Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Hohem iSteady V3 ultra 3 has a lot of 3’s in it, 3 axis, 3 color fill light, 360 tracking… it also has a lot of success in its mission to be an affordable feature packed gimbal for the aspiring content creator. For real, this is an impressive product if you’re trying to break into content creation and get professional results. Why do I say this? Well because this device excels at being your AI enhanced camera man whether you’re doing the traditional gimbal thing carrying it around, or if you’re using the tripod and telescoping feature for a stationary gimbal. I love that it offers both modes and can transition quickly between them. The AI module adds a lot of value here too, as not only does it do a great job with default tracking, you can even set it to track a particular object/position and it will do its best to keep that area in view. The gestures are useful, and pretty cool honestly. The removable controller makes controlling your phone and the gimbal super easy. This default is more feature packed than its price leads on. So while feature packed, I found the quality to be quite high. The gimbal’s motors themselves are super quiet and inaudible making perfect video recording. The movement is smooth, subtle and fairly quick without being distracting. In a vlogging video, the subtle tracking actually adds quite a bit of depth versus a static mount. In handheld mode it does a pretty good job holding a shot either in selfie mode or recording a remote subject. The feet for the stand mode are strong for their size, and the gimbal had no issues holding my iPhone 15 Pro Max, flipping orientation and tracking with nary a wobble. This is even with the telescoping extension pole all the way extended. The way this device manages its center of gravity is impressive. So let’s talk about the core features here, the controller, and the AI module. These two things combine to offer a lot of cool capabilities. Want to do a cooking video but not worry about getting the tiny remote controller dirty? The AI module’s gestures have you covered. Using the ‘Ok’ gesture to start AI camera tracking, use the ‘stop hand’ to stop AI tracking. Do a dual ‘hang loose’ signal, and the light will start to flash indicating it will start recording soon, do the same to end the recording (with about +3 seconds after gesture recognition recording). This is super useful when you can’t use the remote. Not only does the remote offer lots of controls to stop/start recording, it very intuitively gives you zoom capabilities with virtual buttons. The physical buttons offer a joystick for control, and a record button to start/stop recording. The fact that this is magnetically attached and removable with its own battery and wireless connection to the AI camera module is really impressive. You can easily adjust lots of capabilities, like how the tracking works (vertical only, or vertical horizontal tracking), turning the light on/off (and change the color), flipping the orientation of the phone, and of course preview what the AI camera is seeing. Another interesting feature, which I didn’t really use but is kind of cool is the shooting modes, of either a panorama, VR 720 degree shot, or several other formats. There are shooting modes as well to do effects. The versatility and feature set of this gimbal is quite high. The software as previously mentioned enables a lot of features. I did have to go to the store to grab it, as the device didn’t prompt for me to download it. It’s not overly well rated, but it worked fine in my tests. I did have a buggy issue during the software update after it installed it, but restarting the app fixed it. For the price, I am thoroughly impressed with the capabilities of the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra 3. As I break into more content creation, I’m sure this device will give me even more flexibility as time goes on. Highly recommended.

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra isn't just another compact foldable gimbal; it's for anyone serious about mobile video and content creation. It's designed to be portable, folding up easily without sacrificing any of the features or stability you'd expect from a top-tier gimbal. When you pick it up, it feels premium, sturdy, and the grip is really comfortable, even if you're shooting for hours. One of my favorite things about it is the phone holder. It's got this built-in AI tracker that just pops off when you need it, but it stays securely attached when the gimbal's folded up, making setup a breeze. There's a magnetic remote that's easy to use, with a responsive touchscreen and a joystick. It allows you to set up and control the gimbal without the app. You detach it and control the gimbal from up to 30 feet away, ;supply a live feed from the tracker, it is fantastic for video content creation This gimbal is a real workhorse, too. It can handle phones up to 400 grams, so even my big Pixel 9 Pro Fold worked folded. You've got options for how you want to control it: either with the hand controls on the gimbal itself or using the remote's joystick and touchscreen, whether it's attached or not. While the Hohem app offers some fantastic advanced stabilization, it's also great that it works seamlessly with your phone's native camera app and even pro apps like Blackmagic Camera on both Android and iPhone. The AI tracking module is excellent. You can flip it around so your phone's camera can face either way, and it still tracks perfectly. Seeing a live preview right on the remote is incredibly helpful, letting you pick out exactly what you want to track—like a person, an object, or even your pet—and then fine-tune the framing. Plus, you can even control the tracking with simple hand gestures! And it's not just for tracking; it's got a built-in LED light with adjustable brightness and color temperature, so you can get the perfect warm, bright, or neutral light for any situation. You can even adjust the joystick speed for super smooth pan and tilt movements. The iSteady V3 Ultra comes with a bunch of different gimbal modes, so you're covered for any shooting scenario: classic panning, immersive POV, a locked mode for static shots, and pan-and-tilt for dynamic action. What is really unheard of for a gimbal this size is its range of motion—it can track a full 360 degrees and tilt up to about 80 degrees! This means you can get shots that other compact gimbals just can't. Overall, the build quality of this gimbal is just outstanding—it feels professional and built to last. The tracking is unbelievably smooth, giving your videos that polished, cinematic look. While I do wish it could charge my phone in , a minor complaint. Other that that this thing was way beyond my expectations. In all my testing, both the gimbal and its AI tracker performed flawlessly, the approximately 4 hour battery life outdoes other compact gimbals, even from big names like DJI. Honestly, the advanced AI tracker and that detachable remote makes the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra an absolute must-have for any mobile videographer or content creator.

