Hohem iSteady V3 assessment: Robust gimbal with a learning curve
Hohem iSteady V3 Review
The Hohem iSteady V3 gimbal is packed with useful features. However, it takes patience to fully understand its potential. Many people use a phone gimbal as a way to improve their photography, whether it’s to capture memorable moments or create social media content. Beginners may find it difficult to use a gimbal, but they can greatly enhance their creative output. Hohem, founded in 2014, specializes in gimbals as well as photography accessories. Hohem iSteady V3 stabilizer gimbal allows you to freeze pan, tilt and roll axes. This allows you to get different angles and shots depending on which axes of freedom are allowed. The detachable control panel has all the buttons and its own charging socket. The tripod and extension rod are built-in and can be used as a selfie stick on the ground or in your hand. The V3 can be folded and fit into a bag or cargo pocket. Hohem iSteady V3 review – Folded and portable, the V3 includes a bag that holds everything. Just like the iSteady M6, it has a magnetic fill light and “AI” features such as gesture detection. When filming by yourself, it is helpful to use gestures to adjust the composition, change landscape or portrait mode, and set the gimbal so that it tracks your face. On the side, you can turn off the AI feature. The fill light can be switched from warm to cold tones to help add subtle or extra lighting to a subject – up to 110 Lux. Hohem has an app that allows you to update the firmware and take advantage of some tracking features. Hohem iSteady V3 review – Overview of Hohem Joy app. If you’re using the V3 more casually, you can do without it. But if you’re looking to get the most out of it for cinematic templates and tutorials, then it’s worth it. Hohem iSteady v3 – Specs Product DetailsSpecWeight420g / 14.82ozMaximum payload300g / 10.58ozBattery1400mAhCharging time2.5 hoursDimensions5in x 2.56in x 12.28inFolded dimensions3.85in x 1.73in x 6.32inExtension rod25 cm /9.84inHohem iSteady v3 – Use It took some time to learn all the features, with nine buttons including the remote control. Hohem’s video gives a good overview of how to operate the V3, and here’s a quick rundown of the most important buttons: Subscribe to AppleInsider YouTube. The orange side wheel controls fill light. The trigger on the back controls gimbal status. And the joystick lets you tilt and pan your smartphone. The mode button allows you to switch between different axes and landscape/portrait modes. The shutter button controls the taking of pictures and videos. Hohem iSteady V3 review – Closeup of remote with adjustment buttons, joysticks, mode button and shutter button. I used the V3 for my review workflow, photography and even video calls. The V3’s remote and AI tracking make it a great tool for controlling and setting up from afar, whether you are alone or the designated photographer of your group. The gimbal could be a handy fixture for FaceTime and Zoom calls, but AI face tracking does not work on video calls. The V3 initially had trouble switching from landscape to portrait, especially when the fill light was attached. It was important to align your phone as closely as possible to the volume/power button for balance. This seemed to solve the problem for me. Hohem iSteady V3 review – Extension rod used.If the gimbal payload isn’t balanced or aligned the V3 will beep a great deal, the motors may give up if they don’t autocorrect and you’ll have to reset it. This is not a fault of gimbal but a reminder to use it with caution. Hohem iSteady V3 – Great for learning photography on your own. The V3 is a lighter and more user-friendly gimbal from Hohem’s range of devices. However, I would not buy any gimbal before researching that it will fit your needs. This gimbal will suit solo content creators or smartphone photographers who want to add a little flair to their everyday life. I would say that the price and compact features make it a great first gimbal. Hohem iSteady V3 Pros
Foldable design
Tripod, remote and extension rod for versatility
There are many features and a good gesture control
Hohem iSteady Cons Learning curve for beginners
AI face tracking doesn’t work in video calls
Hohem iSteady V3: Amazon offers it for $103.20 (20% discount) and the Hohem Store sells it for $129 (14% discount).