DJI Osmo handheld stabilised camera

The DJI Osmo a new kind of camera that combines camera and electronic stabiliser in one handheld, smartphone-controlled unit. I think it could be a game-changer and serious competition for action cameras like the GoPro.

Electronic gimbals have been around for a couple of years. Many filmmakers use them as an alternative to Steadicams which are expensive and require skill to ‘fly’. But the cheaper gimbals have always been a bit fiddly to set up. The Osmo gets around this by combining camera and gimbal, and controlling them both from a user-friendly smartphone app.

The basic DJI Osmo is around $700/£550 which is remarkably good value. It shoots 4K, 1080p and 720p at a variety of frame rates (including 1080p at super slow 120fps). Chinese manufacturer DJI is a market leader in stabiliser and drone photography.

You’ll also be able to use the handle with DJI’s higher-end drone cameras such as the Zenmuse X5, which takes interchangeable (Micro Four Thirds) lenses.

Hoping to get one to test soon. In the meantime here’s a sample video from DJI’s site.