Capturing smooth, cinematic footage in unpredictable outdoor environments has long been a challenge for action camera users. The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 aims to solve this problem with a lightweight, portable design that enhances stability and creative control without getting in the way. Built for popular action cameras like the GoPro Hero series, DJI Osmo Action, and Insta360 ONE R, it is designed to support a wide range of filming scenarios, whether capturing high-speed sports, documenting travel experiences, or creating scenic timelapses.
The iSteady Pro 4 goes beyond basic stabilisation, offering a balance of simplicity and creative control that makes professional filming tools easier for anyone to use. For filmmakers, athletes, and casual creators alike, it offers a way to elevate footage beyond what an action camera alone can achieve.
What sets this gimbal apart is how it adapts to the real-world demands of outdoor shooting. It is engineered to withstand changing conditions and unpredictable weather, while its lightweight build makes it easy to pack and carry anywhere.
More importantly, it lowers the barrier for creative storytelling. By handling stabilisation and camera control with minimal effort, it frees users to focus on composition, timing, and creativity — the parts of filmmaking that matter most.
Thoughtful design for flexibility and ease of use
Hohem’s approach to the iSteady Pro 4’s design prioritises practicality and user experience. Its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable, secure grip, making it easier to shoot for extended periods without fatigue. The controls are logically placed and intuitive, allowing users to adjust pan, tilt, and roll or switch between modes with minimal effort. This ease of operation means creators can focus on capturing the moment rather than navigating complex settings.
One of the most significant design improvements is the quick-release mounting system. Instead of relying on traditional screws, it uses a spring-loaded clip that allows cameras to be attached or detached in seconds. This small detail has a noticeable impact in the field, especially when switching between handheld and mounted setups or making quick adjustments during a shoot. It is a simple but thoughtful feature that speeds up the workflow.
Durability is another strong point. With an IPX4 splash resistance rating, the iSteady Pro 4 can handle light rain, snow, or accidental splashes, making it reliable for outdoor filming. While it is not waterproof and cannot be submerged, it is robust enough for most adventure and travel scenarios. Combined with its lightweight build, this makes it well-suited to shooting on the move in less-than-ideal conditions.
The design also considers expandability, offering two 1/4-inch screw mounts on the middle and bottom of the handle. These allow users to attach a range of accessories such as microphones, fill lights, or extension rods, depending on their filming needs. The screw mount at the bottom is particularly useful for connecting a tripod, including the included mini tripod or the RS01 extendable tripod in the kit. This allows the gimbal to stand on its own for timelapses, stationary shots, or more stable control during filming.
This added flexibility means the iSteady Pro 4 works just as well for spontaneous handheld action shots as it does for planned, tripod-based filming, making it adaptable to a wide variety of creative scenarios.
Stable performance in fast-paced and unpredictable conditions
Where the iSteady Pro 4 makes its biggest impact is in stabilisation performance. Its three-axis system, powered by high-torque brushless motors and Hohem’s iSteady 5.0 algorithm, effectively cancels out shakes and vibrations to produce smooth, cinematic footage.
Whether shooting while running, cycling, or filming from a moving vehicle, it keeps the horizon steady and the footage stable, even in chaotic conditions.
Its mechanical range allows for a high degree of creative flexibility, with 600° panning and 320° tilt and roll movements. These wide ranges, combined with multiple shooting modes, give users the tools to adapt to different filming needs. Pan follow and pan-tilt follow modes help create natural tracking shots, while all-lock mode fixes the camera on a subject regardless of movement. Inception mode enables dramatic 360° rotating shots, opening the door to more cinematic visuals.
Responsiveness is another strength. Sport mode, activated by pressing and holding the trigger button, instantly boosts motor power to follow rapid movements without lag. This is particularly useful for capturing unpredictable action such as skateboarding, freerunning, or wildlife scenes. It ensures that fast-moving subjects stay in frame and in focus without sacrificing smoothness.
