As somebody who shoots quite a lot of cell video — whether or not it’s for YouTube, social media, or simply testing the most recent gear — I’m at all times on the hunt for instruments that may assist me create higher trying footage. We not too long ago received our fingers on the Hohem iSteady M7, a 3-axis smartphone gimbal designed to carry pro-level stabilization and monitoring to your smartphone setup. After utilizing it for a number of weeks, we predict it could be among the finest smartphone gimbals we’ve seen but.
The Hohem iSteady M7 is a sturdy 3-axis smartphone gimbal designed for creators wanting skilled stabilization and monitoring. Weighing about 629g (1.4 lbs), it suits smartphones between 58mm and 90mm broad and 6.9mm to 12.5mm thick, dealing with units as much as 500g (17.6 oz). The gimbal gives 360° pan rotation, a tilt vary of -50° to 275°, and a roll vary of ±45°, permitting for a lot of capturing angles. Its built-in 193mm extension pole is nice for top and low-angle photographs, and the three 1/4″-20 mounting factors allow you to add equipment like extra handles or counter weights.
A notable characteristic of the iSteady M7 is its removable 1.4-inch touchscreen distant, permitting real-time preview and goal monitoring from as much as 10 meters away. The gimbal’s AI tracker can observe topics like folks, pets, and automobiles independently, with no need a particular app. It additionally consists of an RGB and CCT fill gentle with 360 colours and adjustable temperatures from 2700K to 6500K. With a 3200mAh battery, the iSteady M7 lasts as much as 12 hours below steady circumstances, about 8 hours with AI monitoring, and three to 4 hours when utilizing AI monitoring and the fill gentle collectively.
{Hardware} and construct high quality
Proper out of the field, the iSteady M7 appears like a severe device. It’s extra substantial and heavier than one thing just like the DJI Osmo Cell collection, but it surely makes up for it with rock-solid construct high quality. The grip is snug for prolonged use, and the controls are intuitive — a giant plus if you happen to’re capturing on the go and have to make changes rapidly.
The iSteady M7 is available in a inflexible carrying case, just like what would come from DJI’s Ronin collection of gimbals. This beats out the fabric baggage DJI consists of with the Osmo gimbals.
Stabilization and capturing expertise
The core function of a gimbal is easy footage, and the iSteady M7 delivers. we examined it whereas strolling, working, doing gradual pans — the 3-axis stabilization held up superbly. It even dealt with sudden turns or fast actions with stunning finesse.
There are a number of capturing modes, together with:
- Pan observe
- POV (full observe)
- Lock mode
- Sport mode (for quick movement)
- And inception mode (for these dramatic barrel-roll photographs)
Switching between them is fast, and the motors reply properly with out lag.
Good monitoring
That is the place the M7 actually stands out.
That magnetic AI module we talked about earlier? It’s not a gimmick — it’s shockingly efficient. we set it on a tripod and filmed myself strolling forwards and backwards, transferring round, even ducking barely behind objects. The module saved me centered your entire time.
For solo creators, this can be a game-changer. You don’t want somebody behind the digital camera, and also you don’t have to depend on software program monitoring from inside apps (which could be hit and miss).
App expertise
The Hohem Pleasure app is the place you’ll unlock extra artistic options — like movement timelapses, panorama modes, and gesture management. The UI isn’t fairly as refined as Apple’s personal or one thing like LumaFusion, but it surely’s useful and simple to study.
One factor we appreciated: you possibly can program movement paths for repeatable digital camera strikes. That’s extremely helpful for product movies, tutorials, or something the place consistency is essential.
Battery life
Hohem claims as much as 18 hours of runtime with the AI module off, and round 10 hours with it on. We haven’t totally run it dry in a single session, however we received by means of a number of lengthy filming days with no need to recharge. There’s additionally USB-C passthrough charging, so you possibly can high up your iPhone whereas filming.
Downsides?
Nothing main, however a number of issues to notice:
- At roughly 1.3 kilos, it’s heavier than some rivals. Not a dealbreaker, but it surely may very well be an element for lengthy handheld shoots.
- The AI module, whereas glorious, provides a little bit of bulk to the highest of your telephone. Not an enormous situation, however value contemplating if you happen to’re utilizing a heavy iPhone Professional Max.
Is the Hohem iStead M7 value shopping for?
The Hohem iSteady M7 is a standout gimbal for cell creators. Between its rock-solid stabilization, glorious AI monitoring, and a flexible app, it’s among the finest all-around choices we’ve examined shortly.
In case you’re severe about iPhone videography — whether or not you’re a content material creator, filmmaker, or simply somebody who needs to make extra polished cell movies — the M7 is completely value contemplating.
At round $150, it punches properly above its weight.
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.
