DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

As wedding shooters what do you all think of this product?

DJI Osmo ? Reimagine Movement | DJI

I have been considering upgrading my Canon 5DM2 which I've been using primarily for my stabilizer shots (Steadicam Merlin). After using this combo for several years I can get decent footage but I can never hand off to one of my crew because of the learning curve. The Osmo with the X5 camera and gimble would run about $2500- about the same as an A7s body. What excites me about the Osmo is the ability to remote control from a phone or tablet so that I could have one of my crew moving the camera while I control camera direction, exposure, focus etc. The specs on the X5 camera seem to indicate it would be good in low light too. Thoughts?

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Sounds interesting although quite expensive. I'd need to see how the camera performs first.
This could be a better solution although we have to wait and see.
SteadXP a half in camera/ half in post stabilising solution? 3 DAYS LEFT TO BACK IT! | Philip Bloom

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

From what I've seen online, the image quality on the X5 camera didn't impress me much and I don't think it would compare very well to the A7s II. Here is a video showing how the X5 compares to the X3 (which is basically a GoPro):


In most of the shots i think the X3 looks as good if not better than the X5. Once the sun starts to set then I notice a difference in how the X5 handles shadows, but I'm not sure that it's worth almost $2K more when the X3 looks just as good in many situations.

If you're interested in buying a new camera and stabilizer you may want to wait until used A7S cameras start getting really cheap and buy one of those along with a Ronin-M. If you can get a Ronin-M and and a used A7s for $3000 then it will be far better in low light since the X5 likely won't look all that great once you have to raise up the ISO.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I saw that clip too and was not impressed but the shooter mentioned he might have had a focus issue. This clip, while professionally produced does impress me.
dji x5 - Bing video

What I really like about the Osmo/X5 combination vs a A7s/Ronin is the compact form factor. It looks like it would have minimal setup time and you can lay it down and pick it up quickly which would be ideal for fast paced environments like weddings. The two things that have me hesitant about the Osmo are 1.) low light capability as you mentioned (rated for 25,000 ISO but what does that mean?) and 2.) having only one focal length lens available for now. Another positive - spare batteries are only $35!

Art

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

The advantage of the Osmo is definitely ease of use and portability. I doubt it will be as good as an a7s or most cameras we are using, but the ability to easy have it on you at all times is the huge benefit. It will be interesting to see if people use it for weddings and how the videos turn out.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

The way I'm looking at this is that we're well past the threshold of having great cameras that will give us amazing quality footage in the hands of a professional. So while the A7s may be better than the X5 and a C300 better than an A7s, the perceptible differences for our wedding market are getting smaller and smaller. For me it's now about the speed and efficiency of being able to get the shot when it presents itself. I find myself over-burdened with so much gear now that I'm missing stuff when I'm changing lenses, balancing my steadicam, etc. I can see buying or making a holster for the Osmo and having it hanging on my hip at the ready.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Art, I think you make some really great points. I'm personally looking at the Osmo with the X3 because it's REALLY lightweight and also looks like there's very little setup involved.

I think my main concern about the X5 is that I don't think it will be very good in low light so it may be something that can only be used when the lights are raised up at the reception. My thinking is that if I can only use it when there's lots of light then I may as well get the X3 and save the money.

However, everyone has a different idea of what "low light" means. I tend to shoot receptions that get very dark and even with a 50mm f/1.4 on my C100 I still need to raise the ISO to 6400 or 8000 sometimes. So for me, I wouldn't be able to use the X5 for much of the evening. I think that some people tend to shoot receptions that don't get quite as dark so the X5 may work pretty well if the lights don't get really low like they do here.

As far as the quality of the image when outdoors, my guess is that most people wouldn't be able to tell a big difference between the A7S, X5 and X3 because they're all very sharp with good image quality. So to me it's really just the low light thing that concerns me about both the X3 and X5.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I hear you Michael. I shoot with a C100 and fast lenses too which barely hold up in dark venues. I guess I'll wait to see some initial reviews. DJI still hasn't released the adapter required to mate the X5 with the Osmo handle so it may be a while.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

On a post elsewhere from someone who used the DJi Osmo for a wedding yesterday:

I haven't named the poster, as it's a closed group, though he did seem to have higher than average expectations for the Osmo. I'm uncertain whether he was using the X5 or not, but will post more once that's clear.

