Content creators on the go need tech that fits a certain criteria. Essentially, it boils down to powerful tech that actually fits in a pack without weighing you down, but it also needs to replace all the gadgets that you’ve started to rely on from using a camera bag full of goodies. The new Hohem V3 Ultra could be our new best friend.
Launching today and available at JB HiFi from September 25, this gimbal is a “swiss army knife” for a creator, and the best thing is it uses one of the best cameras you own that’s not even in your kit bag, your phone!
Putting all the pro-level features into a super tiny package, this one is for vloggers who are constantly on the move and want top-notch quality without hassles; this is going to be a game-changer.
One of the biggest headaches for solo vloggers is keeping yourself in frame while you’re on the go. But the V3 Ultra has AI Smart Tracking. You just tap the screen, and boom, it follows you! No more worrying about cutting yourself off or needing a camera operator. You get those smooth, cinematic shots that look like they were filmed by a whole crew, all by yourself.
Most pro model phones have some form of stability, but when paired with V3 Ultra, it creates a super smooth image, reminding you of why we need that sort of stabilisation and what a gimbal is actually for. Its iSteady 9.0 Algorithm features 3-axis stabilisation and an impressive 360° infinite rotation, meaning your footage will be buttery smooth, whether you’re hiking a mountain trail, running through a park, or just panning across a stunning vista.
That 360° infinite rotation is so smooth, even when I just took the device out of the carry bag and held it in my hand, I found myself spinning it right around as if it’s a “Fidget Spinner”. It feels like a quality connection; in fact, the whole build of the gimbal is made up of quality parts and surprisingly small. These things used to be huge, and now they are so compact and have the ability to fold down, the team at Hohem have shown images of it going into pockets, but I like skinny jeans, there’s no chance of that. More realistically it fits into tracky dack pockets or a small bag.
Look at this image, I mean dude.. seriously, you are wearing a back pack stop trying to squeeze that thing into your pocket.
The grip for your phone is strong enough to hold onto the device without feeling like you need to go to the gym 5 days a week to open it. The claw-like design means it fits over the top of the buttons of your smartphone without accidentally long-pressing the power button and causing you all sorts of grief when you are trying to get your footage.
So I have to say, what I really like about this thing is the fact that most companies give you a great gimbal and then sell you a bunch of “optional extras”, but everything you need for this device is right there with it, included in the original $299 price tag.
Let’s dive into some more of those extras.
The built-in extension rod allows you to capture high-angle shots of majestic waterfalls or low-angle perspectives of your dog splashing in a puddle. At 205mm, this integrated rod eliminates the need for extra pieces, making it incredibly convenient to extend and shoot.
One of the most significant features for me is the detachable touch remote. As a solo filmmaker, you can control the gimbal from up to 10 metres away, and unlike previous models, you can see the image on the screen of the remote.
Smart hand gestures are also available through the AI tracker and that’s great for some people, but if you like a more tactile approach and the remote with a 1.22” touchscreen interface provides a real-time view, so you can frame your shots, monitor composition, and tweak settings directly on the gimbal without the need to fumble your way through app settings. This eliminates guesswork, ensuring that what you see on the screen is precisely what you get in your final shot, and you can get that image quickly.
This freedom also allows you to start and stop the recording as you need. The insert design allows it to reconnect to the gimbal for charging and is seamless in the way it disconnects and reconnects. The remote also has a USB-C connection so it can be powered or charged separately, which is a great option if you are capturing on a longer shoot and don’t want to lose power in the middle of it.
Lighting is another big thing to lug around, even small lights in a bag, but this device actually comes with adjustable integrated RGB & CCT lighting. You can customise the lighting for any mood or environment, from warm and cool tones, ensuring your subject is always perfectly lit.
At the bottom of the device you’ll find a tripod thread to attach to larger tripods, but you can also slide out the tripod legs that are build into the base so it can stand up by itself on a desk surface. It’s these types of innovations that mean you can leave the house with less gear and more options.
The colour combinations used for the design of the device I reviewed are also great. I used the Arctic White model that has orange highlights on the buttons and switches; it’s also available in Shadow Black, also with orange highlights.
It’s a premium look, but it also has a purpose. Each button and connection point is easily accessible, pointing you to the fact that if something is orange, it does something. The detachable light is a great example of this, as the two buttons on either side are pressed to detach it, and then the power switch is also an actionable button highlighted in orange. Hinges are highlighted with silver – a smart and intuitive design choice.
Using the device, I connected and used successfully with both a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and an iPhone 15 Pro. The reason the connection was so simple is it didn’t rely on a bloated app. The device connects to Bluetooth on your phone, and then you just open your camera app and use the detachable remote to do the actions. All the features are built into the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra rather than running through your phone apps, sometimes the best feature is one that isn’t trying too hard, and that’s exactly what this is.
Basically, the Hohem V3 Ultra brings everything you need into one device. It’s going to simplify your mobile filming process so you can focus on what you love: creating amazing content! At about $299.00 AUD, it feels like a decent price for a device that will make your process easier, but without the need to spend thousands on new equipment.
