Flagship smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6, and Google Pixel 2 all offer impressive built-in optical image stabilisation, but if you want to capture truly cinematic footage, nothing beats using a dedicated gimbal.
If you’re in the market for such a bit of kit, you’ll be pleased to learn DJI has just announced a new version of its mobile camera stabiliser at CES 2018. Like its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 2 uses a three-axis gimbal with SmoothTrack technology to detect and compensate for your movement of the camera.
The Osmo Mobile 2 improves on the previous version in a number of ways. First, its design has had a total overhaul, so you can easily pivot between portrait and landscape orientations – perfect if you like to capture Instagram Stories.
The battery has had a significant boost and now lets you shoot for up to 15 hours – three times longer than before – while simultaneously charging your phone via an built-in USB port. Despite this, the Osmo Mobile 2 is also lighter than the first version thanks to its new lightweight nylon structure. Impressive, huh?
A new ¼” universal screw mount means that you can use the gimbal in conjunction with any tripod, and a zoom slider means it’s now possible to completely operate your smartphone camera from the handle. Like the previous Osmo Mobile, there are additionally controls for ISO, shutter speed and white balance.
As well as benefiting from the gimbal’s superior image stabilisation and controls, you unlock heaps of cool features when you install the DJI GO mobile app. Keen videographers can use ActiveTrack to automatically follow subjects in motion along with a number of different timelapse tools, while photographers will benefit from Panorama, Long Exposure and LightTrail modes.
The best news, though, is that the Osmo Mobile 2 will cost just (£139) at launch. This is considerably less than its predecessor, which first went on sale for (£289). From January 23, the gimbal will be exclusively available for pre-order from the Apple Store. A few weeks, in early February, it’ll be available on DJI’s online store and at other retailers. The Osmo Mobile 2 is compatible with all phones that use Bluetooth 4 or later.
I’ve got to say, I’m pretty excited about the prospect of trying out the Osmo Mobile 2 and using DJI’s Motionlapse and Hyperlapse shooting modes. If you prefer to shoot with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, DJI has also announced its first single-handed stabiliser for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras, the Ronin-S.
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