REVIEW: DJI Osmo Mobile

DJI's Osmo gimbal with a built-in camera was a superb handheld stabiliser capable of capturing professional videos. But the expensive price tag made it out of reach for many. The company has now launched an affordable gimbal (minus camera) that continues to work on the lines of the original Osmo.

The Osmo mobile doesn't have a camera mounted on the top. Instead, one has to mount a smartphone, just like selfie sticks. The adjustable stand can hold a smartphone measuring 4-5.5 inch. A few controls have been added to the handle - power, still capture, video capture and the joystick that helps in controlling the motorised movements and speed of the phone mounted on the gimbal.

The forefinger rests on the trigger at the front, which brings the camera to the centre when clicked twice and changes the camera to selfie mode and back when clicked thrice. But these controls work only with the Osmo Go app that is available for download on both the iPhone and Android smartphones. Once Osmo mobile pairs over Bluetooth, the nearly dead gimbal instantly comes into action and stabilises the smartphone.

An array of controls has been added to the app - switching between video and photo, shoot in panorama, long exposure, and time-lapse. It can be used for capturing with the rear camera or even selfie mode. The app also has an ActiveTrack mode, where you choose and lock the subject on the screen, and the OSMO mobile will continue to focus on the object even when you move around. While I was able to capture a video or click an image using the controls on the app, the physical controls on the handle were more convenient to use. The movement of the gimball is pretty smooth and the results can be seen in the videos shot using this mobile gimbal.

When used with an iPhone, It also supports live streaming option but as I tested it using an Android smartphone, I was not able to test this feature. DJI GO also allows you to control Shutter Speed, ISO and White Balance but this function is only supported on iOS devices. The image and video quality depends up on the camera optics of the smartphone mounted on the gimbal.

The only downside is that you are stuck with the DJI Go app and can't shoot a video using the default app or any other app.

The Osmo Mobile packs in a 980-mAh battery that can last close to four hours on a single charge. Unlike Osmo, there isn't any separate battery case for charging. The Osmo Mobile has a 3.5-mm port using which the battery can be charged. The battery is removable and can be swapped easily (needed to be purchased separately).     
        
Bag it or Junk it: It's great video stabilizing equipment for capturing videos on a smartphones. Turns smartphone into a motion camera.

Price: Rs 19,990

Plus: Stabilisation, Controls, Battery

Minus: Works only with DJI Go app