Feature-packed, flexible, and a little overbuilt
The $299 Hohem iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal is built for creators who want maximum control over their shots. It’s large and hefty, but makes good use of its size with a removable remote control, an AI tracking module, and a telescoping extension rod in the handle. For power users, the iSteady M7 offers a lot of flexibility and produces Steadicam-like footage, but its size, weight, and price might be too much for casual filmmakers. For many of the same features in a smaller package, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P ($149) includes an AI tracker and produces beautifully smooth video at half the cost, making it our Editors’ Choice winner. Design: Oversized But Feature-Rich
The Hohem iSteady M7 is a sizable smartphone gimbal that measures 12.87 by 4.81 by 4.66 inches (HWD) unfolded and 13.22 by 2.24 by 6.26 inches folded. It weighs 1.39 pounds.
It’s considerably larger and heavier than the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P, which measures 11.34 by 4.21 by 3.78 inches unfolded, 7.48 by 3.74 by 1.81 inches folded, and weighs 12.98 ounces. The closest comparison in size and price is the two-pound DJI RS 4 Mini ($369), which is designed for smaller cameras but can hold a phone with an optional $19 accessory. It measures 13.31 by 7.17 by 6.89 inches unfolded and 12.44 by 2.52 by 9.29 inches folded.
Inside the iSteady M7’s box, you get the gimbal with its removable remote, a tripod, a coiled USB-C-to-USB-C charging cable, a USB-A-to-USB-C cable, a magnetic AI tracker, documentation, and a carrying case. When fully loaded, the whole package weighs 2.63 pounds. A charging brick is not included, so you’ll need to supply your own.Remote and Controls
Most of the M7’s controls are on a removable remote control that docks into the handle. It features a 1.40-inch touch screen with a joystick, mode button, shutter/record button, and zoom control. The remote has its own power button on the right side and a USB-C port on the left side. It runs on a 240mAh battery; Hohem doesn’t specify its battery life.
Hohem says the remote works from up to about 33 feet away and can receive video transmissions up to 23 feet for viewing from afar. In testing, I found the remote and its video transmission feature worked as far away as 35 feet. Video comes from the AI tracker; you cannot view your phone’s camera through it. The remote is exceedingly useful for one-person creators, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
The left-side wheel controls focus, lighting, and zoom, with a central button for related functions. To the right of the wheel, the A and B buttons let you program movement between two points. The right side features the power button, a USB-C charging port, and a 1/4-20 mount, with a second mount on the bottom of the textured handgrip. A rear trigger quickly reorients the gimbal or switches modes. The phone arm adds a third 1/4-20 mount and a USB-C output. The controls are well spaced and easy to access, minimizing accidental presses.Battery Life and Charging
The iSteady M7 has a 3,200mAh battery, and its longevity depends on how you use it.
