The image below shows the OSMO mounted with the X3 camera from Inspire 1, the LED lights from Manfrotto and the RODE Stereo Video Mic.
After waiting for almost half a year, DJI finally release the Handle Kit @ US$219. I did not want to get the OSMO full kit as I already own the DJI Inspire 1 which comes with the X3 camera (98% Same camera that comes with OSMO full kit).
First impression of the handle:
1) Feels comfortable to grip and well designed.
2) The joysticks and the buttons are well positioned and easy to reach even for asian’s hand.
3) X3 Camera can be mounted easily but cannot be locked in position like the OSMO X3.
Battery:
1) The batter is rather small, and it takes about 1hr to charge it from empty to full.
2) From experience, with a mixture of downloading photos and short videos plus video recording, the battery lasted about 40min.
3) The batteries are light and does fit into pants pockets easily. So can take a few with you if you are on tour. Recommend to bring at least 3 batteries out if you are looking for some serious shooting.
Overall usage:
1) I find it quite a hassle to switch on the OSMO and then have to link the phone to the OSMO wifi. Only after doing this, then you can launch the DJI Go app to connect to the camera. The whole process takes about 1min to complete. If you suddenly see something interesting and want to shoot immediately can frustrate you quite a bit.
2) If you have a big phone like iPhone Plus and Samsung S5 and etc, the weight can be a bit unbalanced. Thus causing some discomfort.
3) the 4K Video quality is good under good lightings. For night video, an external lights is strongly recommended.
4) Package is small and almost weightless, so it is a joy to bring around to shoot.
5) The 3 axis stabilisation is very good. However, you need to learn how to walk and hand hold the OSMO properly to prevent the “Bopping” effect.
6) OSMO build in Mic is very bad. It records the sound and vibration of the X3 fan. Unless the external audio is very loud, you can’t really record a decent audio with the build in Mic. Audio is great with I used the Rode Stereo Mic.
Recommended Accessories:
1) Universal Mount
2) Extension Arm
3) Extension Rod
4) External Mic
5) External LED lightings.
Conclusion:
The OSMO makes great sense if you want to journal your trip when you travel. It records very decent 4K video and the the 12MP still photos are also decent. You can capture photos in RAW format. After mastering the handling techniques, the OSMO is capable to produce very profession videos. DJI Go app also comes with simple video editing templates to allow you to shoot –> download –> edit –> share very quickly through your mobile phone. The cost is less then owning a 3 axis handheld gimbal plus a Gopro 4 Black, and also easier to maintain. OSMO just have to charge one battery, while the Gopro options requires you to charge 2 different batteries. Gopro 4 black battery life is also significantly shorter then OSMO. Live view on Gopro 4 via mobile device is more laggy then OSMO.
Wish list:
I really hope DJI will find a way for OSMO stream live footages onto big screen via lightbridge or some other ways.
Below is my first trial footages with OSMO during the GBTB Volunteers orientation. Shot entirely with DJI OSMO
Gardens By The Bay volunteer orientation
If you guys is interested in trying out the OSMO, there is a course conducted by a RP Lecturer on videography.
http://www.inspirepilots.sg/photography-and-videography-workshops/innovating-my-stories/
Did a bit more testing today, and I manage to get a wifi extender to connect to the OSMO and effectively extended the range between the Phone and OSMO. With the phone sending clean video output via HDMI, OSMO now can do live streaming over a long distance!