hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up, operate, and maintain your device to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan. The iSteady M7 is designed to enhance your smartphone videography with advanced stabilization, AI tracking, and versatile controls.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer
• Detachable Touchscreen Remote
• Mini Tripod
• USB-C Charging Cable
• AI Vision Sensor
• Storage Case
• Cleaning Cloth
• User Manual (this document)

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer, its detachable remote, AI vision sensor, mini tripod, charging cable, and carrying case, illustrating the complete package contents.

3. Product Overview and Key Features

The iSteady M7 is engineered for professional-level smartphone videography, offering a range of features for stable and creative shooting.

3.1 Detachable Touchscreen Remote

The iSteady M7 features a detachable remote with a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen. This remote provides convenient and intuitive control over the gimbal and offers a real-time preview of your shot, which is especially useful for solo creators.

It allows for quick setting of parameters and offers a user-friendly interface for seamless operation.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal alongside its detachable touchscreen remote, highlighting the remote's display and controls.

3.2 Advanced AI Tracking

Equipped with an advanced magnetic AI tracker, the iSteady M7 can track any subject using your phone's native camera. This enhanced AI tracking goes beyond just people, allowing you to track pets, buildings, cars, and more. It is compatible with your phone's native camera and all live streaming and video applications.

Gesture control enables easy activation or deactivation of tracking. The AI tracker provides precise identification and seamless tracking even if the subject is temporarily blocked or moves out of frame.

Image: Visual representation of the AI tracking capability, showing the gimbal tracking a person and a car, demonstrating its versatility.

3.3 Built-in Extension Pole

The robust built-in extension pole extends up to 193mm, supporting creative shooting at various angles. This feature enables you to effortlessly capture aerial shots or unique perspectives, such as a pet's eye view, without needing additional gear.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal with its built-in extension pole fully extended, showing its capability for high and low-angle shots.

3.4 Integrated RGB and CCT Fill Light

The integrated RGB and CCT fill light can flexibly illuminate your front and rear shots. It supports seamless remote control of brightness and color temperature directly from the detachable remote, offering 360 lighting colors and CCT light from 2700K to 6500K.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal with its integrated fill light active, demonstrating its lighting capabilities for various shooting conditions.

3.5 3-Axis Stabilization and 360° Infinite Pan Rotation

Featuring a professional orthogonal 3-axis design, the iSteady M7 provides 360° infinite pan rotation and a 325° wide tilt range, granting you complete freedom in camera movements for dynamic and smooth footage.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal illustrating its 360-degree infinite pan rotation capability, allowing for unrestricted camera movements.

3.6 Long Battery Life and Reverse Charging

Enjoy an entire day of uninterrupted shooting thanks to its 12-hour battery life. With reverse charging support, the iSteady M7 can also serve as your phone's backup power source, ensuring you never run out of power during critical moments.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal connected to a smartphone, demonstrating its reverse charging capability to power the phone.

3.7 Upgraded 500g Payload and Expansion Options

The iSteady M7 supports an upgraded 500g payload, allowing you to mount a wider range of smartphones and accessories. With three expansion ports (1/4"-20 screw holes), you can attach professional accessories like phone lenses, microphones, and additional fill lights, bringing new possibilities to your content creation.

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal with a smartphone, microphone, and external fill light attached, showcasing its expanded payload capacity and accessory compatibility.

3.8 Unbeatable Compatibility

The iSteady M7 is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11 Pro Max Mini XS Max XR X, Huawei P50/P40/P30/P20 Pro Mate 60/50/40/30/20 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22/S21/S20 Plus Ultra Note20 Ultra, and OnePlus 12/11/10/9. It features optimized phone clamp widths of 58mm to 90mm and enhanced motors to provide stable support for large and even foldable phones (folded thickness ≤12.5mm).

Image: The hohem iSteady M7 gimbal holding a foldable smartphone, demonstrating its compatibility with various phone models and sizes.

4. Setup Guide

4.1 Charging the Gimbal

Before first use, fully charge the iSteady M7. Connect the USB-C charging cable to the gimbal's charging port and a USB power adapter (not included). The indicator lights will show charging status. A full charge typically takes about 3 hours.