I’ve used gimbals before. Matter of fact as a professional photographer/videographer, I’ve used many different gimbals, both phone and larger camera gimbals. So I'm familiar with how they are supposed to function and the majority of the settings. I love anything that can make your footage better and easier to publish. It's a great tool and if you are into videography and have never used a gimbal, I highly recommend it. Hohem appears to make a quality product. I’ve never used a Hohem product but I was impressed with the packaging and the included carry bag for the gimbal. It comes with everything you need. The stickers on the device also do a pretty decent job of explaining what you need to do to get started with the device. I'll say this up front, if you have a larger phone like an XL iPhone or a phone that has more weight than your average phone, you are going to push this gimbal to the edge. So much so, you may be thinking it can't handle the size of your phone. I honestly wish I would have got the model that supports more weight. I just didn't know at the time and I didn't see anything that said an XL iPhone wasn't supported from a weight perspective. It does “ok”. A lighter phone, no issues at all. I do have to remove the case from my XL iPhone which is kind of annoying but in a pinch, and when I absolutely need a gimbal, this will surely do. The AI features on this gimbal are fantastic. I had no issues with tracking or anything like that. I love the included stand feet. To be clear, I’ve had no weight issues with my XL iPhone while the phone is mounted in the gimbal and I'm using the AI tracking features. The hand gestures to start and stop the AI features are fantastic. Very easy to use and I’ve had no issues at all with the gestures failing or the tracking being problematic. I also love the detachable remote. Its so handy when you need distance between you and the gimbal and still need to control it. It really provides so much versatility. The app is great. I'm not sure why it got poor ratings on the Apple Store but I find it to be very useful and have had no issues with it. It detects and ties in with the gimbal great and provides some cool additional features. You don't NEED the app to use the gimbal which is also cool. But it does provide some extra things that are worth checking out. All in all this is a fantastic gimbal. I like it alot and I like the AI features alot. I docked a star because this version I don't feel is quite cut out for larger phones. It's doable, but with caution. Other than that, I don't have anything negative to say about it. It feels solid and performs great. I would recommend this gimbal. But like I said, if you have a larger phone, you may want to opt for the more robust Hohem gimbal.

I was thrilled to finally get my first gimbal, but boy did I underestimate the learning curve needed with this one! Thankfully, Hohem seems to have kept the novice like me in mind because they provided great video tutorials that were really informative and easy for a beginner to follow. If you haven’t used gimbals before, I do recommend practicing before you actually need to do any real recording with the iSteady V3 Ultra. Once I got the hang of how to use the features, this thing is pretty cool for the most part! I particularly like being able to detach the remote and control the settings, start/stop recording, and even see what my camera sees before I capture the moment. And the built-in tripod and extension bar is a win-win for sure. I’m not one to toot the AI horn, but the way the iSteady V3 utilizes AI features could be enough to make me get on the bandwagon! It panned and tracked basic movements wonderfully, up to about 12 feet, while keeping the frames steady and clear during recording. The end video product looked pretty good, actually professional looking. I could definitely tell the difference between using it and a regular selfie stick. The gimbal connects to your phone’s Bluetooth, and I found the app to be quirky, so I didn’t use it beyond what was necessary to register the device. The foldable compact design lets me slip it into my purse or tote easily. But it can start to feel a little heavy and fatiguing when holding it during use after a while. And I can’t use it instantaneously because my phone won’t fit in the gimbal holder without removing the phone’s waterproof case that it’s in. A very nice to have design feature here would be if the V3 was made with a Magsafe or otherwise more adjustable or flexible holder. The iSteady V3 definitely required a deep learning curve and has some features that I’ll probably not use any time soon, but overall, I think it’s a worthwhile investment for users like me that want it for creative fun, vlogging, and business needs.

