DJI Osmo Mobile 4 vs 6: Is the Upgrade Worth the Extra Cash?
By Elisabeth Christ
Published June 2024
DJI, the undisputed king of drone photography, has also made a name for itself in the world of smartphone stabilizers with its Osmo Mobile lineup. The OM 4 has been a favorite among content creators for its portability and ease of use, but now the OM 6 has been sold in the market, promising even smoother footage and a slew of new features. But is the upgrade worth the extra bucks?
Key Takeaways
The DJI OM 6 edges out its predecessor, the OM 4, in several key areas. It boasts an upgraded 3-axis stabilization system with ActiveTrack 6.0 for improved subject tracking and smoother footage, even in challenging conditions. The OM 6 also offers a wider field of view and better image quality compared to the OM 4. Additionally, the OM 6 features a built-in extension rod for wider shots and selfies, as well as a new side wheel for focus control. Though, in terms of battery life, the OM 4 still takes the lead with its 15 hours of runtime compared to the approximately OM 6's 6.5 hours. The OM 6 has supported Bluetooth 5.1 for better connection while the OM 4 is a little bit behind with 4.0. Both gimbals are compatible with a wide range of iOS and Android devices.
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
Better Choice for Casual Users
✓ ActiveTrack 3.0, Gesture Control, and Dynamic Zoom
✓ 15 hours of battery life
✓ Adjustable setting via DJI Mimo
✓ 171.95° pan, 235.5° tilt, and 198° roll
DJI Osmo Mobile 6B
Better Choice for Professionals
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Quick Launch & Gesture Control
✓ ShotGuides & Story Mode
✓ 6.4 hours runtime
#1 Price & Design
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
The DJI Osmo Mobile 4 and Osmo Mobile 6 are both premium smartphone gimbals from the industry-leading brand DJI. The Osmo Mobile 4 retails for $149, while the newer Osmo Mobile 6 has a slightly higher price tag of $159.
In terms of design, both gimbals feature a sleek and compact aluminum body with a minimalist aesthetic. The Osmo Mobile 4 weighs 390g, while the Osmo Mobile 6 is slightly lighter at 309g. Both models fold down compactly for easy portability. The Osmo Mobile 6 has a slightly more ergonomic handle design compared to its predecessor.
#2 Features & Performance
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
When it comes to features, the OM 4 is packed with a variety of creative options that cater to both novice and experienced users. It includes modes such as Gesture Control, Story Mode, and Dynamic Zoom, which add a professional touch to your videos with minimal effort. The OM 4 also offers a Sport Mode that increases the gimbal's responsiveness, perfect for action-packed scenes. Its performance is reliable, with smooth and stable footage consistently produced thanks to its sophisticated stabilization technology.
The OM 6 builds on the foundation of the OM 4 by introducing new features and enhancements that elevate its performance. One of the standout additions is the built-in status panel, which provides quick access to gimbal modes and battery status, making it easier to manage and monitor your device. The OM 6 also includes a side wheel for precise zoom and focus adjustments, offering greater control over your shots. Furthermore, it supports enhanced gesture control and offers an upgraded Story Mode with more templates and creative options. The performance of the OM 6 is further boosted by its refined stabilization algorithms, ensuring even smoother footage in a wider range of shooting scenarios.
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
Furthermore, both the OM 4 and OM 6 are designed to stabilize your smartphone's camera, resulting in smooth, professional-quality videos. The OM 4 uses a three-axis stabilization system that compensates for movements in real-time, significantly reducing shake and jitter. This system ensures that videos are stable and photos are sharp, even when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in challenging conditions. Paired with the DJI Mimo app, users can access various intelligent shooting modes like ActiveTrack 3.0, which allows for precise subject tracking, enhancing the overall quality of your content.
The OM 6 takes these capabilities a step further with improved stabilization algorithms that offer even smoother footage. The three-axis gimbal has been fine-tuned to handle more complex movements, ensuring your videos remain steady even during vigorous activities. Additionally, the OM 6 features upgraded ActiveTrack 6.0 technology, which provides more reliable and responsive subject tracking. This enhancement ensures that your subject remains in focus and centered in the frame, making it easier to capture high-quality video content effortlessly.
#3 Connectivity & Compatibilty
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The OM 4 supports Bluetooth 4.0, ensuring a stable and fast connection with your smartphone. This connectivity allows for seamless integration with the DJI Mimo app, where users can access a range of features and settings to enhance their shooting experience. The OM 4 is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, thanks to its adjustable clamp that can accommodate devices of various sizes. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile tool for different users.
In contrast, the OM 6 also utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 but with improved connectivity features that make pairing and maintaining a connection even more reliable. The enhanced Bluetooth functionality ensures faster response times and reduced latency, crucial for real-time shooting and control. The OM 6 is designed to support a broader range of smartphones, including the latest models, thanks to its more versatile clamp and enhanced motor strength. This ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of the gimbal with the latest technology in smartphone cameras.
#4 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Mobile 4
The battery life of the OM 4 is impressive, offering up to 15 hours of use on a single charge. This extended battery life is particularly beneficial for long shooting sessions or when traveling without easy access to charging facilities. The OM 4 also supports quick charging, allowing users to get back to shooting in a short amount of time. The battery's reliability ensures that users can confidently capture content throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.
The OM 6 also boasts a long battery life, with up to 6.5 hours of use on a single charge. While it is a lot less than the OM 4, this duration is still substantial for most shooting needs. The OM 6 features an upgraded quick charge capability, allowing for faster charging times compared to its predecessor. This means that even if the battery runs low, a quick recharge can get you back to filming rapidly. The battery performance of the OM 6 ensures that it remains a dependable tool for content creators who require long-lasting power and quick turnaround times.
DJI Osmo Mobile 4 vs 6
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Mobile 4 vs 6
The DJI OM 6 is a worthy successor to the OM 4, offering a host of improvements that will appeal to content creators seeking smoother, more professional-looking footage. If you're already happy with your OM 4, the upgrade might not be necessary. However, if you're looking for the best possible stabilization, image quality, and features, the OM 6 is a solid investment. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Whether you opt for the OM 4 or the OM 6, you're sure to capture stunning, cinematic footage that will elevate your smartphone videos to the next level.
If you like to read more on Gimbals, check out our other relevant guides here:
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