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In the hohem vs ZHIYUN camera gimbal debate, you face two distinct 3-axis stabilizers. Both offer integrated fill lights and touchscreen controls for precise adjustments. The main difference lies in their target audience and smart features. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro focuses on AI tracking and versatile compatibility for various devices. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 prioritizes heavy DSLR support and professional lighting metrics. Choose based on your camera weight and need for automated subject tracking.
Payload Capacity
2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
not listed
AI Tracking
Built-in 2 MP AI camera
not listed
Fill Light Power
CCT and RGB with stepless adjustment
10W, 3200 Lux max, CRI 95+
Display Size
1.4-inch touchscreen
1.22-inch color touchscreen
Remote Control
Detachable remote, up to 10 m range
Bluetooth shutter control
Battery Runtime
not listed
Up to 12 hours
Choose the first if
- You need to track moving subjects like pets or people automatically.
- You shoot with smartphones or action cameras alongside mirrorless bodies.
- You want a detachable remote for flexible framing angles.
Choose the second if
- You use heavy full-frame DSLRs or cinema cameras.
- You require a high-CRI fill light for professional lighting.
- You need extended battery life for long shooting sessions.
Verdict
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro suits creators who value AI tracking and multi-device versatility. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 is better for professionals handling heavy DSLRs who need strong lighting and long battery life. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize smart tracking or raw power and endurance.
Hohem vs ZHIYUN Gimbal Comparison
Smart Tracking Features
Edge: Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro includes a built-in 2 MP AI camera designed for active subject tracking. It uses an AI model trained on millions of scenarios to follow humans, pets, vehicles, and other moving subjects automatically. This allows you to keep your subject in frame without manual intervention. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 does not list any built-in AI tracking camera or software in its specifications. It relies on traditional gimbal stabilization and manual operator control to keep your shots steady. If you need autonomous subject following, the Hohem option provides this specific capability.
Lighting Capabilities
Edge: Tie
Both gimbals include integrated fill lights, but they differ in control and output. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro offers a dual-mode light with CCT and RGB options. You can adjust color and brightness steplessly via a side wheel or touchscreen, offering nine neutral tones or infinite RGB colors for creative effects. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 features a 10W fill light with a maximum illuminance of 3200 Lux and a CRI of 95+. Its color temperature ranges from 2700K to 5500K. The ZHIYUN light prioritizes high brightness and color accuracy for professional video, while the Hohem focuses on color variety and flexible control.
Payload and Compatibility
Edge: Tie
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro supports a payload of 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), making it suitable for most mirrorless cameras and lens combos with some accessory expansion. It also handles compact cameras, smartphones, and action cameras, offering broad versatility across different device types. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 is designed for full-frame DSLRs and compact cinema cameras, featuring stronger motors and longer arm lengths. It does not list a specific payload limit in the provided data, but its build suggests it targets heavier professional camera rigs. The Hohem is more versatile for mixed devices, while the ZHIYUN targets heavier dedicated camera systems.
Control Interface
Edge: Tie
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro features a 1.4-inch touchscreen and a detachable remote that can be mounted on the twist handle or held separately. The remote offers up to 10 meters of control range, allowing you to preview and frame shots from a distance. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 uses a 1.22-inch color touchscreen and includes Bluetooth shutter control for compatible cameras. It also features customizable trigger buttons and a front dial for adjusting ISO, shutter, aperture, and focus motor settings directly on the gimbal. The Hohem offers remote range, while the ZHIYUN offers deeper camera integration via Bluetooth.
Battery and Runtime
Edge: ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 supports PD fast charging and offers a runtime of up to 12 hours on a single charge. It can be fully charged in approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro does not list specific battery capacity or runtime figures in the provided data. Without explicit battery specifications for the Hohem model, you cannot compare endurance directly. The ZHIYUN provides clear data on long shooting sessions and rapid replenishment, which is advantageous for all-day production work.
Physical Design and Flexibility
Edge: Tie
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro features a bi-directional twist handle that supports both briefcase and side handle modes. It includes six 1/4"-20 screw holes and a NATO port for accessory expansion, working seamlessly with Arca Swiss accessories, cages, and L-brackets. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 has a quick-release module with horizontal and vertical lock structures, enabling effortless switching between landscape and portrait shooting modes. It also includes balance indicator lights on the motors to help with precise calibration. The Hohem offers more mounting options for accessories, while the ZHIYUN excels in quick orientation changes.
Which Hohem or Zhiyun Gimbal Suits You
Content creators needing smart tracking
Our pick: Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro features a built-in 2 MP AI camera. This system tracks humans, pets, and vehicles automatically. You get a 1.4-inch touchscreen for easy framing. The detachable remote offers up to 10 meters of range. This setup ensures your subject stays in frame without manual intervention.
Professional shooters using heavy DSLRs
Our pick: ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 handles full-frame DSLRs and cinema cameras. It includes balance indicator lights for precise calibration. You receive a 10W fill light with 3200 Lux illuminance. The device supports PD fast charging for up to 12 hours of runtime. This ensures reliable performance during long shoots.
Vloggers switching between orientations
Our pick: ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 allows effortless switching between landscape and portrait modes. Its quick-release module integrates horizontal and vertical lock structures. You can use Bluetooth shutter control for seamless operation. The 1.22-inch color touchscreen simplifies adjustments. This flexibility supports diverse vertical content creation needs.
Photographers needing versatile lighting
Our pick: Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro includes CCT and RGB fill lights. You can adjust color and brightness via the side wheel. The system offers nine neutral tones and infinite RGB colors. This creative freedom helps set unique atmospheres. The 2.5 kg payload capacity also supports various accessory expansions.
Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal
Best for: AI tracking and lighting for mirrorless cameras
- Payload Capacity
- 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
- Camera Compatibility
- Mirrorless, compact, action, smartphone
- Number of Axes
- 3-axis
- Display Feature
- 1.4-inch touchscreen
- Tracking System
- Built-in 2 MP AI camera
- Color
- Black
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer with a 2.5 kg payload capacity. It features a built-in 2 MP AI tracking camera and a 1.4-inch touchscreen. The detachable remote offers up to 10 m of control range. It supports mirrorless, compact, action, and smartphone cameras. The unit includes CCT and RGB fill lights. This setup suits creators needing versatile tracking and lighting.
- 2.5 kg payload supports heavy mirrorless lens combos
- Built-in 2 MP AI camera tracks subjects automatically
- 1.4-inch touchscreen provides direct preview and control
- Detachable remote works up to 10 m away
- Integrated CCT and RGB fill lights for lighting
- 2.5 kg payload is lower than the ZHIYUN Crane 4 capacity
- 1.4-inch display is smaller than typical larger screens
- 2 MP resolution is modest for high-detail tracking
- You need to track subjects with AI assistance
- You shoot with heavy mirrorless camera setups
- You want integrated fill lighting for video
- You require a payload exceeding 2.5 kg
- You prefer a larger display for detailed framing
- You need higher resolution for precise tracking
Verdict: Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal fits creators who need AI subject tracking and integrated lighting. It handles heavy mirrorless cameras well. The detachable remote adds flexibility for solo shooters.
ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal
Best for: Heavy camera setups with integrated lighting
- Camera Compatibility
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact cinema
- Number of Axes
- 3-axis
- Display Feature
- 1.22-inch color touchscreen
- Vertical Shooting
- Horizontal and vertical lock structures
- Battery Runtime
- Up to 12 hours
- Video Resolution
- 6K
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 is a 3-axis gimbal designed for full-frame DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It features a 1.22-inch color touchscreen and a built-in 10W fill light with 3200 Lux output. The unit supports vertical shooting and offers up to 12 hours of runtime. Its 3.31-pound weight accommodates heavier cinema setups, while PD fast charging restores power in under two hours.
- Built-in 10W fill light with 95+ CRI
- 1.22-inch color touchscreen for control
- Up to 12 hours of battery runtime
- Supports vertical and horizontal shooting modes
- PD fast charging in 1 hour 50 minutes
- Heavier 3.31-pound build compared to lighter gimbals
- Standard size limits portability for travel
- 1.22-inch display is smaller than larger monitors
- You need a built-in fill light for low light
- You shoot with heavy full-frame DSLR cameras
- You require vertical shooting capability
- You prioritize ultra-lightweight portability
- You want a larger display screen
- You need a compact travel gimbal
Verdict: The ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal suits professionals using heavy DSLR or cinema cameras who need integrated lighting and vertical shooting. Its robust build and long runtime justify the extra weight for studio or location work.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal | ZHIYUN Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) | – |
| Camera Compatibility | Mirrorless, compact, action, smartphone | DSLR, mirrorless, compact cinema |
| Number of Axes | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Display Feature | 1.4-inch touchscreen | 1.22-inch color touchscreen |
| Vertical Shooting | – | Horizontal and vertical lock structures |
| Tracking System | Built-in 2 MP AI camera | – |
| Battery Runtime | – | Up to 12 hours |
| Video Resolution | – | 6K |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Features | Touchscreen, Fill Light, AI Tracking | Fill Light |
| Compatible Device | – | DSLR |
| Dimensions | – | 13.4 × 2.76 × 11 inches |
| Weight | – | 3.31 pounds |
| Size | – | Standard |
| Model | – | A-CR122-EU |
Frequently asked questions
Which gimbal is better for heavy cinema cameras?
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 is the better choice for heavy setups. It supports DSLR and cinema cameras with a maximum payload suited for professional gear. Its robust build handles the extra weight of large bodies. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is designed for mirrorless cameras and action cameras, making it lighter and less suitable for heavy cinema rigs.
Does either gimbal have a built-in light?
Yes, both gimbals include integrated fill lights. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro features a fill light alongside its AI tracking camera. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 also offers an integrated fill light to help illuminate subjects in low-light conditions. This shared feature allows you to maintain proper exposure without adding external lighting equipment.
Can I shoot in vertical orientation with these gimbals?
The ZHIYUN Crane 4 supports vertical shooting, which is essential for social media content. Its design allows you to rotate the camera axis for portrait-mode video. The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is optimized for standard horizontal framing and AI tracking. It does not explicitly list vertical shooting as a primary feature in its specifications.
Which gimbal is lighter and more portable?
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is the more portable option. It is designed for mirrorless cameras and action cameras, which are generally lighter than DSLRs. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 weighs 3.31 pounds and measures 13.4 inches in length. This larger size and weight make it less ideal for travel but better for stationary studio work.
Does the Hohem gimbal have a detachable remote?
Yes, the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro includes a detachable remote. This adds flexibility for solo shooters who need to control the gimbal from a distance. It works with the 1.4-inch touchscreen for precise adjustments. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 does not list a detachable remote in its specifications, focusing instead on its integrated controls and build.
What type of cameras are compatible with these gimbals?
The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is compatible with action cameras and mirrorless cameras. It uses AI tracking to follow subjects automatically. The ZHIYUN Crane 4 is compatible with DSLR cameras and cinema cameras. It supports higher video resolutions up to 6K. Choose the Hohem for lighter, smart-tracking needs or the ZHIYUN for heavier, professional DSLR setups.
