Checking out the new $129.95 DJI Osmo Mobile 2 phone stabilizer
https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16925638/dji-osmo-mobile-2-phone-stabilizer-hands-on-photos-video
The Osmo Mobile 2, the next generation phone stabilizer from DJI, is now (exclusively) available for preorder at Apple’s store, with shipping expected sometime between February 22nd and March 9th. I’ve been using one since early January — but with beta software, so it’s not yet ready for a full review. If this is the first you’re hearing about it, don’t sweat it. The Osmo 2 gimbal was announced during the crush of CES news and doesn’t have the flash of something like the just-announced Mavic Air drone.
On the other hand, the new Osmo is only $129.95 and works with any phone, so it’s a good bet that many more people are going to pick this thing up than the Mavic Air. In fact, the Osmo Mobile 2 is less than half the price of the original Osmo Mobile. If you shoot a lot of video with your phone, it’s almost an impulse purchase. If you don’t shoot a lot of video with your phone, using the Osmo Mobile 2 for just a few minutes might spark dreams of becoming a vlogger
When it works, it works remarkably well. None of what I’m about to tell you is news to vloggers, but since it’s so cheap — and therefore might appeal to more people — I figure a little explanation is in order. The basics are simple: you slap your phone into a clamp much like you would a car mount, and then three different motors hold your phone steady as you shoot. Unlike the basic video stabilization hardware and software in your phone, the Osmo Mobile is good at making your pans smooth. If you use DJI’s app to shoot your video, you can also do tricks like automatically tracking a subject — you worry about moving the camera and the Osmo worries about keeping the person you’re shooting in frame.
That kind of improved camera work is either something you need or something you don’t. The Osmo Mobile is like any camera tool — it won’t make you into the next Jake Paul (thank god), but it will make some things you shoot look better. It’s not as good as more professional tools, but it’s also only 130 bucks
The Osmo Mobile 2 has a few innovations compared to the first version. Chief among them is the ability to shoot portrait mode. Because of the way the phone clamp rotates (counter-clockwise), you have to take your phone out of the Osmo to switch. I would complain about this design decision, but I think that DJI is crazy like a fox. Taking your phone out means you’ll end up paying more attention to how it’s attached when you switch.