HomeiOSiPhone Accessories DJI continues to update its gimbal series, with the new DJI OM5 . It is always a 3-axis motorized stabilizer, but this time with some surprises, such as an integrated telescopic stick, which allows new types of filming, especially during group vlogging.
DJI OM5 is really compact when folded . This is one of the features in which DJI has invested over time. After all, it is a key feature, considering that it is often an accessory to take with you on the go. As already mentioned, foldable, but with the ability to stretch, with its integrated 215 mm extension , to take group photos or obtain different angles while recording.
On the handle there is an 'M' button for switching on, while just below there is the cursor that allows you to zoom, without of course having to touch the smartphone screen. Unmissable joystick on the front of the handle, which allows you to tilt or pan the smartphone, with the classic recording button to capture photos or videos once pressed.
The functions of this button also include taking a sequence of photos when pressed for longer. Furthermore, the control panel boasts, under the registration button, a button that, if pressed once, allows you to switch from the front to the rear camera of the smartphone. Pressing twice, on the other hand, will switch the gimbal from horizontal to vertical orientation. Last but not least the trigger on the rear , which is used to lock the gimbal when it is held down, activate the Active Track 4.0 when it is pressed once and re-center the gimbal when pressed twice.
In short, the many buttons on the handle offer so many features, so that an introductory tutorial will be recommended, before you can better master the shooting with this OM 5.
The mechanism that holds the smartphone in place is a clamp. This, however, is not fixed on the gimbal, but can be released, and put back in place via a magnetic system. Be careful, however, do not think you can install Magsafe iPhones without this clamp, which will always be necessary.
A classic 1/4 ″ -20 connector sits at the bottom and connects to the included tripod, really useful for time lapse or hyperlapse shooting for the smoothest possible footage. A second hole, this time for M3-0.5 screw is located in the upper part, right next to the smartphone, and allows you to connect a microphone or another lower weight counterweight 290 grams . Finally, a last hole is located at the bottom, and is used to insert a classic wrist strap.
The OM 5 is light and can be used in a very agile way in everyday life, giving a good feeling during its use, even if it is prolonged. What hasn't driven us crazy is its folding system. It is true that this helps to keep its compact size when not in use, but the opening and closing process sounds a bit confusing. The feeling we got, at one point, was that we were breaking it, rather than opening it properly.
The OM 5 magnetic phone holder, with its rubberized sides, is able to easily support a new generation iPhone, even the Pro Max model, although in this case you will have to balance the terminal perfectly.
As already mentioned, there are so many functions that can be obtained by pressing the various buttons on the handle, and getting used to the shooting modes requires some attempts and, sometimes, errors. 
Among the important features of the gimbal is DJI's ActiveTrack 4.0 technology , which allows you to track a subject and lock it in the center of the frame, so as to follow it automatically. We had a really good time, being very effective, a clear sign that DJI has been perfecting this technology on drones for several years. We tried to put the active track of this OM5 in difficulty by making it follow a micro drone, but we did not succeed, as shown in the following video.
This ActiveTrack 4.0 feature will allow, for example, to track and follow your pet, to film it at its best, even when it does not intend to stay still.
We were pleasantly surprised by the image stabilization ability, this time more than in past versions of the gimbal. With iPhone, of course, the product gives its best, as it did with past models, but it is with some Android smartphones that we really appreciated the stabilizing force. In the past, some mid-range Android smartphones seemed not to like the corrections made by the gimbal too much, while this time we were also happy with mid-range Android smartphones, with well-stabilized recordings. Attention though : for the correct functioning the advice is to download the DJI Mimo app via APK directly on the official DJI website , because the version available on Google Play Store doesn't seem to connect to many smartphones. In our case, in fact, we were unable to pair with smartphones of different brands using the app on the Play Store.
The OM 5 uses DJI's Mimo smartphone app, which is filled with tutorials explaining how to use and get the most out of each feature. It really pays to pay attention, otherwise the risk is to find an app rich in features, but that you can not exploit.
On the right side of the app, for example, is a new DJI feature called ShotGuides. It recognizes the environment we are in and automatically recommends a sequence of shots. ShotGuides recognizes the environment or activity being filmed and recommends a sequence of shots, as well as advising how to grip or hold the gimbal.
On the right side of the app, or at the bottom, depending on the orientation of the smartphone, you will find the photography and videography shooting modes, such as:
Conclusion
Getting used to OM 5 takes some practice, with a medium learning curve. However, once you learn how to use it correctly, this 3-axis gimbal will pay off your time and money.
We liked the compact and lightweight design, although the mechanism for opening the gimbal is confusing at first. We liked the presence of the tripod in the box, as well as the numerous tutorials present within the Mimo app. We were convinced by the autonomy, which allows up to 6 hours of use, with a quick recharge in about an hour and a half.
Also pleasant is the presence of the extendable stick, which on the one hand takes us back in time, to the era of selfie stick fashion. The price is also low, making it a point of reference in the sector.
It costs € 159.00 on Amazon and can be purchased directly at this address.
