Most flagship smartphones these days may offer built-in optical image stabilisation in their cameras, but there’s still nothing like a proper, dedicated gimbal for your cinematic shots. And if you’re looking for such a device, DJI has launched its second-generation smartphone stabiliser at CES 2018.
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It’s called – rather appropriately – the Osmo Mobile 2 and, like the original, uses a triple-axis gimbal in tandem with special onboard tech to help detect and compensate for your camera’s movement. Intrigued? Let’s take a look at what the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 offers the smartphone photographer in 2018.
DJI Osmo Mobile 2: Everything you need to know
DJI Osmo Mobile 2 UK price: How much will it cost?
DJI’s Osmo Mobile 2 will cost just £139 at launch. This is a good chunk less than its forebear, which originally went on sale for £289. For reference, GoPro’s own gimbal, the Karma Grip, will currently set you back a lofty £289.
DJI Osmo Mobile 2 UK release date: When’s it coming out?
The Osmo Mobile 2 is available for preorder on 23 January 2018 exclusively from the Apple Store. A few weeks later, in early February, you can preorder from other retailers and the Osmo Mobile 2 officially launches at the end of that month.
DJI Osmo Mobile 2 Features: What does it do?
The Osmo Mobile 2 possesses a handful of improvements over its predecessor. First, its design has had a shake-up, and it’s now much easier to pivot between landscape and portrait camera orientations.
Second, the battery life has increased, with DJI touting a lengthy 15-hour longevity. For reference, that’s more than three times longer than before. Not only that, but you can simultaneously charge your phone at the same time via the in-built USB port.
And, in a feat of technical wizardry, the Osmo Mobile 2 is lighter than the first effort, thanks to a special, lightweight nylon structure. Most impressive.
Likewise, a new screw mount at the base of the handle means you can attach the gimbal to any tripod, and a new zoom slider on the face of the handle means you can now completely operate your smartphone from the gimbal itself. Perfect, if you’re forced to wear gloves in cold weather for instance.
The DJI GO mobile app also includes a feature called Activetrack, which automatically follows moving subjects as well as a handful of new timelapse tools, including Panorama, Long Exposure and LightTrail shooting modes.
DJI Osmo Mobile 2: Early verdict
The Osmo Mobile 2 is mightily impressive. It certainly offers just as much as its predecessor once did, and then some, but it also includes similar much-needed features as its pricier competitors. This is definitely one to watch in the coming months, and I can see this swiftly becoming the number-one smartphone accessory for the budding videographer in 2018.