We’ve been curious about DJI’s Osmo Mobile gimbal for awhile now, with its ergonomic design, travel-friendly lightweight footprint (approx. 300 g; 10.5 oz), and anti-slip grip that have made it a favourite of content creators everywhere.
We reached out to DJI for an Osmo Mobile 7 review unit, and as it’s our first gimbal, we took it step by step via several tutorials (check out creator Jeven Dovey’s fabulous beginner’s video) and some trial and error.
With all the features of the Osmo Mobile 7 and companion Mimo smart phone app, there was a bit of a learning curve, but as with any tech product, practice is key!
[Just a few of the dozens of step-by-step video templates for inspiration!]
With DJI’s advanced stabilization technology, the recently-released Osmo Mobile 7 is a compact way to produce smooth video, featuring three-axis advanced stabilization technology to capture stable footage, so you can record the action at various angles.
Improvements over the Osmo Mobile 6 include up to 10 hours of operating time, the ability to charge your smartphone at the same time, and a quick set-up to begin shooting content. The magnetic clamp has also been redesigned to accommodate larger phones.
[Text and music options to add to your videos from within the Mimo app]
A built-in 67 mm (2.6 in) tripod at the bottom of the handle pulls out to let you stand the gimbal onto surfaces as well as to extend the gimbal’s grip.
[What’s in the box]
Just unfold the gimbal to power it on, then connect it to your phone via the magnetic phone clamp. DJI includes a handy beginner’s tutorial for first-time users once you’ve paired the phone with the Osmo Mobile 7.
Once paired with your smart phone, the companion DJI Mimo app (iOS 14.0 or above; Android 9.0 or above) pops up and you’re ready to shoot. It even balances itself upon connection to the clamp. The gimbal works with phone cases too.
Phone Compatibility
Phone Weight: 170 to 300 g (6 to 10.5 oz)
Phone Thickness: 6.9 to 10 mm (0.23 to 0.39 in)
Phone Width: 67 to 84 mm (2.63 to 3.3 in)
[Still photo capture with the Osmo]
ActiveTrack 7.0 automatically follows your subject and keeps it in focus as it moves in and out of frame. With a big improvement in functionality, this software version allows for more stable tracking of human subjects as well as smoother following and subject centering.
You’re also less likely to lose a tracked pet when filming. And if you’ve got obstructions in frame, ActiveTrack is now less likely to lose the subject, even when they’re moving fast (think sports, dancing, etc.).
Use DJI’s Mimo app and LightCut editing tools together with ShotGuides to create videos without the need for third-party software. ShotGuides automatically recognizes your scenario and recommends a shot sequence together with a tutorial on how to achieve it.
If you own an Apple Watch (iOS 16 or later), use the Mimo app to view camera feeds from the watch as well as to adjust the Osmo’s angle, take photos remotely (with the capability to switch from portrait to landscape), and record video. This is a great alternative to handheld shooting for more freedom to compose and frame shots, with an effective remote control distance of up to eight meters (about 8.75 yards).
The Osmo Mobile 7 includes a panel showing battery level, system status, and gimbal modes. Press the M button to cycle through Pan and Tilt Follow, Pan Follow, First-Person View, and SpinShot modes.
I shot the short video above using the iPhone 15’s video shooting modes including pan, tilt, and close-up in HD, 30 frames per second.
Pan and Tilt Follow (PTF) follows the gimbal’s movement and stays stable during tilts and rolls, ideal for shooting both horizontally and moving around a subject. With Pan Follow (PF) , the camera view follows the gimbal’s pan and tilt movement, and remains stable during rolls, great for shooting up, down, and at a diagonal. First-Person View (FPV) allows all three axes (pan, tilt, roll) to follow the movement of the grip, for shooting still objects or moving left to right. And finally, in SpinShot, you control the axis rotation of the camera via moving the joystick left or right. This mode is great for shooting push, pull, and high-angle movements.
Hulo Vancouver to Victoria ferry in Hyperlapse!
A few additional settings to add some fun to your videos include Timelapse, Motionlapse, Slow Motion, Pano, and Hyperlapse. You can also change the shutter speed, ISO, EV, white balance, resolution, frame rate, turn Grid View on or off, change zoom and joystick speed.
Once you’re in front camera mode, a selection of facial options can be accessed: Brighten, slimmer face, change eye and nose size — even whiten your teeth, add lipstick or blush before you start to shoot!
When powered off, the Osmo Mobile 7 returns to a pre-folded position for easy storage in the included drawstring bag and is compatible with DJI’s Mic Mini and Multifunctional Module (optional accessories).
The Osmo 7 comes in Arctic White and is priced at CAD $129/USD $89.
DJI also sent us the OM 7 Series Tracking Kit and Mic Mini to check out. Note that the Osmo Mobile 7P (CAD $189/USD $149) includes the Multifunctional Module.
[OM Multifunctional Module]
The OM Multifunctional Module pairs with the Osmo via Bluetooth to add gesture-based tracking, built-in fill light (2500-6000 K), and Mic Mini reception. Designed with the same magnetic clamp as the Osmo, the Module makes it easy to create content on solo missions, via hand gestures, (“double L” to reframe the composition, V to start/stop recording, palm up to start/stop tracking).
[Testing the gimbal’s pan, tilt, arc shot and slow-motion capabilities; also wearing a Mic Mini]
The fill light’s brightness and colour temperature can be adjusted via the side wheel on Osmo 7P models. There is a lot of functionality between the Osmo Mobile 7, Mimo app, and the Multifunction Module! Luckily DJI has several tutorials to get you comfortable with all the options, including how to pair the Multifunctional Module with a DJI Mic Mini transmitter.
The OM 7 Series Tracking Kit retails for CAD $60/USD $39.
[Mic Mini kit]
The DJI Mic Mini includes two transmitters and clip magnets, four windscreens, a receiver, mobile phone adapter, camera audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and carrying pouch with side pockets to accommodate cables and windscreens.
It’s a full kit including a charger case that connects with DJI’s Mimo App (note that if your phone has a Lightning port, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter).
The transmitters and receiver are linked by default, and can be relinked either via the charging case or manually. Press the power button on the transmitter to enable one of two noise-cancelling levels (basic, strong), depending on the type and amount of noise in your surroundings.
[Mic Mini case]
The Mic Mini can also be attached to cameras using the back clip and audio cable. To use the transmitter as an external microphone on your computer, connect using the mobile device adapter or USB-C cable. The Mic Mini kit retails for CAD $239/USD $160.
Visit DJI online for more info and to view online tutorials to get you up and running with your Osmo Mobile 7.
We were sent a DJI Osmo Mobile 7, OM Multifunctional Module, and Mic Mini for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain our own. Non-watermarked images courtesy of DJI.
