DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Makes Phone Videos Feel Like a Pro Shoot, All for Under $100

Filming a video on your phone may be a frustrating experience, with unsteady footage that looks like a terrible home video. The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P really flips the script. Priced att $99 (was $129), it produces silky smooth video that appears to have been taken with a pricier piece of equipment.

First, let’s discuss how the device performs everyday use. When you open it, the magnetic clamp immediately secures your phone without requiring you to fiddle with it. The extension rod extends to 215mm, allowing you to shoot a wide image or selfie without having to strain. If you flip down the tripod feet, you’ll have a self-standing set suitable for static pictures, time-lapse photography, and other applications. These small comforts pile up quickly when you’re out shooting, and the last thing you want to be carrying is a bunch of unnecessary gear.

The Osmo Mobile 7P also excels in terms of battery life. Its 3350 milliamp battery will keep you going for about ten hours under typical settings, enough to get through a full day of casual recording or a longer event without having to look for a power source. Even with the extra module attached for tracking and lighting, most users get five full hours out of it, which is significantly more than the earlier Osmo Mobile 6. As an added bonus, the gimbal can recharge your phone’s battery when it runs low, allowing you to stay in the game longer.

Once your phone is balanced, the stabilization feels practically seamless, with three motors keeping the frame level while you walk, run, or pan madly. The real show-stopper, however, is ActiveTrack 7.0. Simply tap a person or item on the screen, and the gimbal will track it with incredible accuracy, even if the subject moves in and out of view or changes direction. Earlier versions required the DJI app for accurate tracking; however, this new edition incorporates a small multipurpose module with its own camera. That means the smart following feature works great in your phone’s native camera, streaming apps, and pretty much anyplace else you want to utilize it.

The same module includes a handy fill light and receiver for DJI wireless mics. The light provides just enough even lighting to sort out faces in gloomy areas or outside when it’s coming close to dusk, and the warmth can be adjusted to maintain skin tones looking realistic. When you pair a microphone, your audio will be crystal clear without the need for cords or clip-ons. That’s the beauty of this thing: all of the things that used to need separate purchases or larger rigs are now available in one nice little box.