DJI is responsible for some of the most beautiful drone video footage on the web today. Its Phantom 3 line of products is the industry standard for capturing aerial videography. In recent years, DJI has made the move to reduce the price on some of its products to a more consumer-friendly level.
Today, a new camera from the high-flying optics company has been announced. The Osmo is a camera mounted on a motorized rig with a stabilizing arm to capture smooth video and photos. It’s basically a very fancy selfie-stick. An expensive one at that…
As we all know, shooting quality action footage with an iPhone isn’t always the easiest task. Especially when your subject is moving quickly. For aspiring videographers, this can be a challenge without the right equipment. DJI leans heavily on its experience with gimbals in the Osmo design. It uses a motorized three-axis system to constantly adjust the camera to keep the camera level during movement.
The DJI Osmo is capable of shooting 4K video and capturing 12MP still photos. Much like its drone offerings, this camera is capable of tethering to your iPhone for a live video feed if you prefer a screen as opposed to the built-in viewfinder. Other filming functions include panorama modes, extended exposure and slow motion video capture. It has an on-board stereo microphone plus a 3.5mm audio jack for recording with add-on equipment.
At $649, DJI puts itself right in the mix of the prosumer camera market that has been dominated by GoPro in recent years. The HERO4 Black Action camera is capable of shooting the same 4K video with 12MP stills and comes in at list price of $499.99, although we usually see it for significantly less. It will be interesting to see if consumers are willing to fork over the extra money for the motorized gimbal or not. There are a number of GoPro accessories that would provide similar function at a potentially lesser final cost.
DJI has opened pre-orders for the new Osmo camera today for $649 with an October 15th release date.
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[9to5-press-release]
DJI Introduces the World’s First Fully Integrated, Stabilized Handheld 4K Camera
LONDON, Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — DJI, the world leader in creative imaging technology, today announced the launch of the Osmo, an integrated camera and handheld stabilizer that opens the creative possibilities of cameras in movement.
Using DJI’s signature three-axis gimbal stabilization technology, the Osmo eliminates the shake of traditional handheld devices, creating cinematic shots in an easy-to-use, easy-to-set up form factor.
The modular format of the Osmo makes it fully compatible with DJI’s Zenmuse camera series, but comes standard with a 4K, 12-megapixel camera with a 1/2.3″ sensor and a 94 degree field-of-view lens.
“DJI consistently refines the way cameras move in space – whether they are in the air or on the ground,” said Frank Wang, DJI CEO and Founder. “With the Osmo, we have created a camera specifically designed to capture a smooth moving image regardless of filming conditions.”
Intelligent controls built into the handle make changing between shooting angles, capturing photos or recording video effortless.
Creators can view live images of what the camera captures, adjust camera settings and control smart filming functions including –
- Panorama – Take a picture and the camera will automatically pan around 360 degrees, taking and stitching overlapping photos to create a panorama.
- Long Exposure – Make handheld long-exposures crisp using the camera’s stabilization technology
- Slow Motion – Capture slow motion shots at 120 frames-per-second (fps) up to 1080p
Its onboard universal mount works together with an included smartphone holder in addition to other optional accessories including a tripod, a bike mount or an extension arm.
The Osmo handle comes equipped with an on-board stereo microphone, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for recording professional-quality external sound.
“Traditional handheld cameras are either shaky, or require bulky stabilizers that are difficult to set up,” said Paul Pan, DJI’s Senior Product Manager. “The Osmo moves the experience of handheld filmmaking from capturing what happened, to sharing expressive, smooth video that shows what an experience was like.”
The Osmo handle, which can be bought separately without a camera, is fully compatible with DJI’s existing Zenmuse series, making it the perfect accessory for everyone who already owns an Inspire 1 with a Zenmuse X3, a Zenmuse X5 Pro or a Zenmuse X5 Raw.
The Osmo is available for pre-order at store.dji.com for USD 649 and GBP 549 and will begin shipping October 15. Additional Osmo accessories include –
- Tripod – Place the Osmo securely on almost any surface.
- Extension Rod – Reach out further for all new angles. Combine with the Tripod for added height.
- Bike Mount – Lock the Osmo to your bike for a new kind of bike movie.
- Universal Mount – Add extra microphone or LED light to your Osmo.
- Straight Extension Arm – Mount two accessories to your Osmo at the same time.
[/9to5-press-release]
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