4.2 Mounting Your Smartphone

1. Unlock the axis locks on each arm to allow free movement.
2. Extend the phone clamp and carefully place your smartphone in the center of the clamp. Ensure the phone is securely seated.
3. Adjust the phone's position within the clamp to ensure it is as balanced as possible. The phone should remain level when released.

Image: A sequence of images demonstrating how to secure the smartphone in the gimbal clamp and how to use the axis locks for storage and setup.

4.3 Attaching the AI Vision Sensor

The AI vision sensor attaches magnetically to the top of the phone clamp. Ensure it is securely fastened to prevent it from falling during use. The safety locks keep the AI tracker securely attached.

4.4 Powering On/Off

Press and hold the power button on the gimbal handle for 3 seconds to power on or off. The gimbal will automatically initialize and balance.

4.5 Connecting the Detachable Remote

The detachable remote connects automatically to the gimbal when both are powered on. Ensure the remote is charged for optimal performance. The remote has a control range of up to 10 meters.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Gimbal Controls

• Joystick: Controls the pan and tilt movements of the gimbal.
• Trigger Button:
  • Single press: Start/pause AI tracking.
  • Double press: Recenter the gimbal.
  • Triple press: Switch between horizontal and vertical shooting modes.
  • Four press: Switch to ultra-wide-angle mode.
• Side Roller: Delivers precise control for motor rotation, focus adjustment, and CCT & RGB fill light settings.
• A/B Button: Easily set timelapse paths with start and end point settings for instant shooting.

Image: An illustration detailing the various control buttons and their functions on the hohem iSteady M7 gimbal, including the joystick, trigger, side roller, and A/B buttons.

5.2 Using AI Tracking

1. Ensure the AI vision sensor is attached and powered on.
2. To initiate tracking, make a specific hand gesture (e.g., open palm) towards the AI sensor, or double-tap/drag-select the target on the remote's touchscreen.
3. The gimbal will automatically follow the detected subject.
4. To pause tracking, make the gesture again or single-press the trigger button.
5. For AI tracking calibration, long press the side button on the remote to ensure the preview frame aligns perfectly with the camera.

Image: A visual guide to using the AI tracking features, including gesture control, target selection via touchscreen, and real-time preview on the detachable remote.

5.3 Adjusting Fill Light

Use the side roller on the gimbal or the touchscreen remote to adjust the brightness and color temperature of the integrated fill light. You can cycle through RGB colors and CCT settings (2700K-6500K).

5.4 Using the Extension Pole

To extend the pole, simply pull the handle downwards. To retract, push it back in. Ensure it is fully extended or retracted before shooting to maintain stability.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the gimbal and remote. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure no moisture enters the ports or internal components.
• Storage: When not in use, lock the axis motors using the axis locks to prevent damage during transport and storage. Store the gimbal in its provided carrying case in a cool, dry place.
• Battery Care: For long-term storage, charge the battery to approximately 50-60% every three months to maintain battery health.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose the gimbal to extreme hot or cold temperatures, as this can affect battery life and component performance.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Gimbal Not Powering On

Ensure the gimbal is fully charged. If the issue persists, try connecting it to a different power source or charging cable.

7.2 Gimbal Shakes or Vibrates

• Ensure your smartphone is properly balanced on the gimbal. The phone should be as close to level as possible before powering on.
• Check if the axis locks are fully disengaged.
• Perform a gimbal calibration through the Hohem Joy app if available, or by following the manual's specific calibration steps.

7.3 AI Tracking Not Working

• Ensure the AI vision sensor is securely attached and its lens is clean.
• Verify that the AI sensor is powered on and properly communicating with the gimbal/remote.
• Ensure sufficient lighting in the environment for the AI to detect subjects.
• Recalibrate the AI tracking via the remote's settings.

7.4 Remote Not Responding

• Check the remote's battery level and charge if necessary.
• Ensure the remote is within the 10-meter operating range of the gimbal.
• Restart both the gimbal and the remote.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

hohem products typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official hohem website for detailed warranty terms and conditions.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or service inquiries, please contact hohem customer support through their official website or the contact information provided in your product documentation. You can also visit the hohem Store on Amazon for more information and resources.

10. Important Safety Information

• Do not disassemble or modify the gimbal.
• Keep the gimbal away from water and other liquids.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the gimbal to strong impacts.
• Use only the specified charging cable and power adapter.
• Keep out of reach of children.