DJI has created some of our favorite smartphone gimbals in recent years, and the firm announced the latest iteration earlier this year, which includes the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7 Pro. After thoroughly enjoying last year's Osmo Mobile 6, I was drawn to the $150 Osmo Mobile 7 Pro (OM7P), which is the only one compatible with DJI's new Multifunctional Module accessory.
Furthermore, the more cheap Osmo Mobile 7 (OM7) costs $90, which is less than last year's $140 basic model price. Should you upgrade from last year's items, particularly the $228 Vlog Combo? Would it be better to wait for the prices to drop on those? I tested the OM7P and its new Multifunctional Module alongside DJI's Mic Mini to see if it is a logical step forward from the Osmo Mobile 6, even in the most demanding scenarios.
What's new with the Osmo Mobile 7 Pro?
The OM7P feels identical to the Osmo Mobile 6 in my hands. However, reaching for the twist lock to unfold finds that DJI modified the locking mechanism to rely exclusively on the hinge. I see why. The hinge is robust, and the compactness virtually eliminates the possibility of accidental unfolding. When folded correctly, a little nub on the arm sits into the handle, exposing the highest stabilizer motor's metallic faceplate. I wouldn't worry about it, however it has four contact locations for pogo pins that are prone to damage and are required to operate the Multifunctional Module and passthrough charging functions.
When unfolded, the in-hand grip and feel are nearly identical to the OM6, and an inexperienced eye may be unable to distinguish the OM7P. Both models weigh similarly, but the integrated tripod legs appear to be the most significant design change. They slide out of the OM7P handle, leaving the ¼-inch thread to secure the gimbal to a suitable tripod.
This eliminates the need for a screw-in tripod adapter, such as the OM6, which also functions as a grip extender. The embedded pod legs are smaller, and the gimbal seems shaky on its feet when fully extended, similar to a selfie stick. There is no lanyard hole in the new design, but it's astonishing how DJI maintained the great battery life despite the reduced interior space. I won't miss having a separate tripod when traveling with the OM7P.
In terms of extension, both models have comparable reach, with no benefit to the new one. If anything, it feels a little smoother out of the box. Most controls and modes have been carried over from the OM6, although the OM7P has an abundance of Pogo Pins (four on the gimbal and eight on the phone mount clip that connects to the Multifunctional Module). This is a nice alternative to stiff connections and cords, but it requires cautious handling, especially if you have issues with wireless earbuds not charging in the case because they utilize the same type of connector.
ActiveTrack 7.0 brings small enhancements.
DJI has almost nailed the subject tracking algorithms we tested on the OM6, but installing the MiMo app for the OM7P shows ActiveTrack 7, which has a few minor enhancements. If you capture crowded scenarios with numerous subjects, like as a family vacation vlog, the new technology automatically detects the faces in your frame and lets you choose which one to track on the fly with the gimbal settings. By default, the program tracks the most visible face in the frame.
I also saw a boost in tracking performance whether recording fast-moving canines or locking the gimbal to fixed objects. Filmmakers and pet owners alike will appreciate how easy it is to record B-roll for product shoots. Furthermore, the OM7P maintains tracking lock even when zooming in or switching between camera lenses on your smartphone.
Other MiMo app features that we enjoyed, such as photo recommendations and one-tap editing presets with shot guidelines, are still available to anyone looking for creative inspiration or direction.
The Multifunctional Module enables the Osmo Mobile 7 Pro's full capability.
My main complaint about the OM6 was that I was forced to use the MiMo app for recording and shooting, which was especially frustrating when I needed to track subjects. Here's where the new Multifunctional Module comes in. Despite its modest size, it attaches onto your phone and performs tracking functions regardless of whatever app you use. It also functions as a receiver for a pair of DJI Mic Minis and features a small but well-distributed fill light.
While the fill light is useful for brightening selfie-style photographs at arm's length, it doesn't help the rear-facing camera significantly. Using the Multifunctional Module for audio recording is especially useful if you're a live streamer or seeking for a basic Apple Continuity Camera replacement without purchasing Apple or an expensive webcam. This is especially true in noisy surroundings, where your smartphone's microphone may suffer as you move away. However, a lavalier mic, such as the Mic Mini, functions consistently with noise suppression. I liked how I could utilize the pairing button on any connected mic as a remote physical shutter button, saving me time from editing out the gesture to stop recording.
Even if you don't have the Mic Mini, the Multifunctional Module can be a valuable accessory for shooting in challenging lighting conditions that normally throw smartphone cameras off, such as silhouettes and high-contrast illumination. This is where I've desired for the DJI MiMo app's subject tracking features, along with the manual options offered in our favorite camera apps. The Module gives you this flexibility, which can be freeing for filmmakers and other creatives. In my situation, I use this to record with the Pixel Camera app on my Pixel 7, which has excellent color accuracy.
If you use the DJI app, you can specify whether the app records the subject or delegated the task to the module. Whether or whether the module is attached, the app tracks subjects by default. This shouldn't be the case since the module lacks a battery to accidentally track the incorrect subject when connected to the gimbal, and the physical connection is a deliberate action.
The Multifunctional Module tracks subjects using three major motions and communicates with the active camera app via Bluetooth. If you show the module your palm, it will enable or disable tracking. To reframe the shot and allow the subject to move without the gimbal following, use the double-L gesture. Finally, the Peace sign with two fingers up activates the camera app's shutter button in video and photo modes. You'll still need the app to track pets and objects because the module can only control faces.
Should you get the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro?
I see tremendous value in the 7 Pro because the Multifunctional Module frees you from DJI's MiMo software. However, that app continues to monitor a broader range of subjects than the Module, so if you photograph dogs and objects rather than humans, you can keep with the older Osmo Mobile 6. I recommend the same if your applications require the grasp extension and sturdiness of the OM6's huge tripod legs, such as filming selfie videos or shooting in windy conditions.
On the other hand, the OM7P is an excellent upgrade if you prefer the simplicity of fewer detachable accessories and appreciate the compactness of the integrated tripod. If your use cases require a separate camera app, the Multifunctional Module's tracking capabilities make sense, even if you already have a reliable audio arrangement. However, the OM7 Pro's value proposition is most appealing to consumers who want to record audio on-location rather than adding voiceovers in post.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro is an excellent beginner gimbal for frequent travelers, vloggers, and content creators, thanks to its simple and reliable controls, durable build, and unsurpassed ease of use. However, if you have last year's model, we recommend studying the Multifunctional Module's features and assessing their relevance to your usage before upgrading.