A close-up look.

Thanks to the growing popularity of small action cameras, stabilizers (like gimbals) are becoming more portable than ever. Amazon, for example, sells a lot of these devices made by random Chinese brands, but most of them are either poorly designed or only partially solve the problem. For example, they do not have a mount for smartphones if screen viewing is necessary.

Currently there are only 2 compelling options. The first is the Aetho Aeon, which works with GoPro and has its own display. The second is a DJI Osmo stabilizer with a 4K camera, similar to that installed on the manufacturer’s flagship quadcopter Inspire 1, which can use a smartphone as a viewfinder. However, it's not just about the hardware - a full-featured application is also offered along with the stabilizer. Is this fantastic deal worth the $649 price tag?

Hardware

DJI Osmo (photo shown later in the article) consists of 4 parts: a three-axis Zenmuse X3 gimbal with a camera, an ergonomic handle with control buttons, a 10.8 Wh battery and a phone clip. The overall kit weighs 538g and is quite manageable, but can be lightened to 422g by removing the smartphone holder. The set includes a lens cap, a strap, and a cute case that looks like a tiny ukulele case.

Camera

Inspire 1 quadcopter pilots do not need to introduce the Zenmuse X3 module. This fan-cooled camera is equipped with a 1/2.3” 12MP Sony sensor that can record video at up to 4K resolution - 4096 x 2160 pixels at 24 fps or 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps, which is equivalent to maximum bitrate 60 Mbit/s. Those wanting higher frame rate recording can shoot in 1080p60 or 720p60, or even shoot slow motion at 1080p120. As with the quadcopter version, the user receives a 20mm lens with an f/2.8 aperture and a 94° viewing angle. The device is equipped with a slot for a microSD card, which must be no worse than class 10 or UHS-1. Obviously, the faster the write speed, the better. For example, a 16GB MicroSDHC UHS Speed ​​Class 3 card works great.

Although the Osmo and Inspire 1 cameras have the same name, the former cannot be mounted on a drone. According to DJI, the main difference is that the gimbal's mechanical design is optimized for handheld use. It can be folded for storage, has a different motor orientation, and other small modifications inside the camera and gimbal. Like the Inspire 1, the device is compatible with the higher-end Zenmuse X5 and X5R gimbals, but requires an adapter.

The next generation model, DJI Osmo Plus, according to owner reviews, has become better in many ways. The Zenmuse X3 Zoom camera has 7x magnification (3.5x optical and 2x digital) and a variable focal length of 22-77 mm (f/2.8-5.2). The minimum distance to the subject has been reduced from 3.5 to 0.5 m. The gimbal design has also been improved.

Design

A removable metal phone holder is located on the left side of the handle and is connected to it using a screw fastening. It holds the smartphone by 2 corners on one side and the middle on the other. All 3 contact points, as well as the parts that touch the back of the phone, are made of soft plastic, so you don't have to worry about the clip scratching your mobile device. The largest smartphone that users have managed to install is the 6” Oppo R7 Plus with a height of 158 mm and a width of 82 mm. Therefore, the equally tall but narrower iPhone 8 Plus will fit without difficulty if it is not protected by a thick case.

DJI offers a range of accessories for the Osmo, including an extension rod, tripod and straight extension, as well as universal, bike and car mounts. Most of them are mounted like a phone holder.

Controls

The handle contains a stereo microphone, a 3.5mm audio jack for the lapel microphone, a screw mount on the top for the gimbal, a battery inserted from the bottom, several buttons and a pair of LED indicators in the thumb and index finger area. Thanks to the soft handle and thoughtful curve, the DJI Osmo X3 is called one of the most comfortable handheld stabilizers by reviews. When in hand, your thumb easily reaches the power switch slider, the flat joystick for camera control, and the shutter and video recording buttons.

On the other side there is a trigger that provides 3 functions. Holding it down locks the camera's orientation, double-pressing re-centers the hinge, and triple-pressing it rotates the selfie lens. If necessary, the gimbal allows minor manual adjustments. But you should not overdo it, so as not to accidentally block the hinge. There is no need to worry, all this is described in the DJI Osmo instructions.

