Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal. ZDNET's key takeaways The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra gimbal is available on Amazon for $169
This gimbal makes getting smooth video on your phone a breeze
The AI follow on the iSteady V3 Ultra is the best I've tested. View now at Amazon
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
I do a lot of filming, in various situations and for different needs. Most of my filming is done with a cinema camera, but every once in a while, I can get away with shooting on my phone. But even with Android's built-in stabilization, I can't get the smooth footage I need while moving.
That's where a gimbal comes into play. There are plenty on the market, but I've yet to see a brand as affordable and useful as those made by Hohem, so when I received the iSteady V3 Ultra, I was excited to put it through its paces.
Also: This Android camera app alternative is better than what you're using
I've used other Hohem gimbals, so I knew exactly what to expect. But this model is a considerable step up from the original iSteady V3, as the AI and stabilization have vastly improved.
My experience
One thing I've always respected about Hohem's gimbals is how easy they are to use. I can unbox one, attach my phone, turn it on, start the Hohem app, and start filming. That's really all there is to it.
Of course, when you want to make use of all the features (such as the AI follow), you're going to need to read the quick start guide. But even the AI tracking feature is easy to use. Simply flip a switch, stand in front of the phone, give the signal (an OK sign), and the gimbal will start following you.
The iSteady V3 Ultra includes extendable legs to serve as a stand, so you don't have to purchase any other equipment. There's even a light that has 3 different color fills, so you can get the right footage in lower light.
Also: Google Pixel 10 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro: I've tried both flagships, and there's an easy winner
So how did this gimbal stand up to the competition? Now, to be fair, I mostly use a DJI RS 4 Pro gimbal, which costs nearly ten times that of the iSteady V3, so I won't t be comparing this gimbal to my main tool.
Even so, the iSteady V3 Ultra is impressive. I already had the app installed, so it took me less than 2 minutes from unboxing to using. That's pretty impressive, as I've used phone gimbals that took considerably more time and effort.
Let's talk about the smoothness
Beyond the bells & whistles, the single most important feature of a gimbal is its ability to produce smooth footage. I'm happy to report that the iSteady V3 achieves that goal quite well. I was able to produce quick footage that was so smooth, you would think I was a ninja. And the phone remains steady, no matter if you're in portrait or landscape mode. There was no wobble or drift, it just worked exactly how I expected it to, even while moving quickly.
Also: Best vlogging cameras (and whether you need a flip screen)
Without a gimbal, there would be no way I could capture such smooth movements with a phone camera. I might be able to manage it with a cinema camera (for short distances and on the right surface), but a phone is much more challenging to keep steady.
Let's talk about the AI
Seriously, this is impressive. I've used other gimbals with AI follow, and the iSteady V3 Ultra was as accurate as I've ever experienced. No matter how fast the movement is, the iSteady stayed on me, even picking up the slightest movements. I've had similar gimbals that did a good job of horizontal follow, but this one is as accurate for vertical movement as it is horizontal.
The tiny remote makes using the iSteady V3 Ultra by yourself very simple. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The AI follow as also impressive with matching speed. There was never any over-correction for fast movement or jerkiness for slow movement, it was smooth as butter. Keep in mind that this all comes at a $169 price, which is even more impressive. On top of that, you get a removable remote, so you can trigger record and even use the joystick when away from the gimbal.
ZDNET's buying advice
If you're looking to improve your mobile video shooting skills, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is the way to go. With very little setup time and barely any complications, you can be filming with this thing in minutes, and you'll might be as shocked as I was at the results.
I've tested far more expensive phone gimbals and if given the choice, I'll probably pick this one first because of the results and the simplicity of use. If you're a creator shooting for mobile, or just on a budget, do yourself a favor and purchase this gimbal to start making outstanding videos.
Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra tech specs
9-hour battery life with a 2.5-hour charge time
¼-20 screw hole and built-in tripod
iSteady 9.0 stabilization algorithm
Weight 15.1 oz
Max Payload - 14.11 oz
Acceptable phone width - 2.28" ~ 3.86"
Controllable angle - Pan 360 degrees, Roll -195-+135 degrees, Tilt -35-+45 degrees
AI tracking distance 1.64 ~ 22.97 feet
Illuminance - 110 [email protected] m
Color temperature - 6500 K, 5000 K, and 2700 K