DJI OM 5 Review: The Ultimate Pocket-Sized Gimbal for Aspiring Videographers

In today’s world, a significant number of individuals produce video content for social networks and sites like YouTube using their smartphones due to their simplicity and convenience. Nevertheless, videos recorded by hand can sometimes be subpar, especially when recorded while moving, leading to shaky footage. DJI, a brand renowned for its drones and handheld gimbals for cameras and smartphones, introduced the DJI OM 5, also known as the Osmo Mobile 5, in India not too long ago. This model follows the launch of the DJI Osmo Mobile 4 in 2020.

The DJI OM5 is smaller and lighter compared to its predecessor. This gimbal is designed to assist aspiring content creators and videographers with its exciting features, but does it justify its price? After using the OM 5 for several weeks, I present my comprehensive review.

Design and Features of the DJI OM 5

As of this review, the DJI OM 5 is priced at Rs. 14,990 on Amazon in India. The retail package includes a soft carrying case, magnetic clamp, riser pad for smaller smartphones, a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable, manuals, quick-start guides, grip tripod, wrist strap, and of course, the OM 5 itself. The gimbal is available in two colors: Athens Gray and Sunset White; I received the gray variant for this review.

Unlike prior Osmo Mobile versions, this latest model does not come as a combo package. DJI does sell a Fill Light magnetic clamp separately, priced at Rs. 4,399, which seems rather excessive. Without the clamp, the OM 5 weighs 292g, while the clamp adds another 34g, bringing the total to 326g. For reference, the Osmo Mobile 4 weighs 390g without the clamp. It appears DJI aimed to make the OM 5 lighter than previous versions, which came with some trade-offs (more on that later).

The DJI OM 5 includes a joystick for adjusting the smartphone’s orientation

This time, DJI has relocated the rubberized handgrip on the OM 5 to the rear, enhancing the conventional handgrip feel. There is now an indentation beneath the trigger on the back for your middle finger, making it easier to hold while on the move. Additionally, the handgrip features an extension rod, similar to a selfie stick, allowing for unique perspectives when filming.

The front of the DJI OM 5 includes a joystick alongside a button for starting and stopping recordings. A new multifunction button allows for switching between the front and rear cameras with a single press, while a double press toggles between landscape and portrait orientations. The power button has been repositioned to the left side of the handgrip, located just above the zoom slider. A single press of this button enables switching between photo and video modes.

The back of the DJI OM 5 is relatively simple, featuring a trigger button and a USB Type-C charging port. Pressing the trigger once activates ActiveTrack, while a double press resets the smartphone to its original position. The gimbal is equipped with a standard quarter-inch tripod thread at the base, but unlike its predecessors, it does not include a USB Type-A port for charging your phone during lengthy shoots. It has four status LEDs on the front to indicate the battery level and connection status with the attached smartphone.

The DJI OM 5 enables both landscape and portrait video recording

The joystick is quite responsive, and its texture aids in rapid movements. Nevertheless, I would have preferred a more pronounced joystick, as this one can feel a bit recessed, leading to my finger slipping off sometimes. The 3-axis motion range allows for smooth panning and tilting while filming.

Performance and Battery Life of the DJI OM 5

The DJI OM 5 can support smartphones weighing up to 290g, which includes nearly all current smartphones. I successfully mounted both an iPhone 12 and a Realme 6 Pro on it without any difficulties. The magnetic clamp worked well with the iPhone 12, even with a protective case on. One of the standout features of the OM 5 is its portability, and thanks to the cleverly positioned hinge, I could fold the gimbal and slide it into my pants pocket. However, the unfolding process requires twisting the handle at a specific angle, and the spring-loaded mechanism can be a bit awkward; it occasionally felt as though it might snap.

The magnetic clamp of the DJI OM 5 securely holds the phone on the gimbal

Aside from that, using the device is straightforward; one simply needs to position the magnetic clamp at the center of the smartphone and attach it to the gimbal. To activate the gimbal, you’ll need to install the DJI Mimo companion app. During my testing phase, the app was unavailable on the Google Play store, and the installation file from DJI’s website didn’t work, forcing me to download it from a third-party site. However, the DJI Mimo app is accessible on the Apple App Store and is well-designed. It provides a brief tutorial covering the device’s controls and app functionalities. Once paired, the app checks for any available firmware updates. After the initial configuration, you can start capturing videos and photos using the gimbal.

