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Video: Emmy-winning storm chaser has his drone sucked into a tornado while filming

Published

4 years ago

May 3, 2021

sarosh

Video: Emmy-winning storm chaser has his drone sucked into a tornado while filming

Yesterday, stormchaser Brian Emfinger managed to capture close-up drone footage of a tornado ripping through a rural area southeast of Yazoo City in Mississipi, United States. While his drone didn’t survive, he did manage to recover some of the video he shot and has since shared it on YouTube.

Emfinger, an Emmy-winning storm chaser, aerial videographer and freelance journalist who licenses his work through Live Storms Media, confirmed with DPReview he used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro to capture the footage. Given the conditions, and the fact that the memory card was not recovered, it’s quite incredible how well the footage, presumably pulled from the DJI GO 4 app that powers the Mavic 2 series, turned out.

‘Everything was fine till I realized the tornado was crossing exactly where I was parked so just had to focus for about 15 seconds on not dying and in that time the drone started getting caught in the flow around the tornado. I’m not sure it ever went in it. Most likely the debris took it down into a bunch of trees. It’s a very rural area,’ Emfinger told DPReview.

Crazy close tornado video from drone. I had to make a quick getaway and drone didn’t make it as it got caught in the inflow and I lost connection as tornado was cutting me off from the drone. #mswx #tornado pic.twitter.com/5S2IkOpeHs

— Brian Emfinger (@brianemfinger) May 2, 2021

While this isn’t the first time a drone has caught footage of a tornado or even ended up lost or damaged as a result, it certainly is exciting to see how close both the pilot and drone got to the action. Toward the end of the video, you can hear Emfinger start his car up while its navigation system directs him to the nearest road. The drone, sadly, did not make it but managed to capture some magnificent detail of the winds barreling through the foliage below, and the streamers of fog surrounding the tornado.

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GoPro quietly announces a refresh of its Max 360 action camera

Published

4 hours ago

February 19, 2025

sarosh

GoPro quietly announces a refresh of its Max 360 action camera

Photo: GoPro

Rumors have been swirling for quite some time, but GoPro has finally officially (and quietly) announced an update to the Max 360, its 360-degree action camera. It first released the original GoPro Max 360 in 2019, so it was quite overdue for an update. Unfortunately for fans of the camera, a five-year wait didn’t result in any groundbreaking changes and the updates are very minor. The fact that it shares the exact same name as the previous model is perhaps a hint that there isn’t much new going on.

GoPro’s blog post announcing the news only dedicated two sentences to the actual camera: “The 5.6K spherical camera now comes with a MAX Enduro Battery and an upgraded mounting system, making it compatible with all standard ¼-20 tripod mounts. All for only $349.99 MSRP.” That’s it.

The new Max 360 will feature the folding mounting fingers found on recent GoPro Hero Black cameras and a standard tripod mount. It will also use the larger-capacity Enduro Battery, though GoPro doesn’t provide any details as to the expected battery life. The rest of the hardware, including its 5.6 K resolution, remains the same as the 2019 model.

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Instead of focusing on hardware, GoPro prioritized software changes via the GoPro Quik app. One of the benefits of shooting 360-degree video is greater editing flexibility; indeed, GoPro is leaning on that. The Quik app will offer AI-Powered Object Tracking. You will be able to pick a subject, and then the app will use AI to keep that subject in view and in focus for the entirety of the clip. It should make editing footage from the camera much faster and easier than manually adjusting framing as a subject moves around the 360-degree field of view.

The Quick app will also take advantage of all the data the camera captures to create new camera effects, such as backflips, barrel rolls and more, with only a tap. Plus, you can set your view where you want it using Reframe if you want manual control over the 360-degree footage. Those who prefer desktop editing will also be able to take advantage of the “magic of Reframe” with a new GoPro Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Photo: GoPro

“MAX never misses—and that’s why it’s the go-to 360 camera for the world’s most creative athletes, adventurers and content creators. Getting ‘the shot’ has never been this easy,” says GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “And with the Quik App’s new 360 editing experience, featuring AI-powered Object Tracking and simplified but powerful editing tools, it’s never been this easy or fun to edit your 360 content into amazing sharable moments.”

