DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2

DJI has unveiled the Osmo Mobile 3 - a lightweight and easily transportable mobile phone stabiliser which is now available to pre-order from Heliguy. But what is the difference between this and its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 2, and why should you upgrade or add this new release to your equipment list?

In a nutshell, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 trumps its older sibling in appearance, features and price!

So let's delve in and take a look at the differences between the two.

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  Osmo Mobile 3

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  Osmo Mobile 2

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Appearance

When it comes to the look of the two Osmo Mobiles, there are a number of factors which split them.

The biggest, and perhaps the most important, is the foldable design of the Osmo Mobile 3. In fact, it is DJI's first foldable gimbal, which makes it easy to take anywhere. Simply fold it up and pop it into your backpack or your pocket, as shown below.

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At 405g, the Osmo Mobile 3 is lighter than the Osmo Mobile 2's 485g. In terms of unfolded dimensions, the Osmo Mobile 3 measures 285mm x 125mm x 103mm, while the Osmo Mobile 2 is 295mm x 113mm x 72mm. Incidentally, the Osmo Mobile 3's folded dimensions are 157mm x 130mm x 46mm.

With the Osmo Mobile 3 being lighter and foldable, it is easier to transport and operate, which is ideal for carrying and using on the move and is perfect for the likes of vloggers and travel fans.

As an added bonus, thanks to its intelligent design and ergonomic rubber grip, the Osmo Mobile 3 is more comfortable to hold, even for long periods of time.

The Osmo Mobile 3 is also easier and quicker to balance because only the roll axis needs to be levelled. The foldable gimbal also features a newly-designed phone holder, which lets you make small adjustments to help balance the device.

Another major positive is that thanks to the new design of the Osmo Mobile 3 there is no longer an obstruction to the charging and audio ports, allowing an easy connection to charge the device or use external mics. This is demonstrated in the two pictures below, with the Osmo Mobile 3 - clear of obstructions - on the left, while the Osmo Mobile 2's ports are blocked by part of the frame in the picture on the right.

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The Osmo Mobile 3 is also compatible with more devices and can be used to charge your mobile phone.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Performance

The Osmo Mobile 3 has numerous performance perks over the Osmo Mobile 2.

One of the most important is that it boasts more intelligent shooting modes, helping to provide you with even greater creative freedom.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3.

While both models have TimeLapse, HyperLapse, MotionLapse, Panorama and slow motion, the Osmo Mobile 3 has some cool extra features which make life simpler and easier and offer enhanced content opportunities.

For instance, like the DJI Ronin Series, the Osmo Mobile 3 has Sport mode, which increases the response speed of the device to keep up when shooting fast-moving scenes.

Gesture Control is another new mode, allowing you to easily snap a selfie without pressing any buttons. Once Gesture Control is enabled, show a “peace sign” or put up your palm and Osmo Mobile 3 will begin a photo timer countdown. It's a great option, especially if you want to pose for a family snap.

Gesture Control on the DJI Osmo Mobile 3. Put up your palm to begin a photo timer countdown.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 also has ActiveTrack 3.0, which provides a smoother tracking experience. DJI’s image recognition and deep learning algorithms allow Osmo Mobile 3 to recognise and follow subjects of your choice, perfect for capturing family moments easily with a tap.

ActiveTrack 3.0 on the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.

While both Osmo Mobiles have slow motion and HyperLapse, there are differences in what they can achieve. For instance, while in slo-mo mode, Osmo Mobile 3 can capture 1080p at 240fps, compared to Osmo Mobile 2's 1080p at 120fps. In terms of HyperLapse, Osmo Mobile 3 combines its three-axis gimbal with electronic image stabilisation, resulting in super-smooth HyperLapse videos.

Another bonus is that you can use the DJI Mimo app with the Osmo Mobile 3. This means that you can capture ultra-steady video footage and unique content using intelligent features programmed into the latest version of the app. For instance, choose one of 13 fun templates and Mimo will handle the camera movement for you. After shooting, Mimo automatically generates your very own professionally edited short video, ready to be shared.

Create great video content on the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.

The M button on Osmo Mobile 3 offers some new functions compared to the Osmo Mobile 2. These are Quick Roll, Standby Mode and Quick Mode.

Quick Roll rotates the orientation from portrait to landscape by pressing the Mode (M) button twice without the need to remove the mobile device - as the pictures below show. This is a major step up from the Osmo Mobile 2, which did not give users this luxury and meant a manual readjustment was required.

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The OM3 M button can activate the new Standby Mode, which enables you to use your smartphone when the gimbal is folded.

The OM3 M button can also be used to access the Quick Menu, which allows you to change shooting modes and check your footage without touching the phone screen.

RELATED ARTICLE: Self-help guide - How to balance the DJI Osmo Mobile 3

An additional perk of the Osmo Mobile 3 is its speed; it is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, while the Osmo Mobile 2 can be connected to Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0.

According to DJI, a differentiator between the two models is the well-placed buttons and intuitive functions of the Osmo Mobile 3, which make it more convenient to use with a single hand, providing more versatility and freedom of movement.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is more convenient to use with a single hand.

One of the similarities between the two products is the operating time, with both models having an impressive life span of 15 hours. The Osmo Mobile 2 wins when it comes to charging time, with it requiring two hours of charge compared to the Osmo Mobile 3's 2.5 hours.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Cost

So, you like what you've heard about the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 - with improved performance and superior design - but surely there's a catch when it comes to its price tag, right? Wrong!

The Osmo Mobile 3's final trump card is that it is actually CHEAPER than its predecessor. The Osmo Mobile 2 costs £129, but the Osmo Mobile 3 is available for either £99 or £119, depending on what package you go for.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is cheaper than the DJI Osmo Mobile 2.

Users wanting to stick with a two-figure sum can purchase the standard Osmo Mobile 3 package, which comes with the gimbal itself, as well as a wrist strap, storage pouch and anti-slip pads.

But those wanting to splash out a bit extra can get their hands on the Osmo Mobile 3 Combo, which features all of the goodies in the standard package, as well as the Osmo Grip Tripod and Osmo Carrying Case.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo, which includes the Tripod and Carrying Case.

And in honesty, the Combo seems a sensible way to go. The Tripod will significantly extend the number of shots you can capture with your Osmo Mobile 3, while the Carrying Case will help you keep the kit safe.

Then there's the simple fact of the maths. If you go down the standard package route, the Tripod and Carrying Case are available to buy as accessories, but at £19 and £29 respectively, it makes much more sense - and you save some cash - by snapping up the Combo.

Take quality selfies with the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Key Specifications At A Glance

Here is a guide to the key specifications of the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 and DJI Osmo Mobile 2.

DJI Osmo Mobile 3 v DJI Osmo Mobile 2 - Conclusion

With extra features, enhanced design and a cheaper price tag, the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is a welcome addition to the market and is a decent upgrade to the DJI Osmo Mobile 2.

It's foldable and lightweight design makes it easily transportable and the perfect companion for vloggers and those on the move, helping you to capture great shots and footage in the process.

The redesign, which means charging and audio ports can be easily accessed, is a big plus, while extra modes - like Sport and ActiveTrack 3.0 - help to maximise your creative adventures. The Gesture Control is also a really cool feature.

And all of this for less cost!

In a nutshell, there is enough about the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 to justify stalwarts of the Osmo Mobile 2 upgrading, while newcomers to this technology will be suitably pleased with what is on offer.

Pre-order the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Standard or the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Combo now from Heliguy, with stock expected in the first week of September.