DJI X5 in your hands : The Osmo X5 Adapter Review

The DJI Osmo Zenmuse X5 Adapter is now in stock! Up until now, only 3rd party solutions (such as those previously reviewed) were available for the Osmo X5 adapter but DJI have finally released the long awaited official adapter plate. If you already own an Inspire 1 Pro with the X5 camera then this is a must-buy. Our review takes a hands-on look at what you get for your money, how to install it and who it is aimed at. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqr33Bh8u5k

What can I use the Osmo X5 adapter for?

The Osmo X5 adapter enables you to mount the Zenmuse X5 series gimbal and camera to the Osmo handle. If you are unfamiliar with the X5 cameras, they are a big step up in quality from the X3, featuring a Micro Four Thirds sensor in a camera body with removable lenses. It allows you to use the X5 as you would the X3. The controls (joystick, buttons, front trigger) all work as intended, although the bigger motors and more complex camera system are more demanding on the battery, reducing its run-time. Whilst you do notice the extra (top-heavy-biased) weight, the gimbal is still responsive. Its worth noting that the Osmo X5 Adapter is not designed to work with the Osmo Bike Mount, Extension Rod and Tripod. Whilst the rosette mount that you connect them to is replicated, it is likely that the balance would be incorrect for these uses.

Extensive Rigging

The Osmo X5 adapter features an extra mounting point with screw thread. We wanted to see how flexible the system could be, so mounted an osmo universal mount to the front rosette. To this we attached a Lumie Art LED Light By Manfrotto and a Rode videomic go. The result is effectively a professional grade mobile recording suite, ideal for a sole videographer filming interviews or exploring inaccessible areas.

How much does it weigh?

Weight is the enemy when it comes to hand-held stabilised camera setups. Despite careful material selection many of our larger setups weight several kilos and can fatigue even an experienced operator. Fully laden (as you might intend to use it) with universal mount, manfrotto lumie light, Rode Videomic Go microphone (plus deadcat) and a Nexus 5X phone it weighed in at only 1417g. With just the X5 camera/gimbal, handle, battery and phone mount it was a touch over 1002g. In simple terms you are looking at an extra 800g of top-heavy weight over an X3.

Unboxing the X5 Osmo Adapter

The adapter comes in a small white box, held snugly inside with an extra tripod screw. The part itself is machined out of alloy and has a solid, quality feel to it. Note the small communication port under the upper lockring. This is for plugging in a cable (not supplied) leading to a DJI Focus remote controller to allow you to rack focus from a remote location.

How to fit the X5 Osmo Adapter

Fitting is straight forward. Simply remove the X3 camera from the handle by turning the lock ring and lifting it off. Unbox the Osmo X5 adapter, note the foam support bucket for the zenmuse gimbal faces upward. Place the Osmo X5 adapter on the contacts and rotate the ring back to the locked position. Fold the sidearm down so it is flush against the osmo screw mount, then screw the central black screw down to secure it to the handle. The Phone mount can then be attached to either the front or rear spare rosette, simply by screwing it in. Note that the supplied screw is removable from the threaded rosette. As you can see from the side shots it cups the central weight point of the X5 gimbal, providing much needed support. With its lockring secured it holds the X5 in tight, ensuring the camera does not lean and leverage force on the mounting plate.

What is it like to use?

As you can see from the short video it works well. The movement is not quite as 'responsive' as with the X3 but that is to be expected with the added mass. The quality of the footage from the X5 is excellent and a big step up from the X3. Weather permitting we shall be shooting some video using it in the coming weeks comparing it with the X3, stay tuned!

Should I buy it?

If you already own a DJI Inspire 1 Pro with X5 Camera then this is a no-brainer. The Osmo X5 adapter brings a new lease of life to the X5 camera/gimbal allowing you to use it on the ground, in enclosed spaces or just areas too dark to fly in. If not, then there are arguably less expensive ways to get a hand-held compact, stabilised four-thirds video setup with wider lens support. We would suggest looking at the Feiyu Tech MG Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras and something like a Sony A7R mk2 or our tried and tested favourite, the Panasonic GH4. The DJI Osmo Zenmuse X5 Adapter is available now on our webstore.