DJI rose to prominence by revolutionizing the multi-rotor market with the Phantom line, and now uses its knowledge to create image stabilization in the form of a unique gimbal-camera handheld unit dubbed OSMO.
Model overview
DJI OSMO is a system that allows you to capture the world around you from a personal perspective and does so far beyond the capabilities of conventional action cameras like the GoPro Hero 4. The level of quality is not limited by visual characteristics such as tone, color and detail, but is provided by a stabilization system made in the form of a built-in suspension. This mechanism ensures that the 12.4MP DJI X3 camera will always remain stable and not be subject to vibrations commonly associated with compact cameras.
Design
The handle has a series of buttons that allow you to fully control the operation of the video capture device and swivel. A spring-loaded phone holder with a Wi-Fi module is mounted on the side, whichexpands the capabilities of the camera, and also serves as a convenient screen for viewing footage in real time.
The unique design and almost autonomous camera movement make the device look like a product of extraterrestrial origin. OSMO promises the aspiring filmmaker or vlogger the opportunity to shoot professional stabilized footage, the quality of which is still unrivaled in systems of this price available on the market.
Setting up most small motorized gimbals for GoPros and other action cameras is often difficult or time consuming. OSMO is ready to go in seconds. Its competitors include the Yuneec Typhoon ActionCam handheld system. Although this is a successful model, its design is still significantly inferior to DJI products.
Build Quality
DJI OSMO, according to owners, combines futuristic design with functionality, its construction is solid and the build is exceptional. The handle is the perfect size, ergonomic and fits comfortably in the hand. The power button is located on the side, and the thumb-operated joystick for moving the camera, as well as the video stop and still image capture buttons are conveniently located and easy to operate.
On the side of the handle opposite to the switch, there is a holder that allows you to quickly install a mobile device on it. It is made of metal and can be removed to connect other accessories if necessary.
Modifications
OSMO is a modular system. The top of the handle houses the motorized mechanism and the X3 camera. It can be replaced with X5 and X5R modifications, which offer a higher resolution of 16 MP, a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mounts. Reviews of the DJI OSMO X5 model cite AF as its biggest drawback, since focusing from a smartphone is difficult to control, and a larger sensor and aperture only exacerbate the problem. Also, users note insufficient battery life, microphone insensitivity and the inability to transfer 4K video to the phone.
Modification without a camera shoots video using a smartphone. DJI OSMO Mobile is praised by users for its build quality and great functionality not available in competitors' models, but the GJI Go app spoils the product experience, especially for Android phone owners - slow motion time-lapse and long exposure are not supported by some of them. The limitations of the system are largely determined by the characteristics of the smartphone.
DJI OSMO Plus is praised for its long battery life, 3.5x optical zoom and external microphone input, but criticized for lack of a headphone output, the possibility of losing a wireless connection, and poor image quality in low light conditions.
Basic model
X3 is the entry-level camera in the DJI lineup, but it captures impressively high-quality footage with 4K video capture at 25frames per second, as well as in many other resolutions, including Full HD at 120 fps.
The lens has a 94-degree field of view (20mm equivalent), but unlike other action cameras equipped with a Sony Exmor R CMOS 1/2.3 sensor, it delivers well-controlled distortion and has a focus range of 1, 5m to infinity, making it easy to take self-portraits and get closer to the scene.
Indeed, the minimum focus distance of 1.5m isn't close enough for selfies, although close examination of the frame will reveal softness of focus, and it's still significantly better than most action cameras. In the X5R and X5 models, it has been reduced to 0.5 m.
Movies are recorded on a microSD card that fits into the slot on the side of the camera. There is a standard 3.5mm audio jack on the front of the grip, allowing for automatic audio gain control with a quality that will annoy even the most moderate audiophile. On the side you can find a standard ¼” mounting hole designed to mount accessories such as a mobile phone holder or a tripod, although the handle design makes the latter impossible without an additional adapter.
