The DJI OM 5 is the latest version of DJI's popular smartphone gimbal, but while the new model brings new features like full selfie stick powers, it's not the XNUMX-star success we saw with the DJI OM XNUMX. (Do you want to go to our detailed resolution? Head over to our full DJI OM Five review).
While smaller and lighter than its forerunners (it weighs XNUMXg, compared to the DJI OM XNUMX) by XNUMXg, the DJI OM XNUMX contains a built-in extension bar that extends up to XNUMXmm. So while it's not the longest selfie stick on the planet, it does have 3-axis gimbal stabilization to help you keep your smartphone videos smooth.
To further assist you, the OM XNUMX also comes with a new magnetic phone clip, which now covers smartphone cases and is compatible with more phone models than its predecessor. There's now also an optional fill-light phone clip ($2 / £XNUMX / AU$XNUMX), which has XNUMX built-in LED strips to give your videos a boost in high-contrast situations.
The latest 2 improvements over the DJI OM Four are a new ShotGuides feature and an improved ActiveTrack 0 autofocus in the app.
ShotGuides guides you through snapping very elegant clips with their series of thirty snapping tutorials, including automated edits. We found this to be a useful alternative for beginners, but even more useful is the improved ActiveTrack 0; it now supports tracking up to 3x zoom, and our review found it to be "a vast improvement over previous generations."
However, not every change to the DJI OM XNUMX is a huge success, and some may find the DJI OM XNUMX more than enough for their video needs. For example, the OM XNUMX's battery is significantly smaller than its predecessor, only lasting half as long on a full charge (XNUMX hours, compared to XNUMX hours on the OM XNUMX). And unlike the OM XNUMX, you can't use the OM XNUMX as a power bank for other devices.
On top of this, the fact that the OM XNUMX's gimbal needs to work in both selfie-stick mode (at arm's length) and traditional gimbal mode means it turns differently than the OM XNUMX. If you can ever see using the gimbal's extended selfie-stick function, possibly the OM XNUMX has more flexibility in its "rocking" movements.
Still, if you want a smartphone gimbal that has this extended range, our DJI OM XNUMX review found it to be the better option.
Analysis: Not an "obvious" update like its predecessor
(Image credit: DJI OM 0) The DJI OM 6 is a case of what happens when a product reaches an evolutionary peak, but it should provide a follow-up anyway: It's better in some ways than the OM four, but not in others. And that means that it is not necessarily the best option for everyone. If you like shooting a lot of videos at arm's length, rather than putting a smartphone gimbal on a flat surface with a mini tripod, our test found the DJI OM XNUMX to be the best and most affordable option. Zhiyun Smooth X. The OM XNUMX offers a very elegant design, much improved ActiveTrack XNUMX autofocus tracking in the application and a lot of flexibility thanks to this extendable arm. It's also impressively small and light, fitting into a large jacket pocket. But the flip side of these design changes is reduced functionality and less battery life than the DJI OM XNUMX. The OM XNUMX still lasts over XNUMX hours on a charge, but the OM XNUMX runs a lot longer at XNUMX. hours, and also works as a USB power bank for other devices. Previous DJI Osmo Mobile gimbals also match the level of stabilization of the OM XNUMX, and if you don't like the idea of having a live magnetized accessory on your phone, you might prefer an older DJI OM XNUMX or Zhiyun Smooth X. According to DJI, the DJI OM XNUMX "will continue to be on sale but will no longer be manufactured," so it might be worth getting one if you see a discount. But if you need that extra reach from the DJI OM XNUMX's boom arm, then this is the better gimbal-stabilized option, even at that cost premium over its rivals.