DJI's New Osmo Mobile 8 Gimbal Adds Pet Tracking and DockKit.

9 hours ago7 min read9 comments

DJI just dropped the Osmo Mobile 8, and for anyone serious about mobile content creation, this is a legit game-changer. Let's break it down.The new gimbal looks almost identical to the Osmo Mobile 7P on the surface—same core three-axis stabilization that turns your shaky, jarring movements into buttery-smooth cinematic footage, a godsend when you're running after your hyperactive dog or trying to vlog on the move without looking like you're in a Blair Witch sequel. But the magic is in the upgrades.The headline act is, without a doubt, the pet tracking. Finally, your tech understands that your life's co-stars have four legs.The Multifunctional tracking module, which clips onto the side of the updated, more secure magnetic phone mount, now recognizes dogs and cats. Imagine setting up your shot, locking onto your golden retriever, and having the gimbal seamlessly pan and tilt to keep them in frame as they chase a squirrel in the park.It’s a feature that feels pulled from a content creator's dream wishlist, eliminating the frantic manual adjustment that usually ruins a perfect pet moment. This isn't just a minor spec bump; it's a fundamental shift in recognizing what people actually film.But the real flex for the iPhone squad is the full Apple DockKit support, a feature glaringly absent from the previous 7P model. This was a massive L for DJI last time, especially when competitors like Insta360's Flow 2 Pro had already integrated it.DockKit is a game-changer because it allows for subject tracking within the native iPhone camera app itself, along with over 200 other compatible iOS apps. No more being locked into a single proprietary application to get the smart features you paid for.You can now fire up Instagram, TikTok, or even just your standard camera roll, and the OM8 will intelligently follow you or your subject. This opens up a world of possibilities for solo creators, streamers, and anyone who wants a dynamic shot without a cameraperson.The Multifunctional Module itself is a beast. It's not just for tracking; it packs a surprisingly powerful LED fill light that can save a poorly lit indoor shot, and it doubles as a receiver for DJI's entire ecosystem of wireless mics—the Mic Mini, Mic 2, and Mic 3.This level of integration is what sets DJI apart in the prosumer market. They’re not just selling you a gimbal; they’re selling you a portable production studio that fits in your backpack.Another killer feature is the 360-degree panning. The old gimbals would hit a hard stop, but the OM8's pan axis rotates a full 360 degrees horizontally without any interruption.This means if you're tracking your friend on a skateboard doing a full circle around you, the gimbal won't stutter or reset—it just keeps going, creating a perfectly smooth, continuous orbit shot that was previously the domain of much more expensive rigs. The updated grip is more comfortable, and the whole unit weighs in at a manageable 0.8 pounds, making it easier to get those low-angle shots, perfect for making your cat look like a majestic lion or for capturing dynamic ground-level action. When you dive into DJI's own Mimo app, you unlock the full power of ActiveTrack 7.0. 1.This is where the AI gets seriously smart. A feature called Dual Lens Boost 2 leverages both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses on your phone to maintain a lock on your subject, even if they move erratically or get temporarily obscured in a crowd.Smart Capture makes switching between multiple subjects in a complex scene—think a child's birthday party—intuitive and seamless. It’s the kind of tech that feels like it’s reading your mind, anticipating your creative needs before you even realize them.Other quality-of-life features solidify the OM8 as the all-in-one solution: an integrated tripod for stable static shots, the ability to easily flip between front and rear cameras (and even rotate the phone 180 degrees for high-quality rear-camera selfies), and a built-in extension rod for getting those extra-high angles. It’s available in Europe now for 159 euros, with US details coming soon.In the hyper-competitive world of mobile gimbals, DJI hasn't just iterated; they've listened to their community and delivered a device that directly addresses the pain points of modern creators. This isn't just an accessory; it's your new favorite co-pilot for every adventure, whether it's with your friends, your family, or your furry companions.

#DJI

#Osmo Mobile 8

#gimbal

#pet tracking

#Apple DockKit

#stabilization

#featured

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