Nowadays, every smartphone camera offers a variety of impressive capabilities. While it’s not difficult to push a button create a timelapse video or video clip, or to zoom into a subject but the end results usually appear unpolished as they lack stability. DJI’s new 3-axis smartphone gimbal, called the Osmo Mobile 6 ($159) is here to stabilize your hand , with new features as well as an updated application.
The Osmo Mobile 6 is the successor to the OM 5 (yes, DJI changed the name for this model too). In addition to offering an extendable rod that can be used for taking selfies and recording multiple angles, it comes with controls that let you zoom into specific subjects, pan, and make an e-story or hyperlapse in conjunction with the accompanying app. It’s compatible with Android as well as iOS smartphones as well as the latest OS offering a lightning-fast set-up.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 comes out with the same price as its predecessor , however, is it worth the upgrade? Do vloggers and creators of content consider purchasing one? Let’s find out.
The most important takeaways
3-axis stabilization
Magnetic phone mounts for easy installation
Quick Launch (available only for iOS only)
The status bar LEDs display the battery’s life and camera mode
Side wheel lets you adjust focus or control of zoom
An extension rod is built-in to allow for more angles, vantage point and angles
ShotGuides feature suggests camera shots based on the content you’re recording and makes clips to share on social media
ActiveTrack 5.0
Numerous video modes
Companion Mimo app includes various comprehensive tutorials
As long as 6.5 hours of battery life
The Osmo Mobile 6 was released in just a few months following its predecessor, the OM 5. With dimensions of 189mm by 85mm by 44mm (7.7″ x 3.3″ x 1.7″) the Osmo Mobile 6 is slightly bigger, but is still small enough to fit into the pocket of a purse and to carry comfortably.
The Osmo Mobile 6 gimbal
The built-in extension rod measures 225″ (8.5″) in length when fully extended. It gives you the capability of capturing an array of angles. The front face that the phone is improved considerably and is much easier to use.
A status bar will inform you that the device is fully connected and ready to use. There’s a tiny indicators on the left side of the screen. Green indicates it’s fully functional. Below it’s the battery’s state. When the battery is at 20 percent or less, it’ll turn red. Just to the right of both , there is an indicator that shows the four gimbal modes is active.
The ‘M’ button will turn the device off and on and can be used to instantly switch between gimbal modes and three times in order to switch into standby mode. Below is a red “Record button, which you can press to begin recording video or taking photos if you are using photo modes.
Below the Record button, you will find below it the Switch button. Press it once to rotate between the camera’s front and rear cameras. Press twice to rotate the phone from portrait to landscape orientation. Three times pressing it toggles the phone into photos and video mode.
The most important enhancement is a built-in sidewheel for more control. If you press it once, it will allow you to control the distance of focus. When you press twice, turning the wheel either forward or backwards will allow the camera to zoom into and out in more fluid, smoother way.
At the rear of the phone is an activation button. When it is pressed, it activates DJI’s active Track 5.0 feature, which allows the phone around to follow a specific subject, and it remains at the center in the picture for largest part. When you press the button twice, it will automatically center the camera. The locking and unlocking functions and the follow speed can be set with a couple of presses of the trigger.
Similar to like the OM 5, the Osmo Mobile 6 features an 1/4″-20 UNC port on the bottom for attachment to a tripod. The tripod should be attached as recommended by DJI for timelapse and hyperlapse footage. A M3-0.5 screw hole at the upper part of the gadget could be used to connect accessories such as an extra camera’s lens, or microphone. The Vlog Combo, that retails at three times the cost of the device by itself includes a DJI Micro Sender and Receiver.
A standard smartphone clamp comes in each Osmo Mobile 6 package. It was introduced by the OM 4, the clamp is easily attached on the plate that is mounted of the Gimbal. The clamp for smartphones must be as well-centered as is possible or it won’t function correctly The DJI app will inform users to make this adjustment. The most recent version of the app can accommodate bigger smartphones than the previous version.
Osmo Mobile 6 Osmo Mobile 6 can be charged for an maximum of one hours and twenty-four minutes for charging and is able to run for as long as 6 hour and twenty-four minutes under ideal conditions.
The DJI Mimo app
The Osmo Mobile 6 is powered by DJI’s Mimo application. The application is easy to use, however it also comes with a plethora of videos that will help you get to grips with the app and using features like StoryGuides and Stories.
DJI is also making its LightCut application available to enable an even more flexible editing of videos. LightCut is streamlined and simple to use. It is a simple and straightforward tools to sequence and edit clips in a sequence, along with music and titles. It comes with a range of templates to use in the event that you wish to. It’s impossible to get too complicated with it, but for the beginner blogger or content creator, it’s a great (and cost-free) tool.
On the right side of the Mimo application (or in the lower part depending on the phone’s orientation) there are the videography and photography shooting modes. These are:
Video: tap to record a normal video.
Photograph: take still images. Start with 0.5X for broad angle and increase the expand as high as 8x. By pressing the button, you can activate burst mode.
Hyperlapse: take a video sequence while you move the mobile phone.
Timelapse: There are four standard ways to capture this footage including fixed, sequence reverse or right-to-left. It is also possible to set up an individual motion that can be set up with up to four positions that you can allow the gimbal’s axis to shift between.
