Hohem launched the iSteady V3 during CES 2025 on 9 January 2025. It replaces the V2s with a magnetic AI tracker, brighter fill light, 25 centimetre extension rod and a detachable Bluetooth remote – all in a 420 gram package that sells for $149 (often discounted to $103 on Hohem’s store). In this Hohem iSteady V3 review 2025 I tested the gimbal against Insta360 Flow 2 Pro and DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro across daylight walking vlogs, low-light food reels and tripod timelapses.
Key Specs and What’s New
- Release date: 9 January 2025 at CES
- Weight: 420 g (gimbal only)
- Payload: 300 g (tested with iPhone 16 Pro Max + Moment lens)
- AI tracker: magnetic, 360-degree rotation, three-colour fill light
- Extension rod: 205 mm built-in
- Battery: 13 h rated, USB-C PD fast charge
- Remote: detachable Bluetooth controller works up to 10 m
Build Quality and Ergonomics
First of all, the V3 keeps Hohem’s familiar fold-and-snap design but swaps glossy plastic for a matte finish that hides fingerprints. The grip curves feel more natural than the V2s boxy handle, and the new safety-lock on the AI tracker prevents accidental detachment while jogging. All axis locks click confidently, though the tilt arm shows a hint of flex under a heavy phone and lens combo.
Setup and Balancing
Setup is straight-forward. Snap the magnetic clamp, hold the power button for two seconds and the gimbal auto-balancers do the rest. Balancing my 240 g iPhone 16 Pro Max plus a 60 g anamorphic lens took under two minutes. The built-in 205 mm rod slides out smoothly and supports overhead crowd shots without shaky flex.
AI Tracking Performance
Hohem’s iSteady 8.0 algorithm now powers the tracker. During a skatepark shoot the V3 re-acquired subjects within 0.4 seconds if they left frame. Gesture control works reliably: raise your palm to start recording, make a V-sign to switch targets. The tracker also locks faces in native phone apps via the Hohem Joy helper overlay, though full DockKit-style integration remains iOS only on Insta360 Flow 2 Pro.
Stabilisation Tests
Walking at 4 K 60 fps produced smooth footage up to 3x digital zoom. Running introduced minor vertical oscillation but less than I saw on the V2s or Smooth Q4. The new Sport Mode stiffens motors enough for cycling B-roll with acceptable micro-jitter.
Low-Light Fill Light
The three-colour LED outputs around 90 lux at one metre – brighter than DJI OM 7 Pro’s spotlight but dimmer than Zhiyun Crane 4’s 10 W COB. Colour options (warm, neutral, cool) help balance against street lighting. At full power the LED shaves about 20 percent off battery life.
Battery Life
Hohem claims 13 hours. My mixed-use vlogging day – 60 percent tracking, 30 percent fill light, intermittent remote use – ended at 9 hours 35 minutes. Quick charging restored 80 percent in 55 minutes using a 20 W USB-C brick.
Comparison Chart
| Spec | Hohem V3 | Insta360 Flow 2 Pro | DJI OM 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 420 g | 357 g | 368 g |
| AI Tracker | Magnetic, LED | DockKit magnetic | Detachable module |
| Extension Rod | 205 mm | 215 mm | 215 mm |
| Battery (real) | ≈9 h 35 m | ≈8 h | ≈7 h |
| Price | $149 list (often $103) | $159 bundle | $149 |
Pros
- Magnetic AI tracker with three-colour LED
- 25 cm extension rod built in
- Detachable remote simplifies self-shooting
- Longer battery than Flow 2 Pro or OM 7 Pro
- Street price often just over 100 dollars
Cons
- LED drains battery at full brightness
- No Apple DockKit support yet
- Axis flex slightly with heavy phone lenses
Rating
4.3 / 5
Who Should Buy the iSteady V3
If you are a budget mobile creator who needs reliable AI tracking and face lighting in one foldable package, the V3 is a clear win. iPhone power users wanting native DockKit might lean toward Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, while those needing ultra-bright LEDs could pick DJI OM 7 Pro. For under 150 dollars, though, the Hohem iSteady V3 sets a new value benchmark.
Final Verdict
Hohem refined every pain point from the V2s. The magnetic tracker locks faster, the extension rod reaches farther and the fill light brightens faces without extra gear. Minor trade-offs in battery drain and axis rigidity are acceptable at this price. Ultimately, the iSteady V3 is the best budget AI gimbal you can buy in 2025.
Official Product Page: Hohem iSteady V3 Foldable Gimbal
Check out the Hohem iSteady V3 on Amazon
Related Guides:
- Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Review 2025
- DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro Review 2025
- Best Gimbals With Built-In Lights 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Hohem iSteady V3 released?
It debuted on 9 January 2025 at CES in Las Vegas.
How bright is the built-in fill light?
About 90 lux at one metre, bright enough for face fill after sunset.
Does the AI tracker work in native camera apps?
Yes – the Hohem Joy overlay lets the magnetic tracker follow faces in any app, though you still open Joy once to initialise.
How long does the battery last with the light on full?
Expect around eight hours of runtime when the LED runs at maximum brightness.
Can the remote control adjust gimbal modes?
Yes – the detachable Bluetooth remote cycles follow modes, starts recording and recentres the phone up to ten metres away.