Beginning of work

The instructions for DJI Osmo Mobile recommend the following steps to quickly get started:

  • Find the DJI Go app in the App Store or Google Play and install it;
  • install and charge the battery using a USB adapter;
  • mount and balance the smartphone;
  • activate Bluetooth on your phone, turn on the stabilizer, launch the DJI Go application and follow its further instructions;
  • position the smartphone manually and using the joystick;
  • take photos using the shutter button and shoot clips using the video record key.

Software

DJI Osmo, according to reviews from owners, works great without an application for iOS and Android, but the user has to guess a lot and therefore may miss out on many useful functions. Here you set the image proportions, resolution and frame rate. You can also use the DJI Osmo setup app to set gimbal parameters and recalibrate it if necessary. To establish a connection with the device, just turn on the stabilizer, connect your phone to the DJI Osmo Wi-Fi hotspot and launch the application.

After entering the camera view mode, you can switch between photo and video shooting interfaces. They share quick settings for white balance, ISO and exposure compensation. Tapping the screen sets the exposure control point, and moving your finger across the display controls the gimbal. In addition, the video interface allows slow-motion shooting (1080p at 120 fps), and various photo modes are available: single, multiple, interval, panoramas (360° or 180°) and single-frame. Regardless of which interface is used, using the buttons, you can initiate any image capture mode.

The app allows you to view, stream, and even edit content captured by the DJI Osmo. User feedback indicates that the file transfer feature currently only supports JPEG images and videos up to 1080p resolution. This means that 2.7K and 4K photos, as well as RAW files, will have to be copied directly from the microSD card.

The editing feature offers tools for cropping, rotating, changing contrast, brightness, saturation, and adding filters. As for video, you can edit a simple movie from several 6-second clips, and then decorate it with a set of filters and music templates. Owners who have learned to work with this tool find its use a real pleasure. It's fun, intuitive and a great time. The results of creativity can be shared on social networks using the Skypixel platform.

Performance

Considering the manufacturer's experience in ensuring video stability, it becomes clear why the DJI Osmo X3 is praised for its excellent footage. According to users, the most effective is to keep the camera still. The result is no different from mounting the camera on a tripod. And thanks to ultra-high definition, largely still video appears to be a photograph until the moving parts become noticeable. There's nothing new about this, but considering that this is a hand-held device, the result is surprising. The stabilizer also works well while on the move. However, slight vibrations caused by steps are still noticeable, so users are advised not to rely too much on Osmo and walk as gently as possible. As for the reaction speed, the gimbal keeps up even with vigorously moving subjects.

Image quality

Since a wide-angle lens is used, there is inevitably some softening of the image at the edges of the frame, but fortunately this is not too noticeable. Video quality in well-lit conditions is first class, especially during the day outdoors. Clips get a little noisy indoors, and at night their quality drops even more, although color is consistent. The same applies to still photos, but they can be corrected in post-processing if they were shot in RAW format.

According to reviews, the DJI Osmo has some shortcomings. First of all, the sound in video clips is very quiet, and the app lacks the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the built-in microphone, so users welcome the ability to connect an external one. Secondly, 60 minutes of battery life is not always enough. A larger power supply would have been suitable here, but the last thing DJI wanted was to make it heavy, so users should purchase an additional battery costing 2,000 rubles ($35).

Competitors' offers

By and large, the stabilizer does not have many competitors on the market. Almost all other handheld gimbals are designed for smartphones or GoPro cameras. Some of them have an ergonomic handle, for example Big Balance Husky HY3M costing RUB 17,700. ($300). Models with a straight handle are slightly cheaper, but their reliability remains low. For those on a budget, we recommend Feiyu G3 or G4 stabilizers (approximately 11,800 rubles or $200). DJI Osmo reviews are called the most advanced stabilizer with its own application and many convenient functions. Moreover, its camera can be replaced according to the needs of professional users.

While the Osmo's $649 price tag isn't very enticing, it's actually quite reasonable for those starting from scratch. Those who are going to get the HY3M and need a special wide-angle lens will still spend more - 11,800 rubles. (about $200) for a basic GoPro with WiFi or 17,700 rubles. ($300) for the model with a built-in display, because this stabilizer does not have a mount for a smartphone viewfinder. As an alternative, you can use your phone's camera, but from the experience of owners it is clear that HY3M stabilization only works with small models whose screen size does not exceed 5”, which is becoming a rarity in the Android world.

Possible options

Ultimately it all depends on what is already there or what needs to be achieved. It's worth noting that if you have an Inspire 1, you can simply purchase the $269 Osmo kit (battery, charger, and phone holder) and use it with the quadcopter camera. This is a good way to get the most out of your drone purchase.

Another option is the DJI Osmo Mobile model. Reviews from owners praise the device for dramatically improving video stabilization even on flagship phones, ease of use, the ability to capture exciting slow-motion time-lapse photography in motion at a given 5 points, and a well-functioning face tracking system.

Finally

It's safe to say that DJI is not only an expert in quadcopters, but also the manufacturer of the best handheld gimbals. The company took its time with the production of the model, paying due attention to some problem areas in a situation where most manufacturers would simply throw an unfinished product onto the market. Osmo offers a complete package that is both powerful and intuitive. Is the product perfect? Not really: users would like better video and photo quality in dark environments, a longer battery life, and a better microphone. However, DJI's competitors have a lot of catching up to do.

DJI users can now shoot cinematic-quality videos quickly and easily with DJI Osmo Mobile. This device turns your smartphone into a smart moving camera, making every shot smooth, professional, and ready to share right after shooting. Using the DJI Go app, the system can automatically track a subject, capture stunning time-lapses, or even broadcast directly to the world. Capture Time: Motion time-lapse photography is the best way to show and convey the passage of time. Previously, to achieve this effect, it was necessary to use professional equipment and skills, but with the help of Osmo Mobile and your phone, making a video like this is as easy as making a few button presses. Be in the Picture: ActiveTrack technology built into DJI Go allows DJI Osmo Mobile to automatically track your movements. You no longer have to choose whether to be part of the frame or shoot the frame. Do everything at once - be in the frame and shoot at the same time. Share scenes from your life that no one has ever seen before. Effortlessly Smooth Video: If you've ever walked around while shooting video on your smartphone, you know how difficult it is to hold the camera still. DJI Osmo Mobile smoothes and even makes the movements you make invisible, eliminates camera shake and turns every frame into a cinematic video. Live: Share what's happening with the DJI GO app's support for live streaming to YouTube or Facebook directly from DJI Osmo Mobile. Each of your broadcasts will be stable and smooth, as if you were using a personal team of professional operators. Dramatic Long Exposures: Capture 1-second long exposures without a tripod for sharp night shots. Osmo Mobile keeps your phone pointed at the desired target. Place Osmo on a tripod and point it at the sky to capture stunning views of the stars moving across the sky. The new video is ready to be posted on the blog. Panoramas: Capture large, detailed photos using just your smartphone and Osmo mobile. The panorama feature automatically captures and stitches 9 separate frames into one for stunning photos. Full Camera Control: Control your phone camera like a professional camera with dedicated buttons to release the shutter and start recording, as well as manually adjust ISO, shutter speed and white balance. Control your exposure by simply moving your finger up or down on the screen. Use a trigger to control features only available in Osmo Mobile. Long press the trigger to completely soften the motion and make the video even smoother. Double tapping re-centers the camera. Triple, turning on Selfie mode. Customizable joystick: Make the joystick function exactly how you want it. Set sensitivity, invert pan or tilt, or even set the gimbal so it can only move in certain directions. Use Push mode to change the direction of the gimbal directly with your hand. Bluetooth Connection: Using an optimized Bluetooth connection, Osmo Mobile is able to detect your device and quickly sync with it automatically if it has been connected before, so you can start shooting faster. Long operating time: High energy efficiency and large battery capacity give the stabilizer a maximum operating time of up to 4.5 hours. Batteries can be quickly and easily replaced, and an adapter for use with an external battery will give even more runtime. Charging Port: Use the dedicated USB port* to charge the battery and update firmware. Charging takes approximately 3 hours using a 1 amp source. *- Use only the power cable included with DJI Osmo Mobile. Damage may occur if the power cable is connected to any other device with a 3.5mm port.

DJI introduced an updated electronic steadicam DJI Osmo Plus. Now the shooting possibilities have become even wider - the camera lens has a 3.5x zoom without loss of HD quality, which means that what could not be captured before will now become closer and easily fit into the frame.