Performance remains consistent in varied environments, operating reliably from -10°C to 45°C. This wide temperature tolerance makes it suitable for shooting in both cold mountain settings and hot, humid climates. The only precaution users must remember is to avoid switching on the gimbal without a mounted camera, as this can damage the motors. With these considerations in mind, the iSteady Pro 4 proves itself as a capable and dependable tool in a wide range of filming conditions.
Creative tools and practical features that support storytelling
The iSteady Pro 4 is designed as a complete filming tool, combining straightforward operation with creative control to make professional-quality footage easier to achieve. Its thoughtful design and intuitive controls make it accessible even for beginners, while still offering enough depth to satisfy more experienced creators. The gimbal fits seamlessly into a range of filming scenarios, from fast-paced action sequences to more deliberate cinematic shots, making it a versatile companion for outdoor and travel shooting.
One trade-off to note is that the camera needs to be mounted without its protective case, which could be inconvenient for users filming in rugged conditions. Still, this design choice helps ensure a more secure fit and optimal stabilisation.
One of its most practical features is the large 3600 mAh battery, which powers the gimbal for up to 14 hours. This extended runtime lets creators film for long stretches without interruption and even charge their action cameras while shooting. It also reduces the need to carry extra power banks, which is particularly useful during outdoor shoots or travel. The ability to power both the gimbal and camera simultaneously makes it well-suited for long filming days where reliability and endurance are essential.
Wireless control further enhances the shooting experience. The gimbal connects via Bluetooth to GoPro Hero models 5 through 13, enabling users to start and stop recordings or capture photos directly from the handle. This reduces the need to touch the camera mid-shoot, helping maintain framing and stability. The shift from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth also improves power efficiency, extending battery life by up to 50% compared to previous models. While this feature is currently limited to GoPro devices, it significantly improves ease of use for those within that ecosystem.
Creative shooting modes open up more storytelling possibilities. Motion timelapse mode captures dynamic city scenes or shifting clouds with smooth movement, POV mode tracks all axis rotations for immersive first-person perspectives, and sport mode ensures fast-moving subjects stay in frame. Inception mode, meanwhile, delivers rotating shots ideal for dramatic transitions. These tools give creators more ways to experiment with visual style and narrative structure, whether they are documenting a journey, capturing high-speed action, or producing cinematic sequences.
The companion Hohem Gimbal app adds another layer of functionality. It provides remote control over the camera’s shooting direction and access to advanced settings such as dead zone sensitivity, rotation speed, and axis responsiveness. These adjustments allow users to fine-tune performance to match their shooting style. Remote control is handy for timelapses or when the gimbal is mounted in hard-to-reach locations, making the overall setup more flexible and efficient. Together, the hardware and software combine to create a seamless experience that enhances both the creative and practical aspects of filming.
The verdict: Hohem iSteady Pro 4
The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 succeeds in combining stabilisation performance, creative versatility, and thoughtful design in one compact package. Its lightweight build, splash resistance, and intuitive controls make it well-suited to outdoor and action-oriented filming. At the same time, its long battery life and built-in charging capability offer practical benefits during long shoots. Quick mounting, Bluetooth camera control, and app-based customisation further enhance its usability and appeal.
It is particularly well-optimised for GoPro users thanks to full wireless functionality. Still, it remains a strong option for users of other action cameras due to its broad compatibility and strong core performance. The range of creative shooting modes also adds depth to what users can achieve, including cinematic transitions, immersive POV sequences, and dynamic timelapses.
Limitations like the lack of full waterproofing and the requirement to mount a camera before powering on are minor trade-offs that do not overshadow its strengths. Its accessory compatibility, including support for tripods, microphones, and lights, extends its usefulness across a variety of filming scenarios and creative projects.
For anyone serious about improving the quality and creativity of their action camera footage, the iSteady Pro 4 is a reliable and well-rounded choice. It balances performance, practicality, and creative potential, making it a standout option in the action gimbal category.