Moderate product, good to have one to use regularly

Recently my daughter has not only gotten into photography but vlogging and recording. This has been especially important for her classes and speeches she now needs to record for presentations and grades. There is also a slowly growing need for some Youtube / TikTok recordings too. We tried working with a few cheaper tripods and tracking devices for a few of her classes, but they required too much manual adjustments with zero auto tracking and even the slightly more expensive ones were just glorified tripods at best. They weren't good. Our ideal setup is a lapel mic via the USB-C port for zero audio delay along with a tripod that can auto stabilize (aka gimbal) and potentially some auto tracking. The smartphone needs to be behind the small group of viewers during presentations while also being able to track her while she moves a bit and presents her projects. The Hohem on paper seemed to fit the bill so I picked one up when offered. Upon opening up the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the Hohem. It is very solid and well made with some heft to it. It comes with a soft carrying bag and a charging cable along with a few packets of information. It is vastly built better than the several tripods we tried before. Note, the detachable remote and gimbal both have USB-C ports for charging. At it's very basic core use, it has a very slick flat tripod built into the bottom handle that works great but can be tucked away easily when not in use (aux mounted or used in hand). This is such a neat idea! I also like it has a standard camera/tripod mount on the bottom if you want to attach it to a standard rig/mount. We did a couple of test setups for stationary seated speech/presentation recordings and the flat tripod mount worked great. This was with zero software support, fixed position. The gimbal actually comes with a small, compact selfie light which is decent in a pinch to help round out basic lighting needs but for more professional work you will want to add a larger selfie lighting ring or panel depending on needs but in a decently lit room, it adds just a bit more pop to your lighting in a good way. Next, we wanted to try some slight distance (~8-10ft) recordings in front of an ink blackboard and this is where it truly starts to shine. While recording, it comes with a very nice, small screened remote that allows you to begin/end recordings, menu functions, tracking and AI engagement along with a full display screen. This, to me, is what elevates the Hohem to that next level. In most scenarios, you will not need to break recording and walk back to your phone but adjust on the fly. Even when we fumbled a take (or five), we just stopped, adjusted real quick and resumed. All footage will/would be edited later so no problem. We were testing with my daughter's iPhone 11 and after awhile, she wanted to switch to my aux 14 pro max in an Otterbox case and this is where you will encounter probably the only issue I had with the V3. Lastly was some walk around footage for Halloween events, tripod retracted and hand held. This is where the telescopic antennae (aka extension) came into play allowing me to get some really nice, longer shots of the kids collecting their goodies. This is another area the V3 shines again especially with stabilization and tracking as I wanted to make sure to keep my niece and nephews in the shot. The iphones are pretty decent already, but the Hohem really enhances the recording environmental controls nicely especially in tandem with the app. Note, you do not NEED the app to use the Hohem but it really elevates its functionality when included for use. Problems? Concerns? Just one really. The hold mechanism uses a spring retention mechanism that can only realistically open so far. It really could not properly/comfortable hold my iPhone 14 pro max with the Otterbox case as desired while it had no problems with her iphone 11 with case due to its overall size. I ended up having to strip the case off to test and even then I'm a bit unsure of the heft of some larger supersized phones vs this Gimbal using a spring loaded retention design. I wish it used a manual sizing locking/clamp system for extra retention and added security and maybe was a bit bigger/wider. Hohem doesn't really state a size/weight limit but the iPhone 14 pro max feels "awkward" in the mounting system vs the iPhone 11 which looks and feels about where the V3 was designed to go. Outside of larger smartphone size/weight considerations and wishing it had a manual clamp/locking system for longevity and device security, I'm stymied to find any real, meaningful faults with the Hohem. It can function from anywhere down to a basic tripod up to a full AI enabled tracking and stabilization frame. With this and AI enabled action cams, really tracking and getting the shots you want is becoming a breeze and locking down that perfect end product can be finalized in post production. I can't wait to set this up for capturing some recording for the holidays of family and friends as I continue to fine tune my learning curve to capture better and more precise shots based on placement and tracking along with helping my daughter for her projects and presentations.

I am writing this review for the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal, as used with my iPhone 17 Pro Max This is my first venture into the world of advanced gimbals, having only used the typical “stick-type” selfie gimbals before. I’ll admit, I was a bit unprepared for how sophisticated the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra really is. I had to watch several videos before I felt confident enough to begin using it. But once I did, I discovered that, at its core, it’s surprisingly approachable, a true “turn-it-on-and-go” kind of device. Ease of Use The V3 Ultra doesn’t require the Hohem app to function, which is a refreshing change. In a world where most brands force you into using their proprietary app, this gimbal can actually be used straight out of the box. That said, the app does open up a much wider range of creative options, so while it isn’t required, it’s definitely worth exploring. Build & Design The gimbal feels well-built, though not without a few quirks. I love the removable remote; it’s a thoughtful feature that lets you control tracking and settings without staying within arm’s reach. The included built-in mini-tripod is handy, but unfortunately, it’s not as stable as it could be. When my phone and the gimbal arm were in a certain position, with just a slight breeze, the setup toppled over. A four-leg stand would have been a better choice for balance. And with that being said, the V3 allows for the attachment of a separate tripod via the screw mount on the bottom of the gimbal. This makes the V3 a true game changer as it can be attached to not only longer extensions, but also to stationary tripods for studio quality shooting. Most tripods can be reduced to just inches in height, so a truly balanced setup can be achieved. The phone holder is another weak spot. My iPhone 17 Pro Max wouldn’t fit securely with its regular case attached. I had to switch to a slimmer case just to use the gimbal properly. It’s not a deal-breaker, but still an annoyance for anyone who wants to keep their phone well-protected. Performance & AI Tracking In normal lighting, the AI tracking system performs flawlessly. It smoothly follows movements and even allows you to manually adjust tracking speed through the remote. There’s also a “Sport” mode designed for fast-moving subjects — a great touch for more dynamic shooting. In low-light situations, however, performance takes a hit. Even with the built-in light on, the tracker struggled to keep up if I moved at a normal pace. Moving slowly helps, but this is one area where firmware or software refinement could really improve performance. The ability to use hand gestures is a deal-maker as far as I am concerned. There is no ambiguity with the sensor…it picked up every available hand gesture with no problems. I can see that in future versions of Hohem gimbals, far more hand gesture options will be available for an even easier user experience. The Hohem App Experience Curiosity got the better of me, so I paired the gimbal with the Hohem app just to see what it could do - and I’m glad I did. The app includes Creative Studio, which offers downloadable templates for videos and photos. Each template adds filters, music, and transitions automatically. It’s a fun and surprisingly powerful way to create polished clips in minutes, background music included. These are then available for export to phone storage, and select social media sites. I like this feature because it allows for additional tweaking in third-party video/photo editing software. Beyond that, the app gives you deep control over settings like aspect ratio, white balance, zoom speed, and much more — things that just aren’t accessible from the gimbal alone. I also heard there’s a beta feature allowing control hand-off to a second camera (so you don’t have to run back and forth between setups), but I couldn’t find that option yet. Hopefully it becomes part of a future update. One more great thing about the app are the many available tutorials. They are refreshingly short, yet full of useful information. Straight to the point. Thank you Hohem for the creative genius that went into the creation of these amazing learning tutorials!! Final Thoughts Despite a few small frustrations — like the phone mount fit, low-light tracking limitations, and tripod balance — the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra stands out as an impressive, feature-rich gimbal. It bridges the gap between “plug-and-play” simplicity and “pro-level” creative control, giving newcomers like me a real taste of cinematic creativity. Once you get past the learning curve, it becomes a genuinely enjoyable and capable piece of gear, necessary actually, especially for mobile content creators who want to step up from basic selfie sticks into the world of intelligent stabilization and creative tracking. For beginners and veteran users, the optional app is, in my opinion, also a necessary requirement. It simply adds levels of control and creativity that otherwise would be unavailable. The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Smartphone Gimbal is a game changer for real. And at this price point, it makes no sense not to get it! The V3 is absolutely worthy of a 5-Star rating!

The iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal by Hohem, has some of the best innovations I’ve seen in years, and is a quality gimbal. The V3 Ultra comes packed with everything you need to get started right away; this includes the gimbal, charging cable, and a good quality carrying pouch. The build quality of the gimbal is fantastic; the gimbal is made of good quality materials that are built to last even with heavy use. The V3 Ultra manages to include some essential attachments that are built right into it. There are 3 metal legs that extend from the bottom, turning it into a tripod, they fit so snug and blend in perfectly that I didn’t even notice they are there. There is also a screw hole in case you want to attach it to your own tripod. The gimbal can also extend into a selfie stick, which is also made of very high-quality materials. The last 2 features are my personal favorite and make this stand out from others, those are the AI tracker with built-in LED light and the detachable touchscreen display. On first use, the V3 can seem very overwhelming, luckily Hohem has included a QR code to access many useful video tutorials that explain everything in detail. The biggest problem I have is remembering all the different motion gestures you can use. With the AI tracker, you can either set it facing you or facing the opposite direction. When I first tried out the AI tracker, I was blown away on how accurate and responsive it is and not just with tracking, but with motion gestures as well. I had a blast playing around with the gestures, they are incredible accurate and responsive, I even tried to confuse it by bringing another person in the frame, yet the gimbal managed to track me. That said, the tracking on the gimbal is fantastic! The gimbal was able to rotate and keep up with slow to rapid movements flawlessly. When setting up the tripod, you can detach the touchscreen and use it as a remote control, it has a built-in joystick as well as the record button and tracking button. The display also acts as a portable monitor that gets its feed from the camera on the AI tracker. The portable touchscreen/remote is extremely useful and functions really well, I was very impressed how there is virtually no lag when using it as a live feed monitor. So far, the only downsides I have come across are that not all buttons work with the standard iPhone camera app, most notably is the wheel on the gimbal and the zoom in/out button on the touchscreen. For these to work, you will need to download and use the free Hohem camera app. Overall, I am very impressed with the iSteady V3 Ultra. This is a fantastic gimbal through and through. The tracking is fantastic, it was able to keep up no matter how fast I would move, the AI tracking is next level, and the motion gestures are great. The only downside is that not all buttons work with the iPhone camera app, which isn’t a deal breaker, but it would’ve been nice. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for great quality and features packed gimbal.