The main difference between the new manual steadicam DJI Osmo+ from the previous one - the presence of an optical zoom in the camera unit, which expands the capabilities of operators and allows you to shoot more interesting shots.

Close-up view

Get incredibly close with the DJI Osmo+, the first handheld gimbal to feature an integrated zoom camera. 7x zoom (3.5x optical and 2x digital zoom*) produces focal lengths ranging from 22mm to 77mm without sacrificing HD quality. Thanks to this, you will have more options when creating a composition.

*Digital zoom is only available when shooting in 1080p resolution.

Slow motion

DJI Osmo+ allows you to record the passage of time with amazing ease. Just specify the start and end points of your camera movement, then press "Start" and get phenomenal slow motion without additional specialized equipment.

Improved stabilization

The DJI Osmo+ features advanced stabilization technology originally introduced in the DJI Osmo. The technology keeps the camera positioned regardless of your movements, whether you're broadcasting in real time or shooting your first movie.

Live selfies

The minimum focal length is only 0.5 m, which means you will be in focus when taking selfies. Triple-pressing the start button enables selfie mode.

Detailed panorama

Create large, detailed panoramas using just your smartphone and DJI Osmo+. The panorama feature automatically takes and stitches nine separate photos to create one stunning image.

Long exposure

Capture incredibly clear long exposure photos, even without a tripod. The DJI Osmo+ stabilization system keeps the camera completely stable so you can shoot handheld.

Powerful camera

Shoot up to 4K video at 30fps and capture 1080p slow motion at 120fps. The FlexiMic microphone provides enhanced sound quality. Capture 12MP images in DNG RAW format for post-processing.

Accessories

DJI Osmo+ supports a variety of mounts and accessories, so you can use the equipment in almost any environment. A tripod allows you to mount the DJI Osmo+ for greater stabilization or remote shooting. The bike mount allows you to take the DJI Osmo+ with you on trips, and the monopod allows you to shoot from new angles.

Technical data:

Pen

  • Dimensions: 61.8 mm × 48.2 mm × 161.5 mm
  • Weight (including battery): 201g
  • Supported mobile devices: Maximum size: 158.2 mm × 77.9 mm

Suspension

  • Model: Zenmuse X3 Zoom
  • Weight: 268 g
  • Power (including camera): 8KHz
  • Controllable range: ±0.02°
  • Mount: removable
  • Operating angle range: tilt: -35° to +135°; rotation: ±320°, roll: ±30°
  • Mechanical Range: Tilt: -50° ~ +140°
  • Maximum speed: 120°/s

Camera

  • Model: X3 ZOOM / FC350Z
  • Sensor: Sony Exmor R CMOS; 1/2.3"; Effective pixels: 12.40M (total pixels: 12.76M)
  • Lens: 3.5x optical zoom, 22-77mm equivalent; F2.8 (minimum focal length) - F5.2 (maximum focal length), viewing angle: 92° (minimum focal length) - 35° (maximum focal length). Focus: 0.5m to infinity
  • ISO range: 100-3200 (video); 100-1600 (image)
  • Shutter speed: 8 - 1/8000 s (up to 30 s if the camera is in M ​​mode)
  • Maximum image size: 4000×3000
  • Photo mode:
  • o One shot
  • o Continuous shooting: 3/5/7 frames
  • o Auto exposure balance: 3/5 frames, frame bracketing at 0.7EV steps
  • o Interval
  • o Autopanorama
  • o "Selfie" panorama
  • Video resolution:
  • o UHD: 4K (4096×2160) 24/25p
  • o 4K (3840×2160) 24/25/30p
  • o 2.7K (2704×1520) 24/25/30p
  • o FHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/100p
  • Video recording mode: automatic, slow motion
  • Maximum speed: 60 Mb/s
  • Supported format: FAT32 (≤32 GB); exFAT (>32 GB)
  • Picture format: JPEG, DNG (RAW)
  • Video format: MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
  • Supported SD cards: Micro SD; maximum volume: 64 GB; Class 10, UHS-1
  • Operating temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C
  • Audio output: 48 kHz, AAC

Wi-Fi video broadcast

Let's list the main advantages of DJI Osmo Plus:

  • Shooting 4K video
  • Steadicam and camera in one device
  • Ability to quickly take photos
  • Excellent quality of stabilization when shooting
  • Built-in 3.5x zoom without loss of quality
  • Ability to control the camera using the buttons on the handle
  • Possibility to attach the Steadicam to various

Be sure to watch our video review of the DJI Osmo Plus, where we tested video and photo shooting with the Osmo Plus stabilizer in various conditions:



In the meantime, let's focus all our attention on the review of the stabilizer model from DJI.


