Let’s talk about the Hohem iSteady M7, the smartphone gimbal that’s been making waves in the world of content creation. It’s packed with features that feel like they’re straight out of a pro filmmaker’s toolkit, but it’s designed for everyday creators like you and me. What makes the iSteady M7 stand out? Well, for starters, it’s not just a gimbal—it’s a whole production assistant in your hand. Imagine being able to track yourself while filming, adjust your shots in real-time from a detachable remote, and even light up your scene with a built-in RGB fill light. Oh, and let’s not forget the 360° infinite rotation that lets you pull off those jaw-dropping Inception-style shots. Sounds like a dream, right?
But here’s the thing: with so many gimbals on the market, is the Hohem iSteady M7 really worth your money? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
Unboxing the Hohem iSteady M7
When the Hohem iSteady M7 arrived at my doorstep, I was immediately struck by the packaging. It’s not just a box—it’s a premium hard case that feels like it means business. The case itself is sturdy, with a sleek black design and orange accents that match the gimbal’s aesthetic. Here’s what you get in the box:
- The Hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal: The star of the show, sitting snugly in its foam cutout.
- Tripod: A compact, foldable tripod is included, which is a nice bonus.
- Charging Cable: A USB-C to USB-C cable is included to charge the gimbal. No wall adapter, though, so you’ll need to use your own or plug it into a computer or power bank.
- AI Tracker Module: This little magnetic device is the brains behind the gimbal’s AI tracking.
- Detachable Remote: One of the standout features of the iSteady M7 is its detachable remote. It’s magnetically attached to the gimbal and has a 1.4-inch LCD touchscreen for controlling everything from gimbal movements to AI tracking.
- User Manual and Quick Start Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Hohemi Steady M7 has a modern, industrial design with a black and orange color scheme that gives it a bold, techy vibe. The orange accents aren’t just for show—they add a pop of color that makes it stand out, but they also serve as visual cues for buttons and controls, which is a nice touch. The body is made of a combination of high-quality plastic and metal, giving it a sturdy feel without being overly heavy. At 629 grams (without the tripod), it’s not the lightest gimbal out there, but it’s not meant to be.
The handle is wrapped in a textured rubber grip, which feels great in your hand and prevents slipping, even if your palms get a little sweaty during long shoots. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference when you’re holding it for hours. The grip extends all the way down to the tripod mount, which is another thoughtful design choice. Speaking of the tripod, it’s included in the box and adds an extra layer of stability when you need to set the gimbal down for a static shot.
One of the standout features of the iSteady M7’s design is its lockable arms. Each of the three axes—pan, tilt, and roll—can be locked into place with a simple twist. This is a game-changer for travel or storage because it keeps the gimbal from flopping around when you’re not using it. No more worrying about the arms getting damaged in your bag or during transport. When you’re ready to shoot, just unlock the arms, power it on, and you’re good to go. It’s a small feature, but one that shows Hohem really thought about the user experience.
Now, let’s talk about the detachable remote, because this is where the iSteady M7 really shines. The remote is magnetically attached to the gimbal, and it’s super easy to pop off and use as a standalone controller. It’s got a 1.4-inch LCD touchscreen that’s bright, responsive, and packed with features. You can control everything from gimbal movements to AI tracking, and even adjust settings like follow speed and motor balance—all without needing to touch your phone or open an app. The remote also gives you a real-time preview of what the AI tracker sees, which is a huge plus for solo creators who need to frame themselves perfectly.
The remote itself feels solid and well-built, with a joystick for precise control, a mode button for switching between shooting modes, and a shutter button for starting and stopping recordings. It’s a little on the small side, but it’s surprisingly intuitive to use, even if you’ve got bigger hands. Plus, it’s wireless, so you can control the gimbal from up to 10 meters away—perfect for setting up shots where you need to be in front of the camera.
At the top of the gimbal, you’ll find the magnetic AI tracker, one of the design’s most innovative parts. It’s a small, circular module that clips onto the phone clamp and can be rotated 180 degrees to track subjects using either the front or rear camera. The tracker also doubles as a fill light, with adjustable brightness and color temperature (including RGB colors for creative effects). It’s not the brightest light out there, but it’s perfect for adding a little extra illumination to your face or subject when shooting in low light.
The fact that the tracker is magnetic makes it super easy to remove and reposition, and it feels secure when attached. There are also safety locks on either side to prevent it from accidentally falling off, which is a nice touch. The gimbal powers the tracker, so you don’t need to worry about charging it separately.
Another design feature that sets the iSteady M7 apart is the built-in extension pole. It’s integrated into the handle and can extend up to 193mm, giving you extra reach for low-angle shots, selfies, or overhead shots. The pole feels sturdy when extended, and it locks securely into place, so you don’t have to worry about it wobbling or collapsing mid-shot. It’s a feature you don’t see on many smartphone gimbals, and it adds a lot of versatility to your shooting options.
