What is it?
A stabilising video camera.
How will it change my life?
In this age of instant video and social media the world has been reduced to a village where everyone knows each other – or at least have a friend or two in common.
This has enabled a new type of career combining video blogs (vlogs) and reality TV to establish itself in the mainstream and give Andy Warhol’s prediction that “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes” some merit.
Technology has spawned this burgeoning area of media, first with smartphones, action-cams and selfie sticks and now the more sophisticated video cameras being developed today such as the Osmo from DJI.
Good points?
The Osmo is essentially a 4K camera on a stick so operation involves little more than pressing the record button and holding the grip in the direction of choice.
This seemingly obvious design has let down previous product manufacturers in the past so it is refreshing to see the basics have been considered before flashy features.
Stabilisation is at the heart of such devices known as gimbals, and DJI pays particular attention to this attribute in order to make the Osmo the best on the market.
Video quality range is also impressive either at 4K, HD or slow motion with no blips or break-up experienced even during dramatic movements.
DJI has opted out of a native viewfinder for the Osmo to reduce bulk and instead incorporated a clamp for a smartphone alternative should you require one.
Bad points?
Although the build quality and design are exceptional, the price seems overly excessive and all but the already self-made YouTube millionaires will likely shy away.
Video transfer capabilities seem antiquated and involve direct communication with the memory card for 4K files. This will require a separate card reader for your destination device.
The microphone, although adequate, should be of a higher standard for a high-end product such as this.
Best for ...
Those seeking to raise the bar on their self-publicising schemes and aspiring to be the next Zoella.
Avoid if ...
You’re already losing your double-digit followers to Racoon Willie and Grumpy Cat.
Score
9/10.
DJI Osmo, £549 (dji.com)
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