In the digital age, most cameras and smartphones incorporate software algorithms to stabilize handheld footage. Additionally, devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max utilize a mechanical optical image stabilization system to further eliminate shakes and wobbles when shooting videos. Now, the question arises: Is it necessary to invest your hard-earned money in a gimbal, such as the Hohem iSteady MT2?
Of severe videographers looking to expand their creative capabilities and incorporate diverse camera movements into their work, my answer is “yes.” Hohem iSteady MT2 offers more than just basic stabilization, as I will elaborate on below.
Specifications
- Weight: 653g
- Payload: Approximately 1.2kg
- Primary Construction Materials: Aircraft Grade Aluminum & High-Performance Composites
- Compatible Camera Width: 60mm to 97mm
- Tilting Range: 290°
- Rolling Range: 200°
- Panning Range: 360°
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours
Key Features
Hohem iSteady MT2 is a conventional 3-axis gimbal that empowers your smartphone, action camera, or mirrorless camera to execute professional-looking camera movements, including pans, tilts, rolls, as well as Steadicam smooth tracking and dolly shots. By attaching a mini tripod, Hohem iSteady MT2 transforms into an autonomous camera operator. Simply place the tripod-mounted gimbal on the ground and activate the gesture control feature in the Hohem Joy app.
From there, you can use hand signals to prompt the gimbal to track your every movement while you freely walk and speak on location. Even if you crouch, the gimbal will adjust and tilt down to keep you in the frame. To discontinue the follow mode, a simple hand gesture will stop the tracking, and your recording will be automatically saved.
With the Hohem Joy app, you can explore a variety of imaginative shooting modes, including the captivating Inception mode. This unique feature reorients the gimbal to position the camera horizontally, enabling a full 360º rotation to capture the dynamic shots reminiscent of those popularized in the movie Inception. Activating Inception mode is as simple as tapping the Mode button thrice. Moreover, the Mode button grants easy access to classic gimbal shooting modes like PTF (Pan, Tilt, Follow), POV (Point of View), and L (Lock).
The iSteady MT2 is also equipped with an AI vision sensor. The sensor easily attaches to the gimbal through magnetic connection. With this setup, you can employ gesture control to prompt the gimbal to follow your movements, eliminating the need to operate through the Hohem Joy app. Moreover, by pressing the physical control dial’s button on the side of the gimbal, you can activate the sensor’s fill light and then adjust brightness, color temperature, and even replicate colored gels by manipulating RGB values using the control dial’s rotation.
Another notable aspect of the iSteady MT2 is its swift-release plate. Personally, I prefer shooting videos in a horizontal landscape mode to ensure the footage perfectly fits a widescreen TV. However, in case I ever feel the urge to swiftly capture vertical portrait-oriented clips, I can effortlessly slide the L-shaped bracket out of the gimbal and re-insert it in a vertical orientation.
Build and Handling
Hohem iSteady MT2 boasts a tactile pistol grip, providing a ribbed surface that ensures a secure and firm hold on the gimbal. Crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum, the three-axis arms and motor housings contribute to the gimbal’s robust and reassuringly solid feel.
Located on the side, the control dial features a ribbed rubber ring that facilitates precise rotation. This level of control allows for various operations, like pulling focus when utilizing the Hohem Joy app. Moreover, when using the app, you can utilize the physical zoom dial situated below the OLED screen to transition between close and wide compositions smoothly. Alternatively, you have the option to re-assign this dial for focus control. The OLED screen offers essential information like the current shooting mode or the color temperature of the optional fill light.
A unique feature that sets this gimbal apart is the ability to fine-tune your smartphone’s default tilt angle manually by adjusting the motor to your desired position. Holding the smartphone at the desired angle for two seconds prompts the tilt motor to memorize this position. Although it might seem counterintuitive to manually apply pressure to a gimbal motor, rest assured that this technique works without causing any harm to the motor. Of course, you can also manually adjust the tilt axis using the more conventional approach of pushing the joystick up or down.
Performance
You can effortlessly activate the face-tracking feature of the Hohem Joy app using gesture control, and the gimbal smoothly followed your every movement, even when your face turned away from the camera.
Having previously tested many gimbals, I found immense pleasure in using Hohem iSteady MT2 to capture a range of smooth pans, tilts, and tracking shots while filming. The additional Inception mode was particularly inspiring, leading me to shoot some cinematic rotating angles that I enjoyed editing together with editing apps.
The Hohem Joy app comes packed with various tricks designed to impress on social media. One of the standout features is its endeavor to replicate the mesmerizing elastic spatial distortion experienced when zooming in on a subject while simultaneously tracking away from them. This unique effect, known as the Dolly Zoom, has gained popularity for its ability to add a touch of drama and visual intrigue to videos, making them stand out from the ordinary.
By employing this captivating technique, content creators can create compelling visual narratives and take their audience on an immersive journey through creative and eye-catching cinematography.
Conclusion
Hohem iSteady MT2 proves to be a powerful and versatile tool for videographers and content creators. Its reliable 3-axis stabilization allows for smooth and professional camera movements, while the various shooting modes offer creative opportunities to elevate visual storytelling. The integration of the Hohem Joy app adds an extra layer of functionality, granting access to social media pleasing tricks.
While some features may require a bit of practice and experimentation, the overall performance and build quality of the iSteady MT2 leave a positive impression. For those seeking to enhance their videography skills and create captivating content, Hohem iSteady MT2 is a valuable investment in the pursuit of cinematic excellence.
Also read: HitPaw Video Enhancer Review: Best AI Anime Upscaler
