DJI launches the Osmo Mobile 8, which promises to track everything

The most commonly used cameras these days are smartphones, but if you want to record video, on-board stabilisation is pretty average.

I've been using the DJI Osmo Mobile 5 for years to record video, but I was very interested in the launch of the Osmo Mobile 7P at the start of the year.

And now, DJI has updated that with the Osmo Mobile 8, which will make the process of capturing great footage easier than ever.

The big improvement with the Osmo Mobile 8 is the new Multi-functional Tracking Module. This attachment does three things at once: it tracks people and pets, adds fill lighting with eight brightness levels and colour temperature settings, and works as a receiver for DJI's Mic Mini or Mic 2 transmitters.

That's all good, but what makes this better than previous generations is that it works with any app on your iPhone.

Want to record straight to TikTok, Instagram, or your iPhone's native camera? Compatibility with Apple's DockKit means the module tracks your subject regardless of which app you're using.

Three ways to track

DJI has given the Osmo Mobile 8 three different tracking methods, depending on your needs:

The Multi-functional Tracking Module works across all apps and handles people and pets. Just hold up your hand like you're going for a high five, or pull the trigger button, to start tracking.

If you download the DJI Mimo app, you get Tracking 7.0, which can follow anything you point it at. The app also includes smart features like one-tap filmmaking and dynamic zoom. Though if you're using Mimo tracking, you're better off removing the module.

For iPhone 12 and newer users running iOS 18.5 or later, there's also Apple DockKit support. This works with the native camera and third-party apps like TikTok and Instagram.

It's particularly good for single-person scenarios like online meetings or live streaming.

360-degree rotation and low-angle shots

One of the biggest upgrades with this over my old Osmo Mobile 5 is the 360-degree pan rotation. Push the joystick in any direction twice in video mode, and the gimbal can rotate freely in a full circle.

This is perfect for capturing the atmosphere at gatherings, camping trips, or music festivals. You just pop it on a table and let it show the whole scene.

DJI has redesigned the grip so you can invert the whole device to film from a low angle.

Extend the built-in extension rod fully, adjust the grip position to flip it upside down, then press the trigger three times to rotate the lens 180 degrees. You can then shoot low-angle video easily.

The usual DJI gimbal excellence

Beyond the new features, the Osmo Mobile 8 keeps all the things that made previous models great. You get robust 3-axis stabilisation, a built-in extension rod and tripod, and an impressive 10-hour battery life. The gimbal can even charge your phone via its USB-C port when you're not actively filming.

The magnetic phone clamp now accommodates more large-lens Android phones, and there's support for remote control via Apple Watch.

If you prefer, you can swap the clamp for DJI's MagSafe magnetic adhesive backing to make switching between handheld and gimbal shooting even faster.

DJI Mimo brings the smart features

The DJI Mimo app remains the hub for creative features. Beyond the enhanced Tracking 7.0, you get:

Shooting guidance that recognises everyday scenes and suggests camera movements
One-tap editing to automatically cut your footage into a finished video
Time-lapse photography, panoramic shooting, clone panorama, and dynamic zoom
For iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max owners (or newer), there's Dual Lens Boost, which uses both lenses intelligently for more stable tracking during close-range rapid movements

The app also shows you a real-time preview of your footage and lets you adjust all the camera and gimbal settings from one place.