If you use a GoPro to capture hiking trips, cycling adventures, travel videos or action-packed outdoor footage, you already know how difficult it can be to keep your shots smooth. GoPro's built-in stabilisation is impressive, but a dedicated gimbal can take handheld footage to another level. The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is a three-axis action-camera gimbal designed to deliver smoother footage while adding useful features such as wireless camera control, multiple shooting modes and a built-in battery capable of powering your action camera. What is the Hohem iSteady Pro 4? The iSteady Pro 4 is a handheld three-axis gimbal built specifically for action cameras. It uses brushless motors and Hohem's iSteady 5.0 stabilisation system to compensate for unwanted movement as you walk, run or move with the camera. It is compatible with a wide range of GoPro models, including the HERO 5 through HERO 13, as well as selected DJI Osmo Action, Insta360 ONE R and Sony RX0 cameras. Hohem lists a ma...
If you use a GoPro to capture hiking trips, cycling adventures, travel videos or action-packed outdoor footage, you already know how difficult it can be to keep your shots smooth. GoPro's built-in stabilisation is impressive, but a dedicated gimbal can take handheld footage to another level.
The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is a three-axis action-camera gimbal designed to deliver smoother footage while adding useful features such as wireless camera control, multiple shooting modes and a built-in battery capable of powering your action camera.
What is the Hohem iSteady Pro 4?
The iSteady Pro 4 is a handheld three-axis gimbal built specifically for action cameras. It uses brushless motors and Hohem's iSteady 5.0 stabilisation system to compensate for unwanted movement as you walk, run or move with the camera.
It is compatible with a wide range of GoPro models, including the HERO 5 through HERO 13, as well as selected DJI Osmo Action, Insta360 ONE R and Sony RX0 cameras. Hohem lists a maximum compatible camera size of 51mm in height and 30mm in depth.
Three-axis stabilisation for smoother footage
The main reason to consider the iSteady Pro 4 is its three-axis stabilisation.
The gimbal independently controls pan, tilt and roll movements, helping to reduce the small shakes and unwanted movements that are difficult to eliminate when holding a GoPro by hand.
This can be particularly useful when filming:
- Walking and hiking
- Cycling
- Skateboarding
- Running
- Travel videos
- Vlogs
- Sports and outdoor activities
The gimbal also includes a Sport Mode designed for faster-moving subjects, while POV mode allows the camera to follow movement across multiple axes.
Quick mounting makes a difference
One of the most convenient features is the redesigned quick-release mounting system.
Rather than repeatedly screwing the camera into place, the spring-buckle clip allows compatible action cameras to be mounted and removed quickly. That is a small change, but it can make a big difference when you're switching between handheld footage, a tripod or another camera mount during an adventure.
Control your GoPro wirelessly
The iSteady Pro 4 can connect wirelessly to supported GoPro cameras, allowing you to control the camera's shutter from the gimbal.
This means you don't necessarily have to reach for the GoPro itself every time you want to start or stop recording.
Hohem says the Pro 4 uses Bluetooth for the connection, reducing power consumption compared with the Wi-Fi connection used by the previous generation.
The exact pairing process depends on the GoPro model. Hohem's own setup guide explains how to pair the gimbal and GoPro through their respective wireless-connection menus.
Up to 14 hours of battery life
Battery life is another major selling point.
The iSteady Pro 4 has a 3,600mAh battery and Hohem rates it for up to 14 hours of operation. The company also says the gimbal can function as a power bank, allowing you to charge a compatible action camera while shooting.
For a full day outdoors, that's potentially useful because you can carry one less power bank.
As always, the advertised runtime is a laboratory figure, so real-world battery life will depend on how the gimbal and camera are being used.
Splash-proof for outdoor adventures
The iSteady Pro 4 has an IPX4 splash-resistance rating.
That means it is designed to resist water splashes from different directions, making it better suited to outdoor use than a gimbal that has no stated splash protection.
It's worth remembering that IPX4 is splash protection, not waterproofing. You should therefore avoid treating the gimbal as suitable for underwater use or heavy immersion.
Creative shooting modes
The Pro 4 isn't limited to basic stabilisation. It includes several operating modes that can add different looks to your footage.
These include:
PF – Pan Follow: The gimbal follows horizontal movements while helping maintain a stable tilt.
PTF – Pan & Tilt Follow: The camera follows both pan and tilt movements.
L – All Lock: Keeps the camera direction locked while you move the gimbal.
POV – Point of View: Allows movement across the pan, tilt and roll axes for a more immersive perspective.
Sport Mode: Increases responsiveness when following fast-moving action.
Inception Mode: Creates a dramatic rotating-camera effect, with up to 600 degrees of pan movement.
There is also a motion time-lapse function that can be configured through the Hohem app.
Lightweight enough for travel
At around 365g, the iSteady Pro 4 isn't weightless, but it is reasonably portable for a motorised three-axis gimbal.
Its relatively compact design means it can be carried in a camera bag alongside a GoPro, spare batteries and other accessories.
For travellers and content creators, the combination of stabilisation, camera control and battery functionality could make the gimbal a useful all-in-one accessory.
Who is the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 for?
The Pro 4 makes the most sense for GoPro users who want smoother footage without moving to a larger camera stabilisation system.
It's particularly appealing for:
- Travel vloggers who want smoother walking footage
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts recording their adventures
- Cyclists and runners looking for more stable handheld footage
- Content creators experimenting with cinematic camera movements
- GoPro owners who want physical stabilisation in addition to the camera's electronic stabilisation
If you mainly mount your GoPro to a helmet, chest harness or vehicle, a gimbal may be less useful. But if you regularly hold the camera while moving, the difference can be much more noticeable.
Things to consider before buying
The iSteady Pro 4 has plenty going for it, but there are a few limitations to keep in mind.
First, it adds another piece of equipment to your kit. A GoPro by itself is extremely portable, while a gimbal requires you to carry and charge an additional device.
Second, the IPX4 rating shouldn't be confused with full waterproofing.
Finally, wireless camera control isn't universal across every compatible action camera. Hohem specifically supports wireless GoPro control on listed HERO models, while other compatible cameras may only be supported mechanically.
Is the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 worth it?
For GoPro users who frequently shoot handheld footage, the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is an interesting upgrade.
Its combination of three-axis stabilisation, quick mounting, wireless GoPro control, creative shooting modes, splash resistance and a large 3,600mAh battery makes it more than just a basic stabilising handle.
The biggest question is whether you actually need mechanical stabilisation. Modern GoPros already produce impressively smooth footage, so casual users may be perfectly happy without a gimbal. For creators who want smoother walking shots, controlled camera movements and cinematic effects, however, the Pro 4 can provide another level of control.
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