Hohem's iSteady MT3 Series and SSD-01: A Smart Package for Run-and-Gun Creators

By BlockReel Editorial Team Gear January 7, 2026

Hohem's iSteady MT3 Series and SSD-01: A Smart Package for Run-and-Gun Creators

The market for camera stabilization is a crowded, often noisy, place. Every year brings claims of "revolutionary" tech that often amounts to incremental improvements. So, when a company like Hohem, known primarily for its more consumer-grade offerings, throws its hat into the professional ring with an AI-powered gimbal series and a dedicated portable SSD, I sit up and take notice. Hohem's recent unveiling of the iSteady MT3 Series AI Gimbals and the SSD-01 Portable Drive is an interesting proposition for anyone running smaller, self-contained units or simply looking for incredibly efficient B-cam setups.

The iSteady MT3 Series: Three Models for Different Needs

The iSteady MT3 lineup includes three distinct models: the standard iSteady MT3, the more advanced MT3 Pro, and the fully equipped MT3 Pro Kit. Each targets creators who want smooth motion without complex setup, built around Hohem's iSteady 10.0 stabilization technology.

Let's cut to the AI tracking. What makes Hohem's implementation compelling is that it operates independently of an app. The standard iSteady MT3 features a built-in 2-megapixel camera that uses AI to track human subjects and keep them centered in frame without relying on separate attachments or smartphone apps. The MT3 Pro expands this significantly, adding tracking for pets, vehicles, and general objects—making it far more versatile for action, lifestyle, and multi-subject scenarios.

Think about it in a real production scenario. You're trying to quickly grab a follow shot of an actor walking across a set, or a musician on stage. Being able to just hit a button and have the gimbal intelligently keep your subject centered, even when you're moving aggressively, is a massive timesaver. For single-operator documentary work, BTS, or rapid-fire interviews, this could make your shot count significantly higher.

Payload Capacity and Physical Specs

The standard MT3 weighs approximately 0.77 kilograms (1.7 pounds) and supports payloads up to 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds), making it well-suited for compact mirrorless setups, smartphones, and action cameras. This puts cameras like the Panasonic GH6, Sony a7S III, Canon R5, and Fujifilm X-H2S firmly in its wheelhouse, especially with lightweight primes.

The MT3 Pro increases both weight and capacity, tipping the scales at about 1.07 kilograms (2.4 pounds) while supporting rigs up to 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). This opens the door to heavier mirrorless cameras and more complex lens combinations—think full-frame bodies with medium zoom lenses or even a Blackmagic Pocket 4K with substantial glass.

All models in the series deliver smooth footage during walking shots, pans, and dynamic camera movements with 360-degree pan rotation, 90° roll, and either 270° of tilt on the standard MT3 or nearly 290° on the Pro variants. Fast horizontal-to-vertical switching allows creators to move seamlessly between landscape and portrait formats for social platforms, live streaming, and short-form video.

Controls, Displays, and Mounting

Control options vary significantly across the MT3 range. The standard MT3 features an integrated 0.4-inch OLED display that shows shooting mode, battery status, and Bluetooth connectivity, paired with intuitive onboard buttons. The MT3 Pro introduces a detachable 1.4-inch touchscreen remote that can be used directly on the gimbal or wirelessly up to 10 meters (33 feet). When paired with a compatible camera, the remote can also display a live video preview—a genuine game-changer for solo shooters.

All models share Hohem's Multi 5.0 Quick Release System, designed for fast setup and broad device compatibility. An Arca-type L-bracket accepts the included quick-release plate for compact mirrorless cameras, while additional mounts support smartphones and action cameras via a three-prong adapter. The bracket rotates 90° for rapid switching between horizontal and vertical shooting and is designed to accommodate flip-out camera screens without obstruction.

Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless shutter control for supported cameras and smartphones through the Hohem Joy app, while included USB-C control cables provide wired camera control when needed. Users can start and stop recording directly from the gimbal, the detachable remote, or via gesture control.

Battery Life and Accessories

Battery life remains a strong point across the lineup. The standard MT3 offers up to 17 hours of operation, while the Pro variants extend runtime to approximately 20 hours. All models recharge via USB-C and include a built-in fill light with adjustable brightness and color temperature (3000-6000K bi-color) for on-the-go shooting.

The MT3 Pro Kit adds accessories for more advanced workflows, including a Spot Mini Motor for smooth focus and zoom control, and a Dual Twist Handle for two-handed operation or low-angle briefcase-style shooting. A custom carry case and remote mount are also included, emphasizing portability and organization.

SSD-01: Blazing-Fast Portable Storage

Let's shift focus to the SSD-01 Portable Drive. This might seem like a less glamorous announcement, but for anyone who's ever dealt with data wrangling on a lean production, it's potentially just as significant. The SSD-01 is Hohem's first non-gimbal product—a compact NVMe storage hub designed primarily for smartphones and cameras.

Available in 1TB ($219) and 2TB ($339) capacities, the SSD-01 delivers serious speed: up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write. That's fast enough to enable 4K 120fps ProRes recording and support ProRes RAW and Open Gate modes on compatible devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and Max. This isn't just for offloading—it's designed for direct recording to the SSD during capture.

Connectivity comes via 2x USB 3.2 Gen ports and 3x Type-C connections, effectively making it a 3-in-1 hub for mics, charging, and expansion. While the SSD-01 doesn't have a built-in battery, it supports up to 65W fast charging passthrough—meaning you can charge your devices while recording to the drive.

The unit is impressively compact at just 61x31x15.2mm (2.4x1.22x0.6 inches) and weighs only 28-29 grams (about 1 oz). Durability is built in: the aluminum case with ABS protection is water-resistant and drop-resistant up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Auto-save functionality protects against data loss from recording interruptions.

Compatibility is broad, spanning iOS, Android, HarmonyOS, macOS, and Windows, and the drive integrates with stabilizers and cameras that support external recording via USB-C.

The AI Future: Beyond Tracking Subjects

While Hohem's immediate AI application in the MT3 is subject tracking, it hints at a larger trend. AI in filmmaking is moving beyond simple automation into more sophisticated areas. We're already seeing AI tools for rapid storyboard generation, smart transcription and editing assistance in post-production, and even AI-driven upscaling and noise reduction. For on-set work, AI could eventually:

* Predict camera movements: Based on subject trajectory, the gimbal could anticipate movements for even smoother, more organic follow shots. * Intelligent framing: Beyond just centering, AI could learn compositional rules and subtly adjust framing to maintain aesthetic balance. * Lighting analysis: AI-driven sensors could provide real-time analysis of a scene's lighting, suggesting optimal camera settings. * Gimbal configuration optimization: AI could analyze a camera/lens payload and automatically suggest the best motor settings and balance points.

The MT3's AI vision sensor is a fundamental building block for such advancements.

Pricing and Availability

The Hohem iSteady MT3 AI Camera Stabilizer is priced at $329 and offers human AI tracking and a lightweight design for everyday creators. The iSteady MT3 Pro AI Camera Stabilizer adds expanded AI tracking (people, pets, vehicles, objects), higher payload capacity, and a detachable touchscreen remote for $449. The fully equipped iSteady MT3 Pro Kit, which includes the Spot Mini Motor, Dual Twist Handle, and carry case, is available for $549 through authorized Hohem retailers.

Who Is This For?

This package isn't for A-cam setups on high-budget features where dedicated gimbal operators and full DIT teams are standard. But for:

* Documentary filmmakers: Often working solo or with tiny crews, needing to react quickly to unpredictable events. * Corporate video producers: Small teams, tight deadlines, a mix of interview and b-roll where efficiency is paramount. * Event videographers: Fast-paced, often single-operator scenarios where reliable tracking and quick data offloads are essential. * Content creators: Those producing high-quality YouTube series, instructional content, or short-form narratives with limited budgets but high production value expectations. * B-cam or C-cam solutions: For larger productions, these could serve as incredibly agile, independent units for specific shots.

Hohem's iSteady MT3 Series and SSD-01 represent a deliberate push into a more advanced tier of filmmaking tools. They're targeting the professional who values efficiency, portability, and smart automation in their smaller, more agile camera packages. For run-and-gun creators, the combination of reliable AI tracking, solid battery life, and blazing-fast portable storage could be exactly what the workflow ordered.

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