This Hohem gimbal is engineered for aspiring videographers offering a robust tool to help take your videos to the next level. It will help transform your smartphone footage into professional-grade content. It combines intuitive operation with advanced stabilization and creative shot capabilities. While it’s amazing as a selfie stick alone, it’s likely overkill for casual Facebook posters. Most people using this will end up editing together multiple shots they take with this on various locations. Compact and Convenient Design: The gimbal is compact and very portable, making it easy to take everywhere you go. Its integrated tripod provides a stable base for static shots, timelapses, or for hands-free operation. It includes a telescoping and tilting handle which can give your phone some height or turn it into an incredibly steady selfie stick! While this flexibility is nice, it comes with a price. The remote buttons and joystick are well designed and easy to use. Setting functions on the touch screen is a little cumbersome for an average height guy with average sized hands. Hohem had to make a compromise to meet the size, portability, and price constraints on this. I’d say they made the right choice, but it does slow things down slightly. Fortunately, there’s quick access buttons for most of what you need: Changing gimbal modes from FPV to horizontal to fully locked, turning on the included light, adjusting the tilt, or centering the phone. AI Facial / Object Tracking: The AI facial tracking intelligently follows your subject (or you), even when they turn their back, ensuring they remain in frame. A quick 3-tap on the trigger moves your phone from front facing to selfie mode. It can get confused if the subject moves too quickly horizontally. It also won’t work if the subject is too far away. Optimal is 5-15’ from the camera. Tracking worked well not just with people, but also with signs, my cat, and other small objects. I tried doing an orbit shot around my car and it didn’t work out too well. The car took up too much of the screen for the tracker to keep it in view. Similarly, when I went behind a poll, it wasn’t able to pick out my car from the one in the spot next to it. It worked best when the camera recognized an object it could track, then I tapped on the remote to get it to track that object. While the gimbal has an app associated with it, it wasn’t always seamless operating. Timelapse initiated from the app worked quite well. The gimbal pivoted along the multi-point path I set for it. Starting a timelapse from the gimbal didn’t work at all, even though it’s in the menu options. Given how easy it is to start from the app, this is not a significant deal, but it was a little confusing. Stabilized: While the cool shots you can get with a gimbal are nice to have, the main reason people use them is for stable video while walking or pushing into a scene. In this regard, Hohem did a very good job. I did a selfie shot while walking and noticed very little up and down, even while the gimbal kept me centered in the frame. Similarly, straight walking while shooting along a path showed little distracting vibration and I could easily focus on what I was walking towards. I tried some creative shots such as rising from behind an object (like with a jib) and doing a selfie orbit. In both cases, the gimbal gave very smooth video which erased my natural tendency to tilt up or down. Compatibility: This gimbal is specifically designed for use with smartphones. It is not compatible with action cameras like GoPro or larger mirrorless cameras. While the holder may grip them, the gimbal motor is not that strong. Even if your phone is simply locked in off-center, the gimbal may error out as the phone is not balanced and requires too much power. This was my biggest annoyance as it would work fine for a bit, but then error if I moved so it was too close to its limits. Plan to spend a couple of hours getting the hang of using this gimbal before you shoot anything you need. Final thoughts: We’re living in a world where anyone can be a creator. Whether it’s just for yourself, your family, or thousands of strangers, Hohmen’s iSteady V3 gives you a great starting point for upping your game in video creation. It may force you to have a vision for what you want to shoot before you actually shoot it. You may also end up spending more time recording a vacation spot than enjoying it. Hohmen added features to this you won’t get with any other gimbal in this price point (such as remote control). Enjoy it for what it is and try not to ignore your family/friends while you work on becoming the next Spielberg.

As a growing content creator on TikTok, I’ve slowly been leveling up my setup, and adding the iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal has made content creation even more enjoyable. Before this, I only relied on a basic tripod. If you’re a beginner looking for a professional edge and stabilization, this gimbal is an excellent entry point. The packaging includes a quick-start guide that is incredibly detailed and makes the initial setup straightforward you can't go wrong. After fully charging, the one hurdle I found was properly mounting and balancing the phone. If it’s not perfectly centered, the unit will struggle and can spin or lock up. Take your time with the balance, and you'll be fine. The iSteady V3 Ultra offers great versatility with its three core modes,Handheld Mode,Extended Mode utilizing the integrated 12-inch extension rod and Remote Mode by pulling out the tripod legs. My favorite feature, and the absolute game changer for solo creators, is the AI Tracking. Since I film a lot of cooking and unboxing videos that require constant hand movement, this feature is invaluable. It’s easy to activate using either hand gestures or the small touch screen remote. It accurately tracks people, pets, and objects, although I did notice it occasionally lags slightly when tracking fast movements. The small, integrated touch-screen remote is practical for on-the-go adjustments, though I sometimes found the screen difficult to swipe, requiring a firmer press. A built-in fill light with three basic color temperature options,it’s simple but perfectly functional for quick lighting fixes.The ergonomic design allows you to reach all controls using only one hand. The main drawback is the weight. Holding the iSteady V3 Ultra for longer recording sessions can definitely cause fatigue. Finally, while there is a dedicated app for more advanced video and photo controls, I appreciate that all the essential features I need are accessible directly on the gimbal itself, allowing me to skip the app entirely. The iSteady V3 Ultra is a powerful tool for a growing creator. It delivers excellent stabilization and crucial AI features that will instantly elevate the quality of your content. Easy to fold and store away, they also include a velvet storage bag.

I had never heard of Hohem as a brand before this review, and I am now a fan. This feature-rich gimbal is precisely what the doctor ordered. I use a gimbal occasionally for when you need to shoot some B-roll, do a little tutorial, or vlog your life as a creator or travel blogger. If you need better video than your webcam provides, a gimbal solves a lot of life’s little problems by using your cellphone’s fantastic camera as a video camera. If you think a gimbal is a glorified selfie stick, you’re pretty wrong. The most significant advantage of a gimbal is that it allows you to shoot stabilized video that looks very professional. I have been using a basic gimbal for the last few years, and despite a few flaws, I have learned just to adjust and adapt to it. My biggest gripe with my existing gimbal is that you have to start recording, flip the camera, and then get in front of the device. There was no ability to start remotely, whether via gestures or a remote control. If you are behind the camera, it works fine, but often we want to shoot video with the front-facing camera, not the selfie camera. The Hohem V3 Ultra solves the primary issue of starting recording with hand gestures that the AI Camera can see. You also have a removable handheld control that not only adjusts settings but also shows your camera’s field of view via the onboard AI camera. This reassures you on your shot POV before you hit record. If you need extra lighting, the AI Camera has a variable white balance to help illuminate your scene. I’d say that I spent a good few hours getting acquainted with the new controls of the Hohem V3 Ultra. The manual in the box may be basic, but the online operation manual and the company's video tutorials help you get acquainted with this device. I’d say the most frustrating part of this device is the amount of learning/trial-and-error before you can shoot your next masterpiece. The gimbal is hella powerful with oodles of capabilities and honestly a little too much for my vlogging dreams. That said, the everyday comfort items of better framing go a long way toward making sure your videos look as good as they can. In terms of operational use, the first time you need to download the Hohem App, which is necessary to register the unit, but once that is done, you can choose whatever app you wish. But the Hohem app is quite powerful. I use the Blackmagic Design app for the raw log recording ability, and I know a lot of creators use that professional recording app, but you can use your inbuilt camera app, and it works just as well. In advanced operations, the Hohem V3 Ultra app provides templates to help wow your audience. These are guided shot templates to give you that special look for your video. I may not have used that template feature much, but it's a nice-to-have feature. I’d say it's more useful if your shot requires such special effects. In terms of operation, the gimbal works well, very smooth, very well balanced. It has an effective built-in stand, it can support remote mic units. I will say it takes a bit to get used to, spending time with the help tutorial and fiddling with it is the best way to learn it. I spent a few hours on a cross-country flight getting acquainted with the device, and by the time I landed, I had enough to hit the ground running on the conference floor. So, who is the device for? Well, creators - be it a travel blogger, a home chef, a person tinkering with electronics, or cars. I am a general form blogger, but I do take my selfie stick/gimbal to conferences to document the latest products in my industry. This is a feature-rich gimbal that can be great for advanced users, but frustrating for novice users. I personally wouldn't have thought I'd need another gimbal, but honestly, in the last few years, the technology has improved with new features that make sense for getting a new one.

