Neil Hughes
DJI has begun shipping its anticipated 4K stabilized camera dubbed Osmo, featuring a three-axis stabilizer and dedicated iPhone clamp, allowing for super-smooth high-resolution footage in a compact and convenient package. AppleInsider offers an exclusive first look at the new device.
The Osmo really makes a great first impression as a premium, high-end device. It comes in a really great zip-up protective case that remains compact and will make it easy to take the Osmo with you on the go.
The handle itself is metal with a rubberized grip that feels fantastic in the hand.
On the left side is a fold-out iPhone clamp with a very clever design. It, too, is metal, and extends outward with swiveling pieces that securely hang onto the corners of the iPhone. We tested it with our iPhone 6 and had no worries that the handset was going to fall out of the clamp with use.
Before firing up the Osmo, you'll want to unlock all three of the axis swivels up top, which is done easily by just turning each of them. After that, power on the Osmo and it springs to life.
The Osmo has no screen, which is where your iPhone comes in. Simply use the same DJI Go app used with the company's Phantom drones, and you can easily connect to the device and get a live stream from the Osmo camera.
The camera is also part of the company's Xenmuse lineup of swappable lenses, so if you have a higher-end DJI Inspire drone, then you'll have a great set of options when shooting.
In terms of buttons, the Osmo has a trigger on the front for locking the camera to focus on a fixed point while moving. There's also a very nice flat joystick on the back of the unit, which can be easily pressed with your thumb, for gently rotating and panning the camera.
Priced at $649.00, the DJI Osmo offers a convenient and ultraportable all-in-one solution for professionals and "prosumer" videographers. It comes with a standard 4K lens with a 1/2.3-inch sensor and a 94-degree field-of-view lens.
The Osmo also works with optional accessories like a tripod, a bike mount, or an extension arm. Other accessories include a universal mount for external microphones or an LED light, and an arm that allows two accessories to be mounted to the Osmo at the same time.
We'll have much more on the DJI Osmo, including a full review, in the coming weeks.
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22 Comments
"Hi. This is an advertisement. We don't have anything to tell about this product. Labeling the ad 'first look' will allow us to remind you of this product during the upcoming weeks, revealing information you can already find on websites specialized in this gear. But it's an ad so we don't care."
It's taken 7 years, but someone has finally done a camera the way I always thought made the most sense. Build great lenses and mechanics and let the iPhone be the display and brains.
Now if someone would just make this for still photography, allowing for interchangeable lenses. I think Sony kinda made one, but it connected with wifi... Horrible solution.
Not sure how much better the video on their website is than just using the iPhone itself.
Also...using slow motion shots to advertise a steadicam device...brilliant!
If Roger Patterson had this, he could get a clean, steady, 4K shot of his actor in a bigfoot costume while dismounting his horse.