I have no opinion on this, as I am not interested in the Osmo. As far as I am concerned, the Osmo is perfect for day time shoots, and will definitely have a great ability to gain some wonderful footage, but it is a small step for gimbals on a sub-par device, that I suspect some guests will be using in the near future - hence why story is going to be the main reason for us all having jobs still in five years time, as the gimbal is most certainly going to make its way into our devices as consumers.

When someone perfects a single-handed gimbal for a GH4 or A7S, then I think we'll have a huge soar in sales for that product, and it will become a staple for weddings. Otherwise, every gimbal at the moment has its own quirks, and clearly here, the Osmo doesn't help ease of use due to the lack of control you have over it.

If NAB this year was able to introduce the Ronin M, then maybe NAB next year will bring a brilliant one-handed gimbal, or a better two-handed version that will take us one step closer to having a perfect rig.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I don't believe the poster was referring to the X5 as DJI hasn't yet released the adapter required to pair it with the Osmo handle. The X3 camera standard with the Osmo has a 1/2.3" sensor. The X5 is micro 4/3.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Pessimistic view. As if lack of stable handheld camera footage is what's stopping guests taking our job. Theres a company called Shoot it Yourself that does well loaning professional gear, but yet my Guestcam service is little used as most couples don't trust their guests to do a decent job. As well they might. A gimbal won't give great audio, negotiate with the vicar for prime position, keep filming when there are drinks on offer and make sure the couple are in shot. A gimbal will not turn a guest into Ray Roman.

My gimbal feels quirk free. Sure its not a well known make and it may develop a fault. However I've no complaints so far.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Ah, thanks for clearing that up!

Very true, Steve. I am a pessimist about most things, and I am certainly not capturing the best wedding footage by carrying a tripod, a slider and a monopod vs the videographer who carries a steadicam or gimbal. I am actually really excited and enthused about using a gimbal (eventually). It's just that when I've watched my friend operate his - it takes quite a while to get it balanced - and even then, there can be some quirks. I would eliminate most of his frustrations by leaving a dedicated camera on there, but even then... they look like they take up a bit of time. I'm waiting for the device that comes along that gives us ease of us, control and relatively no quirks whatsoever. Maybe I'm just too pessimistic and that device is already here, I'm just not convinced as yet. The Nebula looked like the one I was most excited about, but then you read the set up quirks and my enthusiasm dwindled. After watching my friend struggle with the Ronin M, my enthusiasm to get one dwindled once more. I'm still really interested in the G2X by Defy, but it costs a fortune where we both live.

Which gimbal do you have, Steve, and have you shared your experiences in a thread yet, so I can go and take a look at your opinion on it?

I had to help a bride at a wedding who is a friend of my girlfriend's who used Shoot it Yourself. Her relative had control of it during the ceremony, and handheld the camera throughout. His back must have been in bits. Then I did the reception / speeches, and used the tripod that they sent to her - an old, brittle photo tripod that was complicated to use. I'm not surprised that few brides trust in these companies, but my point is that with an Osmo, a guest may come away with some 'wow' footage that could potentially compete with some of our works, where as I feel most other equipment guests bring really doesn't compete against what we bring. I take back some of what I said though, you are right. I am overly pessimistic at times. My apologies! :)

Craig

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Plenty of guests have cameras and can take wow photos, but Photographers are still hired. The odd wow footage is no substitute for hard graft during a long day. No gimbal will film a Ceremony with multiple cameras and then edit the material. That's where we win. I was booked for a Wedding back in March by the Groom who runs his own Video Production company. Footage only as he planned to edit it himself. When I met him again for a friend's Wedding late August, he admitted he had yet to edit a single bit of it. Yet another couple I filmed in March had received from me a Trailer, full length and 30 minute video by the end of April. No gimbal will replace us.

