In this article, we will review the featured-packed DJI Osmo 4 SE. This mobile gimbal is part of the existing DJI Osmo range and offers a plethora of features compared to preexisting models. 

However, this product has limitations. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons in depth, helping you make an informed choice when choosing from the mobile gimbals on the market. 

Please note that we have no affiliations with DJI, this is an entirely independent product review, that is not influenced by sponsorships or third-party persuasion.  

How much does the DJI Osmo 4 SE Cost?

At the time of this review, the Osmo series of mobile gimbals was on its 6th iteration with the Osmo Mobile 6, which places the DJI Osmo 4 SE a fair bit down the line in terms of its newness. 

However, this line of production brings advantages, in that the Osmo 4 SE retails at around the £80 price mark when bought new. 

The model can also be found in abundance on second-hand markets at a bargain price point, which makes the DJI Osmo 4 SE gimbal perfect for someone shopping on a budget but looking for an effective piece of kit in the world of mobile phone stabilisation. 

The 4 SE might not have all of the features and specs of its newer counterparts but it is a competent and feature-packed little bit of kit for video marketing ventures.

Unboxing the DJI Osmo 4 SE

The DJI Osmo 4 SE when bought new, comes with the following accessories: 

• A USB C charging cable.
• A small tripod for attaching to the base of the device via a ¼ inch screw mount that can also accommodate any third-party video equipment you may have. 
• A magnetic clamp for attaching your phone to the gimbal.
• A spacer pad that can be attached to the magnetic clamp if your phone is too thin or small to fit into the clamp by itself.
• A faux suede drawstring bag for keeping the gimbal and accessories
• And the gimbal itself.

We used the DJI Osmo 4 SE as part of our video kit for a good amount of time and in our experience, it has been a reliable workhorse when it comes to smartphone stabilisation. 

Attaching your smartphone to the gimbal is as easy as extending the magnetic clamp to the width of your phone and then snapping it to the gimbal. Then you can wirelessly pair your phone with the DJI Mimo app and you’re ready to go.

Size and dimensions of the DJI Osmo 4 SE

The DJI Osmo 4 SE is a chunkier gimbal compared to other devices in the Osmo range or even other competitors in the world of mobile gimbals, with it weighing in at a weight of 424 grams without your phone attached, which is around the weight of a standard football. 

However, despite being on the heavier end of things for a smartphone gimbal, is still a workable weight.

Ergonomics of the Osmo 4 SE 

We have personally operated the gimbal continuously on full-day shoots and found that the great ergonomics of the handle allow for comfortable and sustained usage. 

The gimbal when folded down is a decent size, and it is able to fit into small to medium-sized bags although it is not quite pocketable, unless you happen to be wearing large coat pockets. 

Battery Life of the DJI Osmo 4 SE

The Gimbal has an admirable average operating time of 15 hours in just one full charge. Whilst charging the gimbal to full battery takes around 2.5 hours. 

You can also charge your phone off the gimbal with a wired USB connection from the USB port that is tucked away at the head of the handle. This ensures that you can keep your phone turned on and ready to record even on the longest of shoot days – which is a major advantage. 

Using the DJI Osmo 4 SE

The max payload of the gimble is 290galthough it appears to cope well with phones that weigh up to the 300g mark. 

The gimbal itself is easy to operate and handle. The joystick is located beside the record button, which allows for the panning and tilting of the gimbal to be controlled manually. 

The zoom rocker is also located on the side of the unit, allowing you to zoom in or out with your phone without having to touch the touchscreen. 

The trigger on the front of the gimbal, when pressed in, locks off the orientation of your phone at the time of its pressing, which maintains that orientation as you move the gimbal around. 

If you double tap the M button you can switch the gimbal from shooting landscape to portrait mode. 

The difference between just relying on your phone’s built-in stabilisation and using the gimbal is night and day. It is a worthy investment if you are going to be creating lots of professional-looking video content.

If you’re thinking of learning how to create video content, be sure to explore our video training services. 

DJI Osmo 4 SE features and app 

The DJI Osmo 4 SE uses the DJI Mimo app which is an easy to use intuitively laid out bit of software that hosts a range of features such as:

• Hyperlapses Motionlapses 
• Timelapse  
• 240-degree panoramic 
• 3 x 3 panoramic shots 
• Gesture control 
• Active track although it only has active track 3.0, not the latest in the Osmo range which is active track 5.0.

Product Summary 

Ultimately, the DJI Osmo 4SE is a classic piece of kit that has withstood the test of time. However, as smartphone gimbal technology evolves, we can expect to see more features such as Active Track 5.0 and better-enhanced ergonomics become the norm.  

If you’re looking for a basic yet functional and reliable smartphone gimbal that won’t break the bank then the DJI Osmo 4 SE might be just the one for you.
If you’re browsing through the smartphone gimbal market, be sure to check out our previous product reviews including, DJI Osmo Mobile 2 |  DJI Osmo 5 | DJI Ronin S | DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Powervision S1.