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Mobile Phone Stabilizer Buyers Guide
Have you ever watched a super steady vlog on YouTube and wondered what the vlogger used? Do you believe that they must have huge, expensive tripods and premium quality HD cameras to shoot those videos? Well, here’s a secret for you – often, it is merely the magic of Dji Osmo Mobile 3.
If you know what this unique gadget is, you are bound to wonder what it can do. If this is something that you are hearing of for the first time, then don’t worry! In this article today, we will explore everything about the best mobile phone gimbal ever to exist.
By the time you are done reading this blog, you can consider yourself an expert on the Dji Osmo Mobile 3. So, if you are considering buying this product, we suggest that you read on to the very end.
The Best Mobile Phone Gimbal
Why do you need a mobile phone gimbal in the first place?
But before we begin to discuss Dji Osmo, let’s first define what a mobile phone gimbal is. What does this gadget do, and why do you need it? Read on to find the answers.
A gimbal for a phone is a handheld device that stabilizes your device to ensure smooth, cinematic footage. It eliminates the shaky and blurry effects from holding your smartphone in hand while shooting. Using a mobile phone gimbal can instantly take your smartphone videos from a 0 to 100.
Mobile phone gimbals are most beneficial for YouTubers, vloggers, social media influencers, and amateur filming enthusiasts. With the advancement in smartphone cameras, phones have primarily taken over cameras when it comes to shooting small videos. From a vlog to a Facebook Live, a mobile phone gimbal can change the game for you.
With better video quality, you can attract an even larger audience to your social media pages. This helps you grow as an influencer and further maximizes your reach. This is why we think that everyone with a YouTube channel must invest in one of these.
What Will You Find In The Market During A Shopping Trip?
When it comes to phone gimbal stabilizers, you are spoilt for choice. There are so many models available in the market today that picking the right one can get quite challenging. However, with the right factors in mind (more on this later), you can certainly make the task easier for yourself.
At the moment, there are mainly two types of mobile phone gimbals available for purchase. The two-axis stabilizers balance your Tilt Shift and Roll. Mobile phone gimbals that offer three-axis stabilization can further stabilize the Pan. As a general rule, the two-axis stabilizers are almost always much cheaper than their three-axis stabilizing counterparts. However, it is the three-axis stabilizers you would want to opt for if you are planning to capture a lot of video footage on the move.
Here are a few mobile phone gimbals that are most popular today.
- Dji Osmo Mobile 3
- Zhiyun Smooth Q2
- Freefly Movi Cinema
- Zhiyun Smooth 4
- DJI Osmo Mobile 2
What Must You Consider Before Making A Final Purchase Decision About Your Gimbal?
As stated above, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to gimbal phone stabilizers. To figure out which model will work best for you, create a mental checklist with the following things in mind.
Function
The first thing one should consider a mobile phone gimbal is how well it performs. We recommend that you read detailed reviews on each of the products that have made it into your shortlist. It is only by doing this before you decide on a particular one that you can expect yourself to make an informed choice.
Explore the axis stabilization of the gimbal you are about to purchase. Ask users how well it works concerning Pan and Tilt and Roll. Educate yourself thoroughly about its performance before you go through with the purchase.
Battery Life
When it comes to batteries, there are two main types of phone gimbals. One runs on alkaline batteries that have to be replaced every time they drain out, and the other type runs on rechargeable batteries.
For both these types, battery life is an important thing to consider. Smart buyers do plenty of research on the best mobile phone gimbal with long battery life before clicking add to cart.
Compatibility
Another critical consideration when buying a gimbal is its compatibility with various devices. One must always make sure that a gimbal works well with the phone(s) they want to use. Generally, the more phones a gimbal is compatible with, the better.
Durability
Once you have ensured that the gimbal you picked meets all the above criteria, it is time to consider its durability. It makes no sense to buy an inexpensive but poorly made mobile phone gimbal that stops working two months into use.
A much smarter choice would be to invest in a more expensive one that lasts longer. To ensure durability, look at facts such as manufacturing material, construction, and warranty.
Portability
One of the most liked reasons to own a mobile phone gimbal is its portability. This ability of the gimbal largely relies on its weight.
Usually, a mobile phone gimbal will not weigh more than a couple of pounds. However, even this weight can get a little too much if you have to carry it for an extended period. Therefore, investing in a lightweight mobile phone gimbal is the way to go.
A mobile phone gimbal that has extra features to improve portability is always a huge plus. For example, the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 has a foldable arm, but we will talk more about this later.
The Price Point
And finally, one cannot ignore what the best mobile phone gimbal will cost them. Filming enthusiasts that opt to use their smartphones to make videos are usually on a budget. So, weigh your options and choose one that fits the bill and fulfils your requirements as well.
There are a lot of economical yet high performing options for mobile phone gimbals as well. Simply, search for a gimble that suits you. And if you do decide to splurge, make sure you are getting everything that you are paying for.
The Best Mobile Phone Gimbal – Dji Osmo Mobile 3
- FOLDABLE GIMBAL: With a new foldable design at just 405 g, you can take Osmo Mobile 3 anywhere. A lightweight design and anti-slip grip will help you to vlog and shoot content throughout the day
- SINGLE-HANDED CONTROL: Thanks to an intelligent design with accessible functions, Osmo Mobile 3 is designed for single-handed control, giving you the freedom to shoot and enjoy your moments
- GESTURE CONTROL: From vlogging to group photos, this convenient feature empowers you to start recording or take selfies with simple gestures
- CREATIVE SHOOTING MODES: Such as Dolly Zoom, Panoramas, Slow Motion, Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Sport Mode, Handy Convenience, Story Mode, One-tap Templates
- ACTIVE TRACK 3.0: Active Track 3.0 technology has been incorporated into Osmo Mobile 3, which features advanced computer vision algorithms to provide stable tracking
The top factors that we have learnt above, will help us choose the best mobile phone gimbal. It’s time to move on further. Let’s see why we think the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is the best you can get.
What Makes Dji Osmo Mobile 3 The Best Mobile Phone Gimbal?
Great value for money
Let’s be straight – the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is not exactly the most affordable mobile phone gimbal out there. There are plenty of other models by various brands available today that will get the primary job done and would cost way less than a Dji Osmo. However, if one looks at the number of features the Dji Osmo has to offer, it is blatantly clear that this will give you the best value for your money.
Dji Osmo Mobile 3 has so many useful features (some of which we have discussed below) that it is worth every penny you put into it.
Added features through Dji Mimo app
The Dji Mimo app sets the Dji Osmo apart from all the other smartphone gimbals. Though it is by no means perfect, it radically changes your cinematography game. The Dji Mimo app offers numerous added advantages to using a Dji Osmo.
The ActiveTrack, Timelapse, and Hyperlapse are only some of the cool camera move that this app offers the user. Other effects include Panoramas, Stills, Story Mode, Slow Motion, Manual Mode, Sports Mode, ISO, exposure compensation, and others.
Enhanced portability
The Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is an update on the previous version by including a new folding gimbal arm. This smart folding design further improves the portability of the gimbal and ensures smooth and compact storage.
The arm folds over even with your device still attached. This is an excellent feature if you plan to shoot in multiple places. It cancels the need to balance and rebalance the entire thing again and again for every shot. Trust us, and if you needed to balance your phone for each shot you take, you would soon get frustrated.
Landscape or portrait mode
Another big update from the previous Dji Osmo design is the instant switching between landscape and portrait modes. The Dji Osmo Mobile 3 lets you go from one mode to another with a simple double press of a button. All you have to do is press the ‘M’ button twice!
What’s more, in this update, you can access the charging port and headphone jack of your phone at all times. No matter if the mode is portrait or landscape. Now you can genuinely enjoy uninterrupted shooting for hours!
While filming in landscape and portrait modes, access to the charging port is an especially cool feature that you would want to pay attention to. Since the gimbal itself has a huge battery life (up to 15 hours), it may be your device that runs out of charge first.
But with the charging port accessible, you no longer have to worry about your phone dying in the middle of a shoot.
Offers 3 axis stabilization
With that said, let’s move onto the stabilization and performance of the Dji Osmo Mobile 3. This best mobile phone gimbal is one of those that offers 3 axis stabilization. And it does a pretty good job at it too!
The great stabilization ability of this gimbal ensures highly impressive footage in most cases.
Unless there is a particularly irregular platform with excessive abrupt movements, you might not even have to edit your video at all! Hence, this is the mobile phone gimbal to go for if you release considerable raw or live footage to your viewers.
Whether you have been using other gimbals before or it’s your first time using one, the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is a step up.
The Dji Osmo Mobile 3 Combo
Another great attraction to the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is that it is also available in a budget combo.
Because this gimbal is not the cheapest one out there, there might be quite some temptation to buy it alone. However, we think that throwing in a few more bucks can get you a much better deal. We are certain that going this route will not lead to future regret.
So, what does this combo have that the original package lacks?
The Dji Osmo Mobile 3 original package includes a gimbal, a pouch, and 4 anti-slip pads. However, adding another £20 to the deal can get you the combo, which comes with a tripod and a hard case.
The hard case ensures easy and safe transportation of the gimbal between different shooting locations. The standard tripod allows a surer balance and is essential for shooting a timelapse video. These extra pieces are also covered under the warranty of the gimbal.
User’s Guide For the Dji Osmo Mobile 3
Dji osmo tutorial – How to use it?
Now that we know what one can get with the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 let’s discuss how it all works. Let’s say you have got your hands onto the gimbal. The question that arises now is how to use the Dji Osmo Mobile 3.
Dji Osmo setup
We will begin from the very start. Out of the box, this best mobile phone gimbal is pretty compact. After unfolding the gimbal and attaching your smartphone to the latch on the top, balance the tilt-shift of the phone in landscape mode. Then turn the phone to portrait mode and further adjust the roll. Once that’s done, you can switch from one mode to another by the M button’s simple press.
The gimbal requires this setup every time you detach the device and attach it again.
Dji Osmo Mobile 3 app – Mimo App
You can use the Dji Osmo Mobile 3 with the camera application of your smartphone, or use it in conjunction with the Mimo app. The app is available on both the iOS store as well as Google Play store.
Using this app allows you to get the most out of your Dji Osmo Mobile 3. These include switching instantly from the phone to video mode with one click on the M button and one click on the trigger button to toggle ActiveTrack. Three clicks on the trigger will switch between front and rear cameras. Shutter button lets you start and stop a video or capture a photo.
Dji osmo firmware update
When you are finished setting up your Dji Osmo Mobile 3 and the Mimo app for the first time, you will be prompted to download the Dji Osmo firmware update. The entire process is very much automated, so there is little that you have to do. Once downloaded, there are several updates that you can enjoy.
This will enable specific sound effects so that using your Dji Osmo Mobile 3 is even easier. It also allows an auto power-off when Osmo Mobile 3 has been in standby mode for more than 10 minutes, saving the battery. Other advantages to downloading the Dji Osmo firmware update are increased gimbal stability, optimized timelapse movements and paths, and improved zoom performance.
Comparing the good and the bad of Dji Osmo Mobile 3
The Pros:
- Economical and affordable
- Available in a combo deal with a tripod and hard case
- Travel-friendly foldable design
- Access to charging port and headphone jack when in use
- Compatible with the Dji Mimo app for added features
- Great stabilization and performance
- Lightweight and easy to carry
The Cons:
- Not the cheapest mobile phone gimbal out there
- Can prove to be a bit difficult to use at the beginning
- The Dji Mimo app has inconsistencies that could be improved.
Wrapping it up
So, you need to know this before deciding to purchase a Dji Osmo Mobile 3 for yourself. From what it does to its unique features, we have talked about everything in detail. We hope that the comparison between its pros and cons will help you decide if this mobile phone gimbal is the best for you. If not, then please use the buyer’s guide to do your research and find a gimbal that best suits your individual needs. Please check out my other Buyer’s guide for Best Running Shoes For Road Running Reviews 2020 and Top 7 Selling Activity Monitor Watches.
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