DJI Osmo: reviews of the model

DJI Company has gained fame by revolutionizing the market of multi-copters with the Phantom line, and now uses its knowledge for the consciousness of means of image stabilization in the form of a unique hand-held device that combined a cardan suspension and a camera, which was called OSMO.

Model overview

DJI OSMO is a system that allows you to capture the world from a personal perspective and does it, far exceeding the capabilities of conventional action cameras like GoPro Hero 4. The quality level is not limited to 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 12.4 megapixel camera DJI X3 will always remain stable and will not be subject to vibrations, usually inherent in compact devices.

Design performance

On the handle is a series of buttons that allow you to fully control the operation of the video capture device and the swivel joint. On the side is a spring-loaded phone holder with a Wi-Fi-module, which extends the camera's capabilities, and also serves as a convenient screen for viewing the material in real time.

The unique design and almost autonomous movement of the camera make the device look like a product of extraterrestrial origin. OSMO promises to the beginning cinematographer or videobloger the opportunity to shoot professional stabilized material, the quality of which is still unmatched in systems of similar cost available on the market.

Setting up the majority of small motorized hinges for GoPro and other action cameras is often difficult or time-consuming. OSMO is ready to work in seconds. Its competitors include the hand-held system Yuneec Typhoon ActionCam. Although this is a successful model, its design is still much inferior to DJI products.

Build quality

DJI OSMO, according to the owners, combines a futuristic design with functionality, its design is solid, and the assembly is exceptional. The handle has an ideal size, it is ergonomic and comfortable in the hand. The power-on button is located on the side, and the thumb-operated joystick to move the camera, as well as the stop buttons for video recording and capture of still images are placed in a convenient location and easy to control.

On the opposite side of the handle is a holder, which allows you to quickly install a mobile device on it. It is made of metal and can be dismantled to connect other accessories if necessary.

Modifications

OSMO is a modular system. At the top of the handle is a motorized mechanism and an X3 camera. It can be replaced with modifications X5 and X5R, which offer a higher resolution of 16 megapixels, a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mounts. Reviews of the model DJI OSMO X5 its biggest drawback is called AF work, since it is difficult to control the smartphone, and the larger sensor and diaphragm only aggravate the problem. Also, users note insufficient battery life, insensitivity to the microphone and the inability to transfer 4K video to the phone.

Modification without a camera is done using a smartphone. DJI OSMO Mobile users feedback is praised for the build quality and great functionality not available in competitors' models, but the GJI Go app spoils the impression of the product, especially among Android phone owners - slow frame-by-frame shooting and long exposure of some of them are not supported. The limitations of the system are largely determined by the characteristics of the smartphone.

Model DJI OSMO Plus reviews praise for long battery life, the presence of 3.5-optical zoom and the input for an external microphone, but criticized for the lack of headphone output, the possibility of losing a wireless connection and poor image quality in low light conditions.

Basic Model

The X3 is an entry-level camera for the DJI line, but it allows you to shoot impressively high-quality footage with 4K-video capture at 25 frames per second, as well as in many other resolutions, including Full HD at 120 fps.

The lens has a 94-degree field of view (20 mm equivalent), but unlike other action cameras equipped with the Sony Exmor R CMOS 1 / 2.3 sensor, it provides a well-controlled distortion and has a focusing range of 1.5 m to infinity, Which makes it easier to shoot self-portraits and brings you closer to the scene.

Indeed, the minimum focusing distance of 1.5 m is not close enough for Selfie, although only a careful examination of the frame will reveal the softness of the focus, and this is still significantly better than most action cameras. In the X5R and X5 models, it was reduced to 0.5 m.

Videos are recorded on a microSD card, which is placed in the slot in the side of the camera. On the front panel of the handle there is a standard 3.5 mm audio jack that allows you to automatically adjust the sound gain with a quality that will irritate even the most moderate audiophile. On the side, you can find a standard ¼ "mounting hole for attaching accessories, such as a mobile phone holder or tripod, although the handle design makes the last option impossible without an additional adapter.

