The Amazing DJI Osmo: Revolutionizing the Handheld Camera (2020)

A full DJI Osmo Review

Should you buy the DJI Osmo?

Where and when do you stop scrolling most often on social media. Pictures right? And video. They stop you in your tracks. That’s why gadgets such as the DJI Osmo handheld camera is a must-have for those who want to really take their social media presence to the next level.

In reality, in today’s digital and social world, it’s almost essential to connect to others and display some facet of your life in a media form. Whether you choose to share personal stories in a blog for friends and family or tap into your creative side to make artistic films, there are many online platforms designed specifically to fit your needs.

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Why should I get the DJI Osmo?

But with the online world developing so rapidly, it’s not always easy to find accessible, affordable technology that lets you keep up with the evolving expectations set by the global media community. Luckily for all of us looking to stay abreast of the changes, there is user-friendly technology such as the Osmo from DJI that gives you the freedom to shoot professional-grade video more easily and effectively than ever. Check out this DJI Osmo Review to discover if this is the technology that will let gain creative control.

Luckily for all of us looking to stay abreast of the changes, there is user-friendly technology such as the Osmo from DJI that gives you the freedom to shoot professional-grade video more easily and effectively than ever. Check out this DJI Osmo Review to discover if this is the technology that will let gain creative control.

The DJI Osmo handheld camera
The DJI Osmo handheld camera

DJI Osmo Review: Features and Usability

Let’s get right down to it.

DJI Osmo YouTube Video

When we first approached the DJI Osmo, the most impressive aspect right off the bat was the combination of features commonly seen in two different types of gimbals (a fancy word for camera stabilizers).

When you search the web, many off-brand sites feature products that either have a camera element but no sort of handset mount ability for those who prefer a live screen, or solely use a smartphone camera as the primary device.

Although these are able to fit a specific need of portability, these often perform poorly and are somewhat crippled due to their lack of versatility.

But DJI, the huge company behind the most popular drones, saw the problem with these types of small gimbals and—by combining this with their extensive experience in drone camera technology—responded with the revolutionary design of the Osmo.

DJI Osmo Design
DJI Osmo Design

The Hardware Breakdown

This handheld device—weighing in at under 2 pounds—has mounting capabilities that fit a variety of smartphones in size up to the hefty iPhone Plus devices.

An easy-to-use metallic phone holder sits off the gimbal to the left of the camera, allowing the user to seamlessly keep tabs on their footage while filming.

The mount is lined with a malleable plastic, so your phone is sure to stay secure and won’t get scratched in the process.

DJI Osmo Camera

The most important component of the Osmo is the Zenmuse X3 designed three-axis gimbal and high-quality 4K camera.

Definitely, the most important feature of a gadget such as the Osmo, is the quality of the camera. And the DJI Osmo does not let us down here. Even though the camera is small and lightweight, it packs a punch: 4Kp video at 30 fps and 1080p video at 60 fps.

The DJI Osmo camera features a rectilinear lens. What this does is provide an extreme wide-angle (94 degrees field of vision), without the typical distortion of image which is usually associated with lenses of such small size.

Gimbal camera

DJI Osmo Camera specs

For your convenience and for the tech geeks, we’ve shortlisted the most important Osmo camera specifications for quick reference.

ModelX3/FC350H
Sensor1/2.3” CMOS
Effective pixels: 12.40M
(Total pixels: 12.76M)
Lens94° FOV 20mm
(35mm format equivalent)
f/2.8
Focus3.5m (suitable range 1.5m to ∞)
ISO Range100-3200 (video);100-1600 (photo)
Electronic Shutter Speed8s - 1/8000s
(up to 30s when camera is on M mode)
Max. Image Size4000 x 3000 pixels
Still Photography ModesSingle Shot
Photo Burst Mode: 3/5/7 shots
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB):
3/5 bracketed frames @ 0.7EV bias
Interval
Timelapse
Auto Panorama
Selfie Panorama
Video ResolutionC4K (4096 x 2160) 24/25p
4K (3840 x 2160) 24/25/30p
2.7K (2704 x 1520) 24/25/30p
FHD: 1920 x 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/100p
HD: 1280 x 720 24/25/30/48/50/60p
Video Recording ModesAuto; Slow Motion(FOV 47°)
Max. Video Bitrate60 Mbps
Supported File FormatsFAT32(≤32 GB); exFAT (>32 GB)
Photo FormatsJPEG, DNG(RAW)
Video FormatsMP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
Supported SD CardsMicro SD; Max. Capacity: 64 GB;
Class 10 or UHS-1
Operating Temperature32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)
Audio Output48 KHz; AAC

DJI Osmo Gimbal

The DJI Osmo features a Zenmuse 3-axis for professional stabilization – Inspired by the Inspire drone

As DJI is first and foremost a company specializing in drone tech, many fans will already have experience with the Zenmuse X3 gimbal via the Inspire 1 drone.

This gimbal utilizes a Sony camera with a 12-megapixel sensor that has the capability of recording videos with up to 4K resolution.

With frame rate options ranging up to 60 Mbps, the Osmo lets you record extremely smooth video or even do slow motion.

The fan-cooled gimbal comes with a 20mm lens that has a 94-degree view field and also conveniently houses your microSD card while recording.

But why and what does the gimbal serve?

You keep hearing about gimbals in connection with the DJI Phantom and DJI Mavic and even GoPro cameras, something about improving their overall image quality, reducing shakiness in video recordings, and eliminating the dreaded “jello effect” common on so many videos. But what exactly are these things? Read on to find out.

