
With the iSteady V3, manufacturer Hohem has already proven that it is not only possible to produce high-quality, high-performance gimbals, but also innovative ones. After all, the gimbal won the Gold Award in our test. The new Hohem iSteady M7 goes one step further: in addition to advanced AI tracking, it also features improved stabilization and a detachable touchscreen remote control. Find out more in our test.
Technical data
The product | iSteady M7 |
Type | 3-axis gimbal |
Dimensions | 336 mm x 57 mm x 159 mm (folded); 327 mm x 122 mm x 159 mm (unfolded) |
weight | 629 grams |
Tilt | -50° to 275° |
Castors | +/- 45° |
Pivot | 360° |
Number of modes | 4 |
Battery life | up to 12 hours |
Charging time | maximum 3 hours |
Special features | AI tracking, integrated RGB fill light, control panel with joystick, stabilizer, removable remote control with touchscreen |
Price |
High iSteady M7 Review: Elegant design, robust workmanship
- Elegant, professional design; impeccable workmanship
- Rubberized handle
- practical extension + Fill Light
So here it is, the successor to the iSteady M6 from 2023. The new Hohem iSteady M7 also picks up on the elegant black design of its predecessor, which has been skillfully enhanced with orange details. The result is an elegant, modern look, thanks to which the gimbal also cuts an excellent figure in professional applications.
The build quality is excellent, but with a weight of 629 grams, the gimbal is quite heavy, although it is very comfortable to hold thanks to the generous rubberized grip. Thanks to additional connections such as two 1/4-inch threads, additional devices can be connected, which once again underlines its use in the professional field. Nothing is left to be desired here.
In addition to a practical hard case for transportation, the scope of delivery also includes a practical tripod for placing the iSteady M7 on surfaces. It also functions as an extended holder, which improves the grip and looks much more valuable than the small legs of the iSteady V3.
The rod of the gimbal can also be extended like a selfie stick, giving you a total range of up to 20 centimetres, which is extremely practical. Also familiar from the iSteady V3 is the fill light on the top, which can be easily removed.
The Hohem iSteady M7 not only shines in warm or cool white (2700K to 6500K), but also in all imaginable colors thanks to RGB. The AI tracker is also integrated into the light, but more on that later.
Setup and operation
- Quick to use even for non-experts
- Many video tutorials
- Innovative touchscreen remote control
Setting up the Hohem iSteady M7 is very easy, as the gimbal is provided with stickers before first use that explain exactly what is to be used, how and where it is to be used and rotated.
Simply unfold the arm at the marked points, insert the smartphone and get started. There are also several video tutorials within the Hohem Joy app that explain how to use the gimbal.
However, the operation is pretty self-explanatory anyway. The power button for switching the device on and off is located on the right-hand side, while the lighting is regulated using the rotary control on the left-hand side.
However, most of the operation is done via the detachable remote control on the front. In addition to the joystick, this also houses the shutter release button, a mode button and a zoom rocker that you can use to zoom in or out.
The remote control’s OLED display in particular has undergone a major upgrade compared to the M6 and now features a 1.4-inch color touchscreen. For example, you can start tracking with a double tap. It also serves as a remote camera feed so that you can keep an eye on the image composition even when you’re away from the gimbal and smartphone.
Of course, the settings are also made via the touchscreen, which you can use to scroll through the intuitively designed user interface. The touchscreen responds smoothly and precisely and has a range of 10 meters, giving you additional freedom.
Practical test of the Hohem iSteady M7
- outstanding features
- Excellent AI tracking (even outside of the companion app)
- Autofocus in companion app somewhat inaccurate
It quickly becomes clear that the Hohem iSteady M7 leaves almost nothing to be desired in terms of functions: The M7 is one of the best smartphone gimbals on the market, which even laymen like me realize relatively quickly. It is (to my knowledge) the only gimbal that can change position from the front to the back at the touch of a button.
Non-experts will be pleased that the accompanying app provides numerous tutorials that explain all the functions, features, modes and much more in detail. I was particularly impressed by the AI tracker and fill light, which can also be controlled by gesture if desired. This makes it easy to start recording, activate tracking or adjust the image composition using hand gestures.
Thanks to a new 2-megapixel sensor, tracking works very quickly and reliably and also recognizes a subject immediately when it moves out of the picture and back in again. It couldn’t be better. Tracking can also be activated and used in all conceivable apps, for example with the “OK” gesture.
So you don’t have to use the Hohem Joy app, but can also benefit from reliable tracking in the native camera app of your smartphone, TikTok, Instagram and the like – at least of you; with objects, you are limited to the companion app. Hohem has also given the M7 a brand new stabilization feature called iSteady 9.0, which does an excellent job of stabilizing shaky shots.
The removable remote control with touchscreen is incredibly practical and completely changes the way you use a gimbal. Thanks to the 10 meter range and camera feed view, you can position yourself freely and keep an eye on the composition from a distance before you start shooting. Tracking can also be activated with a simple double tap on the touchscreen, which is also very practical.
The Hohem iSteady M7 also has virtually no limits when it comes to movement. It can tilt between -50° and 275°, roll between -45° and +45° and swivel a full 360°.
The modes also cover pretty much everything you could wish for. Pan Follow, Pan Tilt Follow, POV and even your own settings are possible, so you have complete freedom here.
However, during the test, I found that the autofocus within the Hohem Joy app is not always completely accurate. Sometimes it fails to automatically focus on an object tracked by AI tracking. You sometimes have to refocus manually.
Battery life
- Up to 12 hours runtime
- Reverse charging
The battery life of the Hohem iSteady M7 is also impressive. Up to 12 hours of normal use are possible, but with active AI tracking, the runtime is reduced to around eight hours, which is still a very good value.
Charging takes around three hours via USB Type-C, whereby the gimbal also supports reverse charging with 5 watts of charging power and can therefore supply your smartphone with energy, for example.
High iSteady M7 Review: Conclusion
High-quality workmanship, elegant design, flawless handling and first-class AI tracking. The Hohem iSteady M7 is undoubtedly one of the best smartphone gimbals currently on the market and impresses with its state-of-the-art and reliable features that can take your content to the next level.
An absolute highlight is the detachable remote control with OLED touchscreen, which revolutionizes the possibilities for videos. Controlling the image from up to 10 meters away, adjusting all settings and activating tracking is simply unique and offers you many creative development options.
It is extremely pleasing that tracking is not just limited to the (admittedly successful) Hohem Joy companion app, but that you can also benefit from the capabilities directly in the native camera app and co.
The user-friendly interface and the many professional features make the Hohem iSteady M7 an excellent choice that is absolutely worth the money.
- Elegant design
- Outstanding AI tracking
- Practical touchscreen remote control
- Autofocus not always accurate
- high price
High iSteady M7
Design & Workmanship
User comfort
Features
App & operation
Price-performance ratio
94/100
Outstanding smartphone gimbal with precise AI tracking, great features and practical OLED touchscreen remote control.