My Hohem—I steady V3 3 X-axis gimbal stabilizer for smartphone with AI tracking and detachable touch screen arrived, and this little gizmo blows me away. Setup is easy, but it's done through videos where you scan barcodes in the instruction manual, which isn't a problem for me, but some might have issues with this. Button controls are straightforward on the handle. Still, you must remember what pressing does what function. For example, seven presses of the side button reset everything, and two presses of another button turn on the light. The touch screen allows you to access the gimbal controls, handle mode control with the removable touch screen, and view a live feed of the AI tracking. Let me tell you about the AI track. It's amazing and uses hand gestures to control the functions, which is very cool. Again, you must remember what hand gestures do. That function is very significant in AI because it tracks people and pets. Modes include pan follow, pan tilt and follow, and point of view mode, suitable for first-person videos and pictures. It also has all lock modes for a walk-by tracking shot of a moving object.  Another awesome way to control the gimbal is with the Hohem Joy app, which helps you improve video images and pictures by controlling the saturation and lighting. It also gives you suggestions. It also has a creative studio, and it's a good place to keep your gimbal updated with firmware.  This gimbal is very good for anyone starting out in videography or content creation, from beginners to professionals.  Definitely check this one out.

This Smartphone Gimbal is sooo much more than a selfie stick. Hohem has managed to pack in sooo many features that this device is truly useful - in many ways. It can attach to a tripod, but also has its own 3 feet. It has its own light than can switch from bright white to warm white and adjust to the perfect brightness. The top telescopes upwards greatly increasing its reach and the view it can capture. And, it has its own remote control with a live video screen - meaning that the user can finally turn their smart phone around to utilize the main high-quality camera - while still being able to view what the phone is recording. No more streaming with a low quality selfie camera squeezed behind the phone's screen. The gimbal has great battery life and does a very good job at keeping the video balanced and shake free. Where it really shines is its use of AI to track the target of the video. This is where the gimbal is surprisingly useful for photography. Mount the gimbal on any tripod and use AI to track the subject and make sure you're always getting the perfect shot. The one warning that I do have is that two of the built in tripod feet are placed side by side and can pinch like tweezers when they are pushed back upwards into the base (where they store away). Make sure you are careful as you press the feet up into the handle. Absolutely do not push all three of the feet upwards simultaneously with the palm of your hand. While this seems like the logical way to stash them away - the two that are placed side by side will pinch INCREDIBLY hard. Overall, I believe that if you are interested in owning a Gimbal - this version will have all of the features you need...and then some. Learning all of the many features can be a bit overwhelming, but stick with it and you'll find the device quite useful. Thankfully Hohem has placed QR codes on the device that lead to instructions and video tutorials.

The build quality of this gimbal is great. It is made of a durable plastic which seems like it would be able to withstand some fall damage (though I did not test that out). It comes with a touchscreen remote which satisfyingly attaches to the gimbal with no effort while remaining stable once in place. The gimbal folds down to a really compact size which would make it easy for throwing into a bag. It also has a collapsible tripod built into the grip—the tripod legs are pretty thin but they appear to be made of metal so I think they will have some longevity. For selfie vlogging, they’ve also included an embedded extension rod to get a better angle while you’re filming (also very sturdy). There’s also a removable tracking camera/light that can be rotated to face front or back, depending on how you’re using the gimbal. I thought the gimbal performance was great. For all of my video testing, I thought that the stabilization made all of my footage look buttery smooth, even when I was moving it around excessively. The gimbal controls are really nice and straightforward—to pan, you can just push the joystick in the direction you want it to pan and it immediately responds. I thought the pan was a bit slow which for most people will not matter, but if you were hoping to get some crazy robotic arm-type movement out of it, this is not the gimbal for you. The best part of this device is how many features that are packed into this device. First, battery life is great. It has a quoted runtime of 9 hours which is basically “all day” battery life for my type of usage. The biggest feature to me is the included remote. It has touchscreen and also includes two physical controls on it. At first I was really skeptical of it, but it is awesome! I love being able to remotely control the gimbal, and combined with the hohem app, AI tracking, and the built-in tripod, I always have someone (something) to film me. The range of the remote is really long too—I think Hohem claims it to be up to 33 feet. Speaking of AI tracking, it definitely works pretty well. It was easy for it to recognize my face using the hohem app. I thought it could be a bit slow at tracking (and also lose my face at times), but unless you’re doing something that would require excessive panning, I don’t think most people would be impacted. Overall, this is a great gimbal with a lot of great features.

