Customers highly value the iSteady M7 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer, particularly its remote control functionality. Users also appreciate the gimbal's ease of use and compact design, making it a convenient tool to carry around.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Just buy it!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is not your average Gimbal. It is well made and does more than I had expected right out of the box, but there is a learning curve. The inception mode looks great and unlike other gimbals it can continue to rotate indefinitely. The detachable remote it wonderful and the tracking is great but if you move too fast or are too far away it tends to loose you. I have a full size tripod and it attaches the gimbal the same way your full size camera does so you can set it up anywhere. Well worth the money if you plan on doing content for you tube or other social media... Buy it! ****Pro tip make sure you disengage all 3 of the locks before you turn it on or it will start freaking out.***
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Build quality, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Absolute must-have for new content creators
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is my second gimbal and all I can say is, I wish this was around when I got my first! The value you get for the price can't be beat with what's available currently, and the features will take your content creation to the next level.
In the extremely short time I've owned this Hohem M7, I've already used it more than I have my previous gimbal that I've had for several years now. That old gimbal, by a well-known brand and more expensive, just wasn't the easiest to use, and one of my biggest issues, keeping the focus on certain objects or on myself as I move around, is no longer an issue with this Hohem. The AI tracker has been a game changer for me. My first use of it was for a product review. With the AI tracking, I was able to walk all around the product and not once have to worry about making sure the product was centered in the frame. This not only made for a smoother looking video of the product, it made my presentation smoother since I could fully focus on that, and not on controlling the gimbal.
I also tried using it with myself in view and again, this has taken my videos to the next level. My content is in the automotive space, and there are often times I'm creating a video about my car that involves moving around it, whether it's showing some feature off or doing a tutorial. With this Hohem, I was able to setup my camera in my garage, and walk all around my car while keeping myself, and what I was showing, in frame.
The best part of the AI tracking is that it's easy to use. I'm by no means at a professional level and am definitely a beginner when it comes to gimbals, but it didn't matter with the Hohem. Selecting what you want to track with the remote is a breeze and it just works, and I didn't have to go through the Hohem app to do so. In fact, I don't use the Hohem app at all. I downloaded it just to make sure the gimbal firmware was up to date, but otherwise I felt I could do everything I needed within the gimbal's menu through the remote. Plus I wasn't comfortable with all the permissions the app requires.
While the AI tracking is easy to figure out and use, there is still a bit of a learning curve with the M7. There are a lot of features that come with this gimbal, which is great, but it's going to take some time for a beginner to figure out how to make the most of them. At that point though it's more about fine-tuning it. Luckily there are some great online tutorial videos which I would definitely recommend watching, starting with a 'setup' video. This gimbal doesn't come with the best quick start guide and the first time I used it, the gimbal kept shutting down after a few seconds. I thought it was a balancing issue with how heavy my phone is, but it turned out I didn't realize there are 3 separate motor locks that have to be unlocked first.
About the phone, I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and once I figured out the motor lock issue, the gimbal handled the weight easily. My phone also has a pretty hefty mag-safe case on it, and unlike my previous gimbal, I was able to leave the case on and it was still firmly held in place.
Besides the AI tracking, another feature that is almost just as much of a game changer, is the removable remote with led screen. Besides being able to control the gimbal itself with it, it displays what the AI tracker sees, and is how you select what to track. But the biggest advantage is that you can more easily use your phone's rear camera and not have to worry about whether or not you're in frame since you can't see your phone screen.
Moving on to the physical side of things, using this gimbal feels comfortable. With a beast of a phone like I have it does get a little weighty, but it's nicely balanced. Build quality overall is really great too and I love the hard case it comes in for the added protection when traveling, which I do a lot of for my content.
Overall this gimbal is more than worth the price. If I'm being honest, with all the features and the quality of what you get, I would have guessed it was a lot more expensive than it is if I didn't know any better. I really can't recommend this gimbal enough, especially for beginners and content creators. And if you're like me and became frustrated with other gimbals, give this one a try, you won't regret it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Build quality, Stabilization
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Gimbal, Steep Learning Curve
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
PROS:
- Detachable Touchscreen Remote: The remote is compact and comfortable, with good feeling buttons and an nice display. Makes previewing
shots and activating smart tracking features effortless.
- Smart Tracking: AI-based tracking works particularly well for live subjects like dogs and humans. Hands-free gesture controls are
intuitive, making solo shooting much easier.
- Stabilization: The gimbal’s antishake performance is solid, keeping footage smooth while walking or moving. No complaints here.
- Physical Design: Product feels high quality. Everything has a solid feel throughout. Comes with a nice carrying case that is
thoughtfully designed. With specific cutouts for the product, tripod, cables and any extra accessories you want in two large mesh pockets.
- Extension Pole: It has a built in 8-inch extension pole.
- Tripod Compatibility: Standard tripod screw makes it easy to mount on most tripods.
- Axis Locks and Rotation: Each axis locks independently, and the gimbal can rotate 360 degrees.
- Battery Life: Long enough for a full day of shooting.
- Built-In LED: Can be adjusted from warm to cool. Along with full RGB. Colors seem accurate. Doesn’t get terribly bright. But that is to be
expected for the size and weight.
- Weight: Well-balanced—not too heavy, not too light—making it comfortable to carry all day.
- Instructional Support: Online videos make setup and balancing easy, especially for first-time users. Along with learning how to use the device. But can be repetitive.