Wikipedia defines a gimbal as “a pivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a single axis. A set of three gimbals, one mounted on the other with orthogonal pivot axes, may be used to allow an object mounted on the innermost gimbal to remain independent of the rotation of its support.”

Gyroscope technology used in gimbals
Gyroscope technology used in gimbals

Essentially, the gimbal is there to smoothen and shaking or sudden movements which happen as you are filming. Such movements can happen if you are walking, driving or performing any kind of movement, which is prone to small changes.

Without a gimbal, these small movements would show up on the video, resulting in a jittery video, full of small steps. The 3-axis gimbal is there to perform professional stabilization of the video.

A gimbal allows you to keep your camera. It will maintain  fixed, stable direction, regardless of whether the person (or object) holding it is moving or leaning forward, left, right, etc. due to poor flying or adverse weather conditions (for drones) or due to normal movements in humans. If you’re looking to do professional or semi-professional level video recordings – then it is essential to have a device (such as the Osmo) which features a gimbal!

Zenmuse 3 and Gimbal

Zenmuse 3 and Gimbal

DJI Osmo Gimbal Specifications

For the tech specs nerds, here’s all the juicy stuff which makes up the Osmo’s gimbal.

ModelZenmuse X3
Weight221 g
Output Power (with camera)Static: 9 W; Dynamic: 11 W
Angular Vibration Range±0.03°
MountDetachable
Controllable RangeTilt: – 35° to +135°
Pan: ±320°
Roll: ±30°
Mechanical RangeTilt: – 90° to +150°
Pan: ±330°
Roll: – 50° to +90°
Max Controllable Speed120°/s

Ergonomic Handle

Another aspect that sets the Osmo apart is the ergonomic handle, which is as aesthetically sleek as it is comfortable to use.

The handle features an audio jack, a microphone, an internal battery, and a smartly placed series of button controls and triggers that allow users to easily execute their every command.

Although the microphone is not extremely sensitive and the battery life could be longer for extended use, these small shortcomings find redemption in the comfort of this handle alone. The curved design and soft grip make this one of the—if not the very—best handheld gimbals on the market.

Ergonomic handle design
Ergonomic handle design

Accessorize to Your Liking

DJI really thought of everything when it comes to the gear you might need to use the Osmo to the best of its ability. This progressive company makes a variety of mounts for this gimbal, including a bike mount and one that attaches to a vehicle.

These useful tools can be installed easily on the gimbal similarly to the phone mount attachment. Also available is a universal mount, giving you the power to connect your lightweight device to anything else you might need to for the videos you desire. For the Osmo, DJI really went above and beyond to ensure users have the tools they need to achieve optimum results.

Additionally, DJI has created state of the art extension rods and arms to give users the flexibility they need on the fly. Keeping true to the classics as well, they’ve developed an incredibly compact tripod so you can travel anywhere with the tools you need while leaving behind heavy baggage.

DJI Osmo App

DJI Osmo App - the DJI Go
DJI Osmo App – the DJI Go

Just like most DJI drones, the DJI Osmo uses the DJI Go App to have full integration with your smartphone, since of course one of the primary features of the Osmo is the ability to see exactly what you are filming through the phone attached to the phone holder.

The Go App features Live HD View, so essentially, you can see exactly what the camera is seeing, making for the perfect video experience. This is ideal for framing a great shot.

The DJI Go App also has full camera controls, so you can adjust any camera settings just like if you were using a handheld camera. You’ll be able to control anything from shutter speed, aperture, ISO and anything else you might need to create that perfect video or shot.

DJI Osmo Price – There’s a Model for Everyone

As part of their quest to make this technology accessible for everyone’s needs, DJI has developed various models of the Osmo already available to users. Here are a couple of our favorites:

DJI Osmo Mobile 

~$319

This awesome piece of technology is ideal for thrill seekers and travelers who want to document their adventures without missing out on them. With the same awesome stabilizing features as the Osmo, this gimbal holds a smartphone for optimal camera phone usage.

The DJI Osmo Mobile gives you full camera control and comes with all the tools you need to share your life with those you care about.

Featuring a handy flashlight, intelligent app technology that allows better self-coverage while you move, and even the ability to live stream as you record, the Osmo Mobile is effective and affordable for those who seek high-quality coverage of their active lives.

Here’s one of the best deals on the Osmo mobile, directly from Amazon.

DJI Phone Camera Gimbal OSMO MOBILE, Black

Active Track technology, automatically keep your smartphone facing you as you move
Smooths and even cancels out the movements you make, stopping camera shake and turning every shot into cinematic video
Motion time-lapse videos are an awe inspiring way to show the passing of time.

Additional images:

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Price: $129.00

Buy Now

DJI Osmo Plus

~$649

This device is essentially an upgrade to the original Osmo in almost every way.

With the ability to zoom up to 7X, motion time lapse capabilities, and stabilization technology that builds on the already incredible features of the Osmo, the DJI Osmo Plus gives you more control over your coverage than ever.

DJI OSMO+ Plus Handheld Fully Stabilized 4K Camera Beginners Bundle

Camera features a 22-77mm zoom lens, 3.5× optical and 2× digital lossless zoom.
Camera will shoot 4K video, 12 megapixel photos and offers silent recording.
Professional 3-axis stabilization.

Additional images:

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Price: $500.00

Buy Now

What Are You Waiting for?

The Osmo is a revolutionary product.

While there may be other products similar to it on the market for a slightly lower price point, the money spent on DJI’s Osmo products is without question worth the professional results and seamless usability. With a variety of models and many useful accessories available, the Osmo is a great tool for professional videographers and common travelers alike.

And it’s currently available on Amazon for a steal! Get creative, go exploring, and experience true freedom with the remarkable DJI Osmo.

 

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