After stepping away from smartphone gimbals for about six years due to their bulkiness and inconvenience, I recently revisited the category with the Hohem iSteady v3 Ultra—and I’m impressed. Gimbal technology has come a long way, and this model is a testament to that evolution. The iSteady V3 Ultra is lightweight (around 14–15 oz) and more portable. It’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t feel cumbersome like the larger gimbals I used in the past. The telescoping arm adds versatility, functioning almost like a selfie stick with motion compensation. One standout feature is the AI tracking module, which includes a dedicated mini camera for subject tracking and a fill light/flash for illumination. This is especially useful for vlogging or selfie mode. The AI sensor mounting varies and can be switched forward looking or selfie facing, allowing you to track others or yourself while the gimbal sits on a stable surface, almost like an AI cameraman. It supports smooth 3-axis stabilization and pans naturally with your movement. The gimbal handle features several physical controls, complemented by a small touchscreen. There’s also a detachable remote controller/screen with a joystick and a mini screen, allowing you to: - Control the AI module - Select tracking areas. - Start/stop recording video or take photos - Access basic menu functions This remote is compact and easy to misplace, but it adds a layer of convenience and control that wasn’t available in older models. The iSteady V3 Ultra works seamlessly with most smartphones, even the Plus or Pro varieties. I may try to rig an Action Camera just to see if I can do it. Hohem provides a companion mobile app that unlocks additional features. While some functions are dependent on the app, the AI sensor allows you to basically use some of the tracking with third-party camera apps. Personally, I use Blackmagic Design’s iOS camera app, which offers advanced controls and stabilization options. However, hardware-based stabilization from the gimbal still outperforms software solutions. The three-axis stabilization, is smooth and produces professional looking footage with minimal effort (just remember to turn off any on phone stabilization, as you'll wind up with better looking video). Whether you're walking, talking, or filming dynamic scenes, the gimbal compensates for motion and maintains horizon leveling far better than software stabilization alone. This makes it ideal an ideal tool for content creators to elevate their video quality. Also potentially eliminating some work you usually incorporate into your post production workflows. Even if you only learn and use 25% of the available features, you’ll still get great results. The feature set is extensive, and while it can be overwhelming at first, there are helpful tutorials available on YouTube and Hohem’s website. Overall, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is a well-designed, feature-rich gimbal that’s easy to use and highly effective. It’s brought me back to using gimbals again, and I highly recommend it for anyone serious about mobile video production.

This is my first gimbal stabilized smartphone holder, so it’s taking some getting used to. The Hohem - iSteady V3 Ultra 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones w/ AI Tracking is feature-packed and comes with a detachable touch screen remote, built-in tripod & light. It is compact and foldable to just over 6 inches but it does weigh a bit, close to a pound. That’s due to its built-in lithium battery that can last up to 9 hours of use and the gimbal 3-axis stabilization motor that’s the heart and soul of this intelligent selfie stick. The AI powered brain can track people's faces, pets and reasonably sized objects with 360 degrees of panning. The Hohem App pairs with the gimbal via bluetooth and allows you to view and control your settings from up to 33 ft away with the 1.22” touch screen remote control. The selfie-stick extends approximately 8 inches and the bottom transforms into a tripod with small feet for hands-free operations, but it also has a screw-hole on the bottom if you need to attach it to a full height tripod - a very useful feature. I actually used it hands-free in church to record the sermon with the speaker frequently pacing on the platform. The AI tracking worked pretty well, though it was a bit choppy/lagging at times. Still trying to figure out how to get more consistent results, especially when you’re trying to track more fast paced action like a pet doing tricks. The multimodal AI camera takes about half a dozen hand gesture commands so you can start/stop videos or the AI tracking, take snapshots or even rotate the gimbal between portrait and landscape mode. It does take some time to learn and remember the gestures, just need a lot of practice. The Hohem App has additional advanced operations that offer templates for special effects. You could spend hours playing around with all the available settings, but as a beginner it is a little overwhelming. Overall, this Hohem gimbal with AI capabilities is a good starting point for any video/content creation and I can’t wait to take it on my next vacation.

