DJI OM 5 more portable than ever and, yes, there’s an extension rod

You thought selfie sticks were over. Turns out, the DJI OM 5 has taken the selfie stick and made it wildly epic.

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI on Wednesday launched a new product in its ‘Hi Five’ virtual launch that’s not a drone, but instead a product that takes that silky-smooth aerial video aesthetic and brings it to the ground. The latest edition of the Osmo line, this one dubbed OM 5, goes a bit beyond the ground too — thanks to what’s essentially a glorified selfie stick with tons of extra bells and whistles. While it’s palm-sized when folded, DJI OM 5 has a 215 mm built-in extension rod.

And the price is pretty accessible at just $159.

What’s new with DJI OM 5?

DJI OM 5 is the fifth edition in the company’s Osmo Mobile series of smartphone stabilizers, taking the company’s 3-axis stabilization technology originally intended to smooth out drone video and now putting it on products held in your hands. This version has some standout improvements, including:

• a new phone clamp
• a more compact design (it’s smaller and lighter than any of its predecessors)
• a built-in extension rod
• new ShotGuides featured
• improved ActiveTrack 4.0

Who is DJI OM 5 for?

With the DJI OM 5, DJI isn’t necessarily targeting drone users (though drone users might be interested in an OM 5). Mostly, DJI is targeting the increasing generation of people tied to their phones, whether it’s a vlogger or someone just trying to impress friends and family with the highest quality footage during video calls.

It’s a product suited for a COVID generation, where people are seeking something portable they can throw in their backpack during a long hike and whip out for epic shots that go on Instagram later.

“With the iterations of the DJI OM smartphone stabilizers over the years, we have been aiming to lower the threshold of professional and high-quality shooting by offering users more accessible and helpful tools for their everyday activities,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “For those who rely on their smartphones, the DJI OM 5 is your ultimate compact, technologically advanced gimbal – any time you want to create footage of your most memorable moments.”

And the $159 price point isn’t bad. It’s roughly in line with the $149 price point that its predecessor, the OM 4, launched at back in October 2020. But, it’s far lower than the original Osmo Mobile price point, which — when it launched back in September 2016 — went for $299. 

With a battery life of 6.4 hours, it might even last a weekend trip on one charge.

“Whether you’re taking a road trip, making video calls with friends or family, or vlogging your daily activities, DJI OM 5 serves as the perfect companion for all of life’s adventures,” according to a statement from DJI.

Taking videos

The big draw of the OM 5 is the high-grade 3-axis gimbal technology seen in every version of the Osmo Mobile. But this version has some new features that will also level-up your video.

A new ShotGuides feature is designed for people new to videography and provides up to 30 sets of pre-set shooting tutorials and supports automatic editing into one video.

DJI also updated ActiveTrack 4.0 to now support tracking at up to 3x zoom at 5 m/s. It can precisely identify and steadily follows the subject centered in frame, even while in action.

The OM 5 is also capable of other pre-programmed shooting modes found in previous iterations of the handheld gimbal, including:

• Gesture Control: Start and stop video recording or take photos by using hand gestures to control the DJI OM 5 (no self-timer needed)
• DynamicZoom: DJI OM 5 automatically adjusts the zoom function to create a dramatic, Alfred Hitchcock-inspired background shift.
• Timelapse: Show the passing of time in a sped-up form.
• Motionlapse: This takes the timelapse and adds set movement points for the gimbal.
• Hyperlapse:  Physically move with the gimbal in a timelapse.
• Panoramas: Three panorama options include 3×3 panorama, 240°panorama and “CloneMe” panorama, which allows the user to add multiple versions of a person or subject into one shot.
• Spin Shot Gimbal Movement: Activated in the DJI Mimo app and using the joystick, the gimbal will rotate the phone to give a spinning effect.
• Story Mode Templates: Choose from one of the pre-set movements, music and color palettes for quick videos.
• Glamour Effects: Supports automatic retouching and customized parameter settings. Glamour Effects will be automatically activated when switching to the front-facing camera.

New OM 5 accessories

DJI added a few more add-on accessories with this product launch. Most notably is the new Fill Light Phone Clamp ($59 extra), which is a magnetic clamp with a built-in auxiliary light. It targets people who have fallen for the ring light look by adding glow to your footage.

DJI OM 5 is also supported by other accessories including a wrist strap, a grip tripod and storage pouch.

Can I purchase DJI Care Refresh for DJI OM 5?

Yes, DJI Care Refresh, which is a sort of extended-warranty protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI OM 5.

For an small additional charge, your purchase of DJI Care Refresh will provide you with up to 2 replacement units in 1 year, in the event of covered accidents like water and impact damage.

There’s also an upgraded 2-year plan, which provides 3 replacement units in 2 years and extends the original warranty period by one more year.

With it, you also get International Warranty Service, exclusive technical service and free shipping.

How do I get a DJI OM 5?

If you can’t wait for the holiday season when Santa might bring you one, you can order a DJI OM 5 today.

It’s available in two colors: Sunset White and Athens Gray. But at launch availability is highly limited. For purchases on DJI’s site, the company says each customer can only purchase one unit and additional orders purchased after will be cancelled.

For the $159 price, you’ll get the OM 5 itself, plus a magnetic clamp, tripod, power cable, wrist strap and storage pouch. The Fill Light Phone Clamp is sold separately for $59 and will be available at a later date. 

For now, it’s only available on DJI’s site, though it should hit major retailers like B&H Photo or Amazon, where you may be able to take advantage of deeper discounts (say, 5% back for paying with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card), soon.

Are you impressed by the DJI OM 5? Share your comments below!