Working in the world of media, I am relatively selective when it comes to the tools I use professionally. That’s why I was amazed at how much I enjoyed using the Hohem iSteady M6, which I found to be one of the best gimbals I used in all of 2024. The company has refined its design once again, and with notable improvements, the new Hohem iSteady M7 stands out as a remarkable option for creators—particularly for new and emerging creators seeking high-quality tools at a reasonable price. The Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal sets a new standard for smartphone gimbals with its innovative features and user-friendly design.
Unboxing the iSteady M7, you’ll notice it feels very similar to its predecessor, the iSteady M6, upon initial inspection. However, despite the similar look, Hohem has made significant improvements that elevate the new gimbal into a tool creators can use to produce surprisingly high-quality video. The most noticeable change is the new colour screen, which offers easy access to many of the iSteady M7’s main features and even allows tracking control—minimizing the need to open an app.
This brings me to what many will find as the major selling point for the iSteady M7, its advanced AI tracking system, which works seamlessly with native camera apps and third-party software alike. This app-free tracking is a major innovation, enabling users to capture smooth, professional-looking footage without relying on specialized applications. The gimbal’s 2MP AI tracker can identify and follow a wide range of subjects, including people, pets, vehicles, and landmarks, maintaining focus even when the subject is temporarily obscured. It performs impressively well, even in a stationary position, making it easier to create unique content compared to many app-based solutions on the market.
“The Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal sets a new standard for smartphone gimbals with its innovative features and user-friendly design.”
The iSteady M7 offers further flexibility with its full 360-degree rotation on the vertical axis, enabling infinite panning and dynamic shot compositions. Combined with a 325-degree tilt range, the gimbal provides filmmakers with the freedom to capture their vision without the typical constraints of other smartphone stabilizers. For instance, you can set the iSteady M7 on its mini-tripod stand and let the stabilizer track you while you create content. It tracks consistently well, provided you aren’t in an overly crowded environment.
Adding to its appeal is the iSteady M7’s new detachable 1.4-inch colour touchscreen remote. This small yet powerful addition allows users to preview shots in real time, adjust settings, and control the gimbal from up to 10 metres away. For vloggers and solo content creators, the remote is invaluable, essentially acting as a “second pair of eyes” to ensure perfect framing and composition.
While the remote’s screen is small, it offers enough functionality to make it an indispensable tool for content creation. Its intuitive interface displays all necessary information clearly, enabling users to adjust tracking frames, modify fill light settings, and switch between shooting modes without needing to touch their smartphone. This level of control is unprecedented in the smartphone gimbal market and significantly streamlines the filming process. Additionally, it reduces the need for frustrating control apps, though the app remains useful for tasks like firmware updates. The ability to handle most functions directly on the hardware allows creators to focus on their content rather than troubleshooting app issues.
Another feature that sets the iSteady M7 apart from competitors in its price range is the inclusion of both RGB and CCT fill lights. These lights enhance shots in low-light conditions or add creative colour effects to footage. The RGB light provides 360-degree ambient colours, while the CCT light offers adjustable colour temperatures from 2700K to 6500K. This built-in lighting solution eliminates the need for additional equipment in many scenarios, making the iSteady M7 an all-in-one solution for mobile filmmakers.
“Another feature that sets the iSteady M7 apart from competitors in its price range is the inclusion of both RGB and CCT fill lights.”
As I found with the iSteady M6, the M7’s build quality and design feel solid and built to last, even when travelling. With a payload capacity of 500 grams (approximately 1.1 pounds), it can easily handle even the largest smartphones and their accessories. The gimbal’s three-axis stabilization system, powered by Hohem’s iSteady 9.0 technology, ensures smooth footage even in challenging shooting conditions.
That being said, this is not a gimbal you can simply throw in your pocket and go it is a bit large, even when folded. Thankfully, much like its predecessor, it comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to keep safe when packed in a bag. The case is compact enough that it does not add too much bulk to a knapsack or messenger bag.
For those who need to shoot for extended periods, the iSteady M7 offers an impressive 12-hour battery life. This long-lasting power supply ensures creators can capture an entire day’s worth of footage without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the gimbal supports reverse charging, allowing users to top up their smartphone’s battery in a pinch—an especially useful feature for long days at events or when capturing footage away from home.
The gimbal’s flexibility extends beyond its smart features to its versatility as a creator’s accessory. The iSteady M7 includes a built-in 193 mm extendable rod, effectively doubling as a selfie stick for wider shots or unique angles. This integration eliminates the need for separate equipment and enhances the device’s overall value. It can also function as a mini tripod, ideal for capturing a vlog or other content without requiring a camera operator. While having additional people to assist can be helpful, it’s not always possible, so it’s great to see Hohem providing options. The iSteady M7 stands out as a remarkably versatile tool for creators.
The iSteady M7 boasts an adjustable clamp and can accommodate devices with screen sizes ranging from 58 mm to 90 mm, including popular models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra—a phone that has often struggled to work with many gimbal systems. Even foldable phones with a thickness of up to 12.5 mm are compatible, making it a future-proof investment for tech-savvy creators. I was genuinely impressed by how many phones it could fit easily, with every phone in the CGM offices working without incident—something few comparable gimbals can claim.
“The iSteady M7 stands out as a remarkably versatile tool for creators.”
As much as I like the iSteady M7 and am impressed by the range of features it offers, it’s worth noting that it may take some time for users to fully master all of its capabilities. I think this is one of the easier stabilizers to jump into that I have tested to date, thanks to the near app-free experience, but it is still a professional tool, and as such, this is not a device you buy and go create content the same day, there is a learning curve. It will take time to learn the quirks of the device and don’t expect to take perfect footage the first time out. But give it time, and it can help capture some stunning video.
This brings me to the pricing. At $269 USD, the iSteady M7 sits at the higher end of the smartphone gimbal market. While this may seem steep compared to entry-level options, the device’s advanced features and build quality justify the investment for serious content creators and professionals. That said, it far exceeded my expectations and is, as I mentioned, one of the best gimbals I have ever used. The intuitive interface and smart features make it an excellent option, especially for new and upcoming creators.
At the end of the day, I really like the Hohem iSteady M7. Coming from someone who loved the M6 and didn’t think much could top it, that says a lot. Its combination of AI tracking, detachable remote control, versatile shooting options, and robust build quality makes it a standout choice for vloggers, filmmakers, and content creators of all levels. For those looking to take their mobile videography to the next level, the Hohem iSteady M7 is a compelling option that delivers professional-grade results in a portable, user-friendly package.
- iSteady M7 features a detachable remote that comes with a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen, providing you with convenient and intuitive control and Real-Time Preview
- The robust built-in extension pole supports creative shooting at various angles. It enables you to effortlessly capture aerial shots or unique perspectives such as a pet’s eye view