CONS:
- Learning Curve: Is steep. I’m a first time user. Controls were not very intuitive. Took effort to memorize functions and navigation. I
had to look up a video on how to operate as wasn’t making good progress trying to do it myself. But again, this reflects the depth and feature richness of
this device. It’s a double edged sword.
- Tracking Limitations: The smart tracking feature requires good lighting and performs best with live subjects. It struggles with
fast-moving or unpredictable movements. Especially, with objects. Even worse with darker objects. Where sometimes the device will just freak out.
- LED Brightness: You’ll need other lights to get the most out of it. Can’t just rely on the one it comes with.
- Very expensive.
- Only works with smartphones. Not with normal cameras. So no dual functionality
- I found some problems with the 360 mode not working depending on the size of the phone.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, I enjoy this product. It has great build quality, great tracking, AI features are helpful and work well, and the removeable touchscreen for control is very helpful. The carrying case is very nice and can store everything you need it too while adding good protection. While there’s a noticeable learning curve—especially for newcomers—the depth of features and reliable stabilization make it an excellent choice for those who want more than basic functionality for their smartphone. I think no matter if you are a beginner or a pro this is likely a solid choice worth considering.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Battery life, Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A great tool- but not a toy
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This device is a rock-steady gimbal and so much more. It’s like a video crew in a box for creators. There is so much you can do with it, and after several days, I am nowhere near reaching its full potential. Give me time. I’m working on it!
There is a learning curve. You can’t just take this out of the box and put it to immediate use without some preparation. You must balance your smartphone first and that takes some patience. The unit had no problem in handling my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The gimbal must be unlocked in all three axes. You then attach the smartphone and adjust until you get balance and then lock it in place. The phone can be used vertically or horizontally and can be re-adjusted for each orientation. The gimbal and accessories are easily stored in the supplied carrying case.
Once powered up, you grasp the handle and control the gimbal with the attached touchscreen OR the controls on the handle, OR the supplied app for either ios or android phones. The handle has a handy eight-inch extension pole, and the unit can be placed on a horizontal surface with legs extended and controlled remotely with the detachable touchscreen.
The AI tracking features work like a charm, and you can use hand signals from a distance to stop and start the video and reframe. The remote control allows you to directly view the camera video and fine tune the tracking of either you, or some other human, animal or object. The battery lasts up to 12 hours, but you won’t get that kind of life if you are using the tracking features. You can also reverse charge your phone from the gimbal using the supplied USB cable.
The gimbal is on the heftier side but must be designed that way to support and stabilize larger phones. The M7 is not going to break easily, and you should get many years of use with this practical device. Numerous tutorials are available from Hohem, and I advise using them to further your understanding of the use and versatility of this device.
I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Build quality, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Stable & feature-rich gimbal for solo creators
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve tried a few simple smartphone gimbals over the years to help with vlogging for a family member who prefers using a smartphone over traditional cameras for product shots. I was surprised by how much capability this little rig offered. Initially, I questioned the need for integrated AI tracking, given that most phone apps already include this feature—but I was wrong. The M7’s AI tracking stands out for its accuracy across both near and far distances. The detachable control module and built-in lighting make it ideal for solo filmmakers who want professional control without juggling multiple devices. I’m not a professional photographer, but this gimbal definitely took my filming capability to a whole new level.
Design and Build Quality
The M7 feels like a professional tool from the moment you pick it up. Weighing around 780 g with the AI camera and mini tripod, it’s not the lightest—but that weight gives the stability and precision you need. The matte black finish with orange-accented buttons and dials gives it a professional look. The rubberized handle and tripod base provide a secure, ergonomic grip for long shots.
With axis locks on all three arms and a hard carry case, setup and transport are effortless. I recommend keeping the mini tripod attached—it improves balance and lets you set the gimbal down instantly between shots. The built-in 19 cm extension pole is a great addition for crane shots, overhead angles, and low sweeps without needing to bend much.
Performance and Stabilization
This gimbal was built for creators seeking cinematic stability. The three-axis stabilization system delivers smooth footage even during dynamic movement. In Sport Mode, motor responsiveness increases significantly—perfect for tracking vehicles or fast-paced motion. I tested it during outdoor sequences and car drive-bys, and it kept up effortlessly without jitters or horizon drift.
I also love the rear trigger, which lets you re-center, flip orientation, or reposition the motor arm—well thought-out and easily accessible while filming.
Controls, Interface, and Features
The detachable 1.4-inch touchscreen is one of my favorite features. It’s bright, responsive, and allows quick mode switching or calibration without using the app. The screen can also detach completely and act as a remote controller—perfect for solo filming, where you can monitor framing from a distance.
All four modes are easily accessible:
· PF (Pan Follow) – locks tilt and roll for smooth horizontal moves
· PTF (Pan Tilt Follow) – follows both pan and tilt for walk-through shots
· POV Mode – follows all axes for immersive movement
· Full Follow & Custom Modes – adjustable for advanced workflows
The side control wheel can be configured for pan, tilt, or roll. When connected via Bluetooth to the Hohem Joy app, it supports focus and zoom adjustments. The remote controller is packed with well-placed features that can be accessed quickly without digging into menus mid-shoot.
AI Camera with Gesture Tracking
This is where the iSteady M7 truly shines. The detachable AI camera, paired with the built-in LED light, delivers accurate subject tracking without any app. During my solo shoots, it maintained perfect framing even when I stepped out of view or changed direction.
Simply draw a box on the touchscreen to lock onto your subject. Gesture control is intuitive — the “OK” sign starts tracking, hand raise stops, and two-hand framing repositions the subject. Tracking stays smooth and reliable up to 10 meters with no noticeable lag, and it works flawlessly with any camera app. It’s like having a built-in AI cameraman, making solo content creation effortless.
Lighting and Power
The magnetic LED light offers adjustable brightness and a CCT color range from 2700K to 6000K, making it great for quick vlogs, interviews, or video calls. The RGB mode is a creative addition and adds a new dimension to product shots.
Battery life is rated at around 12 hours, but I expect shorter runtime when using AI tracking and lighting together. I frequently recharged it, so I didn’t fully test the battery life with all-feature running. It recharges in about 3 hours via USB-C. A hidden USB-C port also lets you charge your phone directly—handy for long sessions.
Setup and Orientation Handling
Balancing takes just a few minutes and is straightforward. The axis locks make adjustments stable, and the clamp can rotate 90° for portrait or landscape shooting. I wish it offered a one-button electronic flip, as switching orientations still requires manual rebalancing—but once set, it stays perfectly steady.
Standout Features
· AI camera and gesture tracking that works without an app — perfect for solo creators
· Detachable touchscreen remote with live feed and up to 10-meter range
· Built-in LED lighting with adjustable color temperature (2700K–6000K)
· Extension pole adds reach for creative angles and doubles as a selfie stick
· Axis locks and hard carry case for secure transport and setup
· Dual charging support for phone and gimbal during operation
Minor Improvements
· A one-button portrait flip would be a great addition for social media vloggers.
· The app occasionally lags when switching modes, which could be resolved in a future firmware update.
Final Verdict
The Hohem iSteady M7 is more than a smartphone gimbal — it’s a complete mobile film rig built for creators who value precision and independence. The detachable screen, AI tracking, and built-in lighting are game-changing additions that make solo shoots effortless. This is a well-engineered tool that elevated my filming experience from beginner to advanced.
For newcomers, the auto modes make shooting simple and intuitive. I still haven’t explored all its features, but it’s easily the most feature-rich gimbal I’ve used to date.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Build quality, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Content Creators Rejoice.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Hands down, the best smartphone gimbal I’ve ever used… period. I’ve worked in marketing for over a decade, and until now, I hadn’t found a single gimbal worth using on a regular basis. Honestly, the iSteady M7 gimbal has too many features to list and I'm still wrapping my head around everything this gimbal can do.
PROs:
1) Battery Life - I can't stress enough how great the battery life is. When iSteady says "entire day" battery life, I believe them. On a full charge, I can use this throughout my workday and still end on 50% charge. You can even use it to charge your phone if needed.
2) Remote control - The remote is not something I will use often but it worked flawlessly when I tested it and having the option is a huge bonus.
3) App - It's easy to use and the AI features like tracking works better than expected. Even if your subject isn't human, you can still lock object to help get that perfect shot.
4) Extension Pole - The extension pole is rock solid and easy to pull in and out on the fly. It might not seem like much but that extra length helps you expand your camera angles and boost production value.
5) Build Quality - Every aspect of the M7 is high-quality and feels premium. No expense was spared when they made the M7 and you get more than you pay for - this is one of the few products I've ever owned where I feel comfortable stating that.
CONs:
1) iPhone Max fit - I like to use my iPhone 16 Max Pro to shoot social content and I wish it fit in the gimbal better with my case installed. The case I have is very slim but the bulk is enough to prevent the phone from seating 100% - it works but you should remove the case if you want more confidence. The directions also recommend centering the phone with the mount but the Max is so large that there simply isn't enough clearance for the gimbal arm when centered. That being said, performance doesn't seem to suffer even with the phone shifted up in the mount.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Like I said, I'm only scratching the surface when it comes to listing all of the features. Aside from the less than ideal iPhone Max fitment, this gimbal is perfect in every way. iSteady includes every accessory you need to get started out of the box and the quality is top-notch. You won't be disappointed. I highly recommend you read the directions before jumping in - there are tons of functions and the directions do a great job explaining everything you need to know.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazingly Smooth and Professional-level Footage
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've been testing the Hohem iSteady M7 3-Axes Phone Gimbal for the last week. Overall, this is a well-built gimbal packed with great features for capturing super smooth and stable video. But, it does come with a learning curve.
This was my first time using a phone gimbal, and I was surprised by how advanced the M7 is. While the basic operation is easy to grasp, truly taking advantage of its capabilities requires some research and dedication. The included Get Started Guide has multiple QR codes linking to videos, which provide elementary explanations of the use and features. Even with those, there was still much more to learn.
Some things I immediately loved were its physical design and versatility. It easily accommodated large phones, including my Pixel 9 Pro XL. Plus, it came with a tripod that's great for stationary shots like talking-head videos, panoramas, and 360-degree shots. This tripod also doubles as a longer grip for getting closer to my subject. Not only that, but it has a built-in telescoping pole, enabling me to quickly capture shots from a higher or lower elevation.
The real star of the show, however, is the removable remote control. It works in tandem with the built-in AI camera to perform some outstanding tasks. First, the easy-to-use joystick allows for full articulation of the gimbal. Additionally, the remote displays a high quality, real-time video preview of what my phone is seeing, which enables me to view and frame my camera shots from a remote location. The co-star is the AI camera itself. Beyond passing video to the remote, it performs hands-free, gesture-based functions, including AI tracking of my subject and framing. This is most useful when I am both the videographer and the subject of my video.
With all that said, this is a super advanced and fantastic gimbal. In the short time I’ve been testing it, I’ve created amazingly smooth and professional-level footage that I never could have achieved without it. Given more time, I’m certain I will master all the features. But for now, I can confidently say I would highly recommend this gimbal for the content creator in your life.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Battery life, Remote control
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Reliably captures motion, but has a learning curve
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My teenager is sponsored as a competitive firearms athlete, which requires producing routine content for his sponsorship agreement. Capturing high quality content via cell phone or action camera has been less than easy as he runs from spot to spot and moving up or down in different configurations during each stage of competition. For this reason I was excited to try out the Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal stabilizer to support capture of quality photos and videos.
TL:DR Summary - I've tried a few different gimbaled action camera holders, but nothing has been as reliable to use as the iSteady M7 stabilizer. The detachable remote, AI Tracking, and built-in lighting makes it easy to capture all types of different events from outdoor sports to group photos. The only downside so far is that using the stabilizer doesn't always work as expected, either with the hand gestures or the AI tracking and seems to struggle with very fast motion tracking.
Pros:
AI Tracking feature is great once you master the settings, I can enjoy watching without being heavily focused on what the camera is capturing.
Can charge your phone from the stabilizer
Detachable remote
Can handle large phones
Unlimited applications from extreme sports and horseback riding all the way to taking great group photos.
Cons:
There is a learning curve to optimizing settings
AI Tracker seems to struggle to track fast movement ~15mph+
In the box is the iSteady M7 Stabilizer, AI tracker with light, touchscreen remote controller, tripod, USB-C charging cable, paperwork, and a nice semi-rigid carrying case to keep it all in. Setup is straight forward, there is a QR code on the box for the app, you'll want to install first, which will then walk you through setup and tutorials on how to adjust settings and optimize. There are also photo editing options within the app for additional content creation features.
To test functionality I set the stabilizer on the tripod and turned on AI Tracking, my son then rode past on his one wheel to determine how quickly the gimbals could adjust to track. These one wheels can go 20+ mph, which was completely out of scope for the gimbals, however as he slowed down the tracking did a much better job keeping up with him reliably. When I moved off the tripod and use AI Tracking while holding the stabilizer, provided I turned my body as he rode past, the gimbals could keep up with faster rates. For functionality, A+ for slow movements (tracking pets, people etc) and B- for fast action shots. Your mileage may vary, as functionality all goes back to what type of content you need to capture.
As for usability, I tested this stabilizer with my large Android phone, which weighs in at 305g with case and is 3.5" x 6.75" which is the max width the phone holder accepts, see photo. I found that out of the box, I could capture about 75% of the shots I intended to, with high quality and optimized settings, however to get to 100% I had to watch some of the tutorials to improve settings for rotational speed and trackability. I found that using the phone camera, versus the app, seemed to perform better as well.
A few other things to note include the AI Tracking and lighting, which can function independently of the app. If you are solo, AI Tracking can be turned on/off with hand gestures or via tapping the subject on the remote screen if carrying the remote works for the situation. You can also change the lighting between soft and bright white as well as RGB via the wheel on the side of the stabilizer. My favorite part of this stabilizer is the detachable remote, which has a joystick to move the gimbals manually, but also can adjust the mode and lighting without being near the stabilizer. The extension on the stabilizer will extend about 7.5" and allows for simulated drone type view as well as capturing people / animals a few feet away without having odd angles to the photos. One other use I've found using the extension is that I can set up the stabilizer on the included tripod in the middle of my arena, turn on tracking and use the camera to track horse training, so I can go back and review my form without having a second person there to record.
I love the battery life, the ability to do time lapse between two points and the overall flexibility this stabilizer offers. If it could do fast motion capture and was 100% intuitive, this would absolutely be 5 stars, however for these two items, this wasn't perfect for my needs as I'll need to continue to use a drone for tracking high speed motion. I do recommend it for most users, as I think this is easier than trying to navigate between a drone and action cameras, plus if you're trying to enjoy watching an event, you aren't tied to observing through the lens.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great tool for content producers
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing gimbal system. Comes inside a really nice carrying case. Its well built and it feels very sturdy and of quality. Since its an electronic with "ai" system, it needs to be charged and has a type C USB port to do so. Once you plug it in, it shows the battery levels on its display (green bars). Once fully charged you position your phone (it takes several sizes phones, mine is a large 6.8 inch android one, and the holder will expand and accommodate your phone size, there is no port to charge your phone while its holding it in place though). They have quick start guide, however there is a QR code to look at instructional videos on their website (which you should do, to learn the operation and tips and tricks). It also directed me to download their android app, to further operate it, edit videos and this surprised me, their app has a camera app (you can use your phones own camera app too), really neat.
Then you unlock all the moving parts by flipping 3 switches, so its able to move (locking them keeps them in place for storage and so they are not flopping around when you are not using it).
It has a small touchscreen to control several of the functions, which also acts as a remote control and can be detached from the main device. The front has a small little camera which serves to track your face and also has some lighting you can customize with the app (color temperature). I does work well to track around and keep your shooting stable, although it did lost track a couple of times, maybe the "AI" tracking can be improved in the future with software/firmware updates. It can also be removed by pressing to little buttons like a quick disconnect and can be re positioned. The main handle can open up also as a tripod and it can extend a bit too.
In all, I was very surprised at the quality of the construction and all the features you get for the price, definitely a great tool for content producers, like a youtuber, its a tool you must have!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Build quality, Stabilization
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Premium Gimbal Packed with Smart Features
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The iSteady M7 comes with a super nicely packaged set! As soon as you open the box, you’ll find a high-quality carrying case to keep your M7 safe when you’re not using it. The iSteady is already set up, and the two extra items included are a tripod and a charging cable. Inside the case, you’ll also find paper QR codes and a quick start guide. When you pick up the iSteady M7, you can immediately feel the quality, it’s made of premium materials. I scanned the QR code, which takes you to a page filled with video tutorials. At first, the videos feel a bit overwhelming because the first one, “First Use,” is a whopping 10 minutes long. But after watching, I realized all the cool things this device can do, and that 10 minutes totally makes sense.
The iSteady is super customizable, so it’s really the ultimate device for the ultimate creator. Whether you’re a daily YouTuber unboxing and reviewing products, cooking meals, or recording and taking action shots, this is truly a great device. I used the AI tracking, and it’s quite responsive, and I was surprised how accurate the hand gestures were. The AI camera instantly recognized the gesture to activate tracking. There’s so much you can do with this device, so I recommend watching the video tutorials because otherwise, you might forget everything.
Another feature I loved is that the touch screen on the iSteady M7 is removable, so it actually turns into a remote. This is great for placing the device and tripod in another area while you control it from a distance. The AI camera is customizable, so you can change the direction it’s facing. This ability lets you use your cell phone’s front camera or the better quality rear camera. Another feature that stands out is the light. The light is customizable, ranging from brightness to different colors, which is a great addition for night shoots. Honestly, a review doesn’t do this device justice, it’s so much more than what I can describe.
In the end, this iSteady M7 has completely exceeded my expectations. From the premium feel to the intelligent features and smooth stabilization, it’s easily one of the best tools I’ve used for mobile shooting. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants to take their videos to the next level.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent content creator tool for vloggers
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As I'm entering the content creator space, I'm trying to find the right equipment to make video capture easier. I have really liked this Hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Phone Stabilizer for recording selfie-style videos and for placing the camera to track my movements.
It has a 500g payload capacity and works well to hold my iPhone firmly. The grip handle is easy to hold and adapts to my movements while walking or moving. The build in handle extension pole is easy to extend and shorten with the unlock of a switch and gives me a great ability to capture low viewing or high viewing angles for the right viewpoint. The full package consists of the iSteady M7 itself, the sturdy M7 storage case, the tripod base, a fill light with AI vision sensor, type A to type C cable, type C to type C cable, and the usual quick start guides to get you up and running.
The Multimodal AI tracker is a fun and useful tool to help track me and my movements as I'm recording. For example, I've recorded some video content while cooking in the kitchen and the AI tracker followed me from the refrigerator to the pantry and back to the kitchen to cook on the stove. The video turned out well and looked like someone was manually working the camera to record me. I also like the detachable touchscreen remote for recording start/end. The 1.4 inch LCD touchscreen magnetically attaches to the handle base and makes it easy to see my video being recorded. It's also available to use for quick settings and adjusting parameters to your device. The AI tracker also is a 360 RGB light that helps to provide some light for the video content.
The learning curve to get this up and running is a little lengthy. I played around with it and had to use the QR codes to figure out the proper way to get the axis and rotation movements set. Yes, it's a great tool to use and record content, but I needed some patience to learn and play with all the features to figure things out.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Easy to balance phone with many useful features
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Firstly, I am happy it comes with a case. I don’t have to spend more money trying to find something to bring more gear with me. Plus, it fits perfectly since it’s made by the same company.
The first thing I did is to download the app. There is a QR code for iOS and Android. Next, I plugged it in to charge. It comes with two USB cables: one is USB-A to USBC, the other is USBC cable that is 90 degrees on both ends. It does not come with a power brick. I notice it charges both gimbal and remote control. The AI sensor is mounted on the phone clamp with contacts, so I assume if it requires energy to work, it is being charged along with the gimbal.
There are many QR codes throughout the quick start guide. One is a video tutorial. While I appreciate the ease of finding resources, I like to watch the tutorial and follow along. The problem with this is the phone I am watching the video on about mounting and balancing is the same phone that I’m trying to mount and balance. I ended up watching the videos on my computer so I can follow along.
I had a hard time balancing phone gimbals in the past. This one was simpler. The video tutorials are easy to follow. I got it balanced in just a few minutes. The app is similar to other gimbal apps I have used, so I was able to work my way around.
The AI tracking is cool. It supports gestures for tracking and framing. You can adjust the speed of the tracking. I left it on medium as it seems to look more natural when I’m walking around the room. The remote is great as well. It makes it easier to record by myself.
It comes with a tripod that can be attached under the handle. The handle does extend but enough for handheld adjustments. If you are going to set this on the floor to record you, get a longer tripod. The handle has a standard 1/4 size thread for tripods.
It has a good weight to it but not heavy for vlogging and walking around.
This is a great gimbal. Easy to set up. Great companion if you are filming yourself.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Remote control
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Game Changing Gimbal
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Hands down my favorite 3-axis smartphone gimbal yet. I have had several phone gimbals over the years and I’m sad I didn’t know about Hohem earlier. I’ve only experienced another big brand that dominates this arena and let me tell you that this gives them a run for their money. In my opinion the build quality is superior. The design is superior, the features are superior. I have a few things that have blown me out of the water as it applies to this gimbal.
