FULL REVIEW: hohem iSteady M7 – The mobile stabilizer that redefines the vlogging experience
The smartphone stabilizer market is constantly buzzing, with innovations coming one after the other at a frenetic pace. While some players seem to be resting on their laurels, Hohem is back with a new iteration of its iSteady range, the hohem iSteady M7 . A year and a half after the M6, this new version promises significant advancements for the hohem iSteady M7 . We tested it in depth, including during a trip to South Korea, to assess whether this high-end model lives up to its ambitions and the expectations of demanding vloggers and content creators.
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Design and Ergonomics of the hohem iSteady M7 (Rating: 8.5/10)
From the first moment you pick up the hohem iSteady M7, you won't be able to resist. Its overall appearance and look inherit the clean lines of its predecessor, the M6, while retaining the same high-quality materials and the orange aluminum accents that are the brand's signature. The construction is impeccable, giving off an impression of robustness and durability for this hohem iSteady M7 .
However, the hohem M7 is slightly larger than the M6. When folded, its height increases by about 2 cm, and its weight reaches 638 g with the AI sensor module. While this remains reasonable, it is important to note this increase in mass. The feeling is that of having a "very professional" piece of equipment, close to the Ronin for cameras, far from the usual minimalist architecture for smartphones. This impression is reinforced by the presence of a graduated scale that facilitates the calibration and balancing of the smartphone on the hohem iSteady M7 .
The handling is excellent, with an effective grip that ensures a good hold even during movement. The quality of the deployment mechanism is worth highlighting: all axes of the hohem iSteady M7 are now lockable with a solid latch system. Where the M6 only offered a lock on the Pan axis, the M7 perfectly locks the Roll and Tilt axes, ensuring that the device remains securely folded and protected once stored in a bag.
Smartphone compatibility is expanded. The clamp has been reinforced and can now accommodate phones weighing up to 500g, 100g more than the M6. This allows you to add accessories like a microphone, additional lighting, or lenses without overloading the hohem iSteady . Transport is made easier by this robust locking system, although no specific case is included. The overall robustness and wear resistance appear excellent, confirming the quality of the materials used for the hohem iSteady M7 .
Features and Control of the hohem iSteady M7 (Rating: 9.5/10)
This is undoubtedly where the hohem iSteady M7 stands out the most. The major innovation lies in its large 1.4-inch color touchscreen on the front panel, replacing the old monochrome screen of the M6. This screen allows direct access to the settings and functions of the hohem iSteady without going through the application: mode, scenarios, multifunction wheel settings, motor balance display, joystick adjustment, etc. A true integrated dashboard.
The hohem iSteady M7 is responsive and the connection stable, with an impressive range. The front panel, including the screen and buttons, is removable and serves as a remote control, providing appreciable remote control. This remote not only allows you to start recording or take photos, but also to control the tilt and have live video feedback via the small camera located above the hohem iSteady M7 .
The module with the AI sensor and LED lighting of the hohem iSteady M7 benefits from a brand new magnetic and clip-on mounting system, more robust. The AI camera has been redesigned to be more efficient and to visualize directly on the stabilizer screen what it sees, allowing you to select the subject or object to follow without an application. Motion tracking by gesture is still present and improved, with a maximum recognition distance of 5m and effective tracking up to 7m. The lighting part has also been boosted, with a power doubled by 2W, adjustable from 2700 to 6500 Kelvin and an RGB mode, all controllable from the multifunction wheel of the hohem iSteady M7 .
The hohem iSteady M7 now features a 193mm telescopic pole that extends by pulling the pan motor. While this feature may seem like an extra to some, it offers increased versatility for selfies, drone shots, or ground-level shots with the hohem iSteady M7 .
The usual stabilization modes (Pan Follow, Pan Follow Lock, POV, Portrait) are present and their selection is facilitated by the hohem iSteady M7 . The wide-angle mode, which reverses the position of the arms to clear the field of view of the phone's wide-angle lenses, is still there, similar to a stabilizer for large cameras. Compatibility is universal with iOS, Android and action cameras, and the dedicated Hohem Pro app, while less essential thanks to the integrated screen, remains useful for updates and "Moment" functions (preset sequence templates).
