DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Launches with Pet Tracking & 360° Rotation

The OM8's Multifunctional Module carries over from its predecessor but gets smarter. The side-mounted accessory still includes an LED fill light and doubles as a wireless receiver for DJI's Mic system, but now it can recognize and track both dogs and cats alongside human subjects. For pet owners and content creators focusing on animal subjects, this could be a game-changer.

What makes this particularly interesting is the Apple DockKit integration. While DJI's own camera app has long supported intelligent tracking, DockKit opens up these capabilities to third-party iPhone apps. That means creators using apps like Blackmagic Camera or other professional camera software can now benefit from automated subject tracking.

The hardware improvements aren't just software-based. DJI has strengthened the magnetic phone mount system and added a counterweight mount to handle larger smartphones or those with substantial camera accessories. Anyone who's tried to balance a phone with a chunky case or lens attachment on a gimbal will appreciate this practical upgrade.

Battery life remains solid at up to 10 hours, and DJI kept the built-in tripod legs and 8.4-inch telescoping extension rod that made the OM7 so versatile for different shooting angles. The 360-degree rotation capability means creators can execute full panoramic shots or dramatic reveals without the gimbal hitting mechanical stops.

This launch fits into DJI's broader pattern of incremental but meaningful upgrades across its consumer lineup. The company has been pushing boundaries in tracking technology across multiple product lines, from action cameras to drones, and the OM8 represents another step in that evolution.

For international customers, the waiting game continues. DJI's regulatory challenges have created an increasingly fragmented product release schedule, with Chinese consumers often getting first access to new hardware. Whether the OM8 eventually makes it to global markets may depend on how DJI navigates ongoing trade and security concerns.

The Osmo Mobile 8 shows DJI continuing to refine rather than revolutionize its smartphone gimbal formula, but the refinements matter. Pet tracking and Apple DockKit support address real creator needs, while the strengthened mount system tackles practical usability issues. The $126 price point makes it accessible, but the China-only availability leaves international customers playing the waiting game yet again. For those who can get their hands on one, it represents a solid evolutionary step in smartphone stabilization tech.