Settings
Preparation for OSMO DJI, according to the owners, is done quite quickly. If the user is familiar with Phantom quadcopters, then the connection process is identical. You need to download and install the DJI app on your mobile deviceGo, turn on OSMO, select a Wi-Fi connection, launch the application and select the desired model from the list. Once connected, you will be able to view live screen view and access all camera settings. The interface of the application is well designed, but since its concept is unparalleled, it will take some time to understand and quickly navigate through the settings and modes. At the bottom of the interface are options and a record button, as well as settings for resolution, frame rate, and other features.
Suspension settings allow you to adjust the reaction of the movement, not control its movement. This is ideal for custom panning and automatic photography. Another nice feature is the ability to use the onscreen view as a trackpad to change the camera position. The direction you move your finger will determine the direction of rotation of the lens. The settings are quite simple and, as you would expect, include resolution, frame rate and sensitivity.
Getting Started
It's easy to start shooting - just press the record button. Clicking again will stop it. During recording, the joystick under your thumb can be used to adjust the tilt and pan in the vertical and horizontal axis. Another control is located on the back of the handle. This is the trigger used to activate various commands. In normal recording mode, a triple press will rotate the camera to take a selfie, and repeating it will return it back. If akeep the trigger pressed, the orientation of the lens will be fixed in such a way that no matter how the device is rotated, its optics will be directed to the same place.
After a brief period of familiarity with the various functions and buttons, using the DJI OSMO becomes intuitive, according to owners.
Video quality
The X3 has similar performance to the GoPro Hero 4 Black, capturing 4K video at 25fps, compared to GoPro's 30fps and Full HD at 120fps. All settings must be made through the DJI Go app interface on your mobile device and are easy to find and change. There is also a manual mode that allows you to adjust the shutter speed and sensitivity, which may be necessary when there is insufficient or too bright light.
DJI OSMO is said to handle light changes well. Moving the lens from shadow to light demonstrates smooth exposure control, with no overexposure or underexposure of the frame during the transition. As the brightness of the light in the frame decreases, noise becomes noticeable, but for a sensor of this size this is not surprising, and noise reduction technology keeps noise levels under control. There are several manual sensitivity options for video from ISO 100 to 3200.
Color and saturation are fixed. There is no option to change any of these settings, which users regret. However, auto white balance and saturation balance well.colors, and tones have a lot of detail. The high quality of the DJI OSMO X3 video is attributed by the owners to the high recording speed of the footage. In the 4K video test, the average bit rate was 60 Mbps, and when shooting in Full HD at 60 fps, the data rate dropped to 40 Mbps.
These values are very high compared to other cameras that have a similar sized sensor, so they look incredibly smooth and rich in motion.
Benefits
The design of the device may seem strange, but when using it, everything immediately makes sense, and fears that the sphere, the hinge mechanism and the design of the handle are fragile immediately disappear as soon as the stabilization gimbal is in the hands. DJI OSMO's gimbal mechanics, camera operation, and mobile app connectivity all work incredibly well, according to owner reviews. The video quality is exceptional and the lightweight device allows filmmakers to capture professional stabilized footage in a way that is very difficult or impossible to do for the money.
Flaws
Despite the well-thought-out layout and design of the buttons, some problems have been noted by users. The build is solid, but it's not a device that you can just stuff in your bag, so it's best to store and transport it in the included semi-rigid case. This does not mean that the design is fragile, but it is better not to tempt fate. The only mount on the handle is used formobile phone, and if it is dismantled, the shape of the handle will not allow you to connect a tripod without a special adapter. A simple mount at the base would be ideal, but this is where the battery is accessed. And although there is a slot for an external recording device, its positioning makes it difficult to use.
Conclusion
DJI OSMO, according to user reviews, allows you to shoot in a way that was previously only possible with the help of a professional set. Setting up and using the device is incredibly easy, the gimbal is exceptionally well designed, and there are no additional wires or screws that are often found in these action cameras. If you need to shoot handheld, then the smooth movements obtained on this model, at this price, really have no analogues. There are a few other minor issues such as connecting to the audio jack and feeling that the full potential of the device has not yet been fully realized, but compared to the competition, the tool provides fast capture of incredible footage that is not possible otherwise.
