DJI Osmo Mobile 8P First Impressions: Do You Still Need a Gimbal With a Modern iPhone?

This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.

Quick take

I tried DJI’s Osmo Mobile 8P smartphone gimbal, the model that adds a remote with its own display and a tracking module. Recent iPhones already have very strong stabilisation, so I asked whether a gimbal is still worth buying. My answer: if you mostly film standing still, the phone alone is enough. But for filming yourself at a distance or walking while you shoot, the gimbal has clear advantages.

What I tested

DJI Osmo Mobile 8P, a 3-axis smartphone gimbal
Its detachable remote with a built-in display
The tracking module that follows your face automatically
The built-in extension rod, used as a selfie stick
Compared with shooting on a recent iPhone by itself

Unboxing the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P — Unboxing the Osmo Mobile 8P

What I found

It folds down small, so it is easy to carry.
The remote with a display was the most useful part for me. With the phone on a tripod some distance away, I could check the gimbal’s direction and recording status in my hand and control it. Not having to walk back to the phone each time made solo shoots much more comfortable.
With the tracking module, the gimbal follows your face. You stay in the centre of the frame as you move, which suits solo vlogs and one-person shoots.
Extend the built-in rod and it becomes a selfie stick. Even when filming yourself on the rear camera, it makes framing easier and high and low angles easier to try.
Recent iPhone stabilisation really is excellent. For talking to camera while standing still, I saw little difference with the gimbal. When walking or filming movement, the gimbal is steadier.

DJI Osmo Mobile 8P with a phone mounted — With a phone mounted

Who it’s for

For everyday filming, a recent iPhone on its own is enough. If you vlog alone while walking, or want to film yourself at a distance, the Osmo Mobile 8P with its display remote and auto-tracking is a real help. Choose based on how much movement and solo shooting your filming involves. The downsides: if you shoot standing still, the gap over a recent iPhone is small, and it is more to carry than the phone or a simple selfie stick.

【開封＆ファーストインプレッション】スマホ用ジンバルは本当に必要か？自撮り棒と撮り比べてわかったiPhoneのスゴイ実力

The video is in Japanese.

Limitations

These are first impressions after unboxing and a short test, not a long-term review. I compared it with an iPhone only. Specs are as of the time of recording.

Products

DJI Osmo Mobile 8P: on Amazon Japan

The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.

More reviews in English