The iSteady M7 is loaded with ports and mounts for accessories. There’s a USB-C port for charging (and reverse charging your phone), a 1/4-inch thread on the bottom for attaching the tripod, and even a cold shoe mount on the side for adding a microphone or light. These little details make it easy to customize your setup depending on what you’re shooting, whether it’s a vlog, a short film, or a product review.
Key Features of the Hohem iSteady M7
The Hohem iSteady M7 is packed with features that make it one of the most versatile and user-friendly smartphone gimbals on the market. From its AI tracking and detachable remote to its 360° rotation and built-in fill light, this gimbal is designed to help you create professional-quality videos with ease. If you’re serious about smartphone filmmaking, this is a tool you’ll want in your kit.
1. AI-Powered Tracking
One of the biggest selling points of the iSteady M7 is its AI tracking capabilities. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill tracking—it’s smart, fast, and incredibly accurate. The gimbal comes with a magnetic AI tracker module that clips onto the phone clamp. This little device uses a built-in camera to lock onto your subject and follow them around, whether you’re moving or they are.
- How It Works: You can start tracking with a simple hand gesture (like an “OK” sign) or by double-tapping the subject on the detachable remote’s touchscreen. The tracker can follow you in 360 degrees, so no matter where you move, the gimbal keeps you in the frame.
- Front and Rear Tracking: The AI tracker is magnetic and reversible, so you can flip it around to track yourself using the front camera or track someone else using the rear camera.
- Real-Time Preview: The detachable remote gives you a live feed of what the AI tracker sees, so you can frame your shots perfectly, even if you’re not looking at your phone’s screen.
2. Detachable Remote with Touchscreen
The detachable remote is one of the coolest features of the iSteady M7. It’s magnetically attached to the gimbal, but you can pop it off and use it as a standalone controller. Here’s why it’s such a big deal:
- 1.4-Inch LCD Touchscreen: The remote has a bright, responsive touchscreen that lets you control everything from gimbal movements to AI tracking. You can adjust settings like follow speed, motor balance, and even switch between shooting modes—all without needing to touch your phone or open an app.
- Wireless Control: The remote works up to 10 meters away, so you can set up your shot, step in front of the camera, and still have full control over the gimbal. This is perfect for solo creators who need to film themselves without constantly running back to adjust the camera.
- Real-Time Monitoring: The remote gives you a live preview of what the AI tracker sees, so you can make sure you’re perfectly framed before hitting record.
3. 360° Infinite Rotation
The iSteady M7 isn’t limited by traditional gimbal movements. It features 360° infinite rotation, which means you can spin the gimbal all the way around without it getting stuck or locking up.
- Inception Mode: By triple-pressing the mode button, you can activate Inception mode, where the gimbal spins 360 degrees while keeping your subject in the frame. It’s perfect for adding a dramatic, cinematic effect to your videos.
- Low-Angle and High-Angle Shots: The 360° rotation also makes it easy to shoot from extreme angles, whether you’re going for a low-angle tracking shot or an overhead view.
- Uninterrupted Tracking: Because the gimbal can rotate infinitely, it never loses track of your subject, even if they move in a full circle around you.
Performance and Stabilization
The Hohem iSteady M7 delivers where it counts. Its stabilization is top-notch, easily handling everything from smooth panning shots to fast, dynamic movements. The AI tracking is fast and accurate, and the detachable remote adds a level of control and convenience that’s hard to beat.
1. Stabilization
The iSteady M7 uses Hohem’s iSteady 9.0 anti-shake algorithm, and let me tell you, it works like a charm. The gimbal does an excellent job of stabilizing footage while you’re on the move. And the motors are strong and responsive, allowing for smooth panning and tilting movements. You can adjust the following speed to make your shots more cinematic or dynamic, depending on what you’re going for. Thanks to the built-in extension pole, you can get super close to the ground for low-angle tracking shots. The gimbal handles these movements effortlessly, keeping your footage stable even when you’re moving quickly.
2. Handling Heavy Phones and Accessories
One of the standout features of the iSteady M7 is its 500-gram payload capacity. This means it can handle even the heaviest smartphones, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, without breaking a sweat. But it doesn’t stop there—you can also add accessories like external microphones, lenses, or filters, and the gimbal will still balance perfectly.
The adjustable roll arm makes it easy to balance your phone, even if you’ve added extra weight. The motor balance feature on the touchscreen helps you fine-tune the balance, so you don’t have to worry about the gimbal struggling to keep up. I tested the iSteady M7 with a smartphone and an external microphone attached, and it performed flawlessly. The motors didn’t strain, and the footage remained smooth and stable.