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is a feature-packed gimbal that’s a fantastic option for beginners, solo vloggers and non-professionals. Professional filmmakers will likely find it limiting for its weight capacity and find it too small to accommodate external attachments like SSD drives and lights. But for everyone else, it’s all you need to capture events, travels, live streams, reels and so on. PROs • The first standout feature standout feature is the detachable touchscreen remote with a live display that lets you see what the gimbal is tracking. In the live view, you can simply double tap the person or object you want the gimbal follow. The remote has other functions, too, including rotating the gimbal and adjusting its settings. • The second standout feature is the AI subject tracker. This is a separate device with a 2 MB camera that plugs into the phone holder. What this camera sees is what’s displayed on the remote. By selecting a subject in this camera, the gimbal automatically rotates as needed to keep the subject in view. The tracker works independently of any camera app making it versatile for even video calls and meetings. • This tracker also has LEDs that can be used as a fill-in light at close range. • The gimbal is small and folds into a portable and packable form. You can easily slip it into a backpack, purse or even a pocket. It has pull out legs turning it into a tabletop tripod. And it has a 1/4” screw hold on the bottom if you want to attach it to a larger tripod or pole. • You can track a full 360 degrees horizontally. Not all gimbals have this feature. • An extension pole is built in to give you a little more reach. • The Hohem Joy app can optionally be installed and used as a camera app and to control the gimbal. This app expands its capabilities by letting you take creative shots like dolly zoom or spirals a la Inception. It has its own subject tracking smarts that’s independent of the AI tracker. CONs • The live display on the remote is small. If you’re trying to track a person or object that’s far away, there’s no way to zoom the display and make a selection. • When using the Hohem Joy app to track a subject, it is easy to forget whether you are using the app or the AI tracker to track. And using both simultaneously confuses the gimbal, making it vibrate madly. Hohem should have put in a warning when both are in use. • The app also has the option to let it be controlled by another device like an iPad with a bigger screen. But I found this to be cumbersome and useful really only to fire the shutter or rotate the gimbal. On the plus side, the other device does not need the Hohem Joy app installed because it connects via a browser. • There is no detachable phone holder. So attaching the phone to the holder is a bit awkward as the gimbal flops around. • The phone holder is the type that has two “claws” with a spring expanding back. That limits the thickness of any case you may be using. The claws also get in the way of the phone’s buttons, sometime pressing them when you don’t to. It would have been nice to see a Mag Safe version of the holder to accommodate thicker cases. • No protective case is included – only a small fabric pouch. OTHER • Though the Hohem Joy app is optional to control the gimbal, it's required to install firmware updates. There are too many features to cover in a short review (like time lapse photos, panorama shots, etc…) but overall this is a great gimbal for most people.

I’ve considered a gimbal for a while now. With photography advances in smartphones, it just made sense to step up my game. This gimbal is a game changer for anyone creating content and memories. It’s compact and foldable which makes it easy to take to where the action is. I'm used to gimbals that handle bigger cameras, and I believe this is the best gimbal for most users. The AI tracking is amazing. More than just tracking people, it will track objects, animals and more as well. With 360 panning, it creates a real cinematic look. The detachable screen extends the versatility when I’m shooting solo. The build quality is solid and I believe it’ll fit most smartphones and cameras like the GoPro. At 14 oz, it’s not tiring to use for longer periods. Targeted to content creators and streamers, I believe that anyone who enjoys shooting video will love this. Whether you enjoy capturing family moments, creating content for social apps, documenting sporting events, or even zoom calls, this gimbal will show off your talents.

I tested the this with a Pixel 9, primarily for walking and panning shots. Stabilization was generally effective, though some jitter occurred during rapid movements, indicating it's not ideal for high-intensity use. Overcorrection wasn’t noticeable, and any lag was tolerable. Mounting the phone was simple, and the built-in tripod is both functional and well-designed. However, the control scheme isn't intuitive if you just unbox it and try to use it; watching the tutorial video is essential. Gesture control worked reliably, allowing hands-free activation of AI tracking, setting composition, and taking a photo or starting and stopping recording. The only thing that really bugged me was the joystick’s inverted axis behavior on the remote. The unit feels solid and well-built, though I could see where its weight might cause fatigue during extended handheld use. Charging was slower than expected, but it’s convenient that one USB-C cable charges both the gimbal and remote. I didn’t use the app, opting instead to pair w/ my phone via Bluetooth for the camera control. Overall, it’s a capable stabilizer with a few quirks that require user adaptation and would probably serve somebody who's just getting into these kinds of things really well, but not if you're going to be doing crazy extreme sports with it.

This is a full featured gimbal for your smartphone. It sets up quick with your phone's Bluetooth, making shooting jitter free video with your phone the same as using a high end rig. It folds down surprisingly compact, and easily fits in a jacket pocket. It's only an inch wider than my selfie stick which is great considering the tech packed in it. The 1.4" touchscreen display is preferred over pressing buttons multiple times. You can control the power and responsiveness of the motors which is s plus when you're tracking fast moving subjects. The built-in tripod and extension make for better viewing angles and stable positioning. The touchscreen is detachable and can be used as a viewfinder when you want to be in the shots. The hand gesture recognition works really well so you don't even really need the remote or another person. The fill light does a good job in low light and even no light as long as the subject is not more than 6ft away. I'm not crazy about the panorama mode, it takes sequential pictures and doesn't stitch them. Would be better if you initiated a pano shot from your phone and use axis lock panning. The AI tracking does a very good job with slow to medium moving subjects, but gets lost with faster movers. It handles my somewhat overly thick folding phone quite well and stabilizes it even though the camera cluster is quite huge compared to a typical Iphone. A cool feature that help make this better is the inclusion of tripod threading in the base of the unit. Power is not really an issue for the gimbal, but removing the display pod for extended periods is going to drain the battery. Power up is only 3 seconds so I shut it off if I'm not using it for a few minutes, though it does have a stand by mode if I remember which button to press and how many times. The multiple button press sequences takes some getting used to, but fortunately you can access almost everything from the screen menu. A great gimbal for the amateur creator and a good backup for the professional, when a large rig won't work.