One of them being the detachable touchscreen remote. Yes a remote and screen and detachable goodness all in one. I can finally see my shots if the phone screen is facing away from me or from a distance, I can control the gimbal and native photo apps along with Hohem’s app from this little thing. Mind blown. It is reactive, and very smooth. It offers many options that you can easily pan through, and the buttons open up even more options. Another favorite feature is that there is a setting or function for when you are taking wide shots that moves the gimbal arm towards the back so it’s not in your frame. No other gimbal that I own has that feature and I would have to either bear it or figure out another way to get the shot. This takes all of the extra work out of it for you. It does support an app and there are some features that can be helpful while using this gimbal, but it isn’t necessary to operate the device with. The AI features are some of the coolest. I can use hand gestures to start and stop tracking. The tracking is very smooth. I didn’t experience much if any loss of subject and I think it has a lot to do with the little camera that’s on the AI tracker piece that you can also detach and flip from front to back. On others I would have to use the dedicated app to use features such as this. It also has a pretty good range in which it can still pick up and recognize subjects and gestures. And gasp, I can also customize my composition using a gesture. The tracker also doubles as a light. I hate to say finally because there are so many more items I love that I could talk about. Finally, it also features its own extendable arm to create more distance or height between yourself or subject which works great for many of my shots. It isn’t long by any imagination but it is fantastic and strong. I always found myself bringing along a separate extension arm for my gimbals and it would be such a wobbly unsecured and unsettling setup so I’m thrilled with this. For reference it’s holding my iPhone 15 pro max.
Before I get too deep there is one thing I do not like about the gimbal and it is the fact that it cannot remotely switch from landscape to portrait. I have to manually switch between both and that is a drawback for me because it can cause me to miss a shot, as I have to rebalance the phone again if placed in a different orientation. I like to be able to catch the same shot easily and quickly for different mediums of media. There is a caveat in which you can quickly flip the gimbal and it’ll turn the phone into portrait but it is limited in movement. It can however, take a quick shot and then you can flick your hand back to place camera back to landscape. So again if you want full functionality in portrait, you’ll have to remove the phone and place manually into portrait orientation and rebalance. But, with all of the other features I don’t have on my other gimbals I’m still in awe with the M7.
It has multiple manual motor locks so it keeps the gimbal safe from freely spinning or accidentally bumping things while not in use. I can also control which motors, I want to use for specific shots right from the detachable touchscreen. How cool is that?!
The most “difficult” things when using this (almost any) gimbal would be the initial setting up with calibrating the gimbal and balancing the phone. I find it to be “difficult” because it’s just a tedious task to get spot on, because I prefer to just plug and play, lol. In comparison to my other gimbal this is one thing I didn’t really have work as hard to do. It was a magnetic attachment and self balanced whereas this gimbal is not a quick attach assembly. The second most “difficult” thing I encountered and to be fair, it applies to all gimbals are simply trying to remember what every button, knob, wheel, stick and press does, lol. Relearning a new gimbal is never a fun experience, but well worth it in the end.
Buy this one and you won’t be disappointed. There are so many other cool features and options that this gimbal provides. It’s all in the details of each setting which I implore everyone to try.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Remote control, Stabilization
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Very Impressive
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've been wanting a steadicam/follow-me phone/camera holder for quite some time. I've been doing product reviews for several years (like this one). I've wanted to take them a step further and have a video of the unpacking and product reviews (offering more than still photos. This Hohem iSteady M7 looks to come close to meeting my needs. I'd like to be able to use either my iPhone, Google Pixel or a GoPro type action cam. I also have a micro 4:3 DSLR that I use for AstroPhotography and product images, it can't be controlled remotely like the phone's or GoPro. The other thing I would like to have steady cam for is high resolution panoramic images (100+mp images stitched together, of landscapes or Astro Photos.
What stood out for me about the Hohem iSteady M7 was its detachable remote. It not only can be used for control but it can also display the image being captured (on a small display). I unpacked the M7 and was most pleased to find it included a very nice, professional case to hold the steadicam handle, cables, and tripod stand. The iSteady M7 also supports a payload of 500g which will allow my smartphone/GoPro to have additional filters or lens installed. Most phones only weigh 200-250 grams, so the additional weight supported by this gimbal is most welcome. The iSteady M7 only weighs 650 grams, and can be used (for up to 4 hours w/AI tracker, 8 wo/AI tracker). The (removable) AI tracking module also has a built in led fill light, which can be set from soft to cool or any RGB color. It's not "studio" bright but for a simple shadow fill its a perfect "quick" accessory. It also had a magnetic mount so it can be turned forward or backward on top of the gimbels phone clamp. I immediately found that the gimbels stabilization and the iPhone's own stabilization "fought" each other. Disabling the iPhones own internal stabilization provided much better results when using the iSteady M7. The Gimble has a built-in "selfie" extension pole (~8"), which is also useful when used with the tripod stand to raise the camera off a desk. The bottom of the gimble has a std tripod screw to attach the gimbal to any tripod or the included tripod leg pad. Unlike many cheap gimbels the M7 can rotate not only 360 degrees but it can do that continuously (it can actually spin). All three arms (axis') of the gimble have independent physical locking mechanisms. The gimbal also supports reverse charging, allowing the gimbals batteries to charge your phone (5V, no fast charging).
The coolest feature is the detachable remote, with touch screen. You can use the remote's display to tell the gimble what to track by double tapping on the image you want to track (like your face) and it will start following you, double tap again and it will stop tracking you. This is such a cool function for vloggers that work by themselves. It functioned flawlessly, truly amazing in such a small package, and controllable via the tiny remote, which can still be used to tilt/pan away from you as well as controlling the phone's zoom (which you can set the speed slow, med or fast zooming). On medium it took about 20s to go from 1x to 50x on my iPhone 17 pro. There are many more features that interface with the camera's setting (more like a DSLR with ISO & Shutter speed). If you're used to using another camera control app, like Blackmagic, only one can control the phone's camera.
