After launching it earlier in China, DJI has unveiled its flagship smartphone gimbal Osmo Mobile 8. The new model looks a lot like the Osmo Mobile 7P and has the same multifunctional tracking module with a built-in light. However, it adds a bunch of useful new functionality, including Apple Dockkit support, 360-degree panning, and pet tracking.
The lack of Apple DockKit support was an issue with the Osmo Mobile 7P, as it made tracking itself with some apps more complicated. This puts DJI behind Insta360’s Flow 2 Pro, which supports DockKit. This is no longer an issue with the Osmo Mobile 8 though. You can now perform subject tracking in the native iPhone camera app or among the 200-plus iOS apps compatible with DockKit.
At the same time, full tracking is available through the multifunctional module. It attaches next to its updated, more secure magnetic phone mount, allowing you to automatically track yourself or other subjects through any camera app. It has a surprisingly powerful LED fill light and serves as a receiver for DJI’s wireless microphones, including the Mic Mini, Mic 2 and Mic 3. On top of humans, the module now supports dog and cat tracking as well As before, it supports gesture control.
DJI
Another key feature is a pan axis that supports 360 degrees of horizontal rotation without hitting stops like before. This means when you lock onto moving subjects with intelligent tracking, it will continue to follow them even as the camera moves around. The updated, more comfortable grip (and 0.8 pound weight) makes it easier to take low angle shots, something that will come in handy when trying to follow your cat.
When using DJI’s Mimo app, you also get access to DJI’s advanced ActiveTrack 7.0.1 tracking technology. It comes with a feature called Dual Lens Boost 2 that uses your phone’s wide-angle and telephoto lenses to ensure that no subject is lost, even if they move quickly or in a crowded scene. Another feature, Smart Capture, according to DJI, makes it easy to switch between subjects even in complex environments.
The OM8 uses DJI’s latest three-axis stabilization tech to smooth out even jerky movements without sacrificing smartphone-like quality. Other features include an integrated tripod, easy switching between front and rear cameras (with the ability to flip the camera 180 degrees for rear camera selfies), an integrated tripod and a built-in extension rod. DJI’s Osmo Mobile 8 gimbal is available now in Europe for €159, with US pricing and availability to be announced soon.