Intro
Hohem has just released a new smartphone gimbal and it is something else… The new Hohem iSteady M7 is full of features and promises the greatest user experience up to date. Although it sports a familiar body, its updated design extends its usability ever further. The integrated extension rod and the wireless video transmission are the 2 most innovative features, but there are a lot more than those.
Compatibility and Battery life
The gimbal’s payload is 500g and it will easily handle most smartphones on the market, even with extra accessories attached, such as lenses and mics to name a few. As long as the mounted phone ranges from 58mm to 90mm wide it will fit and you will be ready to shoot in no time. The iSteady M7 needs just 3 hrs to be fully charged with the included USB-C cable and it will last up to 12hrs. There is also the ability to reverse charge the mounted smartphone, so you will not have to take breaks to separately charge the phone in order to keep shooting.
Shooting modes and button layout
The shooting modes and the button layout will make seasoned users feel like home, but will also be easy for the new user to get familiar with it. The PF, PTF, POV, LOCK, SPORT and INCEPTION shooting modes are also accompanied by a custom one, for each individual’s user preference. The orientation of the mounted phone can be switched automatically, only by a twist of the wrist, without the need for any menu diving to do so.
The button layout of the trigger, side roller and joystick is well thought and they are all located in places that make sense, without the need to change your grip for that purpose. Most of them have multiple uses, but these are clearly explained on the detailed manual so there will be no difficulty to use them. But even if there was, the ability to access everything via the touch screen of the control panel, makes life so much easier. Other buttons like the mode button, zoom level, shutter button and the A-B buttons have very specific functions and are limited to only that making their use very clear.
Detachable AI sensor
The detachable AI sensor works flawlessly. Its tracking ability is consistent, super smooth and will produce a high quality final result without the need to heavily edit the captured footage. The RGBW LED light is able to recreate all 360o of the color spectrum and you will also get white light temperatures from 2700K all the way up to 6500K. All of these of course with the ability to fine adjust from 1%-100% easily from the side roller. The weight of the sensor is only 20g and I cannot think of removing it for the sake of a lighter setup.
The AI sensor is also reversible meaning it can be placed facing either way. This is huge, as this way you will be able to take advantage of the superior image quality of your phone’s rear camera. Up until now if you wanted to be sure about your framing, you would have to use your phone’s selfie camera, which is most of the times a lower quality one. Now even when using the rear camera, you still have a video feed on the control screen for framing purposes. The video is clear and you can see yourself better especially in case you are away from the gimbal itself.
Extended & remote modes
With the 193mm long integrated extension rod you will be able to access the extended shooting mode, meaning that you will have that extra reach for vloging applications. In case you want your shots to be a bit more inclusive, when other people are in your shot, those few millimeters will have a huge impact.
By using the included tripod and placing the M7 on a desk, table, window, you name it, you will be automatically using the remote mode. Whenever the gimbal is not in arms reach, you will be able to use the detachable remote control with the integrated LCD touch screen, with the groundbreaking video feed feature. No more back and forth from now on with the new iSteady M7, as now you can frame your shots perfectly excluding any guesswork.
Remote controller
The remote control is obviously the star of the show, with its 1.4in LCD touch screen. A plethora of settings is accessible easier than ever before thanks to the touch screen. The 10m remote control range is more than enough for most filming applications with the wide angle lenses of a smartphone. The 7m video transmission range will also be sufficient, but not only that, it will make setting a scene quick and easy. The tracking is also made easy, as you are now able to tap on a subject on the screen and start and stop the tracking function of the iSteady M7.
The ability to dive into the settings remotely is something worth mentioning, as you are now able to change settings, turn on/off the light, change color/temperature, set an A-B preprogrammed motion, choose shooting modes for specific scenarios etc. Lastly lets not forget the abundance of information you get just from the remote control, as you can be informed on the battery status of both the gimbal and the remote control, AI tracker status, bluetooth connection etc.
Other features and specs
The new iSteady M7 it surely is and feels like a pro tool, thanks to the high performance composite material that it is made of. Also thanks to that, the weight is kept low, at 629g and it sports locks on every axis. The included case, nests the gimbal firmly and so you will be carefree when it comes to transporting it, or taking it with you on a daily basis. For more creative freedom or elevating the production value of your videos, three ¼ threaded expansion holes, allow for adding extra accessories towards those goals.
The automatic features of the new iSteady M7, will save you time and potentially money, as there are implemented cleverly whenever necessary. The auto calibration feature, will allow the gimbal to work as new, in the rare case of something going wrong. Also the auto motor protection feature, will be engaged in cases of either user’s improper use, or motor overload, preventing any damage from happening.
Hohem Joy App & gesture control
Connecting your smartphone to the Hohem Joy app unlocks a whole new world of possibilities. The Hohem Joy app, is a fully featured stills and video shooting app, capable of capturing high quality video with a lot of settings available to the user. Diving deeper to the app, will allow for even more experimentation and awesome results. The editor feature, will allow you to edit your shots easily and on the go, without the need of a dedicated workstation to do so, complementing those on the move and with an active lifestyle.
The gesture controls work effortlessly, as the AI sensor picks them up easily and consistently. You can start, stop, reframe and engage the shutter, without touching any physical button, and remember this is done from afar. But even in case of challenging lighting or busy backgraounds, you are still able to use the touch screen of the gimbal, the Hohem Joy app, or even the physical buttons to do so.
Conclusion
If you are a smartphone shooter a phone gimbal is a must. The new Hohem iSteady M7 is the most feature rich and easy to use smartphone gimbal I have ever used personally. All the innovations of the new M7 make shooting more straightforward and efficient, allowing the user to focus on the creative process of the shoot, rather than the technical aspect of things.
It is a high quality tool meant not only for content creators, but for all users that want a piece of gear they can count on. It surely represents deservedly the upper class of smartphone gimbals and this is what differentiates the new Hohem iSteady M7 from the competition. So whatever your next project is, from starting a vlog, to shooting awesome vids of your upcoming trip, the new Hohem iSteady M7 is the partner you need to make it happen.