3. AI Tracking Performance
The AI tracking is one of the iSteady M7’s most impressive features, but how well does it actually work? In my tests, the tracking was fast, accurate, and reliable in most situations.
- Subject Tracking: The AI tracker locks onto your subject quickly and stays locked, even if they’re moving around. It works well for both people and objects, making it perfect for vloggers, pet owners, or anyone who needs to keep a moving subject in frame.
- 360° Tracking: Because the gimbal can rotate 360 degrees, it never loses track of your subject, even if they move in a full circle around you. This is a huge advantage over gimbals with limited rotation.
- Low-Light Performance: The AI tracker does struggle a bit in low-light or cluttered environments, but it’s still usable. Just make sure your subject is well-lit for the best results.
4. Shooting Modes
The iSteady M7 offers a range of shooting modes to suit different scenarios. Here’s how they perform:
- Pan Follow Mode: Locks the tilt and roll axes while allowing the pan axis to move. This is great for smooth horizontal shots, like panning across a landscape or following a subject from side to side.
- Pan and Tilt Follow Mode: Unlocks both the pan and tilt axes, giving you more dynamic control over your shots. This is perfect for capturing smooth b-roll or tracking a subject as they move up and down.
- POV Mode: Unlocks all three axes, allowing for full 360° movement. This mode is ideal for creative, cinematic shots that mimic the look of an FPV drone.
- Lock Mode: Locks all three axes, keeping the camera steady and level. This is great for static shots or when you need to capture a smooth, linear movement.
- Custom Mode: Create your own gimbal mode by enabling or disabling specific axes (pan, tilt, roll). This lets you tailor the gimbal’s movements to your specific needs.
- A-B Motion: Set a start and end point for the gimbal to move between, perfect for creating smooth, automated panning shots or time-lapses.
- Follow Speed Adjustment: Adjust how quickly the gimbal responds to your movements, from slow and cinematic to fast and dynamic.
5. Ultra-Wide Mode
If you’ve ever used a gimbal with an ultra-wide lens, you know how frustrating it can be when the gimbal arms show up in your shot. The iSteady M7 solves this problem with its Ultra-Wide Mode. Just tap the trigger button four times, and the gimbal will shift the phone mount forward, moving the arms out of the frame. This ensures your ultra-wide shots look clean and professional, with no distracting gimbal arms in sight.
6. CCT and RGB Fill Light
The AI tracker isn’t just for tracking—it also doubles as a fill light with adjustable brightness and color temperature. Here’s what makes it special:
- CCT Mode: Adjust the light from warm to cool white, perfect for matching the lighting in your environment or adding a flattering glow.
- RGB Mode: Switch to RGB mode to cycle through a full spectrum of colors. This is great for adding creative lighting effects to your videos.
Battery Life
The iSteady M7 boasts a 12-hour battery life on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of shooting. In my tests, the gimbal easily lasted through multiple hours of continuous use, even with the AI tracker and fill light turned on. I used the gimbal for a mix of vlogging, tracking shots, and time-lapses over the course of a day, and it still had plenty of juice left at the end. If you’re planning a long shoot, you probably won’t need to worry about running out of power.
With reverse charging If your phone’s battery is running low, you can use the gimbal to charge it via the USB-C port. This is a handy feature, especially when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a power bank or outlet.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Advanced AI tracking with real-time preview.
- Detachable remote for solo creators.
- 360° infinite rotation for creative shots.
- Built-in extension pole and fill light.
- CCT and RGB fill light for added versatility.
- Smooth stabilization with iSteady 9.0 algorithm.
- Long battery life (12 hours) with reverse charging.
- High payload capacity (500g) for heavy phones and accessories.
- Cons:
- Bulky design compared to foldable gimbals.
- Battery life decreases with heavy use of AI tracking and fill light.
- Manual adjustment required for portrait mode.
- AI tracking struggles in low-light or cluttered environments.
- Firmware updates can be time-consuming.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing the Hohem iSteady M7, putting it through its paces in various shooting scenarios, and testing all its features, it’s time to answer the big question: Is this gimbal worth your money? The iSteady M7 is a premium smartphone gimbal that delivers on its promises sits firmly in the premium category with a price tag of $299. It’s packed with features that make shooting easier, smoother, and more creative. The AI tracking, detachable remote, and 360° rotation are game-changers for solo creators, while the built-in extension pole and fill light add versatility to your shots.
That said, it’s not perfect. The weight and bulk might be a turnoff for some users, and the AI tracking isn’t flawless in every situation. But if you’re serious about smartphone filmmaking and want a gimbal that can keep up with your creativity, the iSteady M7 is worth every penny.
