DJI Osmo Mobile 8: Three Ways to Track, Plus Your Dog Can Finally Be TikTok Famous

DJI just made smartphone gimbals way more interesting. The new Osmo Mobile 8 launched today with three different tracking methods, unlimited 360-degree rotation, and something content creators with pets have been waiting for: automatic dog and cat tracking. Yes, your furry friend can finally stay in frame without you chasing them around with your phone.

Here’s what makes the Osmo Mobile 8 worth paying attention to.

1. Three Different Ways to Track Your Subject

The Osmo Mobile 8 gives you three distinct tracking options depending on what you need. If you have an iPhone, you can use Apple DockKit for the first time on an Osmo Mobile gimbal. This lets you track subjects using your native iPhone camera app or any of the 200-plus iOS apps that support DockKit. No special app needed.

The magnetic Multifunctional Module adds tracking that works across your phone’s native camera and livestreaming apps. This is the module that handles pet tracking, and it’s smart enough to stay locked on your selected target even in crowded scenes with multiple people moving around.

Finally, DJI’s own Mimo app brings ActiveTrack 7.0, which can track people, pets, or objects. The new Dual Lens Boost feature uses both your phone’s wide-angle and telephoto lenses together to make sure you never lose your subject, no matter how fast they’re moving.

2. Pet Tracking That Actually Works

Content creators with dogs and cats now have a legitimate way to keep their pets in frame. The Multifunctional Module can track both dogs and cats in addition to humans. This works in multi-person scenarios too, so you can have people and pets in the same shot without the gimbal getting confused about what to follow.

The module responds steadily to keep up with whatever you’ve selected as your target. If you’ve ever tried to film a cat doing something cute, you know why this matters. Pets don’t perform on command, and they definitely don’t stay still.

3. The Multifunctional Module Does More Than Track

Besides the tracking capability, this magnetic module packs in a fill light with eight levels of brightness and eight levels of color temperature. You control everything with a side wheel, so you can dial in the exact lighting mood you want for your scene. Upgraded indicator lights now make it easier to understand the tracking status of the gimbal at a glance.

The module also has a built-in microphone receiver that works with DJI Mic 3, DJI Mic 2, and DJI Mic Mini transmitters. That means crystal-clear audio for livestreams and vlogs without needing separate recording equipment, creating a complete mobile studio setup.

You can control the module with hand gestures too. Show your palm to start or stop tracking. Make a V gesture to take a photo or start recording. Do a Double L gesture with both hands to adjust your framing. All hands-free, all while you’re in front of the camera.

4. Unlimited 360-Degree Pan Rotation

This is the first Osmo Mobile generation with a pan axis that supports full 360-degree horizontal rotation. No limits, no resetting the gimbal position. You can capture smooth panoramic shots from any angle, and the gimbal can track moving subjects with seamless rotation that never stops.

The unlimited rotation is particularly useful for vlogs and livestreams where you want to show your surroundings without awkward pauses to reposition your gear. Combined with the intelligent tracking, you can walk and talk while the camera follows you through complete circles if needed.

5. Low-Angle Shots Just Got Easier

DJI redesigned the grip to be ultra-comfortable specifically for low-angle shooting. This complements the new pet tracking capability perfectly. You can get down at dog or cat level without your hand cramping up after 30 seconds.

The gimbal uses DJI’s seventh-generation three-axis stabilization technology, so your footage stays smooth even when you’re contorting yourself to get that perfect angle. The stabilization works without compromising image quality, which has been a challenge for some previous gimbal designs.

6. Battery Life for All-Day Shooting

The Osmo Mobile 8 weighs 370 grams and offers up to 10 hours of operating time. Even better, the USB-C port lets you charge your phone while you’re filming. That’s crucial for extended outdoor shoots or long livestreaming sessions where your phone battery would normally die first.

Ten hours is enough for most people’s entire day of content creation, and the phone charging feature means you’re not choosing between gimbal power and phone power. You get both.

7. Built-In Extras You’d Normally Buy Separately

DJI included an integrated tripod and a built-in extension rod, so you can expand your field of view without carrying extra accessories. Want to fit more friends in the shot? Extend the rod. Need to set the gimbal down for a static shot? Use the tripod.

The gimbal also lets you smoothly switch between your phone’s front and rear cameras. Three presses on the trigger rotates the rear camera to face you for high-resolution selfies, then you can seamlessly transition back to filming what’s in front of you.

The Bottom Line

DJI hasn’t disclosed the price yet, but accessories include the DJI OM Magnetic Quick-Release Mount, DJI Mic Mini/2/3 Transmitters, DJI OM Grip Tripod, and the DJI OM 8 Tracking Kit.

One important note: DJI has confirmed the Osmo Mobile 8 is not currently available in the US market through official channels, with no timeline yet for when it will be available domestically. International buyers can order through DJI’s global store.

This gimbal makes the most sense for mobile content creators who want professional-looking footage without professional-level complexity. The pet tracking alone will sell a lot of units to the Instagram and TikTok crowd. If you’ve been frustrated by smartphone gimbals that can’t keep up with fast-moving subjects or lose track in crowded scenes, the three-way tracking system addresses those exact problems.

Price: $149

Where to buy: DJI Store