DJI OM 4 vs. 5: Which Gimbal is the Better Buy for You?

Hey friend! If you‘re evaluating DJI‘s newest OM 5 gimbal release, I imagine stabilized footage and capturing cinematic movement with your smartphone are top priorities.

You may be wondering whether upgrading from the previous OM 4 model is worth it. This guide will compare both options in-depth so you know exactly where your dollars are best spent…

The Rise of DJI‘s Industry-Leading Gimbal Tech

DJI took the photography world by storm when it launched the first Ronin gimbal over a decade ago. Pro-level stabilization finally became accessible for independent creators. Mirrorless camera sales skyrocketed thanks to their innovations.

They distilled down over 10 years of experience developing gimbals for Hollywood productions into the consumer-focused OM mobile line. Each generation improves shake reduction algorithms and sensors dramatically. The OM 5 represents the culmination of DJI‘s steadicam advancements into one compact, yet powerful smartphone accessory.

Both options utilize 3-axis motors and counterweights to produce a stabilizing effect. But evolved torque propulsion and control takes it to unseen levels. First though, let‘s recap core specs…

Right off the bat, we see the OM 5 shaves significant size and weight down to 292 grams – 18% lighter. The ultra-smooth footage does demand more power though, cutting runtime roughly in half. That‘s the concessions made to achieve next-gen fluidity and tracking capabilities…

But just how advanced is the stabilization? And what situations benefit over the preceding model? Let‘s explore those key questions for videographers debating if the latest DJI OM 5 fits their needs…

Enhanced Mechanical Stabilization Redefined

At the heart of any gimbal lies its stabilization prowess – negating unwanted movement through mechanical actuators and sensors. Both leverage a combo of brushless motors and integrated circuit boards to read device positioning. Additional inertia measurement units (IMUs) detect direction, orientation and acceleration.

This sensor fusion passes data to the algorithm responsible for making micro-adjustments to the gimbal‘s 3-axis arms hundreds of times per second. The fixed positional changes oppose unwanted motion, keeping footage steady.

Now the OM 5 takes this a step further with a high-torque motor on each axis, faster sampling rate, and improved accelerometers. Together this expands the 3-dimensional anti-shake range dramatically. Filming while in motion sees far less jitter, jello effect or tracking drift.

More processor muscle also unlocks intelligent shooting modes like:

• ActiveTrack 4.0 – Radically enhanced subject tracking, even partially obstructed
• Hyperlapse – Condensing timelapses with motion
• Time Tunnel – Trippy cloning effect
• Spin Shot – Rotating perspective shifts

These create epic Hollywood style shots automated for simplicity. No complex setups or equipment required.

Vlogging, Action Sports & Outdoor Documentation

The upgrades make the OM 5 ideal for shooting on the go. Runners, cyclists, travel enthusiasts and even extreme athletes can capture ultra-smooth movement as the gimbal reacts to filter out steps, terrain or revisions in direction automatically.

This empowers you to record eye-catching clips without needing a second cameraman. Freed from standing stationary, unleash your creativity hands-free while the integrated motors battle shake induced by all the action.

No post-production stabilization required either. That saves tons of editing time piecing together and salvaging footage afterwards.

Cinematic Production Value Made Easy

Aspirational videographers and intrepid journalists will adore unlocking movie magic shots without a full crew thanks to ShotGuides. Mount your phone on the OM 5, then select specialized moves from the menu like reveal shots, fly-bys or orbital pans.

The gimbal automatically executes complex transitions through its integrated robotics. This delivers sensational sequences unattainable by manually panning unassisted.

DJI‘s ShotGuides simplify otherwise difficult cinematography techniques to pull off solo. Take your videos to the next level with these advanced capture modes.

Photography – Grape Shot & Motion Blur Control

Not just for video, both smartphone gimbals integrate tightly with mobile cameras and offer clever tools to enhance photos too. For example, the versatile Grape Shot mode processes a rapid sequence of images to showcase the action from various vantage points in a single composite frame.

Slow shutter effects are also achievable by intentionally allowing motion blur at set degrees through integrated software settings. This creates artistic renderings of movement impossible with unbraced devices prone to handshake.

Having a gimbal opens distinct creative possibilities on the photography front as well.

Accessories & Expandability

An entire ecosystem of compatible gear takes these gimbals into more specialized use cases too. Available accessories include:

• Counterweights – Offset heavier camera loads
• Tripods – Enables timelapses or stationary pans
• External mics – Improves audio for interviews
• LED light panels – Illuminates dim scenes
• Wireless video transmitters – Streams footage live

This modular support empowers diverse film techniques – from mounting on vehicles to crafting DIY machine dollies as seen on YouTube for unique tracking shots.

The quick-release plate also permits conveniently swapping between smartphones and lightweight action cams like GoPros to suit your filming needs.

Sample Image Comparisons

Don‘t just take my word on how exceptional the stabilization compares – check out demo clips showing off the tech in action:

Observe how the OM 5 corrects judder dramatically better with fast panning motions. The advanced gimbal response also excels following subjects while in rapid movement. This keeps the central focus steady and focused throughout – ideal for action sequences.

OM 4 Still Shines As An Outstanding Gimbal Too

For all the ways the new release eclipses DJI‘s previous generation, if your usage centres more on vlogging from static positions, the OM 4 remains totally capable too.

You‘ll enjoy silky-smooth video devoid of handshake interference and pleasing camera motion when moving the gimbal slowly about by hand. It even supports motion timelapses when paired with a tripod.

The 15 hours operational battery life per charge also outpaces most stabilization demands, even for lengthly review sessions or extended interviews. That‘s double the runtime of the OM 5.

If ultra-stable tracking during faster action or accessing advanced AI shoot modes holds less importance, save yourself $10. The "older" (but still impressive) OM 4 will suite most hobby media needs on a budget.

Key Takeaways – Which Model Is Right For You?

Hopefully this detailed breakdown gives better insight evaluating these industry-leading gimbals and whether acquiring the latest revision makes sense personally. To recap:

DJI OM 5 Shines For:

• Fast-action videography
• Vlogging on the move
• Cinematic automated shot modes
• Future-proofing amendments

DJI OM 4 Best Values Users Wanting:

• Occasional stabilization
• Optimized battery runtime
• Lightweight budget option

At the end of the day, both deliver excellent film results over shooting handheld sans a gimbal. It comes down to shooting style and if unlocking next-level algoritmic shake correction opens new creative possibilities that justify the $10 price bump.

Grounded in over a decade advancing gimbal robotics paired with top-shelf build quality, either OM 4 and 5 serve as fantastic mobile video accessories in their own right.

I hope mapping out their unique advantages assists determining which model fits your smartphone videography needs! Let me know if any other questions come up. Happy shooting!