I have to say that I'm terribly impressed by this gimbal. Hohem has a studio app with canned storyboards. I thought this would be really handy if I could define my own shooting plan/storyboards to replace what they have canned. Unfortunately I could not find a way to do this. I also could not find a way to redefine the matrix sizes used for panoramas, it looks like the app should allow this but it seems not to be implemented yet. Their app also cannot assemble (stitch together a panorama automatically), but there's other software that will do this for you. All and all if you'd like a hand controlling your camera this is a great tool. I hope that they continue to improve their Hohem Joy app, so much more could be added to it to make it a better tool for videographers.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ai tracking, Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Level-Up Your Videos
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been asked to lend a hand in putting together some social media content to try to pomote some of the great things my campus is doing. While I have been happy with the way our videos have been coming out, I was curious how much having a reliable gimbal might help take our overall production to the next level. When I saw this one from Hohem I thought it might be worth the try and I am happy I took the chance.
I have this connected to my iPhone 17 Pro Max and can say that it is very easy to use. It was a little intimidating at first, but after a few minutes with it wit was a breeze to use. They have a few video tutorial to help you get acquainted with how to correclty use it, and I appreciate that.
I was able to use this to record some rocket launches our kids were doing at school and the AI tracking worked great on the rockets with the gimbal setup on the tripod near the launch pad. The AI tracking also worked well when following specific people at the launch.
I wish that the features also worked with the default camera app on the iPhone but the app Hohem uses is also very good and intuitive. Video came out very nice and smooth. Between the gimbal, and the AI features, it has made producing our social media videos so much nicer, and they look more professional for sure. Love it. Another great bonus is the amazig case that you get with the gimbal. It really keeps the gimbal secure and easy to carry around. One of our students acccidentally stepped on the gimbal when it was in the case at the launch and it survived without any issues. I am confident the case will keep it secure in my bag.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Hohem for the win!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As someone looking to get more in to recording video, a gimbal is absolutely necessary, so I was anxious to see how the Hohem iSteady M7 held-up. After a relatively easy setup, and a somewhat complex onboarding, I have to say the ISteady M7 came through in all the ways I felt necessary.
To start, setup is super easy. The iSteady M7 is pretty much already assembled, just needing you to attach the legs. Build quality overall is solid...this doesn't feel like a toy, it feels like a solid piece of equipment.
While setup is easy, onboarding took me a little adjusting to get used to. While there is an app for the ISteady M7, I accomplished a lot outside of it...after watching a video. The different button presses of the multiple buttons allows you to do a lot easily without the app, but fist you have to get all the button presses down. The instruction manual that comes with the M7 includes tutorial videos that explain how to use the gimbal pretty well. After watching a couple, I was on my way.
The combination of the detachable remote and the AI tracker allows you to record yourself without touching your phone with no issue. Without specifically identifying myself as the target, the tracker did a great job of tracking me and not getting confused by the huge paintings of people in the background.
After getting some solid usage in, I'm a haircut and shave short of using the Hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal to boost my Youtube recordings. I'd strongly recommend this product to anyone looking for a gimbal.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
THE gimbal to get for compact photography
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Before the M7, the only way I could get everything it had to offer was by syncing my DJI Ronin 2 with RavenEye. That setup was great for my DSLR, but a bit of a chore for my cell phone or any other action camera I wanted to hook up. Surprisingly, Hohem has packaged all the features I love into a compact device that I can take anywhere and get excellent results.
Right out of the box, we get a great carrying case that can take a beating—I can just throw it in my bag and be good to go. Once I read through the quick start guide, I was ready to roll. One of the issues I’ve always had with gimbals is that balancing is always a chore. I’ve never quite mastered it, but with the M7 it was very easy, and I was up and running within minutes.
I’ve had many gimbals that claim to have AI tracking, but I’ve returned so many because they relied on an app that took away the creativity of using my native camera on my Pixel. Hohem’s app is actually very useful and has great features for different recording scenarios. I truly appreciate that it doesn’t get in the way of using the native camera on my phone or my action cameras. I’m free to shoot how I want, even while using AI tracking and still getting the results I’m looking for. Very important.
Speaking of AI tracking—it’s excellent. I use it mainly for fitness videos for my training company, and I’ve been chasing this kind of functionality for so long across so many different products. They nailed it here. Whether I’m in action mode sprinting, lifting, moving from machine to machine, or even just going through recipes, the tracking stays with me the entire way without missing a hitch.
There is a big learning curve with all the different functions it offers. From button presses to various modes, it’s very deep and can feel overwhelming at first—but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be flowing in no time.
The little screen that comes with it is not a gimmick; it’s very useful for framing your shots, seeing what the camera sees, and even as a remote control on the fly. It’s extremely handy for reframing my shots on the go, in addition to using hand gestures to keep the flow going.
It can support up to 500g, which isn’t enough for a DSLR, but my Pixel Pro with lights and a mic has been no problem. Keep that in mind when you’re deciding which gimbal to get. That’s what my Ronin 2 is for—but now that can stay in the case, because I shoot more often with my cell phone.
Battery life is rated at 12 hours, and I can attest to that—it hasn’t run out during any of my shoots. I’m in the habit of constantly recharging, but I’ve never been in a situation where I felt like I was going to run out of juice.
