The Hohem iSteady V3 gimbal is a compact, 3-axis gimbal designed for those looking to elevate the quality of their video content. It focuses on functionality, portability, and ease of use, striking a balance between casual creators and serious videographers. At a mid-range price point, expectations are high regarding its functionality and practicality.
The iSteady V3 has a sleek, ergonomic design that combines aesthetics with practicality. It feels sturdy, with just enough weight to offer stability without becoming cumbersome over time. Its portability is a key feature, as it fits comfortably into most bags or even larger pockets, making it ideal for on-the-go shooting.
One of the standout features of the iSteady V3 is its foldable structure. The arms collapse, significantly reducing its size when not in use, enhancing both portability and protection for the motors and arms during transport. Additionally, the gimbal has a textured grip that provides comfort during extended use, minimizing hand fatigue.
“Its foldable structure and compact size make the iSteady V3 incredibly portable, perfect for on-the-go shooting.”
Setting up the iSteady V3 is relatively straightforward. After unfolding the gimbal, users need to balance their smartphone by adjusting the roll, pitch, and yaw axes. Thanks to the adjustable arm and quick-release phone clamp, the process is intuitive. Once balanced, the gimbal connects to the Hohem Joy app via Bluetooth, which unlocks additional features and customization options.
The controls on the iSteady V3 are user-friendly, with a joystick for precise movements, a mode switch button, and a shutter button for capturing photos and starting/stopping video recordings. The joystick offers smooth control, allowing users to achieve cinematic shots with minimal effort. That being said, it did take me a bit to fully understand what each mode was used for and how to use each one properly. Even without that knowledge, the gimbal was easy to use.
The iSteady V3 excels in stabilizing footage, a critical aspect of any gimbal. It is equipped with a 3-axis stabilization system that effectively reduces shake and vibration, producing smooth and professional-looking videos. The stabilization performance is particularly impressive given the gimbal’s price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious creators.
The gimbal features several shooting modes, including Pan Follow, Lock, and Follow modes. These modes provide versatility for different shooting scenarios. For instance, the Pan Follow mode is ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes, while the Lock mode is useful for keeping the camera focused on a subject despite any movements. The Follow mode is convenient for dynamic scenes where the subject moves around, maintaining smooth tracking throughout.
One of the standout features of the iSteady V3 is its built-in time-lapse and motion-lapse functions. These allow users to create dynamic, time-compressed videos with minimal setup. Time-lapse is ideal for capturing gradual changes over extended periods, like a sunset, while motion-lapse combines camera movement with time-lapse for more dynamic results. The iSteady V3 also supports a range of creative shooting options, including panoramic shots and slow-motion video, further enhancing its versatility.
Battery life is a crucial factor for any tech, and the iSteady V3 excels in this area. Depending on usage, it offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. This is a significant advantage for long shooting sessions or travel, reducing the need for frequent recharging. During my time at PAX West, I only charged it once over four days, using it for about two to three hours each day, and never needed to charge it while I was there. The USB-C charging port ensures faster charging times and compatibility with modern charging blocks.
“Despite the app’s shortcomings, the iSteady V3’s ease of use and strong stabilization make it an excellent value for creators.”
The Hohem Joy app is meant to enhance the gimbal’s functionality by providing additional controls and settings, such as remote control, customizable shooting modes, and firmware updates. Unfortunately, the app is the iSteady V3’s biggest weakness. While pairing the gimbal was straightforward, the app’s frequent ads and clunky interface made it frustrating to use. Additionally, the app is required to remotely control the recording and picture functions, limiting ease of use without it, and it occasionally disconnects from the device.
Despite this drawback, the iSteady V3 offers a well-rounded package for mobile filmmakers. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability, offering features often found in more expensive models, making it a great choice for creators seeking reliable stabilization on a budget.
The Hohem iSteady V3 stands out as a versatile, user-friendly stabilizer that delivers impressive performance for its price. Its effective stabilization, ease of use, and portability make it an attractive option for improving smartphone video quality. While the app has its flaws, they don’t overshadow the gimbal’s many strengths. For those seeking a reliable and affordable gimbal to enhance their mobile filmmaking, the iSteady V3 is definitely worth considering.