I use a MiniSturdyFlight for my gimbal. Takes me a minute or two to set up and then I'm flying with it. No balancing is needed. It was set and balanced by the company for my 12-35 lens and I just use that. Okay that's a bit limited but for what I use it for, it works well. I could always learn to re-balance the device for another lens, but then I'd lose the ease in which I can grab good shots with it on the go. Perhaps when I feel more confident I'll give that a try. When I get a proper wide angle lens like the SLR Magic 10mm, it'll be worth the effort.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

That's something you shouldn't fear, there is a lot more to making a wedding video then the occasional shot from a guest taken from his seat in a church or at a venue, even if that would be in 4K raw. Like Steve says it's one thing to shoot it but another to edit and that's a discipline most don't master or just don't have the time to put it all together into something that is watchable.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

The person who made the post about the Osmo being unusable in low light must have had no idea what type of camera he was getting. If he does in fact have the X3 then this is essentially a GoPro and is not designed for low light. Expecting a GoPro to look great in a dark reception is kind of absurd and that's basically what this guy was expecting. I think this person has a very poor understanding of what to expect from a small sensor camera. It's going to take pretty nice footage outdoors or in very well lit indoor situations, but don't expect it to compete with a large sensor camera in low light.

With that said, I don't expect the X5 to be very good in low light (compared to a C100 or A7S) but it will almost certainly be better than the X3 since it has an M43 sensor with a f/1.7 lens.

To be honest, I don't really trust this person's review because they were expecting it to perform in a way that is extremely unrealistic.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Is this not normal for any new product that just has been released? You only know for sure once you have it in your hands and tried it. If a camera has a small sensor doesn't necessarily mean it will perform very poor in low light, my ax100 doesn't perform better then my cx730 in low light, despite the sensor size differences, in fact, my cx730 provides a cleaner image at it's highest iso.

If the x5 performs the same as a gh4 considering it has the same size sensor and if you can combine it with a f1.7 lens then this will be usable in darker venues at weddings.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I have one on order so I don't have a clue about what to expect. However I did encounter this video on vimeo and by the looks of it I wouldn't say that the Osmo is unusable in low light.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I'm not really sure what your reason is for posting this. It sounds like you're just trying to play devil's advocate. The person who posted their review of the Osmo said "I wanted this product to make my jaw drop but it's not fast nor great in low light which is what it needs to be for me to get excited." If someone is expecting a 1/2.3" sensor camera to be "great in low light" then slams it for not meeting those expectations, they need to re-evaluate their expectations.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I'm excited about the product. Steady cam/weddings are small part of my business so it's an enticing entry level product. Ease of setup, ease of use, and small form factor are a huge selling point. I've worked with colleagues who use ronin/movi and it's a expensive cumbersome affair that requires an operator who knows what they're doing. I don't view it as a threat to my job for the reasons others have mentioned, it takes more than a camera to make a great movie.

It obviously would be ideal for outdoor weddings. The degree of low light performance would make or break it for me. Might be enough to mix in some steady shots here and there throw in some lights and might fit the bill. In my opinion steady cam work has become over used. I was watching weddings on vimeo and a number of them almost the entire movie was filmed with a steady cam. I like steady cam work for a few moments like dramatic entrances ie procession, first dance and b-roll things like cake etc.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

My reason for posting this because you said that " I think this person has a very poor understanding of what to expect from a small sensor camera", a small sensor doesn't automatically mean bad low light performance as I have 2 camera's with a significant difference in sensor size yet the smallest sensor sized camera performs better. Does this then mean that you have a very poor understanding of what to expect from a small sensor camera? The person you referred to did have too optimistic expectations but that doesn't mean a small sensor size cannot surprise you in performance, there is more to it then sensor size alone to determine low light performance.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

There is definitely more to low light performance than sensor size, but a 1/2.3" sensor is going to produce noisy footage at every reception venue I know of. To expect it to be "great in low light" is unrealistic because he's expecting too much from camera with that small of sensor.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

My sony cx730 has a 1/2.88 inch sensor yet it manages to have an equal low light performance compared to my 1 inch sensor ax100 but it outperforms the ax100 in terms of noise reductions at it highest gain settings. I have had ceremony recordings where I had to apply neat video to the ax100 footage because the noise was that obvious but my cx730 footage was fine as is. I"m not saying that the osmo x3 would be capable of similar results but just saying that a small sensor equals noisy footage in low light is also not always right.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

To play devils advocate Sony EX1 line is 1/2" and my JVC hm600 1/3" yields a serviceable wide ceremony shot.

That being said my expectations are more in line with Michael. But I'd be more interested in the x5.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

You are comparing apples with oranges, the dji osmo is for ease of use, it's a stick with a mini camera on it. I could see this being attached to a belt while moving around while getting other shots on a tripod, something I couldn't see myself doing with a Ronin m and sony a7s and lens attached to it.

I did not look much further into this x3/x5 camera's yet but just did and the x3 would probably be used by the same people that now use a gopro, you can use it for weddings but that ice cream video that's linked to in this thread shows some clearly visible noise so very likely only useful for the brighter parts of the day. If I"m right it's only 650 dollar for this setup which I think is pretty cheap if you compare it to the price of a gopro 4 black. which is camera only and imagewise it should fit in just fine with any other camera.

The x5 however is another animal, I saw the "dji osmo - on set with the x5" video on youtube and eventhough the camera was used in controlled situations the footage it produced looked very cinematic and free of noise. Given the fact that it has a m4/3 sensor and can be coupled with fast prime lenses low light performance should be similar to a gh4, though that is just guessing right now, but if that would be the case and if a iso of 6400 would be possible then this could be a very capable combination for weddings, even candle lit ones. Not sure however what this set up will be costing?

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

B&H have Gimbal, X5 camera and 1.7 lens for $2298, plus the handle will cost you $269. You get a lovely remote controlled follow focus for $1999 to complete the set. A veritable bargain - hmmm!!! Well, I'd like one, but I've got a gimbal for a lot less; not as convenient maybe as this. Then there's the smartphone required to monitor the image; how responsive it is and how good for focus, who can say. It's a nice gadget for sure, but there are probably better gimbals to come in the future going by developments so far.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Noa, this is exactly what I said yesterday: "If he does in fact have the X3 then this is essentially a GoPro and is not designed for low light. Expecting a GoPro to look great in a dark reception is kind of absurd and that's basically what this guy was expecting." I'm scratching my head as to why you felt a need to argue the value of small sensor cameras in low light and then post that the X3 probably will be bad in low light.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Actually you just jumped to conclusions saying that the guy had very poor understanding of what to expect from a small sensor camera, the fact that he found out while using it that it didn't perform to his expectations shows he didn't have seen any other reference footage to know the footage was noisy in low light, that doesn't mean he has a "poor understanding". Like I said just because the sensor is small it doesn't necessarily mean it performs bad.

I now just base my conclusions on what I see in that video, something that guy most likely had not seen before he bought/used it.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Wow that is pricey. I was under the impression it was $600 or was that for the x3? This feels like the future of steady caming. For me thats too expensive for such a specialized tool but I could see myself renting it.

My biggest issue with the Ronin is its size and the inability to put it down. You need a stand.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Yeah the X3 is about $649 I think. However there's a X5 that is a micro 4/3s camera. The price i quoted includes a 1.7 lens; its cheaper without the lens. As you say, a steep price. Nice gadget but bit too much for me. There'll be other gimbals. This is really only the first year or so of them being on the market, so still early days.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

The X5 has been out for a while as an aerial camera option for the Inspire. It's claimed to have 12.8 stops of dynamic range and an ISO range up to 25,600. You'll soon be able to mount it to the Osmo handle but not until DJI releases a needed adapter

