The Hohem iSteady V2 review
Gimbal stabilizers – Converting your phone into a cinema camera
Our smartphones can deliver better and better video. They capture great photos and HD footage; most are now equipped even to deliver decent 4K video.
But now that we use our phones to film, we’re faced with the problem that cell phones are NOT cameras. They don’t have flash adapters, they don’t have a tripod mount, and they don’t have a shutter release button.
The Hohem iSteady V2 is for phones.
I reviewed the discontinued iSteady Multi gimbal and loved it. Unlike the iSteady Multi that stabilized small cameras, action cams, and phones, the iSteady V2 is solely for phone stabilization. It promises to offer everything that a phone doesn’t have to film.
Ergonomics and build
This gimbal is made mostly of plastic to conserve weight but has a sturdy feel. The construction is very good. However, they should have put more effort into the small tripod adapter they supply.
The grip feel is good, and something must be said about the fact that it is easy to unfold. Not all foldable phone gimbals are easy to figure out.
Setting up the Hohem iSteady V2
Setting up is a breeze and happens quickly with the supplied quick-start card. I always appreciate a detailed instruction manual in paper form.
Basic phone gimbal performance
For simple phone stabilization, the Hohem V2 delivers rock-solid performance. Keeping the camera level works perfectly. It is all one could expect from a gimbal, especially in this price range. It offers the three most essential modes.
- Pan Tilt Follow: Where the camera will follow your handle movements
- Pan Follow: Same as above, but the camera will not tilt
- All Lock: Both pan and tilt are locked. Great for dolly movements
- POV: One can pan, tilt and roll. All handle actions are reflected
The camera app allows you to adjust parameters, but each mode has a corresponding button combination press. The customizability of this gimbal within the app is pretty incredible. Adjustments include:
- Motor responsiveness
- Follow speed
- Calibration and many others
Smart tracking without the gimbal camera app
The tracking mode on the Hohem iSteady V2 works without using the company camera app. This might seem a small feature, but almost all iPhone and Samsung owners have been frustrated when forced to use the gimbal camera app to get follow features.
Most of these apps do not have all the high-end video features that good phones have. This forces users to use substandard video and photo apps if inclined to use follow mode. But since the ISteady V2 executes these modes via hardware, you don’t have to go through the iSteady app video
In-app video performance
The app video offers up to 4K 60P on paper. Other modes are:
- HD, 24 “P” 30 and 60P
- 4K 30P and 60P
The in app video quality on this camera is just OK. It is nothing to write home about. It is to be expected though. However, this gimbal allows you you to use the tracking without using the Hohem app.
Moment mode in the Hohem iSteady V2 (a solid reason to buy this gimbal)
The Hohem Pro app allows you to easily set up timelapse, slow motion, and photo modes. The user interface is very friendly. It often offers explanations for the settings that you are about to use. However, one of its coolest features is “Moment mode.”
With their modes and adjustments, gimbals tend to be complicated. Moment mode is at the far right on the bottom of the app. It offers a tutorial approach to getting the footage you need. Not only does it show you the result (in video form), but it runs you through the step-by-step tutorial to start your recording.
Pros and cons of the Hohem iSteady V2
The Hohem iSteady V2’s price point of roughly $129 US, and it offers good features that perform well. This is saying a lot because some competitors do not offer well-functioning features in this price range. I highly recommend this gimbal.
But here is the pros and cons list. In the case of the iSteady V2, it is more of Love it vs Wish list:
The Pros of the Hohem iSteady V2
- Responsive tracking
- Follow and cam orientation features are independent of the camera app
- Quick and easy setup (From unboxing to filming was a breeze)
- Dumby proof integration of some higher-end gimbal features when using the cam app
- Very competitive price for this feature set level
The Cons of the Hohem iSteady V2
- Tripod could have been more solid
- in-app video is modest. Not excellent
- A carrying case would have been nice
Get familiar with what is in the box in this video
About the author
I am a photographer, videographer, and copywriter living in Quebec City, Canada. I also have a YouTube channel and an Instagram account dedicated to creation and creativity via my main loves of photography, music, and writing.
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