Package
The packaging of DJI Osmo Plus looks very strict and elegant.

There is no talk about any characteristics or descriptions of the configuration.

But it won’t take up much space in your home - that’s also a plus;)

Equipment
DJI Osmo Plus will delight you with a wonderful case that can be conveniently carried in your hands, put in a bag, or even attached to your shoulder using the additional strap included in the kit.

The material is moisture resistant, so getting caught in rain or snow is not a problem.

Everywhere we are pleased with company logos.

In addition, the case has special rings for the shoulder strap.

It contains a full-fledged battery charger from the mains.

Shoulder strap for carrying the case on the shoulder.

Wrist cord and plug for mounting base.

Full microphone with wind protection.

Micro SD card 16GB (enough for about 30 minutes of shooting in Full HD).

And, of course, the DJI Osmo Plus Steadicam itself.

The kit contains everything you need, the only issue is the memory card - its capacity is too small, so it’s better to buy more right away.

Appearance and elements
Let's start with the dimensions: the total length of the Osmo Plus is only 25 cm.

On the left, you can conveniently place your smartphone with the DJI Go app installed - it will turn it into a display.

The phone mount is universal - you can place a smartphone of any diagonal in it.

At the bottom there is a battery compartment that can be easily removed with one hand.

The battery itself will last you about 2 hours of shooting.

The working part of the handle is rubberized - it is a pleasure to hold onto it. And the plastic around is matte - there will be no scratches or abrasions.
  • Start and stop video shooting
  • Button to control the photo shooting process
  • A stick that allows you to change the position of the camera and also work with zoom



The DJI Osmo Plus on/off lever is located on the side.


And on the reverse side there is a trigger for activating the zoom, as well as changing the operating mode of the stabilizer. Above it is an audio output for a microphone.

In addition, we also have two LED indicators: the left one is responsible for the shooting status, the right one for on/off and battery status.

The phone mount is made entirely of metal - inspires confidence!

For a stronger grip, there are special grips on the sides (when using a smartphone, it is better to remove all protective covers).

You have full access to the smartphone screen - the display is not blocked by anything. And when you touch it with your finger, the smartphone remains in place.

And all this folds into such a small mount that doesn’t take up much space - very thoughtful.

The mount itself can be easily unscrewed and we get a universal mounting base for any photo tripods and mounts.

The DJI company itself produces various mounts for Osmo, you can see them.

In addition, Osmo can be attached to the body, as well as sports equipment, a motorcycle, a car, etc., since it is collapsible. The handle with battery is connected to the stabilization system thanks to a special cable (purchased separately), thereby making Osmo Plus very compact and lightweight.

Let's move on to the camera itself. At the rear we get active cooling - a cooler and a USB Micro output are installed here.

On the back of the DJI Osmo Plus there is a memory card slot - cards can be easily changed even with one hand.

In addition, the case also has a special radiator for passive cooling of the camera.

The lens itself is reliably protected by a special removable lens.

It can be easily removed and a light filter installed in its place.

Or even a lens hood.

DJI Go app
With this free application for your smartphone, you can:
  • Broadcast an image from Osmo to a smartphone screen
  • Manage all shooting modes and switch between them
  • Update your Osmo Plus software without connecting to a computer
  • Copy and view all footage without a computer to your smartphone
  • Change absolutely all settings for shooting video/photos, as well as the operating speed of the Osmo stabilizer

The application is very convenient to use on any display diagonal.

Overall, the app itself is extremely easy to learn and means you won't need to connect your DJI Osmo Plus to your computer for setup.

These are all the key features of this model, a reminder that you can see examples of shooting, quality of stabilization and “combat” tests in our video review of the DJI Osmo Plus: