DJI recently released their newest smartphone gimbal system: the Osmo Mobile 4, a handheld gimbal that helps you shoot smoother footage with incredible quality. Anyone who has enjoyed the intelligent features and portable design of the Osmo Mobile 3 will find much to delight in with the new and improved OM 4, which includes even more improvements upon the previous models in the Osmo line.
But what exactly are the major differences between the Osmo Mobile 3 vs. the Osmo Mobile 4, and is the OM 4 worth the upgrade? While the two gimbal systems feature many of the same intelligent features and general capabilities, the DJI OM 4 boasts quite a few upgrades that elevate it above the OM 3. We’ll go over the major hardware and software differences between the Osmo Mobile 3 vs. OM 4 to help you decide which gimbal system best fits your budget and your expectations.
While both of these handheld smartphone gimbals come with slim, foldable designs that are lightweight and easy to use, there are a few differences in the design of the Osmo Mobile 3 vs. the Osmo Mobile 4. From the ability to support heavier phones to redesigned magnetic mounts, the DJI OM 4 has quite a few enhancements that improve upon the OM 3. Here are the biggest differences in hardware:
In The Box
The Osmo Mobile 3 and Osmo Mobile 4 comparison is most striking when looking at the difference between what accessories come in the box when you order it. While the OM 3 is available as either a single unit or combo, the OM 4 comes in just the one SKU. This eliminates the price difference between single and combo units and also ensures that all customers receive the same hardware when they purchase the OM 4.
The Osmo Mobile 3 single unit comes with the following hardware:
The Osmo Mobile 3 combo also includes the following additional items:
The Osmo Mobile 4, on the other hand comes with:
When doing an Osmo Mobile 3 and OM 4 comparison, the OM 4 provides most of the same hardware as the Osmo Mobile 3 combo, replacing the carrying case of the OM 3 for a soft carrying case. Both models come with a tripod for an even more stable setup, as well as a wrist strap and anti-slip pads to ensure the safety of your smartphone.
Mount Design
One of the biggest differences between the Osmo Mobile 3 vs. Osmo Mobile 4 is that the DJI OM 4 comes with two different magnetic mounts instead of the one phone holder mount. While the Osmo Mobile 3 comes with an adjustable phone mount that grips either side of the smartphone, the Osmo Mobile 4 allows you to attach a quick-release magnetic clamp to your phone for easier use.
The two magnetic quick-release mounts that come with the OM 4 include a template that enables you to accurately position the mount onto your phone to ensure stability. Users can choose between the magnetic clamp and the magnetic ring holder to quickly attach and detach their phone while ensuring the phone is securely fastened during use.
Heavier Phone Support
The DJI Osmo Mobile 4 also improves upon the OM 3 by featuring a stronger motor that supports larger and heavier phones. The OM 4 can support smartphones that weigh 230g +/- 60g and measure up to 88mm wide and 10mm thick. As smartphones continue to increase in size, many users are delighted by the improvements to the gimbal design that enable them to continue shooting smooth and stabilized footage.
Osmo Mobile 3
Osmo Mobile 4
Simplified Controls
The last notable hardware difference between the Osmo Mobile 3 and Osmo Mobile 4 comparison is the fact that the OM 4 features even simpler controls that make it easier to navigate. While the Osmo Mobile 3 features a dynamic design that made it easy to use with one hand, the Osmo Mobile 4 goes even further by enabling one-button shooting. The OM 4 is also designed for both portrait and landscape shooting, giving you greater flexibility to switch between modes and capture the perfect shot.
ActiveTrack
Both the Osmo Mobile 3 and Osmo Mobile 4 rely on ActiveTrack to help users easily record fast-moving objects without losing sight of them. With deep learning and computer vision algorithms, ActiveTrack is one of DJI’s top software features in both its gimbal and drone technology. The DJI OM 4 features even greater improvements on ActiveTrack, giving users the ability to more closely follow moving objects such as people or pets.
The onboard joystick allows you to maneuver your smartphone while tracking, helping you get an much smoother shot while keeping the object perfectly framed. When using ActiveTrack, you can either press the trigger, tap or draw a frame around the subject you want to track, or use Gesture Control to trigger filming. Gesture Control is further improved with the DJI OM 4, allowing you to start and stop recording.
Dynamic Zoom
The OM 3 and OM 4 both come with a filming technique made famous by Hitchcock, in which you keep the subject the same size in the frame as the camera moves either toward it or away from it. Called “Dolly Zoom” on the Osmo Mobile 3 and “Dynamic Zoom” on the Osmo Mobile 4, this feature gives your footage a unique warping effect that creates cinematic-style videos without the need for expensive equipment.
Motionlapse
Timelapse is one of the most interesting features of the OM 3 and OM 4, as these shots allow you to film one shot over an extended period of time to track changes in light or movement. This can create a beautiful effect of time passing, which is further amplified by the Motionlapse feature of the Osmo Mobile 4. Motionlapse adds motion to your Timelapse shots, allowing you to cover a wider area and making your effect even more cinematic.
CloneMe Pano
CloneMe Pano is one of the coolest features of the new OM 4 that the OM 3 does not include. CloneMe Pano expands upon your basic panorama photo by giving you the ability to multiply a person or object in the same photo. Whether you’re going for an artistic photo or a goofy snapshot, you can use CloneMe Pano to create all sorts of interesting shots.
3x3 and 240° Panorama
Panorama images have long been a way to capture breathtaking shots full of beautiful scenery. The Osmo Mobile 4 improves upon the panorama capabilities by allowing you to take 240° panoramic shots instead of the 180° panoramic shots of the Osmo Mobile 3. The extra 60° means that you can cover even more area with your camera, giving you the ability to capture the shot exactly the way you want it.
Spin Shot Mode
The Spin Shot mode is a unique feature that allows you to turn the world upside down within your shot. All you have to do is enable Spin Shot mode in settings and then use the joystick to spin the phone and create a disorienting effect. While the Osmo Mobile 3 comes with a Spin Shot mode of its own, the Osmo Mobile 4 allows you to spin your phone even further to fully turn things upside down.
While the Osmo Mobile 3 and the Osmo Mobile 4 comparison has revealed major differences in the hardware and software features of the two gimbals, they are relatively similar in price. The Osmo Mobile 3 combo costs $169, while the Osmo Mobile 4 costs only slightly more at $179. For all of the upgraded features and simplifications regarding controls and design, it’s clear that the Osmo Mobile 4 is well worth the extra price.
If you’re looking for a handheld gimbal to help you capture smoother, more stable footage, you can’t do any better than the Osmo Mobile 4. It doesn’t require expensive equipment to capture cinematic and professional-looking footage. Whether you’re messing around with the CloneMe Pano mode or using the Dynamic Zoom for dramatic effect, the Osmo Mobile 4 can help you elevate your footage to the next level.
For those who already own the Osmo Mobile 3 but are looking to take advantage of the latest technology, the DJI OM 4 is affordable enough and comes with enough software improvements to make it worth upgrading. The easily attachable and detachable magnetic clamps combined with its ability to support heavier phones make the Osmo Mobile 4 an improvement in design as well as capability.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.