Two shots of my dinner last night.
One is shot in RAW using Adobe Lightroom and the other with the default Apple camera app. For fairness I have cropped both to 16:9.
Shot 1 –
Or do you prefer shot 2?
Whichever you prefer please say why too!
Once I have a few replies I will reveal which one started as a RAW photo.
Update. Shot 1 was shot using raw. Shot 2 comes from the iPhone default camera app. Personally I prefer shot 1. But shot 2 is slightly more realistic to the original scene.
In a rather unusual move, Apple announced that the new AirPods won’t be shipped in October and are now delayed.
I must admit to being slightly disappointed as I was really looking forward to using these.
Fingers crossed the delay won’t be too long.
It seems Microsoft is really targeting the high end computing sector with the Surface Studio. Just take a look at the video below and be blown away. An incredible piece of engineering, don’t you think? Not cheap either with the i7 version costing $3,499.
Welcome to my review of the DJI Osmo Mobile. The DJI Osmo Mobile is the new gimbal from DJI for your smartphone.
The Key Features
– ActiveTrack technology built into the DJI GO app allows the Osmo Mobile to automatically keep your smartphone facing you as you move. (not available on the android app currently, only iOS)
– The Osmo Mobile’s 3-axis gimbal system smooths out the movements you make, turning every shot into cinematic video.
– With a few taps, the Osmo Mobile motion timelapse feature shoots video showing the passing of time.
– The Osmo Mobile lets you share special moments in real time using YouTube Live inside the DJI GO app.
– Shoot better photos in low light, with powerful camera stabilisation and full manual camera control.
– The Osmo Mobile’s panorama function automatically captures and blends 9 separate photos together to create one stunning photo.
– Used with its range of accessories, the Osmo Mobile can be mounted almost anywhere, giving you even more opportunities to get that perfect shot.
– Enjoy more than just DJI GO. Osmo Mobile is open for developers to customise.
Above is the optional base to quickly drop the DJI into. The underneath of the base also has a standard tripod screw.
The photo below shows the extension arm secured into the tripod base. The tripod legs extend further in one solid movement.
Video Overview of Hardware, Accessories and DJI Go App
The Lowdown
– The Osmo Mobile supports smartphones measuring from 58.6mm-84.8mm width and up to 8.4mm thick.
– ActiveTrack – The fastest it can track is the same as its Max Controllable Speed, 120°/s.
– ActiveTrack is a feature currently only available on iOS.
– YouTube Livestreaming or Stream Live to Facebook.
– DJI Go App – Lots of extra features (see video) but needs update to fully support iOS 10 and the iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens.
– iPhone 6S Plus or 7 Plus does not fit with a case on.
– Apart from the normal timelapse mode, there is a motion timelapse option
– The optional base has a tripod screw underneath
– The DJI Go Movie editing app has a wealth of great music but does seem to degrade video quality slightly compared to using iMovie in iOS.
– Connects perfectly every time. With the iPhone 7 and the loss of the headphone jack, it becomes impossible to use an external mic without some trickery or additional hardware.
Sample Video from the DJI Osmo Mobile using the iPhone 7 Plus
My Experience
I have used the DJI Osmo Mobile extensively now and I was surprised that none of the reviews and YouTube videos mentioned that if you are using the iPhone 7 Plus or similar sized phone, it won’t fit or stabilise with any case fitted. I tried with the Apple silicone and leather case. Also, at the time of writing this review (I delayed the review too hoping for an update from DJI), the DJI Go app only supports 1080p video at 30fps and not 60fps as per the default camera app. You can use the DJI with other third party camera apps. The iPhone 7 Plus telephoto lens is not supported in the app either yet from DJI. It looks like DJI need to update the app properly for iOS 10! To connect the DJI to a tripod you will need the extension arm. This has a standard tripod mount screw underneath. If I had know this prior to purchase I would not have bought the DJI tripod base, as this used with the extension arm is not still enough in the winds of Dartmoor.
