Hi all, I got my Z-Axis from DJI yesterday (I bought it from the Chinese online store on 15th April - I'm in China) and so I thought I'd take it out yesterday afternoon and today for some tests. To be honest, first attempts did not look much better than without it fitted (someone even commented that it's worse!), but I tweaked the resistance this morning and tried again.

The manual says to adjust the knob on top until the Z-Axis is just above horizontal level. That is what I did yesterday. This morning, I loosened it up to below horizontal level, and it bounced around like a maniac. This was the key to more stability!

Here are today's tests:











And finally, a bonus:



I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the Z-Axis (related to the X3 though, I don't have the X5)!

Wow, it certainly smooths things out. Thanks for sharing

Hi Shane
Really really useful thanks

Thanks for bothering Shane. I use a $9000 steadicam and your results are on a par- so my order will go in as soon as I am convinced there is stock down here in New Zealand.
Thanks for sharing.
Rod and the cat

Thank you for sharing .

Thanks for sharing, looks really smooth

You're welcome, guys! It took a fair bit of adjusting, but I think I've found the "sweet spot" (for what I do, anyway)!

shane_spencer Posted at 2016-4-30 21:29
You're welcome, guys! It took a fair bit of adjusting, but I think I've found the "sweet spot" (for  ...

Thanks for the usefull tests.  But what is the outcome, below or above centerline?

Seems to me that it really helps, but of course you can achieve a good result if you walk in a proper way ("ninja walking"). I guess it would be a nice tool for people that nor are used to work with gimbals(?)

FabricioE Posted at 2016-4-30 16:05
Seems to me that it really helps, but of course you can achieve a good result if you walk in a prope ...

"...you can achieve a good result if you walk in a proper way ("ninja walking")...".

On a smooth surface, perhaps -- but not over uneven, undulating ground. That's why we need the Z_Axis device for the Osmo.

great test and great results! Could you a try a walk in selfie mode?

rodAndTheCat Posted at 2016-4-30 20:44
Thanks for bothering Shane. I use a $9000 steadicam and your results are on a par- so my order will  ...

I'm in NZ too and have been waiting 12 days already since placing (and paying for) my order LOL. Very impressed with what the Z-Axis can do though, looking at Shane's videos. Can wait to get mine. Whenever that will be...

Nice, footage looks nice and smooth, I to will be waiting for stock before getting mine

Thank you again Shane , it would seem worth the wait !

LenMiddx Posted at 2016-4-30 11:01
"...you can achieve a good result if you walk in a proper way ("ninja walking")...".

On a smooth  ...

Well, this was my first test to the Osmo. The very first time I tried it outdoors. As you can see the floor is made of medium and little size rocks and the shot is still steady, I even kind of felt in one shot that you can actually see in the video.

I know the new accessory would be a nice tool for some people, but if you try hard to get a proper walk then you probably find a good results.

Regards.

Thanks for all those comparison footage.
Technically, the Z-Axis would work best when it parallel to horizontal line. The real performance may depend on your operation and the relevant conditions.

efroggy Posted at 2016-4-30 07:22
Thanks for the usefull tests.  But what is the outcome, below or above centerline?

I have it below the centre line...

Superbaso Posted at 2016-4-30 23:51
great test and great results! Could you a try a walk in selfie mode?

I'm afraid I don't have time to make any more videos at the moment, sorry. :-(

DJI-Adela Posted at 2016-5-2 02:27
Thanks for all those comparison footage.
Technically, the Z-Axis would work best when it parallel to ...

You're welcome! I agree, it may work differently depending on personal preference, the way people hold it, etc. For me, I've found what works, and I'm not moving that dial! By the way Adela, could you pass on a suggestion for me? I think having incremental markings on the side of the dial and a single marking on the arm would be beneficial in finding the sweet spot again should one move that dial around... Thanks!

shane_spencer Posted at 2016-5-2 21:30
You're welcome! I agree, it may work differently depending on personal preference, the way people  ...

Thanks for your suggestion! I think it's a good one.
It's my pleasure and my duty to convey your message to our engineers. I'll have your suggestion recorded for our engineer's review.
Any more detail would be appreciated!

DJI-Adela Posted at 2016-5-3 03:47
Thanks for your suggestion! I think it's a good one.
It's my pleasure and my duty to convey your  ...

I think the Z-axis is wonderful - when it works. I'm sure the reason is me, not the kit. I'm having problems finding the 'sweet spot' (the story of my life).

Could someone put together a proper training video,please?

jOHN

john_willetts.h Posted at 2016-5-8 19:40
I think the Z-axis is wonderful - when it works. I'm sure the reason is me, not the kit. I'm havin ...

Hello!
I'll suggest you to review the Osmo_Z-Axis_Quick_Start_Guide_en.pdf at: https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/ ... _Start_Guide_en.pdf

Hope you'll figure it out soon!
Any feedback would be appreciated!

Test 3 sold me. Thanks for posting.