Not everyone has the budget (or the need) to spend thousands on camera gear to create a fun Vlog or capture memorable travel moments to rewatch later on TV. The truth is, most of us already carry an incredible camera in our pockets: our smartphone. With a little help, your phone can transform into a powerful tool for shooting cinematic videos or stunning photos.
One of the easiest ways to elevate your smartphone filmmaking experience is by using a gimbal to ensure smooth, professional-quality video footage by stabilizing your device. That’s where DJI’s latest release comes in. The new DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Series is a game-changer, proving you don’t need expensive equipment to create professional-looking content.
This series includes two models: the Osmo Mobile 7 and the Osmo Mobile 7P. Both offer exceptional stabilization, innovative features, and intuitive functionality, putting professional-grade tools literally in the palm of your hand.
I had the chance to review the Osmo Mobile 7 along with a bundle of accessories, and here’s everything you need to know about this impressive new accessory!
Smarter Stabilisation, Smoother Shots
DJI’s seventh-generation stabilization pairs seamlessly with ActiveTrack 7.0, ensuring your subject stays perfectly in frame even in the most dynamic settings. Whether you’re capturing your kids playing at the park or filming a fast-paced dance routine, ActiveTrack locks onto your subject with impressive precision. It even supports multiple subjects, allowing you to switch focus effortlessly with a single tap.
This is perfect for solo hosts and camera operators, offering the experience of having an AI-powered cameraperson. It’s a game-changer, redefining multitasking at its best.
Before you buy it, I’d recommend installing the DJI Mimo app, there’s lots of great connectivity features on it but also a large selection of tutorials preloaded in there to teach you how to get the most out of your device before you decide if it is right for your needs.
In The Box
I used to own an early-model DJI gimbal for phones, which was bulky and often unreliable when it came to connectivity. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the Mobile 7’s compact design straight out of the box and its seamless connection to my device. Setup takes just seconds, not minutes, allowing you to start creating content immediately and without any hassle.
The package includes a sleek carrying pouch for storage, along with a USB charging cable and a Magnetic Phone Clamp, making it both practical and thoughtfully designed.
The Wonder of Magnetism
DJI’s innovative use of magnets across their devices is nothing short of groundbreaking, offering seamless functionality for everything from linking components to securely attaching a mic to your shirt. The Magnetic Phone Clamp is no exception. It fits snugly around your smartphone (even over the side buttons) without accidentally pressing them, ensuring a perfect fit. The powerful magnet then locks onto the Osmo Mobile 7 with impressive strength, providing an incredibly secure hold. You’ll never have to worry about your device coming loose or falling. It’s a sophisticated, reliable alternative to traditional clamps and screw-in mounts.
Osmo Mobile 7 – Lightweight and Wallet-Friendly
Weighing just 300g, the Osmo Mobile 7 is impressively lightweight yet packed with powerful features. Designed for portability and ease of use, it’s the perfect companion for beginners exploring the world of content creation. While compatible with the optional Multifunctional Module, it still excels in delivering smooth stabilization, intelligent tracking, and user-friendly operation, all without stretching your budget.
4 Impactful Modes for Creative Content
The M button on the device enables seamless switching between its four primary modes: Pan and Tilt Follow, Pan Follow, FPV, and SpinShot, offering effortless control and versatility.
The Secret Feature No-one is Telling you about
There’s a hidden feature on the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. It’s not immediately obvious from the packaging, and unless someone points it out, you might never notice it. At first glance, the bottom of the device reveals a standard thread for attaching a tripod, useful, but not particularly groundbreaking. However, surrounding this thread are three subtle “bump” designs that seem purely decorative at first.
Here’s the secret: these “bumps” actually extend to form built-in tripod legs. No need to carry an extra tripod adapter, this clever design allows the Osmo Mobile 7 to stand on its own, making it perfect for desk setups or quick, stable shots. It’s a small but ingenious feature that blends functionality with elegance. Once you discover it, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it.
Battery life for Long Content Sessions
10-Hour Battery Life – Built to keep up with you, this device is designed to power through even your longest creative sessions, ensuring uninterrupted work or play without constantly reaching for a charger.
The gimbal’s battery isn’t your only concern during a shoot, which makes the DJI Osmo Mobile 7’s ability to charge your phone an incredibly convenient feature.
Smart Watch Remote Integration
Compatible with Apple Watch – Easily control the gimbal remotely with just a tap on your wrist. It’s a seamless way to adjust settings, capture shots, or start recording without needing to touch the gimbal itself. Fancy and functional!
The Side Wheel for Cinematic Precision is far more powerful than it first appears. It allows you to achieve smooth zooming and seamless manual focus with ease, offering unparalleled control. Whether you’re capturing fast-paced action or perfecting the focus on a cinematic close-up, this tool delivers stunning, professional-quality results every time.
Work Smarter, Not Harder with the Multifunctional Module (Sold Separately)
The Multifunctional Module revolutionizes smartphone videography with effortless innovation. Magnetically attachable, this tool acts like your personal tech-savvy assistant, intuitively responding to hand gestures:
● Wave your palm to start tracking.
● Flash a “V” for an instant snapshot. This reminded me so much of travelling through Japan and taking photos with the locals.
● Use a “Double L” gesture to frame your subject perfectly.
The hand gesture functionality is reminiscent of features I’ve seen in products like the OBSBot TailAir, but the ability to integrate it effortlessly with a phone and gimbal takes convenience to a whole new level. The setup is seamless, intuitive, and genuinely enjoyable to use, making it the perfect gadget for creators who prioritize both creativity and ease of use.
One of the great features of this gimbal is that it doesn’t require the DJI Mimo app for tracking. It functions seamlessly straight out of the module. This means you can use your preferred recording app while still benefiting from the gimbal’s basic features. That said, I’d still recommend using the DJI Mimo app. It’s more intuitive than most, and some of the device’s advanced features are only accessible through the app.
The module features an adjustable light with multiple temperature modes and offers seamless compatibility with DJI microphones for effortless pairing.
Sound – DJI Mic Mini’s (Sold Separately)
Great video quality means little if your audio falls flat, which is why pairing the DJI Mobile 7 with the new DJI Mic Mini is a smart move. This compact bundle includes two tiny lapel microphones and a receiver, all neatly stored in a rechargeable case. I’ll be diving into a full review soon, but for now, here’s the takeaway: these mics are an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking to save space in their kit. Like their larger counterpart, the DJI Mic 2, they feature magnetic attachments but are far more portable. Best of all, they connect to your phone seamlessly and effortlessly straight out of the box.
Price and Where to Buy
Here’s the good news – you can get in on the action right now:
- Osmo Mobile 7P: $219
- Osmo Mobile 7: $159
- DJI OM 7 Series Tracking Kit: $69
- DJI Mic Mini (Transmitter Only): $69
- DJI Mic Mini Bundle: $245
Final Verdict
The Osmo Mobile 7 delivers professional-grade stabilization and smart features in an incredibly accessible package. Whether you’re a filmmaker pushing creative boundaries, a vlogger capturing life on the move, or a hobbyist preserving everyday moments, this versatile gimbal caters to all skill levels. Given a choice, I’d certainly choose the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera over any other option, but if I was limited to budget then using a phone and gimbal is the right call and once again, DJI sets the standard for innovation, solidifying its position as an industry leader.
