Hohemi Steady V2 for smartphones: A smart gimbal that does everything!

Rate this post

When it comes to creating high quality video content, the hardships are real. Proper gear makes all the difference in process mitigation and rationalization. One of the nice little gadgets I’ve recently picked up is the Hohem iSteady V2 AI gimbal for iPhones and other smartphones.

I have thoroughly tested it to see how it works, and this review will give you all the details you need. Continue reading to find out if you should choose this relatively affordable smartphone gimbal and why.

But first, what is a gimbal?

If you’re new to video production, think of a gimbal as an advanced selfie stick or tripod with sensors and motors that allow your camera or smartphone to pan, tilt, or rotate smoothly along its axis.

The most common type is a 3-axis gimbal. They capture professionally sharp shots and smooth, smooth footage while stabilizing and moving the camera. They are a must for vloggers, video content creators and even photographers.

Overview of Hohem iSteady V2 gimbal

From the beginning, the iSteady V2 has emerged as a sophisticated and sophisticated device. The well-made box won me the moment I received it. Everything was neatly organized inside and I was excited to start the experiment!

What’s inside the box?

Hohem iSteady V2

specification

  • weight: 263g
  • Size (Mm): 179 x 79 x 39 (folded), 230 x 80 x 40 (open)
  • Maximum payload: 280g
  • Rotation range: Pan 320 °, Roll 320 °, Tilt 270 °
  • Bluetooth: 4.2
  • battery: 2800 mAh Li-on
  • charging: Bidirectional USB Type-C port
  • colour option: Black, white
  • Supported systems: IOS 10.0 or later, Android 6.0 or later

feature

  • Mechanical 3-axis stabilization
  • Built-in AI tracking
  • Gesture control
  • Dual orientation (portrait and landscape)
  • Built-in mini ring light with 3 brightness settings
  • Pan & Tilt Follow
  • Auto start mode
  • Sport mode
  • POV all follow mode

Design and construction

Hohem iSteady V2 is made of sturdy, non-slip plastic that is easy to grip. Comes with a mini tripod that can be easily attached and detached as needed.

It boasts an innovative hardware design with a built-in AI tracking sensor. This means that face and gesture tracking can be handled independently without the assistance of software.

In addition, a small ring light is built around the AI ​​sensor. It has three brightness settings, which is useful for shooting in dark places.

Incredibly lightweight, it’s notable for a device with a built-in battery and motor. The gimbal supports phones with a maximum width of 55-90 mm, a thickness of 11 mm and a weight of 280 grams. With the phone attached, the gimbal weighs about 500 grams. It is also very comfortable to carry.

In addition, the phone clasps are well made and sturdy. You can easily insert and remove your phone.

The handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand.

The only downside to build quality is the slightly fragile mini tripod. Therefore, be careful when using it.

Also note that Hohem iSteady V2 is not waterproof. Therefore, it is not suitable for shooting in the rain or underwater. Finally, I think the design was more aesthetically pleasing. It seems pretty basic and lacks a great element when first seen. However, this is not just a feature that makes up for this (discussed later).

Performance and stability

iSteady V2 has been tested on iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Overall, it provides excellent stability for almost all smartphones.

However, keep in mind that if the phone’s camera is too close to the center area, the motor may appear in the frame. This is because the phone must always be centered in the clasp for the gimbal to work properly. The iPhone has a camera on the top of the phone, so there was no problem with the motor appearing in the video.

One of the best features is that when you turn the iSteady V2 upside down, it automatically switches to low-angle shooting. This kind of camera movement provides pretty spectacular shots for playing in creative video projects.

Plus, experiment with different modes such as Start and Time Lapse for endless creative possibilities!

Stability is probably the most important factor to look for in a gimbal, and the iSteady V2 won’t disappoint. It provides smooth footage in most situations. After walking around, dancing, rolling chairs, and going around, the iSteady V2 worked perfectly without glitches.

Even at a faster pace, it’s much more stable and improves video quality compared to footage shot with a mobile phone alone. So go ahead and take it to your next adventure for some great footage.

Also, my hands didn’t get tired and I didn’t really want to put it down, so I was absorbed in it!

Finally, the battery lasts comfortably for 7-9 hours, which is useful for long shoots. In addition, it can also be used as a power bank to charge your mobile phone when not in use. It’s a nice little addition.

AI visual tracking

AI tracking is a key feature of the Hohem iSteady V2 gimbal, so I was excited to give it a try. The AI ​​sensor is built into a small module at the top of the phone clamp. It provides face and object tracking when using the camera on social media platforms and video apps.

Therefore, it is ideal for shooting action scenes and video calls. The subject can move around and the gimbal automatically rotates and stays in the frame.

To use AI tracking, turn on the gimbal and press the button on the top of the AI ​​sensor. Wait a few seconds for the ring light to flash and it will set. If you use the front camera, you can enable AI tracking by signing OK with your right hand. A small red light flashes green to indicate that the gimbal is tracking you.

I was quite impressed with gesture recognition and intelligent tracking. It’s really an iSteady V2 USP because I’ve never come across such a system before. It is incredibly responsive and acts like a charm. It kept entertaining everyone on the iGeeks Blog for hours! I’m sure it will add convenience to your video recording.

Other gestures you can use are:

  • Hold your hand to stop tracking
  • Put your thumbs up with both hands and switch sideways
  • Switch your smartphone vertically with your two thumbs to the right.

Of course, you can also use the physical buttons on the gimbal to achieve all these functions. Now that the basics are over, let’s understand how to use it!

Setting up and using the Hohem iSteady V2 gimbal

The gimbal comes with a handy manual that clearly explains how to set it up. Do not try to set up this booklet without first looking at it as it can damage the motor. The following is an overview of the gimbal setup process.

  1. download Install the Hohem Pro app on your iOS or Android device.
  2. Open the app sign Up For Hohem accounts.
  3. Then loosen the knob, unfold the mount, insert the phone, and tighten the knob. mount In place.
  4. Long press function button (Small button on the right side of the handle) Turn on the gimbal.
  5. Start Hohem Pro app Tap on your phone start A button to start using the gimbal.

    Launch the Hohem Pro app and[スタート]Tap the button to start using the gimbal

Be sure to secure the phone to the clasp before turning on the gimbal. Otherwise, the motor will repeatedly start up, which can damage the gimbal.

After installing your smartphone, turn on the gimbal, open the Hohem Pro app, and start using your device. It’s very easy, but it can be a little complicated for those who have never used a gimbal.

If the LED indicator light does not appear when you turn on the gimbal, charge the gimbal. It took about 3 hours to fully charge.

Overall, the setup process is very simple. However, it can be complicated for beginners. However, it is helpful to refer to the manual.

Also note that you need the Hohem Pro app to connect the gimbal to your mobile phone. It also has built-in camera functionality and many additional features. However, you can also use the gimbal with your phone’s native camera app or other apps such as Instagram.

Hohem Pro app

The Hohem Pro app is incredibly functional and completes the iSteady V2 experience. It’s easy and intuitive to use.

For AI tracking, you can select an object or a face. When enabled, the gimbal will move to keep the face or object in the frame.

You can also adjust the motor speed to improve the framing of fast-moving objects. However, keep in mind that this can cause the video to be jerky and drain the battery faster.

In addition, you can use the app for various functions such as:

  • Moment mode
  • Auto start mode
  • Motion time lapse
  • Real-time beauty mode
  • Automatic calibration
  • Online firmware upgrade

These are pretty advanced features given the size and price of the iSteady V2. If these seem overwhelming, don’t worry. The Hohem Pro app contains detailed tutorials on each feature.

There are also filters to try out. Photos and videos are stored directly in your camera roll, so you can easily find them.

Verdict: Is Hohem iSTEADY V2 the ultimate Vlog partner?

iGeekometer

design

Build quality

Features and performance

Stable

Value of money

Whether you use your phone’s camera app or the Hohem Pro app, the iSteady V2 tracking feature works just as well. This is an outstanding feature as other gimbal apps do not adapt to the native camera of the mobile phone. In addition, iSteady V2 offers the great advantage of motion sensing, which tracks faces within the camera of a mobile phone.

Plus, given the included tripod, gesture controls, and options to use the gimbal without the app, this nifty device is a great all-in-one kit for Vlog and filmmaking.

Easy to use and carry wherever you go. Moreover, given its affordability, it packs punch. Buy Hohem iSteady V2 and take advantage of the latest technology to enhance your video production. This makes it one step higher than similar products and a small gadget of value for videographers of all skill levels.

Strong Points

  • Enables stable and smooth video recording
  • Setting up and mounting the phone is pretty easy
  • Full-featured mobile app with impressive built-in effects
  • Works independently of the native phone camera
  • Built-in light
  • Also serves as an emergency power bank
  • Affordable

Disadvantages

  • May improve build quality
  • May be complicated for beginners

price: $ 129.99

Check out at Amazon

Read next: