DJI Osmo 8P in hand: is the most complete phone gimbal currently
DJI Osmo 8P is equipped with a remote with screen, not only can control all parameters, but can also watch liveview, it solves many tasks effectively.
Let's talk about the screen remote first
DJI Osmo 8P instead of being equipped with an OLED screen like the DJI RS series gimbals, they make a separate remote with a screen that can:
The first thing it solves is the situation of leaving the gimbal at an angle, then having to go in and out to adjust the parameters.
Now that you have a remote, you can hold the remote control from afar. I often use:
No more is spinning blindly, no more is recording and the battery is running out without knowing, no more is running out of capacity without knowing it, it's very frustrating to return. In the video, I have a demo of what this remote can control. For more information, you can watch the video.
Tracking
DJI Osmo 8P is equipped with 3 tracking methods including: ActiveTrack 8.0 on DJI Mimo app, Tracking with trigger or gesture control module, tracking with Apple's Dockit.
ActiveTrack 8.0 is DJI's latest tracking technology. It is fast and smooth, avoids obstacles, calculates when the object tracks well, predicts the subject's movement well, and can be said to be the strongest of the three methods.
But its disadvantage is that you have to use the DJI Mimo app. You have to connect to the app and perform a lot of operations, so it's a bit cumbersome.
Tracking using the module on the gimbal, this one's main advantage is that it is compact, and has an additional light, no need to install, no need for an app, no need to do much, just turn on the trigger 1 time for tracking. On the DJI Osmo 8P, you can also watch liveview on the tracking camera, and you can choose objects to track, not just faces.
Liveview camera on module
The disadvantage of this method is that it is weaker than ActiveTrack 8.0, not as smooth, motion judgment is not as fast, and there is a phenomenon of jerking when the subject moves too fast. The tracking module has also been moved to the gimbal motor, not on the phone clip anymore, so when you take out your phone to use it, it's not as confusing as before.
Apple Dockit has the advantage of being fast, convenient and can use Apple's default camera app. Many people do not like to use external apps, the default video recording app on iPhone is simple and they are already too familiar with it. Dockit is something that helps both track and capture buttons with extremely simple connection. The disadvantage of Dockit is that it is slower than the above two methods and not as smooth. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose your own way to use it, there are 3 ways, choose whichever you like.
Other minor upgrades
Besides the screen remote and tracking capabilities, DJI Osmo 8P has many other small updates, which can be mentioned below.
The most obvious thing is that the tripod has been made longer, the gimbal will stand more firmly, especially when used with large phones like iPhone Pro Max, S26 Ultra,...
Recharge the battery from the gimbal to the phone, even if the mic is plugged in, it can still be charged.
New slow-shutter effect on DJI Mimo app New video recording instructions on the DJI Mimo app, those who like to learn and dabble to record better videos should learn and try it out here.
Conclude
It can be said that for me, DJI Osmo 8P is the most complete phone gimbal currently, it has quite wide coverage, suitable for the majority of users who record videos with phones. The remote has a screen to view liveview and control parameters, making self-recording safer, no more blind recording. Even though I'm not someone who records videos with my phone, I really like this remote with screen. If DJI sold it separately, I would buy it to control other devices. If you are interested in the product, see more here.