If you’ve ever tried recording video or timelapse sequences with your smartphone, you know that footage can be shaky and unpolished, even with built-in image stabilization. Enter the DJI OM 5, a compact, 3-axis gimbal.
Is it worth upgrading or investing in one? Let’s find out.
While DJI’s stabilisers have usually felt just fine in the hand, the previous generations now feel downright chunky compared to the OM 5. The smaller build and smoother frame also make the OM 5 a lot easier to pack and a lot less likely to get caught on something in your bag.
The telescopic selfie stick is a welcome new addition as well. The extension rod adds a great deal of flexibility, enabling you to access a wider range of shooting angles while filming and frame better selfies and group shots.
The OM 5 uses DJI’s Mimo smartphone app, which is filled with tutorials that explain how to use and get the most out of each feature.
On the right side of the app, you’ll find a new DJI feature called ShotGuides. It recognizes the environment you’re in and automatically recommends a shot sequence. Weddings, people, and pets are a few examples. (I tried it out when filming a tennis practice and the app marked it as ‘Leisure’.)
Once a series of clips are captured, the app will stitch together several predetermined shots at varying time lengths to create an instantly shareable clip that includes music and graphics.
With its slimmer and lighter design, telescopic selfie stick and useful app additions, the DJI OM5 is the most well-refined smartphone stabiliser I’ve tested.
It is, however, quite unfortunate that the new design upgrades have come at the expense of battery life and external charging, but for most users I think the benefits will still outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re in the market for a top-notch three-axis smartphone stabiliser, then the DJI OM 5 is one of the best around.