Customize

Preparation for the OSMO DJI, according to the owners, is done quite quickly. If the user is familiar with Phantom quadcopters, then the connection process is identical. On the mobile device, you need to download and install the DJI Go application, enable OSMO, select a Wi-Fi connection, launch the application and select the required model from the list. After connection, you will be able to on-screen real-time sighting and access to all camera settings. The interface of the application is well developed, but since its concept has no analogues, it will take some time to understand and quickly navigate in settings and modes. At the bottom of the interface are the options and the record button, as well as the resolution settings, frame rates and other functions.

Suspension settings allow you to adjust the response of the mechanism, and not to control its movement. This is ideal for custom panning and automatic photography. Another nice feature is the ability to use the on-screen sight as a trackpad to change the position of the camera. The direction of the finger movement determines the direction of rotation of the lens. The settings are quite simple and, as expected, include resolution, frame rate and sensitivity.

Beginning of work

To start shooting simply - just click on the record button. Pressing it again will stop. During recording, the joystick under the thumb can be used to adjust the tilt and turn in the vertical and horizontal axis. Another control is located on the back of the handle. This is a trigger used to activate various commands. In normal recording mode, a triple click will rotate the camera to capture the Selfie, and repeating it will return it. If the trigger is held down, the orientation of the lens will be fixed in such a way that, no matter how the device rotates, its optics will be directed to the same place.

After a brief period of acquaintance with various functions and buttons, the use of DJI OSMO, according to the owners, becomes intuitive.

Video quality

Camera X3 has similar characteristics with GoPro Hero 4 Black, capturing 4K-video at a speed of 25 fps, compared to 30 fps in GoPro and Full HD at 120 fps. All settings should be made through the interface of the DJI Go application on the mobile device, and they are easy to find and change. There is also a manual mode, which allows you to adjust the shutter speed and sensitivity, which may be required in insufficient or too bright light.

DJI OSMO, according to reviews, copes well with changes in illumination. Moving the lens from shadow to light demonstrates a smooth adjustment of the exposure, without overexposures or underexposures of the frame during the transition. As the brightness of the light diminishes, noise becomes noticeable in the frame, but for a sensor of this size it is not surprising, and noise reduction technology allows to keep the interference levels under control. There are several options for manual sensitivity adjustment for video from ISO 100 to 3200.

The color and saturation are fixed. The ability to change any of these parameters is missing, which users regret. However, automatic white balance and saturation balance well the colors, and the tones have many details. High quality video DJI OSMO X3 reviews of owners are attributed to the high speed of recording footage. In the test with 4K-video, the average bitrate was 60 MB / s, and when shooting in Full HD at 60 k / s, the data transfer rate dropped to 40 Mbps.

These values are very high compared to other cameras that have a sensor of a similar size, so when playing the motion, they look incredibly smooth and saturated.

Benefits

The design of the device may seem strange, but with its use everything immediately acquires meaning, and the fear that the sphere, hinge mechanism and handle design are fragile, immediately disappear as soon as the stabilizing suspension is in hand. The mechanics of the universal joint, the operation of the camera and the connection to the mobile application of DJI OSMO, according to the owners, work incredibly well. The video quality is exceptional, and an easy device allows filmmakers to capture professional stabilized frames in a way that is very difficult or impossible to do for such money.

disadvantages

Despite the well-designed layout and design of the buttons, users also note some problems. The design is sturdy, but it's not a device that can be simply put in a bag, so it's best to store it and transport it in an attached semi-rigid case. This does not mean that the design is fragile, but it's better not to tempt fate. The only attachment on the handle is used for the mobile phone, and if it is dismantled, the shape of the handle will not allow the tripod to be connected without a special adapter. A simple mount in the base would be an ideal solution, but it is here that access to the battery is located. And although there is a jack for an external recording device, its positioning makes it difficult to use.

Conclusion

DJI OSMO, according to user feedback, allows you to shoot as previously it was possible only with the help of a professional set. Setting up and using the device is incredibly simple, the suspension is exceptionally well designed, there are no additional wires or screws that are often found in similar action cameras. If you need to remove from your hands, the smooth movements obtained on this model, at this cost, do not really have any analogues. There are several other minor problems, such as connecting to an audio jack and the feeling that the full potential of the device is not yet fully realized, but in comparison with competitors, the tool provides a quick capture of incredible frames that otherwise can not be obtained.