DJI has returned with another version of its top-of-the-line smartphone gimbal, called the Osmo Mobile 6. This release marks the first time that the brand has returned to its original naming conventions , following 3 generations of “OM” branding. We’re not certain why the name has changed however, the latest model has beyond a brand new name.
It’s the DJI OM 5 was already one of the top smartphones gimbals we’ve tried, so we were thrilled to receive the latest model that promises to be better than the previous model. But, in a time with built-in electronic image stability that offers gimbal-like smoothness particularly on the most recent iPhones are these accessories still worth the trouble? We’ve tested it to determine.
Our quick take
Its DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is small, light and compact. It is also quick for setup and is easy to use. With many benefits over the previous model, we’re sure that it’s among the most powerful smartphone gimbals that money can purchase.
For those who use smartphones for casual purposes it’s not as important it was in the past. The majority of people are more than happy with the built-in stability of their smartphones that can give outstanding performance without needing to purchase additional equipment.
For content creators, as well as people who want in giving their TikToks an advantage, there’s a lot of benefits to owning an Osmo Mobile 6. Particularly when you’re making your own videos ActiveTrack 5.0 is a remarkably efficient tool. We like the motion control to create timelapses too.
The market is certainly more niche than in the past, however, If you’re one of the people who could benefit from its full potential, then the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is most likely the right one to purchase.
Design
Dimensions when unfolded Dimensions: 276 inches x 111.5 99 millimeters
Dimensions folded Dimensions folded: 189 x 84.5 44 mm
Weight 309 grams
Magnetic mounting system
It’s the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is designed to be convenient, it’s lightweight and compact and a brand new locking mechanism makes sure that the arm won’t slide around in transport. The ergonomic handle is better than the previous model and feels comfortable to grip. The controls are well-placed making single-handed shooting effortless.
The dark grey color DJI chooses to color this Mobile 6 gives a bit more professional style as compared to the previous model and the controls appear more professional as well. On the left you’ll see a brand-new wheel that is able to be used for manually or with zoom. It replaces the tiny slider found in the OM 5. The joystick has a more distinct design with grippy edges that allow for greater control.
Another feature is the status screen , which can be located over the controls. It’s not a screen per se however, it’s actually a set of LED-lit symbols. And they’re more efficient than we first thought. This is where you can view the status of your battery, record statistics and shooting modes. This is especially helpful if you prefer to shoot with an application like Filmic Pro rather than the DJI Mimo app.
It’s incredibly easy to set up and all you have to do is open the arm using a quick turn and then unfold the single hinge of the device. After that the gimbal is turned on automatically , and you can connect your phone using the same magnetic mounting system we had on the earlier model. It can be switched from stowed mode to shooting in just minutes.
For iPhone users who use the iPhone, the experience can be enhanced by an option that DJI refers to as Quick Launch. When your device is connected onto the mount’s magnetic an alert will appear that allows you to open the DJI Mimo application immediately. We didn’t have an iPhone available to test this, however it takes only a second or so to access the app by hand on Android.
It’s the Osmo Mobile 6 features the same selfie stick that you can pull out as the previous design, which we’re happy to have it. Many might view it as a scam but we’ve discovered that it can be very helpful in getting certain angles, particularly low-to-the ground tracking images.
Performance
Supported phone weight 170- 300g
Vertical and horizontal shooting assistance
Contrary to many of older models of gimbals that were previously available, this DJI Osmo Mobile 6 feels like a vertical-first design. This is appreciated, since most of the footage we take on phones is intended for vertical platforms such as TikTok or Instagram Reels. When the phone first boots the phone goes straight into vertical mode, however it is able to switch to horizontal mode with a single press of the switch on camera.
Motors are upgraded in the Osmo Mobile 6 in order to be able to take on the heavier and larger smartphones that have become frequent, such as iPhone 14 Pro Max, for instance. iPhone 14 Pro Max, for example. We first began our testing using our Google Pixel 5, thinking that a light phone could perform very well on a gimbal but we were wrong. The Pixel 5 is about 20 grams lighter than the weight support range, which led to an unsettlingly unstable video.
After we realized our error and realised our mistake, we were able to obtain better results using our Oppo Reno 8 Pro (183g) as well as the most heavy phone we had in our hands which was that of the Black Shark 5 Pro (253g). Most smartphones are within the range of supported weights It’s still worth checking prior to committing your money.
The results of stabilisation were similar to the previous few generations of DJI smartphones gimbals. DJI clearly understood the most effective way to work several years ago and is focused on improving the user experience, and including features. The most significant change is the integrated image stabilisation in modern smartphones. It’s now so efficient, that the majority of smartphone users are likely to never make use of the camera gimbal.
However, the outcomes from the gimbal certainly have the edge in smoothness, but it’s not as smooth as it used to be and we’re able to imagine the gap closing. We discovered that our results were the most impressive in low light conditions. This is where electronic image stabilisation is hampered because of the slower shutter speeds and the video from the gimbal is superior.
The owners of phones like those like the Sony Xperia 1 IV, that can shoot at a staggering 4K 120fps without stabilisation, are most likely to benefit from a device such as this.
Copyright Reseau Actu.