Situational performance of the hohem iSteady M7 (Rating: 9.0/10)
The hohem iSteady M7's in real-life situations is remarkable. The stabilization quality, boosted by a version 9.0 algorithm, is of a very high level. The hohem iSteady M7 is more forgiving of handling errors, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Wind and vibration resistance are impressive, even during dynamic movements. Smartphone hold is reliable, even for larger and heavier models, thanks to its 500g load capacity. Ease of framing is optimized by AI tracking, which ensures you never lose your subject, even when moving. The photo button is instantly responsive, and the precision of the ball head and telescopic arms is exemplary on the iSteady M7 .
The hohem M7 is surprisingly versatile. Whether for vlogging, selfies, motion video, or group photos, it adapts to any situation. Indoor and outdoor testing, particularly on the streets of Seoul, confirmed its robustness and effectiveness, even in low-light conditions thanks to its powerful and customizable built-in light.
Autonomy and Connectivity of the hohem iSteady M7 (Rating: 8.5/10)
Battery life is a strong point of the hohem iSteady M7 . Hohem advertises up to 12 hours of battery life, surpassing the 10 hours offered by most of its competitors. In real-world use, this promise is kept, allowing for long, uninterrupted filming sessions with the hohem iSteady M7 .
Charging is via a USB-C port, and a cable is included. Charging time is reasonable for such a capacity. A battery indicator via the LED display is very practical, providing clear visibility on the hohem iSteady M7's . The stabilizer also has an automatic standby to save battery.
Best of all, the hohem iSteady M7 can charge your smartphone via a dedicated USB-C port, allowing you to vlog unlimited times without worrying about your phone's battery. Universal compatibility with modern smartphones is ensured, and Bluetooth communication is stable and reliable.
Positive points of the hohem iSteady M7 :
- High load capacity (500g), allowing the addition of accessories.
- Integrated color touchscreen for intuitive control without an app.
- Improved and detachable AI tracking module with powerful built-in light.
- Detachable remote control for full remote control of the hohem iSteady M7 .
- Integrated telescopic pole for added versatility.
- Impressive battery life (up to 12 hours) and smartphone charging function.
- Exceptional stabilization thanks to the 9.0 algorithm.
- Robustness and build quality of the hohem iSteady M7 .
- Axle locking system for secure transport.
Negative points of the hohem iSteady M7 :
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than the M6.
- Requires manual gimbal rotation to switch from portrait to landscape mode (no dedicated motor).
- No carrying case included with the hohem iSteady M7 .
- The AI module is not compatible with older models (M6, MT2).
- Having to unlock the axes manually can take a few seconds.
- The price of the hohem iSteady M7 , although justified, may be a deterrent for occasional users.
Our opinion on the hohem iSteady M7
The hohem iSteady M7 smartphone stabilizer is undoubtedly one of the best stabilizers we have had the opportunity to test. It combines and enhances the advantages of the best competitors, while bringing significant innovations. Its touch screen, the improved and detachable AI module, the integrated remote control and the telescopic pole make it an extremely versatile and powerful tool for the hohem iSteady M7 .
Although its weight and size are slightly above average, and the manual rotation of the gimbal for switching between portrait and landscape mode may be a slight inconvenience for some, these few points are largely offset by its many qualities. The hohem iSteady M7 is a stabilizer that truly innovates, offering a smooth and professional user experience.
Overall rating: 9.0/10
Recommended user profile: This stabilizer is ideal for demanding vloggers, regular content creators, travelers who want impeccable image quality and great flexibility, as well as anyone wanting a high-end mobile stabilization tool that can push the boundaries of smartphone video creation. The hohem iSteady M7 is the perfect investment for those who want “very professional” equipment in a mobile form factor.
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