This may be a dumb question, but I looked and couldn't find an answer. Do you need to have the phone connected to shoot video? or can you simply hit the record button on the osmo and record without connecting to a device?

Yes you can but you will be shooting in the dark as regards to not being able to adjust any settings.

Hi,
Please feel free to ask any question. Welcome to our Forum!
You can shoot pictures or record videos/audios without the connection to the DJI GO App certainly. However, with the DJI GO App, you'll get more features and more fun. By connecting to the DJI GO App via the Osmo WiFi, you can control the Osmo remotely within 25 meters.
Please watch these tutorial videos for more detail information: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=osmo+tutorial&nohtml5=False
Meanwhile, welcome to our official website: http://www.dji.com/product/osmo/info#video

I shoot all the time without the app.  The date on the files will be all wrong but who cares.  Once you know how to operate the Osmo with a screen - getting quick shots when you don't have time to link up or you need your phone for a phone - is easy.  It seems it starts and shoots in the last setting you had it at.

If you mess with gopro's.....same idea. Although with the Osmo, I prefer shooting with the app.

Hi all!
I can't seem to get my Osmo to work without connect to phone. I turn Osmo on, gimbal works, click the red dot record button. It changes the noise it makes and the red record light comes on but when I log in to the app or look on micro SD card the footage is not thrre

Can I record video without a phone using my dji air 2 drone?