The new Osmo Mobile 8P addresses the primary omission of its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 8, by introducing a detachable remote control, alongside significant tracking upgrades. While some control scheme trade-offs exist, the device is presented as the best compact smartphone gimbal currently available.
When the Osmo Mobile 8 was reviewed, it was praised for excellent tracking, smooth stabilization, and value, but it was noted for lacking a remote control, which reviewers found to be a key feature for solo content creators.
The Osmo Mobile 8P aims to rectify this by incorporating a dedicated remote, refining tracking capabilities, and reinforcing DJI’s standing in the compact gimbal market.
Regarding pricing, the Osmo Mobile 8P maintains the same price point as the gimbal it replaces, which is described as a welcoming move considering the upgrades.
Three bundles are offered: The Standard Combo, priced at £135, includes the gimbal, magnetic phone clamp, Osmo FrameTap remote, and a storage pouch. The Advanced Tracking Combo costs £169 and adds the Multifunctional Module 2. A premium option, the Creator Combo, bundles a DJI Mic Mini 2 transmitter and receiver for £195.
For comparative context, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is listed at approximately £145, and the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is priced around £169, positioning the 8P favorably on price given its inclusions.
Physically, the Osmo Mobile 8P retains the foldable form factor and magnetic clamp system of the OM 8. Its dimensions are broadly comparable, folding down to 196 x 105 x 38mm and having a fully loaded weight of 386g, allowing it to fit into a large coat pocket.
The extended tripod legs feature wider splaying than before, an improvement noted for stable setup on uneven surfaces.
The most notable addition is the FrameTap remote. This compact unit weighs 29g and measures 53 x 37 x 19mm. It magnetically attaches to the gimbal’s handle for close-up use and detaches cleanly for remote operation.
The FrameTap features a 1.4-inch, 240 x 240 touchscreen with an 800 nits brightness, which was tested as easily readable outdoors.
Beyond the remote, the 8P shows substantial advancements in tracking, particularly with the Advanced Tracking Combo utilizing the Multifunctional Module 2. This hardware tracker clips onto the magnetic clamp and tracks subjects independently of the phone’s running app.
Unlike the original Module, the Module 2 can track a wider variety of subjects, including vehicles, objects, and landmarks, expanding creative possibilities. During testing, the Module 2 reliably re-acquired the reviewer even after they moved out of frame and reappeared in a new position, a capability useful for solo shooting.
The stabilization performance is consistent with DJI gimbals, offering four preset modes: pan tilt follow, pan follow, FPV, and SpinShot. The FrameTap screen allows users to switch between front and rear cameras and toggle between portrait and landscape orientation using dedicated controls.
The mini joystick provides manual pan and tilt control, although it is slightly smaller than the joystick found on the OM 8.
Overall, the Osmo Mobile 8P is highlighted as the necessary upgrade to the OM 8. By incorporating the FrameTap remote and a more capable tracking module, DJI successfully addresses prior limitations while maintaining pricing competitiveness.
Although there are trade-offs, including the loss of the zoom wheel and reduced control tactility, and the Module 2’s discontinued support for direct wireless mic connectivity, these are not deemed dealbreakers.
However, for users buying a compact smartphone gimbal or transitioning from a rival product like the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro or Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra, the 8P is recommended as the leading choice, asserting its ability to match and surpass rival features.
Source: Trusted Reviews