It feels like only yesterday we were marveling at the novelty of a stabilised phone stick. Fast forward to today, and DJI pretty much handed over a pro film crew that fits in a backpack. The newly released DJI Osmo Mobile 8P has just dropped, and is a bit of a rethink of what “mobile content creation” actually looks like in 2026.
If you have ever tried to film a high-quality selfie using the superior rear cameras of your phone, you know the struggle: it is a game of “guess the framing” that usually ends in a chopped-off forehead. DJI has clearly been listening to our collective sighs.
Osmo FrameTap
The standout feature this year is the Osmo FrameTap. It is a detachable remote that snaps onto the handle but can be pulled off for long-distance directing. It features a built-in screen that mirrors your smartphone’s view. You can stand ten metres away, see exactly what the camera sees, and use the integrated joystick to adjust your zoom and gimbal tilt. It’s tech we’ve seen in other gimbals but it’s extremely well executed here.
Tracking That Actually Keeps Up
Tracking has always been a bit hit-or-miss in crowded spaces, but the ActiveTrack 8.0 update feels significantly more “sentient.” Whether you are filming a frantic puppy at the park or a marathon runner weaving through a crowd, the software stays locked on with an almost eerie level of agility.
The new Multifunctional Module 2 expands these horizons. It allows the gimbal to recognise and track general objects, like cars, landmarks, or even that architectural marvel you’re walking past, keeping them perfectly centred without you needing to touch the controls.
Furthermore, Apple users get a massive win. The Osmo Mobile 8P supports Apple DockKit, meaning you can skip the third-party apps and use the gimbal’s native tracking directly within the standard iPhone camera app. Yeah that’s a nice feature, but I’m not giving up my Pixel for anything.
Built for the Long Haul
Physically, the 8P remains a lightweight companion at roughly 386g, but it feels sturdier than its predecessors. The built-in 215mm extension rod is still there for those high-angle “drone-style” shots, but the tripod base has been widened for better stability on uneven surfaces.
Perhaps most importantly for the power-hungry creators among us, it doubles as a portable charger. If your phone is flagging mid-stream, you can plug it directly into the gimbal’s USB-C port. With a 10-hour battery life, the gimbal will likely outlast your phone’s battery and your own energy levels combined.
Cinematic Flair Without the Film School
The software side remains as playful as ever. Features like 360° Infinite Spin allow for those dizzying, professional-grade transitions, while the Widescreen mode shoots in 2.35:1 format immediately. This means you get that cinematic “movie” look without having to crop your footage and lose resolution in post-production.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
With the Standard Combo starting at $219 AUD, it is competitively priced for the tech on offer. If you are serious about your output, the Creator Combo ($329 AUD) which includes the new DJI Mic Mini 2 hardware is a bit of a steal for a literal studio-in-a-box. This is a great solution for creators wanting to make use of their phone rather than upgrade to something like the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 which is an absolute game changer in my book, but also around a thousand dollars for the creator combo.
For more details and to find out about DJI Care Refresh, head over to: https://www.dji.com/au
