As CGMagazine expands into the creator space, we have been testing a selection of different brands, so it was inevitable that we would come across hohem. I didn’t know what to think when we brought the hohem iSteady M6 stabilizer into the office, but I was blown away. This company has what it takes to be a creator-focused gimbal and offers a fantastic value-for-money proposition for anyone wanting to get the most out of their on-the-go videography.
When I unboxed the hohem iSteady M6, I was immediately impressed with the full package, even beyond the sleek, modern design of the unit itself. The full case, accessories and overall feel of the unit felt solid, built for a mix of professional and casual users. hohem has clearly put considerable thought into both aesthetics and ergonomics. The gimbal feels premium in hand, with a comfortable grip that won’t leave you fatigued after extended shooting sessions.
Once I got the hohem iSteady M6 all set up, I was impressed by the build quality. It utilizes high-performance composites that strike an excellent balance between durability and weight. At 551g, including the battery, it’s light enough for all-day carry but robust enough to handle your smartphone securely. The gimbal can support a payload of up to 400g, easily accommodating larger devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max or my current daily driver, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
While I have liked many of the recent stabilizers I have tried, including the Zhiyun, few have presented such a user-friendly overall experience as the iSteady M6. This is partially due to the choice to include a 0.91-inch OLED display that takes a lot of the guesswork out of using the device. This bright, crisp screen provides all the essential information at a glance, from battery life to current mode settings. It’s a small detail that significantly enhances usability, and I am hooked on just how simple everything is with the M6 overall.
At the heart of this is the iSteady 7.0 anti-shake algorithm, which delivers impressively smooth footage, even in challenging conditions. Using the M6 in a variety of scenarios, the smooth, fluid movement I was able to achieve with the gimbal was fantastic. Once you have everything set up as you need it, it just works, allowing for smooth, clean video that is suitable for a range of uses, including events, travel logs or anything else you can think of where you are moving around.
Something I didn’t expect to be so impressive with the hohem iSteady M6 is the included magnetic fill light. Whilst it is nice to have, I had no idea how useful the little light could be. It attaches magnetically to the iSteady M6 and provides an adjustable light that provides extra illumination when filming at night or in dark areas.
Although it is a nice addition to the overall package, it is also the key to the AI tracking features that make the iSteady M6 so much more versatile. It sounds like a gimmick to market a simple feature, but it actually works and works well. The magnetic fill light acts as an AI vision sensor, and once the iSteady M6 is on a tripod, it allows for seamless face and object tracking. Impressively, this feature works with any app, not just hohem’s proprietary software. Simply put, it’s a fantastic addition, especially for solo content creators who want to stay in the frame without constantly adjusting the camera.
“Something I didn’t expect to be so impressive with the hohem iSteady M6 is the included magnetic fill light.”
The gimbal offers a variety of shooting modes to get your creative juices flowing. From 360° Infinite Spin Shot for stunning Inception-style shots to Ultra Wide Angle mode for capturing expansive landscapes, the iSteady M6 has you covered. It can be a little overwhelming, but thankfully, even the more advanced features are easy to learn and take little time to get the hang of. Most people will use the basic set of features, but it’s nice to see that hohem has delivered a very well-rounded experience that appeals to both new and experienced creators.
Setting things up for the first time was shockingly easy. Once you have everything charged and turned on, you simply have to adjust the setting to ensure it is made to fit your phone, slot it in, and you are off to the races. You have the option of installing the hohem Joy app if you want to connect your phone via Bluetooth, but this is not necessary. The iSteady M6 will work perfectly fine without it, although the app does give you access to a range of settings and modes via a simple interface, so the option is there if you want it.
Despite all these settings, features and versatility, the gimbal has an impressive battery life. In ideal conditions, it can last up to 18 hours or so, the manufacturer claims. In my tests, it was closer to 15-16 hours, but this can vary depending on the phone you are using, the settings you are trying to use and whether you are using lighting. Even with heavy use of AI tracking and backlighting, you’re looking at 6-8 hours. That’s more than enough for a full day’s shooting.
As I mentioned earlier, I have tested a number of stabilizers in recent times, and even when compared to its more expensive rivals, the iSteady M6 holds its own impressively. It matches or exceeds many of the features found in more expensive models, particularly with its app-agnostic AI tracking. This versatility, combined with its robust build quality and impressive battery life, makes it a compelling choice at its price point.
I didn’t know what to think of the hohem iSteady M6 going into this review, but consider me impressed. It takes the concept of smartphone gimbals and elevates it considerably. From its sleek design and powerful stabilization to its innovative AI features and long-lasting battery, it ticks all the boxes for both amateur and professional content creators.
Whether you’re a vlogger, a mobile filmmaker or just someone who wants to enhance your smartphone videos, the iSteady M6 deserves serious consideration. If you’re looking for a smartphone gimbal that offers professional features without the professional price tag, the hohem iSteady M6 should be at the top of your list. It’s your ticket to smoother, more professional-looking content, an invaluable asset in today’s content-driven world.
- 【Magnetic fill light with AI vision sensor】With an AI vision sensor, you can switch between the front and rear cameras to achieve flexible “Follow You”. With Magnetic Fill Light, you can use different lighting for your shooting: Cold light, warm light, and RGB light.Color temperature: 2700K – 6500K. Al Tracking In All Mobile AppsFull Camera Control for Social Media Video Creation.
- 【iSteady 7.0 Stabilization&Wide compability】iSteady M6 gimbal integrates the iSteady 7.0 stabilization algorithms, helping you to capture on-the-move and shake-free creations that wow. No matter if you are walking or running, you can always film with flawless stabilization and create smooth footage. The payload is up to 400g which makes the gimbal work with most smartphones.
