Rhea Liu
The world’s leading drone producer, DJI, introduced a new product, Osmo, a handheld 4K resolution camera at a price of USD 649, in London today.
Osmo is equipped with three-axis gimbal stabilization, a built-in sensor, and a brushless motor, which combine together to create a smooth handheld shooting experience.
The cradle head can be purchased alone or together with DJI’s, Zenmuse X3 camera, which features 4K video resolution. Osmo is also compatible with the all-new X5 series of cameras, with larger M3/4 sensors.
The camera is able to be remotely controlled by an auxiliary app that provides long exposure and enables users to create automatic panoramas and time-lapse photos.
An integrated microphone is installed in the camera for audio recording. A standard 3.5 mm port is also provided for external microphones.
Together with AscTec, Parrot and 3D Robotics, DJI is now one of the world’s leading commercial drone manufacturers. It holds 70% of the global market and 47% of the U.S. market for commercial drones, according to Tencent Tech.
It’s reported that 95% of commercial drones exported from China are made by DJI. Though the Chinese government placed restrictions on the export of drones in July this year, DJI hasn’t been influenced.
According to the restrictions, only drones with battery life over 30 minutes, and with the capability to fly at a speed of 46.3 km/h or more, will be restricted. The longest battery life featured on a DJI drone product is now 25 minutes.
DJI raised USD 75 million in funding from Accel Partners in May, for a valuation of USD eight billion. Rumors suggest, DJI has just closed another round of funding totalling USD 500 million last month, with a new valuation set at over USD ten billion. DJI hasn’t responded to requests for further information yet.
