The Hohem iSteady M7 is a sizable smartphone gimbal that measures 12.87 by 4.81 by 4.66 inches (HWD) unfolded and 13.22 by 2.24 by 6.26 inches folded. It weighs 1.39 pounds.

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

It’s considerably larger and heavier than the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P, which measures 11.34 by 4.21 by 3.78 inches unfolded, 7.48 by 3.74 by 1.81 inches folded, and weighs 12.98 ounces. The closest comparison in size and price is the two-pound DJI RS 4 Mini ($369), which is designed for smaller cameras but can hold a phone with an optional $19 accessory. It measures 13.31 by 7.17 by 6.89 inches unfolded and 12.44 by 2.52 by 9.29 inches folded.

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Inside the iSteady M7’s box, you get the gimbal with its removable remote, a tripod, a coiled USB-C-to-USB-C charging cable, a USB-A-to-USB-C cable, a magnetic AI tracker, documentation, and a carrying case. When fully loaded, the whole package weighs 2.63 pounds. A charging brick is not included, so you’ll need to supply your own.

Remote and Controls

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Most of the M7’s controls are on a removable remote control that docks into the handle. It features a 1.40-inch touch screen with a joystick, mode button, shutter/record button, and zoom control. The remote has its own power button on the right side and a USB-C port on the left side. It runs on a 240mAh battery; Hohem doesn’t specify its battery life.

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Hohem says the remote works from up to about 33 feet away and can receive video transmissions up to 23 feet for viewing from afar. In testing, I found the remote and its video transmission feature worked as far away as 35 feet. Video comes from the AI tracker; you cannot view your phone’s camera through it. The remote is exceedingly useful for one-person creators, opening up a world of creative possibilities.

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

The left-side wheel controls focus, lighting, and zoom, with a central button for related functions. To the right of the wheel, the A and B buttons let you program movement between two points. The right side features the power button, a USB-C charging port, and a 1/4-20 mount, with a second mount on the bottom of the textured handgrip. A rear trigger quickly reorients the gimbal or switches modes. The phone arm adds a third 1/4-20 mount and a USB-C output. The controls are well spaced and easy to access, minimizing accidental presses.

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

Battery Life and Charging

The iSteady M7 has a 3,200mAh battery, and its longevity depends on how you use it. Hohem says it lasts up to 12 hours when balanced and stationary, eight hours with AI tracking enabled, and three to four hours with AI tracking and the fill light active at the same time. The screen displays two separate charging animations—one for the gimbal and another for the remote. A full charge takes about three hours.

AI Tracker Module

(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

The magnetic AI tracker functions similarly to the one included with the Osmo Mobile 7P and allows subject tracking even when using third-party camera apps. You initiate the controls using gestures, or you can select an object to track using the remote’s viewfinder. The device attaches to the phone holder, is reversible, and draws power from the gimbal via pogo pin connectors. It does not have an internal battery.

Remote with AI tracker (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)

The tracking module measures 0.77 by 1.67 by 1.16 inches and weighs 0.71 ounces. A 2MP camera is on the left, and a customizable light is on the right. The fill light can show 360 colors and has an adjustable color temperature range of 2,700K to 6,500K to fine-tune your lighting.

Gesture guide (Credit: Hohem/PCMag)

Officially, the module recognizes gestures from 1.64 feet to 16.40 feet away and can track subjects from 1.64 feet to 23 feet. I found that both recognition and tracking often exceeded Hohem’s stated limits by a few feet, though reliability drops beyond those distances.