Hohem iSteady Pro 4 Test

10:28 AM

In this Gimbal Guru Review I test the Hohem iSteady Pro 4* and explain, why the iSteady Pro 4* is a must have accessory for every GoPro* and Actioncam user.

The iSteady Pro 4 is an affordable solid GoPro gimbal that comes with all the classic gimbal functions. It allows you to create super smooth, professional looking Shots to impress your viewers. Additionally, the iSteady Pro 4 is the perfect gadget for handling your Gopro, because an Actiocam alone is not optimally designed for freehand guidance. But let's look at everything in detail in this review.

With the HOHEM discount code/ coupon code:

GIMBALGURU

you get a 26% discount!

Just click on the link, redeem the code and save money*:

https://bit.ly/iSteady_Pro_4

Alternatively, you can also purchase the iSteady Pro 4 on Amazon (US)*: iSteady Pro 4 GoPro Gimbal

Amazon (DE)*: iSteady Pro 4 GoPro Gimbal

Check out my full iSteady Pro 4 Review video here:

Scope of delivery

The following is included in the scope of delivery:

the hohem case for transportation and protection
a USB-C charging cable for the gimbal & three connection cables for connecting the Gimbal and the actioncamera
the iSteady Pro 4 gimbal
and the mini tripod

Gimbal Design

The design of the iSteady Pro 4 is similar to the forerunner iSteady Pro 3. The entire gimbal relies on a plastic construction. It is lightweight and compact with 365g. The iSteady Pro 4 is splashproof and can therefore be used in the rain and harsh weather conditions.

On the bottom is a thread connection where, for example, the included tripod can be mounted. The handshaft is slightly oval and rubberized. The feel is very good and the gimbal lies comfortably in the hand.

The charging socket is located on the side and is protected with a rubber cover. The iSteady Pro 4 can be charged using the USB-C port. The USB port serves as a power bank output. You can use it to charge your GoPro or smartphone, even when the gimbal is not in active use.

Above the rubber cover is another threaded connector. This allows you to mount your iSteady Pro 4 in different places and also use it as a wearable gimbal.

You want to use the iSteady Pro 4 as wearble gimbal? Use this accessory:

Accessory 1 (US)*: wearable mount screw
Accessory 2 (US)*: 90° GoPro mount adapter
Zubehör 1 (DE)*: Wearable Befestigungsschraube
Zubehör 1 (DE)*: 90° GoPro Adapter

On the opposite are the battery indicator LEDs. To check the battery status, you can press the power button once. The iSteady Pro 4 allows an operation time up to 14 hours.

Control buttons

The trigger button is located on the back. If you press the trigger button continuously during the operation, the iSteady Pro 4 switches to sports mode and follows your movements very fast. Pressing the trigger button twice resets the GoPro to its original position.

On the front are the control buttons. A long press on the power button turns the iSteady Pro 4 on or off. The slider can be used to control the roll axis. The maximum tilt movement is limited to approx. +-30°.

The joystick can be used to control the tilt and pan movements.

The mode button is used to set the different gimbal modes. The mode LEDs indicate which mode you are in. By pressing the mode button once, the operating modes can be switched through.

Operation modes

The following operating modes are available:

1. Pan Following (PF)

By default, the Pan Following Mode is active. Here, the roll and tilt axes are locked and the iSteady Pro 4 follows your pan movement.

2. Pan & Tilt Following (PTF)

In the Pan & Tilt Following Mode, only the roll axis is locked and the iSteady Pro 4 follows the pan and tilt movement.

3. All Locked (L)

In All Locked Mode, all motion axes are locked and the gimbal holds the specified position.

4. POV (All Follow & Inception)

In the POV Mode & also called Inception Mode, all gimbal axes are unlocked. This allows you to create a barrel roll effect by holding the gimbal horizontally and shift the joystick left or right, to create a spinning movement.

Design

The three gimbal motors are located in the upper area. The pan angle range is 600°, the roll angle is 320° and the tilt angle is also 320°.

The action camera is fixed to the mounting frame with the new quick mounting system. Just place your GoPro in the mounting frame and fix it with the bracket. The built-in springs on the mounting bracket ensure an ideal and secure hold. This is a huge advantage over the previous model the iSteady Pro3, because no more screws are used anymore.

Compatible cameras

In general, all action cameras are compatible with the iSteady Pro 4. The maximum payload of the gimbal is 150g and the action camera dimensions should be smaller than: max. height – 51mm; depth 30mm.

Optimally, the iSteady Pro 4 is suitable for the new GoPro models GoPro Hero 10/ 9 and 8. Of course it is also compatible with the DJI Osmo Action, the Insta360 ONE R and Sony RX0.

On the back of the mounting unit you will find a charging port which is closed by a protective cap. This allows you to connect your action camera and the gimbal with the connection cable. You can charge your action camera during operation.

GoPro/ Gimbal connection

The iSteady pro 4 gimbal can also be paired with the GoPro. On the back of the mounting unit you will find a Pair button, where you can turn on or off the WIFI.

You can connect your GoPro to the iSteady Pro 4 with following the steps:

Double click the Pair button, to turn on the WIFI. The WIFI Led will flash and the iSteady Pro 4 is ready for pairing.
Select the Connections section in the GoPro Settings.
Then you need to set the Wi-Fi connection to ON.
Click on “Connect” to pair your GoPro with the iSteady Pro 4. After a few seconds, the GoPro will automatically connect to the gimbal and you can now control your GoPro via the iSteady Pro 4.

By clicking the ON/OFF or Record button once, a photo or video recording can be started and stopped. By double pressing, the GoPro operating modes can be changed. The practical thing is that from now on, the iSteady Pro 4 automatically connects to the GoPro every time it is switched on. It is also practical, when you turn on the gimbal, the GoPro is automatically turned on. To deactivate WIFI on the gimbal, long press on the pairing button.

Smartphone App

The iSteady Pro 4 gimbal can also be connected to the smartphone with the Hohem Gimbal App. This allows you to control the gimbal with the smartphone joystick, change the operating modes and adapt the motor strength & speed.

It can also be used to create motion timelapse videos. To do this, you need to select the "Control" item. Then click on the camera symbol. With the joystick you can now define the first camera position. By clicking on the plus symbol, the position is saved and you can save further positions. When you have set all positions, you will be asked for the duration by clicking on NEXT. There you can select how long the iSteady Pro 4 should take. The time span is from the first to the last set camera position. By clicking on Begin the motion timelapse camera movement is started.

Summary

The iSteady Pro 4 is an affordable solid GoPro gimbal that comes with all the classic gimbal functions. Create super smooth, professional looking Shots and impress your viewers. Additionally, the iSteady Pro 4 is the perfect gadget for handling your Gopro, because an Actiocam alone is not optimally designed for freehand guidance.

The new mounting system convinces with its simple and quick mounting possibility. Also your GoPro can be connected and controlled with the iSteady Pro 4, which extends the range of operation. Extra features like the possibility to create barrel roll shots or motion timelapses are giving you additionally possibilities of creative video creation.

In my opinion, the iSteady Pro 4 is a must have GoPro gadget that every user should get. The unbeatable price / performance is an additional advantage.