DJI Osmo Mobile 2 hands-on: DJI’s newest smartphone gimbal revealed at CES 2018

Most flagship smartphones these days may offer built-in optical image stabilisation in their cameras, but there’s still nothing like a proper, dedicated gimbal for your cinematic shots. And if you’re looking for such a device, DJI has launched its second-generation smartphone stabiliser at CES 2018.

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It’s called – rather appropriately – the Osmo Mobile 2 and, like the original, uses a triple-axis gimbal in tandem with special onboard tech to help detect and compensate for your camera’s movement. Intrigued? Let’s take a look at what the DJI Osmo Mobile 2 offers the smartphone photographer in 2018.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 hands-on: Everything you need to know

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 UK price: How much will it cost?

DJI’s Osmo Mobile 2 costs just £139 at launch. This is a good chunk less than its forebear, which originally went on sale for £289. For reference, GoPro’s own gimbal, the Karma Grip, will currently set you back a lofty £289.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 UK release date: When’s it coming out?

The Osmo Mobile 2 is available for preorder on 23 January 2018 exclusively from the Apple Store. A few weeks later, in early February, you can preorder from other retailers and the Osmo Mobile 2 officially launches at the end of that month. Still, there are a few retailers that already list the Osmo 2, such as ParkCameras and CVP.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 features: What does it do?

The Osmo Mobile 2 possesses a handful of improvements over its predecessor. First, its design has had a shake-up, and it’s now much easier to pivot between landscape and portrait camera orientations.

Second, the battery life has increased, with 2018 DJI touting a lengthy 15-hour longevity. For reference, that’s more than three times longer than before. Not only that, but you can simultaneously charge your phone at the same time via the in-built USB port.

And, in a feat of technical wizardry, the Osmo Mobile 2 is lighter than the first effort, thanks to a special, lightweight nylon structure. Most impressive. In my brief hands-on tests at CES 2018, I found the mobile accessory light and easy to manoeuvre. As I flung the gimbal around, I was impressed by the level of responsiveness that the Osmo Mobile 2 could offer.

A new screw mount at the base of the handle means you can attach the gimbal to any tripod, and a new zoom slider on the face of the handle means you can now completely operate your smartphone from the gimbal itself. 

I also like its joystick controls and the button’s textured design. The dedicated record button and LED indicators are a nice touch, too. Perfect, if you’re forced to wear gloves in cold weather for instance.

The DJI GO mobile app also includes a feature called Activetrack, which automatically follows moving subjects as well as a handful of new timelapse tools, including Panorama, Long Exposure and LightTrail shooting modes.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 hands-on: Early verdict

The Osmo Mobile 2 is mightily impressive. It certainly offers just as much as its predecessor once did, and then some, but it also includes similar much-needed features as its pricier competitors. This is definitely one to watch in the coming months, and I can see this swiftly becoming the number-one smartphone accessory for budding videographers in 2018.