hohem iSteady M7 Unreliable AI Tracking Issues Review

Data basis: I reviewed hundreds of buyer-written reviews and product demonstration videos collected from Jan 2023 through Jan 2026, with most feedback coming from written reviews and supported by video demonstrations.

Does the AI tracking actually follow moving subjects reliably?

Regret moment: Buyers commonly report the AI tracker losing subjects during fast movement or when the subject is farther away.

Pattern: This is a persistent pattern for many users, not a one-off problem.

Context: Loss of tracking often appears during first outdoor shoots and worsens during long sessions or complex backgrounds.

Category contrast: This feels worse than normal because mid-range gimbals usually keep lock through moderate motion without repeated re-centering.

Will the detachable touchscreen remote be more trouble than help?

• Early sign: Pairing steps may require the app before the remote works at full range.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary but commonly reported annoyance for buyers who expected plug-and-play remote use.
• Cause: The detachable design adds another pairing point and physical fragility compared with built-in controls.
• Impact: Remote disconnection during filming forces re-pairing or manual control, which interrupts shoots.
• Fixability: Often solvable by firmware/app updates, but those fixes add time and steps before reliable use.

Is the battery life and reverse charging reliable in real shoots?

• Expectation gap: Many buyers expected full-day runtime but found real-world use shorter or conditional on features turned off.
• When it shows: Battery issues appear during long shoots and when reverse charging a phone at the same time.
• Frequency tier: This is a primary complaint for users who rely on all-day filming.
• Cause: Power draw increases with active AI tracking, fill light, and remote use, reducing runtime.
• Impact: Runs out mid-session more often than many mid-range gimbals, forcing downtime or backups.
• Attempts: Buyers report limiting features or carrying power banks to mitigate the issue.

Does setup, app dependency, or firmware become a hidden burden?

• Hidden requirement: Several buyers found the product needs frequent app or firmware steps to reach advertised features.
• Early sign: Initial calibration and permissions are required before AI tracking and remote work smoothly.
• When it shows: Problems concentrate at first use and after firmware updates, not only in long-term use.
• Frequency tier: This is a common complaint that increases frustration more than occasional hiccups typical in the category.
• Why worse: Unlike many mid-range gimbals, this product often needs multiple updates and app interactions to perform as advertised.
• Impact: Users without patience for technical setup report regret and returns.
• Workaround: Active monitoring of app updates and a stable phone connection reduce some problems but add time and hassle.

Illustrative excerpts (not actual quotes)

Excerpt A: "Tracker loses fast-moving runners beyond short range, forcing manual re-centers." — primary pattern

Excerpt B: "Detachable remote needed firmware to stop disconnecting every few minutes." — secondary pattern

Excerpt C: "Reverse charging drained both devices way sooner than expected during an event." — primary pattern

Who should avoid this

• Action shooters: If you need reliable subject follow during fast sports, this exceeds normal category risk.
• Non-technical users: If you want plug-and-play simplicity, the app and firmware steps feel burdensome.
• All-day streamers: If you depend on uninterrupted battery life and reverse charging, expect extra precautions.

Who this is actually good for

• Tech-tolerant creators: If you accept firmware updates, you can get the feature set for creative shoots.
• Short-session vloggers: If your shoots are brief, tracking hiccups and battery limits are easier to tolerate.
• Accessory builders: If you value the detachable remote and lights and can handle pairing, the expanded controls may appeal.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation: Reasonable for this category is that AI tracking locks through moderate movement without constant re-centering.

Reality: The product often requires re-centers and app tweaks, making its tracking less reliable than typical mid-range gimbals.

Expectation: Reasonable for this category is that advertised battery runtimes cover a long shoot with moderate accessory use.

Reality: Real-world runtime can be shorter when the fill light and AI features are active, forcing extra charging steps.

Safer alternatives

• Prefer established trackers: Look for gimbals with multi-source tracking validation to avoid spotty subject lock.
• Avoid detachable dependency: Choose models with integrated controls if you want fewer pairing steps and less fragility.
• Prioritize battery testing: Pick units with independent verified runtimes or user data showing full-day use under load.

The bottom line

Main regret: The AI tracking and app/remote dependency are the primary triggers of buyer frustration.

Why worse: These issues exceed normal category inconvenience because they interrupt filming and need frequent fixes.

Verdict: Avoid this gimbal if you need dependable, out-of-the-box tracking and simple setup.