New users may encounter a slight learning curve with this gimbal. I quickly learned various techniques for video shooting. The DJI Mimo app features ‘ShotGuides,’ offering examples of different shots you can take with various subjects and locations. This is especially useful for beginners, as it includes a variety of categories such as lifestyle, food, parks, nature, and more. Furthermore, the app allows you to modify the joystick speed if the default setting doesn’t satisfy you, along with customizing other settings like the ‘Follow Mode’ and Spinshot, which many content creators utilize for adding flair to their videos.

Unfortunately, the DJI OM 5 has limitations on Android devices, as it cannot record videos at frame rates exceeding 30fps with the Mimo app. Additionally, some devices, such as my Realme 6 Pro, cannot record in 4K, although I was able to do so with a Xiaomi Mi 10i. The gimbal is also compatible with the smartphone’s native camera app if specific features are needed, but functions like ActiveTrack are exclusive to the Mimo app. Users can switch between 720p, 1080p, and 4K, with support for 60fps recording at all resolutions on most recent iPhones.

The DJI OM 5 operates both as a gimbal and as a selfie stick. The integrated extension rod can adjust to four lengths, extending up to 8.5 inches. It features a hinge on top that allows the smartphone to tilt towards you for improved selfies, which was beneficial for taking large group selfies or capturing challenging angles in videos. The 3-axis stabilization effectively reduces shaky footage, compensating for most hand tremors.

Many modern smartphones use either Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) or Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to enhance video stability. However, there’s a limit to what these technologies can achieve in addressing shaky hands or recording on uneven surfaces. I found using the gimbal to record videos from a lower angle notably easier compared to handheld shooting. It smooths out movements when panning and tilting, contributing to professional-looking shots.

The DJI OM 5 features an upgraded ActiveTrack 4.0, which allows you to select a subject in the viewfinder for the gimbal to automatically follow. By pressing the trigger button once, you can enable ActiveTrack. When I positioned the gimbal on a tripod and activated ActiveTrack, it effortlessly tracked people and pets, although it occasionally struggled to focus on slightly off-center subjects. This was not a persistent issue, and I hope DJI can address it with future updates.

The DJI OM 5 features a built-in extension pole functioning as a selfie stick

The OM 5 allows you to record with your phone’s native camera app, but, as expected, some buttons won’t function. For instance, the zoom slider does not work with the iOS camera app but functions well with the stock camera app on Android. However, the record button operates on both platforms, enabling flexibility in usage without needing the Mimo app.

Due to its compact design, DJI had to reduce the battery capacity of the OM 5, equipping it with a 1,000mAh battery, a significant decrease from the 2,450mAh battery found in the Osmo Mobile 4. The company claims that under optimal conditions, the OM 5 can last up to 6.4 hours with a fully balanced gimbal. Through my tests, I managed to achieve close to six hours of usage, which is generally sufficient for continuous filming. It’s worth noting that the DJI Mimo app can drain your smartphone’s battery much faster than using the native camera app.

It would have been a great feature to charge the smartphone through the gimbal while recording, which was an option in earlier models. Nevertheless, considering the smaller battery of the OM 5, this may not have been highly beneficial. The Mimo app displays the battery levels of the gimbal and the phone, and you can also monitor the battery level using the LED lights on the front. During testing, I used a 30W adapter to recharge the OM 5, which took approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to fully charge.

Final Thoughts

The DJI OM 5 could be a game changer for anyone looking to enhance the quality of their video creation. The gimbal can transform footage captured on even budget-friendly smartphones, delivering a much smoother result, aided by its 3-axis stabilization. It also facilitates capturing creative shots at unconventional angles with more ease.

Additionally, the gimbal functions as a selfie stick, which can be advantageous in various scenarios. I found the absence of smartphone charging capabilities a drawback, yet it’s challenging to criticize a device that offers such compactness.

The DJI OM 5 stabilizes video footage using its 3-axis mechanism

The DJI Mimo companion app provides useful features, especially for beginners, with clear tutorials and settings. It operates seamlessly with iPhones, but Android users may encounter limitations with recording options. Priced at Rs. 14,990, it might be too steep for those on a tight budget; in that case, the DJI OM 4 SE at Rs. 10,000 is a viable alternative that retains most of the OM 5’s features, aside from the telescopic arm.

Price: Rs. 14,990

Pros

• Compatible with nearly all smartphones
• Compact and lightweight design
• Durable build quality
• 3-axis stabilization enhances video quality
• ActiveTrack is a valuable feature
• Extension pole proves handy in specific situations

Cons

• DJI Mimo app not available on Google Play Store in India
• Arm can be difficult to fold and unfold
• Limited video recording features on Android devices