DynamicZoom is a simulation of the effect of a dolly. Select the screen which Move Out mode, and drag the box to select the subject. Then you can walk toward and away from your subject to make an audio clip.
Slow Motion: Record video at either 4X slow motion or eight times slow speed.
Pano 3×3, at 240 degrees or CloneMe. This creates an image where an identical subject is shown in different locations in the same image. It will count down five seconds after each photo, so the subject can shift to the next location within the frame.
Story: offers a variety of templates, guides or automated angles. Once each film is recorded, it can be stitched to create an instant shareable story.
ISO and shutter speeds, and EV values can be seen on the lower right on the display. Below that are scroll bars that can be used to zoom out and in between 0.5X or 8x. A three-dot symbol on the lower left-hand corner of the screen will open to a menu that includes camera, gimbal , and general settings. On the left side, you can get instant access to shooting options as well as Glamour options.
The top of the application provides the ability to access Stories and ShotGuides It also it displays the life of the battery for both the gimbal and the smartphone. It will also show you what mode the wheel on the side will be operating set to (Manual Focus or Zoom) and allows you to switch between the back and front cameras on your smartphone. This ActiveTrack Select Box will pop out in the center of the frame once video is enabled. ActiveTrack 5.0 is not functional when the camera is zoomed over 3X.
How do you feel about using
The Osmo Mobile 6 is slightly heavier and larger in comparison to that of the OM 5. DJI claims that this is to give it an comfortable grip, but I really didn’t feel there was much differences. The biggest benefit for me, is how easy it is to open the device and connect to my mobile device. As I wrote about the OM 5, I pointed that I was worried that it might break. It’s not the case anymore as DJI has improved its overall design and functions.
The most notable change is the display bar located on the main handle of the device. Green signifies that it’s set to go, yellow informs that Bluetooth (now 5.1) does not appear to be functioning; while red means it’s nearing the end of its life. Side wheel useful, but I did find that zooming into and out of the screen less smooth than I I had hoped. I had a much more enjoyable experience when I dragged my fingers across the bar that appears on the screen.
The most significant benefit is how easy it is to fold this device, and also connect it to my phone. When I first got the OM 5 I was afraid of breaking it.
I would like to have an easier method to change to change the Slow Motion speed. It’s set automatically to 8X. It means that recording approximately 8 seconds will yield nearly a minute of footage. Additionally I found the quality was not great and a little gritty. I would like to see an option to tap the screen to show “8X” and then automatically change to 4X.’
Another issue I’m having is the issue with DynamicZoom. You can’t zoom out or in on an object before recording. I was outside as I was preparing to shoot and needed to take approximately 10 steps further back to ensure my subject was in the frame. What could happen if I were inside and the space was restricted?
Each of the Magnetic Phone Clamp3 as well as the Fill Light Clamp snapped in quickly and securely connected to my iPhone 12 ProMax. Because iOS devices can be used using Quick Launch, my device was instantly connected, making shooting effortless. DJI did not specify when the feature would become accessible to Android users.
The Mimo app is constantly getting better and better. However, I found the ShotGuides to be quite confusing. There are numerous categories, and each has a wide range of angles, along with videos of examples. There were times when I was not sure which angle I was using to shoot an individual take or watching a instructional video. Additionally, City Themes can send you on scavenger hunts for instance, to locate the traffic light. Although DJI gives the amount of times that the theme has been utilized in the app, I don’t see this kind of content on the feeds I follow.
That brings me to Stories which is a decent feature, but not one that I’d like to use for the purpose of creating content. This checkered design is used too often and the length that is predetermined for each video cannot be changed. In one instance, as I tried to follow the recommendations to move the gimbal it turned towards the arm’s side. The best part is, If you’re pleased with the outcome, it’s easy to share it immediately.
I also played with DJI’s LightCut application. The music selection is mediocre according to me, and the music you choose does not interfere with the surrounding music. Editing clips manually is simple and easy enough, considering this app is easy to use, however, you can have the same experience using third-party applications like InShot.
There are of course many templates which you can use on this site too. I’ve tried “Autumn” but I was disappointed by the animations with yellow leaves that overlay my image to be rather ridiculous. LightCut is completely free and you don’t even need to connect to an DJI device to utilize it, either. It’s true that you get what you have to pay for, so speak.
As mentioned above, DJI now uses ActiveTrack 5.0. I tested this feature at the skate park that is in my area. Although it was able to lock onto subjects quickly I also noticed that it could lock onto another subject when it crossed the path of the first subject. It did follow a primary subject for around 150 yards before loosing connection which is a significant improvement over that of the OM 5.
With Glamour Effects, you can slim down your face and make your eyes appear larger However, the result isn’t too impressive.
In addition, there is an available Fill Light ($59), that can be adjusted to three different colors and brightness. It functions in the same manner as the magnetic clamp that connects your smartphone to your device, but it must be recharged. A power button and a status lights are included in this clamp.
Who’s it meant for?
As smartphones and cameras improve and sophisticated, it makes sense for a lot of people to utilize them for capturing images but to also use tools that make their photos more professional.
The speed and convenience using Osmo Mobile 6 makes it an attractive option. It doesn’t require SD card or uploaded files to worry about The data is saved to the app or on your smartphone. For vloggers and casual content creators, this is an ideal device for creating smoother and more sophisticated-looking footage.
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