Gear Review: DJI OSMO

The OSMO is what I would typically describe as a gimmick that works.  It’s basically an inspire camera (like on the drone), but mounted to a handheld gimbal. It’s compact, very light, and easy to use.  The stability it offers gives filmmakers tremendous flexibility in use.  Seek First Productions loves using it for events, weddings, and broadway broll in Nashville, TN.  It is also useful for cinematic insert shots where you’d normally use a steady rig.  Let’s chat about quality though.

NOTE: The OSMO does not have its own screen, but uses your smart phone instead.

The quality is surprising good. It shoots in 4k at 24 or 30fps, but can also do 1080p at 60fps.  We primarily use this second option because we love turning it into a slow-mo camera for wide cinematic looks.  That’s one downfall about it though, the lens is fixed and it is only a wide shot. Secondly, to get a good match with other cameras you’re going to want to apply a slight blur in post production (somewhat like a go-pro).  This is one of our most rented items because it’s just so handy.

We’ve definitely gotten inventive with the thing.

Once in your possession, you’ll want to get used to the DJI Go App which interfaces with the OSMO.  Familiarize yourself with how you can use shutter speed to control the amount of light coming in, and learn tricks, like centering the camera instantly (double clicking the trigger always works).