My new favorite phone accessory has an AI camera feature that's truly useful

I love a good gimbal. In fact, about 15 years ago, I made one for a GoPro that might not have been industry standard, but it worked and allowed me to create some very interesting and artistic shots. For my cinema camera, I always opt for a DJI RS4 Pro gimbal, which gives me many options for filmmaking. 

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With Danny Boyle announcing part of 28 Years Later was filmed using an iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can bet there’ll be heightened interest in filmmaking using smartphones. Of course, Boyle didn’t film the entire movie with an iPhone, and he also had the luxury of using ridiculously expensive lenses mounted to the iPhone. Even so, it proves that, with the right know-how and creativity, you can do a lot with a little.

Needless to say, when a PR firm reached out about reviewing the Hohem iSteady V3 smartphone gimbal, I was all over it.

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When I received the gimbal, I immediately unboxed it and set about to give it a first run, which was woefully unsuccessful because the product shipped with what has to be the worst documentation I’ve ever seen. Instead of anything informative, the documentation was nothing but a collection of illustrations that were confusing, to say the least. After reaching out to the PR rep, I was sent a bit more documentation (that should have been included all along) and was finally able to get things up and running.

Soon after that, the smile returned to my face and I discovered that a smartphone gimbal can really make a difference in the quality of videos produced. Before I get too deep into this review, let’s talk specs.

The specs

• Weight – 420g (±5g)
• Size – Unfolded: 127x65x312mm – Folded: 98x44x160.5mm
• Smartphone width compatibility – ≤ 7 inches (Mobile width: 58mm to 98mm)
• Smartphone thickness compatibility – ≤12.5mm
• Supported payload – 300g
• Controllable range – Pan: -120° to 210°, Roll: -195° to 135°, Tilt: -35° to 45°
• Battery – 7.4V/1400mAh with a run time of approximately 13 hours or 4 hours using the AI tracker
• Charging time – 2.5 hours
• Bluetooth – 5.1
• Gesture control with AI tracker
• Includes a built-in stand and extendable pole
• Detachable remote so you can easily control the gimbal from a distance
• Price – $129 on Amazon

My experience

As I mentioned, the going was a bit rough at first. Thanks to the poorly crafted documentation, it was challenging to figure out what button served what purpose, which meant I struggled to gain control of the gimbal.

Eventually, however, I figured it out. Tap the M button (on the removable remote) twice to switch between portrait and landscape mode. Tap the trigger three times to switch between regular and selfie mode. Use the “OK” gesture to enable smart tracking (which also requires the Hohem Joy app that is available for both Android and iOS, and the device must be connected to your phone via Bluetooth).

With those basics under my belt, I was finally able to use the gimbal and I immediately became enthralled with it. Although it’s not nearly as powerful as the DJI RS4 Pro gimbal, for smartphones, this inexpensive device is a wonder… especially thanks to the AI tracking.

Also: This Android camera app alternative is better than what you’re using

My DJI RS4 Pro with the Lidar attached does auto tracking, and I have to say the iSteady V3’s auto tracking is just as impressive. With very little effort, I was able to create smooth videos, even while going up a set of stairs. Here’s a sample (with extra cats) that gives you an idea of how smooth the footage can be with a Pixel 9 Pro and the iSteady V3.

Then I tested the AI tracking, which blew me away. Here’s a sample clip of me just being odd in my office. Seriously, the AI tracking is good. In just a few quick minutes I was off and running, creating all sorts of different videos, the only limitation being the Pixel 9 Pro selfie camera isn’t nearly as good as the main camera.

This makes it less than ideal for quality video, and attempting to use the main camera on yourself with AI tracking isn’t exactly an exercise in simplicity. The good news is, with a bit of patience, you can reverse your phone in the holder and use the main camera for AI tracking.

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Even with that limitation, the iSteady V3 is an impressive little gimbal, especially for the price. This gimbal impressed me so much that any time I want to create any sort of video with my Pixel 9 Pro, you can bet I’m grabbing this baby. It may not beat out my DJI RS4 Pro, but when I need something quick and easy, the Hohem iSteady is hard to beat. 

To add to the already impressive first impression the iSteady made, the thing is so light. I’m used to lugging my RS4 Pro with a fully rigged out ZCAM E2 F6 camera, and that beast is heavy. The iSteady V3 with a Pixel 9 Pro attached is so light, I could easily use it all day and my arms wouldn’t be phased. With the RS4 Pro, after 20 minutes my arms are toast and in need of a break.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Once you get beyond the poor documentation (make sure to find a few YouTube videos to get up and running), you’ll find the Hohem iSteady V3 for $129 to be a remarkable smartphone gimbal that not only gives you smooth footage but includes an impressive auto tracker that can help you create solo video content worthy of your YouTube channel. 

Anyone looking to up their smartphone filming game would do well with the Hohem iSteady V3. Plus, the price is hard to beat for such a piece of technology.