In the photo above you can see the extension arm is attached to my normal tripod and securely. I am keeping the DJI tripod base as this works well indoors as a lightweight alternative. The plastic base from DJI is ideal for placing the DJI Osmo Mobile into for quick use, say on a table for editing VLOGs.
The motion time lapse mode is fantastic. Panoramic shots are spooky good. The gimbal just moves all buy itself to take the panoramic photos. However, the file size outputted is only around 3mb vs the native iPhone app which can be over 3 times this size.
One problem using the DJI with the iPhone 7 is the OIS on the iPhone sometimes conflicts with the DJI. There is not much you can do about this, accept during post processing when this can be fixed. All the footage shown has not been adjusted to enable you to see what you get first hand.
Despite some of the negatives, which will likely be solved when DJI updated their app, I have found the DJI Osmo Mobile a joy to use. The included software adds lots of extra functionality and the active tracking is superb.
Conclusion
Despite some bugs in the DJI Go app, it is one of the easiest gimbals to use and setup. It also works really well and the extra options provided by the software make it a joy to use. Highly recommended.
More detailed information and pricing on the DJI Osmo Mobile – Click HERE.
For the latest pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
Last night in the UK, Apple released iOS 10.1 along with updates to the Apple Watch, Apple TV and the MACs.
I was extremely keen to update to iOS 10.1. The official changelog is as below. Some of the bug fixes had been impacting my iPhone 7 Plus but are all fixed for good.
And for the Apple Watch, watch OS3 fixed the following –
But the update also including extra fixes not listed.
– At the same time as going live with iOS 10.1, Apple Pay got switched on for Japan.
– For UK citizens using the Three UK network, iOS 10.1 was a huge and important update and the new carrier update to Three 26.0 fixed 4G connectivity, other connectivity problems and issues connecting to a Three Home Signal Booster. I am on Three UK and can confirm the change. The specific issues were with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
– Worth noting is everyone can now use the Portrait mode in the camera app, although it is still shown as in Beta. However, it works extremely well.
Updating the Apple Watch
I updated my Apple Watch as soon as my iPhone 7 Plus was on 10.1 by going into the Apple Watch app on my iPhone and manually checking for the update that was around 61mb. Word of warning, it took me about 25 minutes to update
The Phones Show Chat Podcast, episode 365 was recorded on Saturday, featuring hosts Steve Litchfield and Ted Salmon. Thanks to Steve and Ted, I was their guest for this podcast.
In this episode, Steve, Ted and I, discuss at length the Obi Worldphone MV1 which is a dual sim smartphone,
The Obi Worldphone MV1 was co-founded by ex-Apple CEO John Sculley and Robert Brunner, the lead designer from Ammunition, the design house behind Beats By Dre. They have just launched the MV1 smartphone in the UK for £99. For more information and specs on this phone – Click HERE.
We also debated the new Google Pixel, its “price” and “features”. Views on the iPhone 7 Plus 2356gb Jet Black, HP Elite X3 and more were all on the podcast.
To listen to episode 365 – Click HERE or search for the podcast in your podcast app or iTunes.
Thanks to Leon, who mentioned to me over the weekend, that Amazon have launched their amazon basics range of cases for the Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. For more information Click HERE.
So I have now had the Apple iPhone 7 Plus for about one month, during which time I have snapped hundreds and hundreds of photos.
I reckon it takes about a month to start to extract the best shots from any phone. It also allows for third party apps to be updated to enjoy the new iPhone.
So just how good is the camera on the Apple iPhone 7 Plus?
Check out the collection of photos collated into the below video.
The Google Pixel and Pixel went on sale yesterday in the UK and around the world at select retailers. In the UK you can buy it directly from Google, or via EE or Carphone Warehouse.
As expected, specific large websites released their reviews –
The Guardian – A good start but not quite stellar.
Arstechnica UK – Bland, pricey but still the best android phone.
The general verdict with most of the reviews is Google’s new Pixel phone is superb. The camera is great and reliable and the hardware feels solid.
The issue of the high price also got raised but then within the price is profit margins, marketing and 3 years of security updates and 2 years worth of OS updates. You also get free backup of your photos and videos in full resolution. If you think about the free photo backup, its not really free as it is built into the price of the phone.
