|
The Osmo Mobile 2 vs. Osmo Mobile - A Year & 1/2 In The Making By, David Daly - Vigilante Drones
CES 2018 arrived with DJI announcing the release of the Osmo Mobile 2. With several years between the introduction of the Osmo Mobile (October 2015) and the Osmo Mobile 2 (February 2018), there was a lot of anticipation for DJI's latest smartphone stabilization device. With about a year and a half since its release, I decided to reflect on how well it has held up so far.
As a professional photographer, I tend to geek out with any new tools to come along. Drones are my Zen but with many areas banning the use of them, I like to have other tools at my disposal. I was relatively pleased with my Osmo Mobile and reluctant to get myself the Osmo Mobile 2. Sure it had some great new features, but did I really need another Osmo? For me, the fact that the Osmo Mobile 2 was lighter, had AI-powered tracking, and could shoot in a portrait mode were cool enough reasons to try it out. The lower cost also helped to make my decision easier.
Before I get too much further into the review, I assume some of you would rather know the Bottom Line Up Front. If that is you, the bullets below will give you the overall picture. Enjoy them and get that next cup of coffee. For those looking to get more information read the rest of the review.
| Bottom Line Up Front | Osmo Mobile 2 is a great buy. If you liked the Osmo Mobile, you’ll love the Osmo Mobile 2 | | What I Wish Was Different |
-Lightweight -Osmo app -Flipping to portrait -Active Track -Charge phone while on
| -Manual flip for portrait -Still bulky -Built-in battery
|
Now, if you are not among those who made a run to the nearest cafe, read on for some more details. Let’s start with a side by side comparison. (Note: DJI set up specs sheets differently for the Osmo Mobile and Osmo Mobile 2. I am presenting them as DJI does to maintain the manufacturer’s publications. When DJI does not use the same comparison I write N/A)
Side By Side Specs Comparison (per DJI) | General Specifications |
| | | | 2.4 x 1.9 x 6.4 inch (61.8 x 48.2 x 161.5 mm) | | | 201 g (including battery) & 501 g (including gimbal) | | | | |
| Intelligent Battery |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5º to 40º C (41º to 104º F) | | | 0º to 40º C (32º to 104º F) | | | | 15 hrs (ideal conditions) | | | 2 hrs (with a 10W charger) |
| Gimbal |
| | | | | | | Pan: ± 150º Roll: ± 25º Titl: -125º to 35º | Pan: ± 160º Tilt: ± 155º (landscape orientation) | | Pan: ± 165º Roll: -50º to +90º Tilt: -140º to +50º | Pan: ± 170º Roll: -90º to +70º Tilt: ± 170º | | | | Width of Compatible Phones | 2.31-3.34 inch (58.6-84.8 mm) | | Thickness of Compatible Phones | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4.92x4.29x3.57 inch (Folded) 125.06x109.15x90.98 mm | | | | | | | |
What's In The Box?
Unlike the Osmo Mobile (which had several items in the box) the Osmo Mobile 2 is a simple as it gets. The box contains the following;
-Mobile Phone Gimbal (Built-in Battery) -Power Cable
And that's it! While this may seem a bit of a letdown, it really is all you need. With this and your smartphone, you are ready to go.
Features The Osmo Mobile 2 a bunch of cool features I love.
-Active Track: This feature allows you to lock on to the subject. I was surprised to see it works really well. It sometimes has trouble in a really crowded area but overall very dependable.
-Motionlapse: This suite of features includes; Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, and Slow-mo. They each open up a new creative tool that I find fun to experiment with.
-Zoom Control: This is my favorite feature. I love the control I have to capture the image at different distances from the viewer's perspective.
My Thoughts After Using It For Over A Year
I love this thing. I was already a fan of the Osmo Mobile when I had it but this one far surpasses it. The feeling is much more natural. I use an iPhone 8 with my Osmo Mobile 2 and find it is a great match. I take my drones with me everywhere I go. Unfortunately, I find a lot of the places I want to use them are off-limits. When will the National Park system stop banning us ?!?! Thankfully the Osmo Mobile 2 is there to give me more freedom to create.
I like the weight and features of the Osmo Mobile 2. Looking at the Osmo Mobile 3, it looks like most of the things I wish were better on the Osmo Mobile 2 have changed. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one soon.
This was my first review on the forum. Please let me know what you think and if there is more or less you would like to see! Thanks everyone!
| 
First Officer
Administrator
Captain
lvl.4