DJI - The World Leader in Camera Drones/Quadcopters for Aerial Photography

The Osmo/X5 setup will run you $2300 for the camera and lens + $270 for the Osmo handle kit. If that price doesn't scare you there is also the X5R that shoots raw at $5K for the body only. I was really tempted to pull the trigger on the Osmo/X5 but after hearing the early reports of quality issues with the Osmo I'm going back on the sideline to watch and wait.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

If I understand right it's then $2298 + $269 for the handle, the lens is $528 so the handle and x5 camera only are $2037. A handle like gimbal, like the nebula 4000 averages around $800. So the camera would be around $1240. If it performs the same as a gh4 then this would not be expensive at alll and probably be very popular amongst m4/3 camera owners. The accessories, like the followfocus seem to be very overpriced and 5K for the x5r is plain ridiculous if it would be the same camera but with the raw codec as only addition.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

My only issue with the price is that the camera is not much cheaper than a GH4, which offers a lovely touch screen, focus peaking and histogram, scene profiles, higher bitrate and other custom features. Does the X5 for example allow me to set the shutter speed manually. How good is the interface to smartphone. How good is focusing; is the remote focus system the only way to focus on the fly. When the GH4 is only $260 more expensive than the X5, it feels less attractive to me as an all in 1 unit, especially as I have to supply the smartphone. I'd need to hear more examples of how it works in the field before I'd be prepared to consider it.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I think the gh4 is cheap which makes any other camera feel expensive :)

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I agree, I've been spoiled rotten by the GH4. However my biggest gripe with this system is the reliance on my own smartphone as a screen. Connections to my GoPro for instance have not always been 100% reliable and tend to play up just when you least want it to. Plus any glance at the comments section of any Smartphone App showcases examples of how it doesn't work so well after this update or a phone update or if you're running this other App at the sametime. I can just see DJI fobbing off any problems with video monitoring with the line 'Its not an issue our end, it must be a problem with your phone'.

I can just imagine with my luck, circling the bride and groom on the dancefloor studying the screen closely, only to get a phone call and have that displayed on screen instead.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

It be an additional cost but the safest thing would be to buy a dedicated phone for it and don't register it with a carrier. Wifi will still work.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

From DJI's website

"With the Zenmuse X5, you have an unprecedented level of control right at your fingertips. In the intuitive auto-focus mode, simply tap on the screen of your mobile device to tell the camera to focus on a specific area. You can also easily manually change settings such as focus, shutter, and aperture through the user-friendly DJI GO app."

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Cheers for clearing that up. However marketing blurb and reality in the field aren't always matched. My GoPro App can play up sometimes and I think their website makes equally bold claims. Shame DJI couldn't have included a screen attached to the handle that was physically connected to the camera in some way.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

Also, using a screen to focus, change your aperture / shutter / ISO is a pain. I dislike touch screens in general, and the general reason for paying more for a camera is to usually get more physical buttons.

It's difficult to be 100% accurate when using a touch screen - just look at how often we need to delete what we have written in a text message...

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

On reflection and seeing more footage, I am tempted by the X3 version. It would be very useful in situations like the arrival of the Bride, and those sudden moments when I'm required to walk backwards with the Photographer back down the aisle or during a hurriedly arranged confetti throwing. GH4 on a monopod suffers in those occasions. Having this device on your person would at least give me an option to throw in some smooth handheld shots on the spur of the moment.

Plus I do get asked to grab footage with a camera attached to a car - mine or someone elses and apparently there is a mount for this. Could help negate some engine vibrations.

Re: DJI Osmo for Weddings?
 

I've had the Osmo/X3 for over a week now, and have no doubt that I'll be able to use it effectively at weddings, etc. It performs better than I expected in lower light levels (absolutely better than a GoPro), and with proper grading/noise reduction, it's going to rock.

The key is to test it out and figure out where it's going to best be used, and not think it's going to be a magical cheap replacement for something like a ronin-gh4 rig. There are lots of great applications for this, and is money well spent IMO.