In summary: easy to load, deep to use, plenty of functionality, and everything simply works without much of a headache. This is the gimbal to get for cell phone or small camera photography. As long as it continues working, my search for the best gimbal stops here.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Feature Packed for Amateurs and Pros
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was excited, and a little intimidated, at the prospect of testing the Hohem iSteady M7. My "other jobs" include mountain trail running, short filmmaking, and I've been contemplating starting a podcast. Additionally, several of my friends are actors for whom I've shot their auditions and heard them complain about trying to do self-shoots.
The M7 offers a wide range of features, notably AI tracking and a remote control with a screen. The box includes the stabilizer, a small tripod, USB-A to C cable, a coiled C-C cable a removable AI Vision Sensor (tracker)/RGB+CCT Fill Light, and nice storage case. There's much to be learned still, so this is a review after only a few weeks of use.
I decided to only read the quick-start manual to familiarize myself with the parts and features and see how intuitive it is to use. I popped my iPhone 15Pro on and started exploring. You can orient your phone in landscape or portrait orientations and also choose to use the front or rear-facing camera as suited for your needs. There are guides to ensure the phone is level. It took a few moments to ascertain how to turn on and off the gimbal and the remote (and more importantly, to ensure everything was off for storage!)
The AI tracker is key for many of my uses. I tested it both tracking myself and also, to see how good the AI feature is- with multiple people on stage ON TV. It was able, with a simple touch on the screen, to follow my desired subject and pick the next best when that subject left the frame entirely. Impressive. You can also do this with the remote so that there is zero shake when changing subjects.
Manual panning is infinite via the the gimbal and the remote. That means there's no "stop" that would force you reverse directions at extremes. The combo of AI and the remote means you can shoot some challenging dynamic scenes. Vertical panning is somewhat limited (325 degrees of tilt), but I don't see that as a negative. The stabilization is excellent- my shots were smooth. The screen on the remote makes it easy to self-shoot with the superior rear cameras-perfect for solo filmmakers and auditions.
I found the lighting to be of supplemental value when shooting a scene, but very helpful for more close-up or very dark environments. The light is continuously dimmable, with color temperature (CCT) and up to 360 colors, according to the manufacturer.
Other nice features: the built-in extension pole allows for approx 7.6 inches of range, other devices (larger light, additional manual controls of up to nearly 18 ounces can be attached, and the USB C-C cable allows you to charge your phone from the gimbal.
I didn't get to test the battery life. The manufacturer claims up to 12-hours in stationary use, 8-hours with AI tracking on, and 3-4 hours with both AI tracking and max fill light. That's pretty impressive because most people are not actually shooting for even 3-4 hours.
Again, there's so much to learn with this feature-packed device. It's fun to use, but also well-built and great for amateur and pro filmmakers alike.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Incredibly powerful gimbal for creators
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've been working with the Hohem iSteady M7 for the better part of a week, and I have really been enjoying how it feels, what it can do, and how it operates. This thing is packed with great features and customizations, battery life is very good (like 15 hours on a charge), the motors are silky smooth, and like any great tool, it can inspire you to try new things.
That said, there have been a couple of moments that don't 100% deliver on the M7's promise; specifically, AI tracking of my dog isn't 100% accurate, and I've had the M7 bind up a couple times when it can't track properly using AI. But these are isolated incidents, and they don't represent my full experience with the M7.
The first thing you'll notice when you take the M7 out of the package is its pleasant heft, which really inspires confidence that you're working with a good piece of kit. The next thing you'll notice is how all the hand-contact surfaces feel great to touch, with the main grip offering just a hint of softness that makes it easy to hold and comfortable to grasp for long stretches.
Then comes all the functions and options you get with this gimbal. There is an AI-tracking module atop the phone mounts, which can be oriented away from or toward the user. This module comes with a CCT/RGB light, with customizable color, color temperature, and brightness.
The AI module's camera connects wirelessly to the dismountable remote control located above the handle grip, allowing the user to see a live preview of the shot and set AI tracking. The remote also carries all the functions you need to control the gimbal, from balance, to setting which motors will be used in the shoot, and much more.
The settings seem quite complex at the start, with many of the functions requiring multiple presses of the remote's many buttons (up to 5 presses for at least one function!), but after a while, they become second nature, and the most-needed functions are easy to get used to controlling. Helpfully, Hohem provides tutorials for everything you need to know, and there are many creators on YouTube who do an even better job of breaking down there wheres and whys of using this gimbal.
I had two challenges while using the M7. The first was with mounting my RODE wireless audio receiver while not throwing off the gimbal's balance. If you look at my uploaded photos, you can see that I did manage to clip the receiver to the front of the topmost arm of the gimbal, and connect it to my phone using a relatively short USB-C cable with angled plugs on either end. With a non-angled USB cable, it's quite difficult to get the M7 balanced and usable, because you have to move the phone pretty far away from the gimbal's center of gravity. Ultimately, I would prefer a place on the gimbal body designed for a clip to grab onto, and maybe even a short USB-C cable in the package, but buying one wasn't too expensive.
The other quibble had to do with AI tracking and my lazy dog. While setting up a tracking shot that went around him while he laid on the dirt, I double-tapped the live preview screen to set him as the object of AI focus. As I revolved around him, the AI seemingly didn't realize that he was still the focus (presumably because his side looks different than his front). As it lost the subject, the motors in the gimbal sort of swung wildly around and ended up getting hung up a bit until I turned off AI tracking as reset the gimbal's position. I didn't have the same issue when filming as he moved, but it's worth noting the AI tracking won't always be perfect.
Aside from those two small quibbles, I've had a great time with the Hohem iSteady M7. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a great tool for content creation with a smartphone!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice equipment
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great device very happy very easy to used
Good quality