Nothing ruins an amazing group shot like the self-timer going off at the wrong moment. And there’s nothing quite as frustrating as trying to take footage of moving objects only to get a blurry muddle on your screen (pandemic puppies, we’re looking at you).

Enter the new DJI OM 4 smartphone stabiliser – a long name for a small piece of gadgetry that is set to make stars out of all of us.

Whether you’re in front of your smartphone’s camera or behind it, the DJI OM 4 means we can all create smooth, high-quality videos and still images. And as travel restrictions start to ease, you can bet that this nifty gadget (or ‘gimbal’ if you want to totally nerd out and use the right lingo) is going to be at the top of many people’s shopping list.

The latest in 3-axis stabiliser technology means if you’re shooting footage while in a moving vehicle (like on safari), filming while you’re walking (probably not on safari) or trying to get a group shot at the perfect moment, it’s now a lot easier.

Why the DJI OM 4 is set to revolutionise our phones

Forget your old selfie stick, this is where it’s at:

• No more clamps 

Just attach a lightweight metal clamp to the back of your phone for instant connection to the DJI OM 4. One ‘click’ and you’re ready to snap amazing images.

• Different modes for different subjects

If you’re switching between taking footage or photos of kids, adults and pets, you’ll love ActiveTrack framing, where the DJI OM 4 automatically tracks the subjects you want in your shot.

• With a flick of your wrist…

Okay, so this is probably our favourite feature – gesture control. You can easily start and stop video recording or take a photo by using a hand gesture. Yes, you can blow a kiss to your finicky self-timer forever.

• Mimic the greats

Fancy yourself as the next great film maker? The DJI OM 4 might just help you on your way. DynamicZoom gives your footage a cinematic look as it automatically adjusts the zoom function to create a dramatic background shift (like what was made popular by Alfred Hitchcock).

• All the lapses

TimeLapse, MotionLapse or HyperLapse will revolutionise your videos. All three modes use electronic image stabilisation, which means your footage is going to be super smooth.

• Get moving

Sometimes it can be difficult to capture people moving quickly, but the sport mode on the DJI OM 4 responds and follows subjects so fast that it really adds a dynamic level of action of any scene.

• Be everywhere at once

We love the new CloneMe panorama option, which allows you to add multiple versions of a person or subject into one shot. Because who doesn’t want to be in two places at once?

• Become a social media star

If you want to look like a pro without the hassle of picking the right music or editing software, you can choose from one of the templates to add a creative spin to your content. The pre-set movements, music and colour palettes are perfect for creating amazing, sharable content on social media.

With the pandemic still a firm reality, more and more of us are relying on our smartphones to navigate the new work-from-home world and to stay connected with our loved ones. And of course, we’re dreaming of all the trips we’re going to take in the coming years. We reckon this nifty little gimbal (see, we’ve got the lingo down pat) is just what we need to create memories that will last forever.