Design & Construction

The DJI OSMO MOBILE 3 is the next iteration to DJI's Osmo series smartphone stabilisers. The Gimbal is coated with a matte grey finish and has a textured grip. On the front is where you will find all the controls: the joystick, the battery indicator, the record button and the mode button. The battery indicator has 3 LEDs and a mode indicator. The control scheme for the mode button includes: a single press for switching between photo and video shooting, a double press to switch from potrait to landscape orientation and a press and hold to power on or off. The record button allows for start stop of video recording or capturing a photo. At the right side, you will find the USB Type C port for charging the device and a USB-A out port for supplying power to your phone in long shooting sessions. At the bottom. there is the standard 1/4 – 20 UNC thread mounting hole for you to attach the tripod. At the left side, there is a zoom slider that can be used for both video and photo modes. At the rear, there is the comeback of the trigger. Controls for the trigger include: a single press for enabling ActiveTrack, a double press for re-centre, a triple press to switch between front and rear camera and a press and hold for tilt lock. On the top, the smartphone holder is a clamp with rubber pads to keep it firmly attached. Balancing the gimbal is no longer a chore now since the rest of the axis are fixed, only roll axis needs adjustment which can be easily achieved in seconds. The smartphone holder can be positioned horizontally or vertically based on your needs and with a simple double press on the mode button, will enable you to do so. In terms its gimbal range, the Pan moves from -162.5° to 170.3°, roll from -85.1° to 252.2° and tilt from -104.5° to 235.7°. Definitely, much lesser than the Osmo Mobile 2. However, there are some new tricks to get around this. By rotating the gimbal to the right side, users can get slightly more movement range but never as much as what the Osmo Mobile 2 could acheve. An important factor to consider if you can using it to shoot subjects on a ground. But you are like the other 95% of users who are using it to shoot vlogs, rejoice because the Osmo Mobile 3 folds down into a much smaller frame and even comes included with a tripod and a hard shell carry case. 

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Software Experience 

On the software side, DJI really unveiled the full potential of its stabiliser. Inside the DJI Mimo app, you will find a suite of features to create content you desire. After installing the app for the first time, you will be required to create a DJI account first and then be able to register its warranty before jumping into the Bluetooth connectivity page. Some of the in-app video features include Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Story Mode and Panorama. Timelapse is a feature where you put down the gimbal on a stable ground and film the scene that you want without touching the gimbal. ActiveTrack 3.0 is another feature that enables a single individual to film him with staying in-frame, this time it is improved to become more precise and quicker to react; tracking fast-moving subjects with ease. However, users should take note that it will keep the tracked subject in the centre of the frame. There are also photo modes like 180° or 360° Panoramas, Long Exposures. Other features include Beautify Mode which obviously corrects blemishes on your face during vlogs but I would suggest against it due to the fact that your video resolution limiting to only 720p. Sport Mode can also be enabled to keep the gimbal following the subjects fast and reacting at moment's notice. In all cases, you can always choose to shoot in 4K, 1080p, 1080p 240fps for slow motion or 720p. Story Mode makes a comeback if you are in to shoot cinematic short clips that can be easily exported for social media posts as soon as possible. Gesture Controls allows you to start videos or shoot photos with a palm out or a peace sign shown.

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Connectivity & Portability

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 operates via constant low energy Bluetooth 5.0 connection with your phone. There is a hard case and tripod included in the combo package which users can use to store the gimbal in their backpack. The battery life peaks at 15 hours and the weight of the stabiliser is 405g not including your phone's weight. Compatible phone sizes include 62 to 88 mm width and under 9.5 mm thickness. There is also a soft pouch included if users desire a less bulky solution to store it without scratching up other stuff in their bags and a wrist strap for securely attaching it to your wrist while shooting.

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PROS

• Ergonomic Handgrip

• Foldable Frame

• Joystick & Trigger Control

• Long Battery Life

• Easy Hardware Controls

• Great UI layout Software

• Stable Bluetooth 5.0 Connection

• Backup Powerbank

• USB Type-C Charging

• Hard Carry Case*

• Tripod*

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CONS​​​

• Restricted Roll & Tilt Axis

• Single Colour Available 

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The Bottom Line

The DJI OSMO MOBILE 3 is the best accessory you can add to your smartphone. Whether you are an social media influencer or just a video enthusiast, the Osmo Mobile 3 offers the best of both worlds and opens up your creativity in videography and photography. With its long battery life and simple hardware and software, it is something anyone is able to easily grasp the concept of it.

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*: Included in Combo Package only