipped ZCAM E2 F6 camera, and that beast is heavy. The iSteady V3 attached to the Pixel 9 Pro is very light so I can easily use it all day without tiring my hands. With the RS4 Pro, after 20 minutes, my arms were tired and needed a rest.

ZDNET Buying Tips

Once you get past the poor documentation (make sure to find a few YouTube videos to get it up and running), you’ll find Hohem iSteady V3 for $129 to be a remarkable smartphone gimbal that not only gives you smooth footage but also includes an impressive auto tracker that can help you create content solo video worthy of his YouTube channel.

Anyone looking to up their smartphone videography game will do well with the Hohem iSteady V3. Plus, the price is hard to beat for such a piece of technology.