Inexpensive Stability for Amateur Filmmakers: Affordable Smartphone Gimbal Hits Record Low of Under $100 in Temporary Special Offer
The Hohem iSteady V3 is a highly recommended budget-friendly smartphone gimbal under $80, offering three-axis stabilization, AI tracking, gesture controls, and remote operation.
Priced at just $79, this compact and beginner-friendly gimbal is ideal for vloggers and content creators, thanks to its AI follow modes and remote control features. The Hohem iSteady V3 is currently available at this discounted price exclusively on B&H Daily Deals, but the deal ends just before midnight EST on July 27.
The iSteady V3 has a payload limit of 10.6 oz, and while its built-in LED light is relatively weak, it still earns strong reviews for its price point as a compact option. However, low-angle shots can be challenging with the Hohem iSteady V3.
Other smartphone gimbals under or near the $80 price range include the Insta360 Flow 2 and the Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E. The Insta360 Flow 2 offers smooth horizon leveling, AI tracking, and a strong app with creative shooting modes like 360° panoramas and hyperlapse. It features a magnetic phone attachment for quick mounting/dismounting. Compared to the Hohem V3, it provides similar AI tracking though has more limited tilting and panning angles.
The Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E is more expensive, starting around $149, but offers optional AI tracking, integrated magnetic fill lights, and Apple Watch control. It supports heavier payloads (up to 310g) and offers five shooting modes including Vortex and POV. Its build quality and features exceed those of the Hohem iSteady V3, but it is not directly comparable on cost.
In summary, for strictly under $80, the Hohem iSteady V3 remains a top pick with its combination of stabilization and AI features. The Insta360 Flow 2 approaches this price with comparable AI tracking and some unique app features, making it another strong candidate. Higher price models like the Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E offer more advanced features and build quality but cost significantly more.
| Model | Price Range | Key Comparable Features | Limitations/Notes | |---------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Hohem iSteady V3 | Under $80 | 3-axis stabilization, AI tracking, remote | Payload 10.6 oz, weak LED light | | Insta360 Flow 2 | ~$100 | AI tracking, horizon leveling, magnetic mount| Limited tilt/pan range | | Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E | $149+ | AI tracking (optional), magnetic fill lights | Heavier, pricier, advanced modes |
Hillary K. Grigonis, a licensed drone pilot and a former Nikon shooter, currently using Fujifilm cameras and lenses, recommends the Hohem iSteady V3. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and more. She leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World and has more than a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology.
According to price tracker CamelCamelCamel, the Hohem iSteady V3's current price of $79 is the lowest it has ever been on Amazon. So, if you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone gimbal, the Hohem iSteady V3 is definitely worth considering.
- Hillary K. Grigonis, a licensed drone pilot and former Nikon shooter, currently using Fujifilm cameras and lenses, recommends the Hohem iSteady V3.
- Her work has been featured in various news outlets such as Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and Digital Camera World.
- Grigonis leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World and has over a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology.
- The Hohem iSteady V3 is currently available at a discounted price of $79 exclusively on B&H Daily Deals, but the deal ends just before midnight EST on July 27.
- According to price tracker CamelCamelCamel, the Hohem iSteady V3's current price on Amazon is the lowest it has ever been.
- The Hohem iSteady V3 offers AI tracking, three-axis stabilization, and remote control features, making it ideal for vloggers and content creators.
- For those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone gimbal with strong reviews, the Hohem iSteady V3 is definitely worth considering, considering its price, features, and recommendations from experts like Grigonis.