I have read all the reviews linked above and many more. I have also visited tech forums to read up on what real people think of the phone. Most people seem to like their new Pixel phone. I also got to see the phone yesterday first hand and liked what I saw. It definitely felt fast to use and the camera seemed to take quick and accurate photos.
From what I can see too the camera works really well and consistently. Most of this is down to the decent snapdragon 821 processor and Google’s Camera app software. But bear in mind the Nexus 6P now has the new camera app update available in the nougat update/Google Store, and this improves the photos and speed of the Nexus 6P. I also now believe single lens rear cameras are not as important as dual lens rear camera setups. The LG G5, Honor 8 and iPhone 7 Plus have all convinced me the dual lens (one day triple lens) is the future.
But my biggest feeling after trawling the internet and the forums, is anyone buying the phone? And if so who? Normally, forums are buzzing with posts from new users, but the Pixel and Pixel XL threads seem empty in comparison to other phone launches.
Personally, I would not spend £819 on this phone? Would you? Maybe you have got one? What’s your view now?
For info a wide range of Google Pixel cases – Click HERE.
The sunrises and sunsets on Dartmoor recently have been spectacular with some vivid colours. So as part of my review process I decided to test the motion time lapse mode on the DJI Osmo Mobile, shown above. For the sunset motion time lapse shown below, I have the DJI extension attached to the DJI Osmo Mobile. The extension piece has a tripod screw which allows for a decent connection to my tripod.
Using the DJI Go app, you select motion time lapse, then you select the start and end points of the time lapse. You can several points too to make the motion time lapse more interesting. Next the duration between taking a photo and the overall length of time required is set. All you now have to do is press the shutter to start, and the DJI Osmo Mobile does the rest.
So far so good. But I wanted to know how much the DJI Osmo Mobile could stabilise the iPhone 7 Plus in extreme winds. During the recording of the below motion time lapse, I was concerned my tripod was going to be blown over many times. Fortunately, it didn’t. Despite the very strong winds, the DJI did a reasonable job too.
And finally, at sunrise yesterday, I couldn’t resist this view on Dartmoor. Snapped using Adobe Lightroom mobile, in raw, and post processed with Adobe Lightroom mobile.
Welcome to my review of the Groov-e Portable Karaoke Boombox Machine with CD Player and Bluetooth Wireless Playback. The recommended retail price is £69.99.
Video Review
The Key Specifications
– Bluetooth Wireless Playback
– CD Player: CD, CD-R/RW Compatible
– Karaoke: CD+G Compatible
– Flashing LED Party Light Effects
– LED Display
– Automatic Voice Control
– Echo Control
– Master and Microphone Volume Controls
– Program/Repeat Function
– Skip/Search Function
– 2 x Microphone Inputs
– RCA Audio Output
– Composite Video Output
– Carry Handle
– Speaker Power: 2 x 1W
– AC Power: Mains Cable
– DC Power: Batteries: 6 x C Size (not included)
What’s in the Box
– 1 x Groov-e GCPS923 Karaoke Boombox
– 2 x Microphones
– 1 x CD+G Karaoke Disc with 10 Songs
– AC Mains
– RCA Audio Cable
– RCA Video Cable
The Lowdown
Groov-e have brought out a brand new Karaoke Boombox. It features 2 microphones and a pre-loaded disc, the days of Stars in their Eyes can be revived through a smartphone screen.
The Groov-e Karaoke Boombox is compatible with CD+G Karaoke discs. However, all your current CD’s can be used too. If you are a person without any CDs you can use the Bluetooth wireless playback from any compatible device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. This mean you can sing along to the song with the lyrics displayed on your device. For those who prefer the bright lights of the big screen, the lyrics can be displayed on your TV using the video-output function.
With a second mic, duets become a reality. In a dark room the integrated flashing LED party lights adds a bit of fun.
Conclusion
The Groov-e Karaoke Boombox is fun product and would make an ideal present. I can see this appearing in many Christmas stockings!
Useful Links
For more information and the latest pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 