With an upcoming trip in mind and knowing how shaky handheld smartphone footage can be, I decided to pick up the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P. Here are my thoughts and experiences after using it for a few weeks.
Osmo vs. Pocket 3
I initially looked at the Pocket 3, but it had a few drawbacks for my specific use case:
- While the Pocket 3 is superior for video, it’s not primarily a still camera.
- Since I always carry my phone anyway, the Pocket 3 felt redundant for photography.
Ultimately, I just wanted my phone to be easier to use for selfies and more stable for video. The DJI stabilizer fits perfectly as a supplementary accessory to my existing gear.
Why the 7P?
The 7P is the latest model. Priced under 1,000 CNY, it follows the “buy the newest” philosophy. With its built-in extension rod and tripod, it’s a solid, all-in-one choice.
I bought mine through Pinduoduo’s “Billions in Subsidies” program for 799 CNY. JD and the official store were priced at 899 CNY, which felt a bit steep. As long as authenticity is guaranteed, I go with the lower price.
DJI Care Refresh
- DJI offers a protection plan for its products, with prices varying by device.
- Unless you have a specific reason not to, I highly recommend buying it—these are delicate electronics. I purchased the 2-year plan the day I got my 7P and plan to renew it if possible.
Note: You can purchase Care Refresh for a maximum total of 3 consecutive years.
Essential Accessories?
- The 7P comes with enough basic accessories. I don’t recommend buying extras unless you have a very specific need.
- I specifically advise against the
DJI OM Magnetic Phone Clamp. Its biggest flaw is that it’s incompatible with the tracking module.
Usage Tips
- Watch the tutorials. I can’t stress this enough. If you find it hard to use, you probably haven’t watched the guide.
- Tracking in other apps: You can use the tracking feature during WeChat video calls by pressing the trigger button to start tracking.
Impressions After Several Weeks
Pros
- Built-in Extension & Tripod: These solve real-world pain points.
- Build Quality: The craftsmanship and interaction design are excellent. The auto-tracking feature is incredibly convenient.
- Fill Light: The optional fill light accessory is fantastic for night shots.
- Learning Curve: With the tutorials in the DJI Mimo app, it’s easy to get the hang of the button shortcuts.
Cons
- App Stability: The DJI Mimo app can be flaky. I’ve been logged out unexpectedly several times.
- Bulk: It’s relatively large, making it a bit cumbersome to carry compared to the Pocket series. However, given the built-in tripod/rod, it’s a fair trade-off.
Final Thoughts
This is my first DJI product, and I’m impressed. I recommend anyone interested in mobile photography to give DJI a try—whether it’s a gimbal or another device depends on your needs. I’m already planning to pick up a Pocket and a drone in the future.
