I’ve had other mini-gimbal units and have to say the DJI just feels beefier and better. It focuses faster and just does everything else better. But – you HAVE to register it before the 5th use. If you don’t, you have a paperweight until you do register it. So if you go on vacation with your new toy and have no internet, you are in trouble. This is my main complaint with every new DJI device.

The app is not standards compliant and to get it to run is a bit tricky. If you already have it installed – I did – but it won’t run – mine would not – you have to uninstall and download the APK from DJI using a QR code. You also have to change your security settings to allow the app to install. If you’re into privacy or security, you will NOT like anything about the camera. After I went through all that on my Moto Edge 2023 the app ran fine. The first thing it did was download a firmware update. It works well and has very little lag. It uses an ad-hoc wifi network to connect to the phone, and it’s all done with answering questions (allow to connect? etc.)

Other stuff worth mentioning: The camera will power on and off when the screen is rotated. It’s a battery hog. I went through 11% of the battery just setting it up and installing firmware. There’s magnetic storage in the case for filters and a slide-in spot to keep their external mic. The “manual” reads like Ikea instructions and is all icons and arrows, and pretty useless. The included mount that snaps on the bottom is needed for using with a selfie stick or tripod, as there’s no mounting threads on the gimbal – the threaded opening (1/4-20) is on the snap-on base. This also adds about 1 1/2″ to the length. It’s a combination of rubber, plastic and aluminum and is surprisingly heavy.

The included case is handy, but does not cover the camera completely, and leaves the bottom and back totally exposed. It’s not something I would just toss in a backpack or camera bag. You’ll need to put it in a pouch or another case.

Video quality is excellent, audio surprisingly good. The gimbal is FAST and there’s a lot of features, from hyperlapse and timelapse, to 3×3 and 180 degree panoramic photos, although no 360 photos.

Last night I shot some video at a 1920’s themed dance. Very dark room, loud music with some heavy bass. I was amazed at the quality of the video and the clarity of the audio.