If you're a vlogger, mobile filmmaker, or just someone who loves creating smooth, cinematic videos or selfies with your smartphone, you've likely heard of gimbals. These clever devices are what takes your captured footage from: “What is that image supposed to be, were you driving on a bumpy road?”, to: “Please give me the name of your video editor!”.
Introducing the Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA, the latest addition to Hohem's popular line of smartphone stabilizers. This is no ordinary selfie stick as the youth of today knows it. In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with the iSteady V3 ULTRA, and I'll share why I think it is a total must have for content creators and photographers out there, along with some road trip images taken with the Gimbal for your entertainment. Read on for more!
Design and Build Quality
The first thing I noticed about the Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA is how incredibly lightweight it is, only 420g! This makes it super easy to carry around, whether you’re out on a shoot or just filming a quick vlog. The design is sleek, minimalistic, and surprisingly compact. It folds down neatly, so you can slip it into a bag without worrying about it taking up too much space.
One of the best features here is the ergonomic grip. Hohem really thought about comfort with this model. You can hold it for long periods without your hand cramping up, which is a big deal when you’re filming for hours.
The built-in tripod legs are another bonus. They make it possible to shoot hands-free, especially if you’re doing a solo shoot or need to set up for a time-lapse shot. The iSteady V3 feels solid and well-built, and it's clear that Hohem didn’t cut corners on material quality.
Performance and Stabilization
Now, let's talk about performance: the need-to-know for any device. The Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA features 3-axis stabilization, and I was really impressed by how smooth my footage turned out. It does a fantastic job of stabilizing pan, tilt, and roll movements, meaning no more shaky, amateur-looking shots.
What really makes this gimbal worth it, though, is the AI tracking system. The magnetic AI tracker follows your face or body with impressive precision, even when you’re moving around.
I did a few quick tests by walking, running, and turning, and the gimbal did a remarkable job of keeping me in the frame. This is especially useful for vloggers who need to shoot solo. The AI tracking makes it easy for you to move around easily without having to adjust the camera manually.
Another plus was the battery life. I was able to film for about 11.5 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of shooting. It also charges pretty quickly, thanks to the USB-C PD fast-charging feature. I didn’t find myself waiting around for too long between shoots, which is a huge plus when you're on a roll, (literally).
While driving, (I was the passenger), I managed to capture some beautiful images of the scenery. I had no camera shaking issues as can be seen in all of the images in this review. When it comes to taking photos, I normally shake a lot, but with the stabilizer, it isn't even a minor concern on my radar!
Features and Functionality
The Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA brings out features that go beyond just stabilization. One standout feature for me is the detachable Bluetooth remote.
It is easy enough to switch between modes using the remote button within your grasp on the handle. Or you can just switch modes from far away instead of having to run up and down to your phone, by simply using the remote. You can start and stop recording from up to 10 meters away!
The AI tracker and built-in fill light are also really fantastic. The magnetic AI tracker makes sure that you stay in focus, while the fill light, with three adjustable colors, provides just the right amount of illumination when you’re filming in low light.
I’ve used the gimbal outdoors for some late-night sunset and moon-rise shoots, and the light worked surprisingly well in the darker light. Of course, keep in mind that at its highest brightness, it does drain the battery a little quicker, but that's to be expected.
The gimbal also has a 25 cm extension rod and tripod legs. This allows you to test out a variety of shooting angles. Whether you want a high-angle shot or a more dramatic low-angle shot, the extension rod gives you the flexibility to get creative with your shots. After all, angle is everything when capturing the perfect shot!
Hohem's app, Hohem Joy, adds a nice final touch of customization. It allows you to access various creative modes and even update the firmware of the gimbal. The app is user friendly and it does the job once you get the hang of it.
Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Shadow Black/Arctic White |
| Weight | 428g (±5g) |
| Material | High-performance composite material (Extension pole: 6063-H aluminum alloy) |
| Payload | 400g |
| Smartphone Width | 58mm ~ 98mm |
| Battery Capacity | 7.4V/1600mAh |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Runtime | Approx. 9 hours (Balanced and stationary)4 ~ 5 hours (With AI tracking and fill light used simultaneously) |
| Controllable Range | Pan: 360° infiniteTilt: 120°Roll: 330° |
| Working Temperature | -10 ~ 45°C |
| Motor Protection | The gimbal will automatically shut down in case of improper operation to protect the motor. |
| Standard Accessories | iSteady V3 Ultra, 1 AI tracker, 1 Touchscreen remote controller, 1 Storage pouch, 1 Hex key*1, Type C charging cable, Documents |
Usability and Setup
Setting up the iSteady V3 ULTRA was surprisingly easy for me. The process of balancing my smartphone took just a few minutes, and once it was balanced, the gimbal powered on instantly. I had the hang of the controls after a few practice runs. The interface on the gimbal itself is fairly user-friendly, and the joystick makes it easy to adjust angles as you are busy.
However, I’d say there’s a bit of a learning curve with the gimbal’s more advanced features, like the AI tracker and gesture controls. At first, it took me a few tries to get the hang of the gestures.
Pro Tip: Never grab the gimbal on the top without having a hand on the handle, trust me on this!
If you’re new to using a gimbal, I recommend watching a few tutorials to help you get up to speed with this nifty gadget. Hohem provides helpful guides and videos on their website, which I found really useful in getting up to speed quickly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent 3-axis stabilization for smooth footage
- AI tracking with magnetic module is precise and reliable
- Built-in extension rod and tripod for flexible shooting angles
- Long-lasting battery life (up to 13 hours)
- Detachable Bluetooth remote for hands-free operation
- Compact, foldable design for easy portability and minimal storage space usage
- Lightweight gadget and easy grip
Cons:
- The LED fill light can drain the battery quickly at full brightness
Comparison table between the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra and two other models:
| Feature | Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra | DJI Osmo Mobile 7 | Insta360 Flow |
| Stabilization Type | 3-axis stabilization | 3-axis stabilization | 3-axis stabilization |
| AI Tracking | AI Human and Object Tracking | ActiveTrack 4.0 (AI tracking) | Active Tracking (AI) |
| Battery Life | 13 hours | 6 hours | 12 hours |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours (Fast USB-C) | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Weight | 420g | 300g | 255g |
| Payload Capacity | 280g | 290g | 260g |
| Foldable Design | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes (Bluetooth, detachable) | Yes (Bluetooth) | Yes (Bluetooth) |
| Water Resistance | No | No | No |
| App Integration | Hohem Joy App | DJI Mimo App | Insta360 App |
| Smart Features | Gesture Control, Fill Light, Extension Rod | Gesture Control, ActiveTrack 4.0 | Gesture Control, AI tracking |
| Price Range | Affordable (Mid-range) | Premium | Mid-range |
| Compatibility | Any phone (Universal) | iOS & Android (iPhone 8+) | iOS & Android (iPhone 8+) |
| Release Year | 2024 | 2021 | 2022 |
So, Is the Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA Worth It?
After using the Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA, I can confidently say it’s one of the best gimbals I’ve used in this price range. It's smooth stabilization, AI tracking, and various features like the detachable remote makes it a must purchase for content creators and photographers looking for a reliable and affordable stabilizer. The lightweight, foldable design also makes it perfect for anyone who needs to travel light.
If you’re a vlogger, filmmaker, selfie taker, or mobile content creator who wants to bring something new to your videos without spending your life savings and your children's college funds, I’d definitely recommend giving the Hohem iSteady V3 ULTRA a try. It may take a little time to get used to all of its features, but once you do, it will most likely become a gadget you will take with you everywhere, (I know I do!).
The V3 Ultra will be available online on Best Buy on September 14th. If you don't want to wait for shipping, (because honestly, who would want to wait??), you can buy the V3 Ultra in store at any Best Buy store.
Stay tuned here:
Official website: https://bit.ly/4mfytIl
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U2DacI
