The world of mobile filmmaking is buzzing. In a move that has enthusiasts and content creators on high alert, DJI has quietly unveiled the Osmo Mobile 8 in China, offering a first official look at the successor to the popular Osmo Mobile 7 series. This early release, which also came with a teaser for the Neo 2 drone, gives us a clear picture of what to expect when the stabilizer eventually launches globally.
For months, the rumor mill suggested the Osmo Mobile 8 would be more of an iterative update than a complete overhaul. Now, with the official DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Chinese product page live, we have confirmation—and a detailed breakdown of how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 7P.
Familiar Form, Subtle Refinements
If you were expecting a radical new design, you might be disappointed. DJI has confirmed what the leaks suggested: the Osmo Mobile 8 shares a significant amount of its DNA with the Osmo Mobile 7P, which itself was only released in February of this year.
A side-by-side look at the specs reveals a near-identical footprint. Both the OM 7P and the new OM 8 measure 190 x 95 x 46 mm when folded and 288 x 107 x 96 mm when unfolded. They also share the same 215 mm extension bar and a 67 mm tripod, making accessories largely interchangeable between the two generations.
The battery story remains the same, too. DJI has equipped the Osmo Mobile 8 with the same 3,350 mAh (12.06 Wh) battery found in the 7P, promising up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. So, what’s actually different? The new model is ever so slightly heavier, coming in at 370 grams—a 2-gram increase over the Osmo Mobile 7P. It’s a negligible difference, but a difference nonetheless.
As reported by GSMArena in their recent coverage, the changes, while few, are targeted at improving the user experience.
Key Upgrades: Smoother Pans and Effortless Pairing
So, why would you choose the OM 8 over the still-excellent OM 7P? DJI has introduced two key enhancements that aim to streamline the creative process.
- 360° Horizontal Panning: This is the headline new feature. The Osmo Mobile 8 now supports a full 360° horizontal pan, a capability the OM 7P lacks. This opens up new creative possibilities for capturing seamless panoramic shots, dynamic time-lapses, and smooth, continuous rotations that were previously mechanically limited.
- NFC for Instant Pairing: In a welcome quality-of-life improvement, DJI has integrated an NFC chip into the Osmo Mobile 8. This means pairing your smartphone will be faster than ever. Instead of fumbling through Bluetooth settings, users will likely be able to simply tap their phone to the stabilizer to connect instantly to the DJI Mimo app.
Pricing and Global Availability: The Waiting Game
With the early launch in China comes a clear price tag. The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 retails for CNY 898, which is approximately $125. However, this represents a significant 28% price increase over the Osmo Mobile 7P's MSRP in China. This suggests that when it hits international markets, the OM 8 will likely cost more than the $149 DJI initially charged for the OM 7P in the US.
For those looking for a bargain, this could be the perfect time to snag the previous model. The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is currently available on Amazon for $129, offering tremendous value for anyone looking to step up their mobile video game.
As for when the rest of the world can get its hands on the new model, DJI has remained quiet. The only hint we have to go on are industry rumors pointing towards a global release sometime in November. Until an official announcement is made, the Chinese market will remain the exclusive home of the latest and greatest in DJI's smartphone stabilizer lineup.
What do you think of the Osmo Mobile 8 based on these early specs? Are the new features enough to warrant an upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!
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