Which Smartphone Gimbal System is Right For You?

(Left) Osmo Mobile 2 (Right) Osmo Mobile 3

DJI has recently announced the latest handheld Smartphone gimbal unit in their renowned Osmo Series named the Osmo Mobile 3, but how does it compare to its predecessor the Osmo Mobile 2 and is it worth the upgrade? In comparison to its predecessor the Osmo Mobile 2, both units may look quite similar upon initial appearance, however, the Osmo Mobile 3 comes with all new features and design enhancements that may make it worth the investment. Below we have taken a look into the features, design, and shooting modes of the new Osmo Mobile 3 to help you decide which Osmo is best for you.

Osmo Mobile 2 In the Box (Above)

In the Box

First, let's take a look at what comes in the box of each unit.

The Osmo Mobile 2 kit includes:

x1 Osmo Mobile 2

x1 Power Cable

x1 Styrofoam Case

On the other hand DJI released the Osmo Mobile 3 with two different kit options including the standalone Osmo Mobile 3 kit and an Osmo Mobile 3 Combo. Both kits come with slightly more accessories than the Osmo Mobile 2. Between both models, users will definitely get more accessories with the Osmo Mobile 3 kits.

(Left) Osmo Mobile 2 (Right) Osmo Mobile 3

Design

Upon first appearance, both units look very similar but do feature slight design differences that make all the difference. First, the Osmo Mobile 3 is designed to be lighter and smaller than the Osmo Mobile 2. The Osmo Mobile 2 weighs 485g while the Osmo Mobile 3 weighs just 405g. In terms of unfolded dimensions, the Osmo Mobile 2 is 295mm x 113mm x 72mm while the Osmo Mobile 3 measures 285mm x 125mm x 103mm, and when folded 157mm x 130mm x 46mm.

(Above) Osmo Mobile 3 Folded Down

The main design difference between the two gimbals is the Osmo Mobile 3's fold-down functionality which makes the unit much easier to store and transport. The Osmo Mobile 3 is DJI's first foldable gimbal. When folded down the OM3 is about the size of the palm of your hand and extremely easy to carry in your pocket or bag compared to the OM2.

The Osmo Mobile 3 also features an improved gimbal design. The OM3 is quicker and easier to balance because only its roll axis needs to be leveled, and also features a newly designed phone holder which makes it easier to make small adjustments to help balance your phone.

(Above) Osmo Mobile 2

DJI designed the Osmo Mobile 3 with a new rubber grip that makes the unit much more comfortable in your hand compared to the Osmo Mobile 2. For controls, both the Osmo Mobile 2 and Osmo Mobile 3 feature a toggle, record, and M button on the front of the handle, as well as a convenient scroll button for zooming in and out on the left-hand side. The M button on the Osmo Mobile 3 offers all-new functions including Standby Mode, Quick Mode, and Quick Roll. Standby Mode enables users to use their smartphone even if the OM3 is folded down. Quick Mode allows operators to change shooting modes and check footage without having to touch their phone. While Quick Roll enables users to easily switch between portrait and landscape, a feature that could only be manually done with the Osmo Mobile 2.

(Above) Osmo Mobile 3 Control Buttons and Rubber Grip

Finally, Another great addition to the Osmo Mobile 3 is the new trigger button, which can be used to conveniently start tracking your subject, switch between your front and back camera or change gimbal modes.

(Above) Osmo Mobile 3 Trigger

Intelligent Features

Both the Osmo Mobile 2 and Osmo Mobile 3 feature MotionLapse, Panorama, TimeLapse, and Slow Motion. However, the Osmo Mobile 3 features all-new modes that give users even more creative freedom to easily get unique, dynamic shots. Just like the new Ronin-SC, the Osmo Mobile 3 features the new Sports Mode, which enables the unit to better respond to faster speeds and keep up with action-packed scenes. The OM3 also features Gesture Control, which enables users to easily snap a selfie without having to press any buttons which means no one gets left out of the shot.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 even features the newly upgraded ActiveTrack 3.0, which features optimized algorithms to make the Osmo Mobile 3 even more precise when it comes to tracking subjects and keeping them in the middle of the frame. Additionally, the Osmo Mobile 3 uses the new DJI Mimo App, which features a new category named Story Mode. With Story Mode users can take advantage of pre-made creative templates to make it easy to shoot, edit and share dynamic looking videos.

(Above) Osmo Mobile 3 Sports Mode

Price

With all its new features and upgrades one would think that the Osmo Mobile 3 retails for more than the Osmo Mobile 2. However, the Osmo Mobile 2 retails for $169 CAN while the Osmo Mobile 3 is cheaper, selling for only $129 CAN for the single unit and $159 CAN for the Osmo Mobile 3 Combo.

(Left) Osmo Mobile 2 vs (Right) Osmo Mobile 3

Which smartphone Gimbal is best?

The Osmo Mobile 2 and Osmo Mobile 3 are both extremely powerful gimbal systems that provide users with an easy-to-use tool to capture smooth footage with their smartphone. With all of the Osmo Mobile 3's new features and improvements, and lower price point, it is a gimbal unit that is worth the investment. Its foldable design makes it easy to take with you, and its new shooting modes make it easy to take capture stunning, professional-looking footage. If you are in the market for a handheld gimbal for your smartphone the Osmo Mobile 3 is the go-to choice. If you have the Osmo Mobile 2 but are looking for something new, the OM3 features a good amount of enhancements and changes to its design and shooting modes that make it a worthwhile upgrade.