GoPro added that more 360-degree editing tools are in the works. “And this is just the beginning,” Woodman adds. “We’re excited to launch powerful new app features on an ongoing basis to keep taking the GoPro 360 experience further and further this year.” Hopefully, that investment in 360 will eventually turn into a truly updated camera, though at least GoPro is catching up with editing tools already available for Insta360 users.

Photo: GoPro

It isn’t clear whether these software updates will benefit existing Max 360 users. Given that the changes are in the GoPro Quik app, it seems likely they will, though GoPro hasn’t specified.

Perhaps the biggest change for the Max 360 is the price. It originally sold for $500. Luckily, GoPro is dropping the price of the 2025 model to $350. It is available for purchase as of today through GoPro’s website.

Buy now:

$350 at GoPro

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Insta360's new accessory unlocks the Flow 2 Pro gimbal for Android users

Published

6 hours ago

February 19, 2025

sarosh

Insta360's new accessory unlocks the Flow 2 Pro gimbal for Android users

Image: Insta360

Insta360 released its highly popular Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal a month ago with an impressive list of features and tools. Unfortunately for Android users, though, those features were specific to iPhone users, leaving them unable to take advantage of the powerful stabilizer. Now, though, Insta360 has announced a new accessory, dubbed the AI Tracker, that unlocks the Flow 2 Pro for Android phones.

The Insta360 AI Tracker uses a dedicated camera to enable tracking no matter the operating system or app.

Image: Insta360

Insta360 calls the Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker “the ultimate add-on to take your mobile content to the next level.” The company designed the device to enable support across Android phones along with a greater number of apps. That means that even iPhone users benefit from this little accessory. To accomplish greater compatibility, the AI Tracker features a dedicated camera. It connects to the gimbal using a USB-C connection, allowing it to track subjects independently no matter what phone is attached to it or what app is being used to record.

The AI Tracker relies on Insta360’s AI tracking algorithms. As the product’s name suggests, it uses AI recognition to keep subjects framed, even if there are obstructions or multiple subjects. The AI system also works on cats and dogs. Plus, it enables hand gestures to activate tracking, just like iPhone users have access to on the Flow 2 Pro.

The Insta360 AI Tracker also features an integrated light with adjustable brightness and color temperature.

Image: Insta360

This little accessory also has a built-in LED light, offering three brightness levels and three color temperature settings for greater control over how you light your subject. It is a simple plug-and-play device that can be used without adjusting any settings.

The Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker is available as of February 17. If you already own the Flow 2 Pro, you can purchase the AI tracker as a standalone accessory for $40. If you want to buy the AI tracker with the Flow 2 Pro, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Insta360 says that the AI Tracker Bundle is “soon-to-launch” for $179, though didn’t provide a specific date.

Buy now:

$40 at Insta360

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DJI's latest gimbal comes in two flavors for casual users and pros

Published

14 hours ago

February 18, 2025

sarosh

DJI's latest gimbal comes in two flavors for casual users and pros

Image: DJI

DJI has announced its latest smartphone gimbal, which is available in two varieties. The Osmo Mobile 7 is the more affordable option for casual users, while DJI designed the Osmo Mobile 7P for pro-level users. Both models are compact and lightweight and offer one-step unfolding, Apple Watch control, an integrated extension rod and a built-in tripod, just like their predecessor. However, there are some noteworthy changes as well.

Image: DJI

Interestingly, DJI did away with the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7, even though it was a new feature on the Osmo Mobile 6. In its place is what appears to be a more simple rocker. DJI kept the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7P, however. It promises more cinematic control, offering the ability to adjust focal length, smooth zoom control, and manual focus. Additionally, a long press of the side wheel enables control over the fill light, including brightness and color temperature.

Both models of the new gimbal feature DJI’s seventh-generation three-axis stabilization and ActiveTrack 7.0, which DJI calls its “most advanced tracking technology.” When paired with the DJI Mimo app, the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P will automatically adjust to track subjects, even in crowds or when working with active subjects. It can also detect multiple subjects, allowing users to lock onto one or switch between subjects with a tap.

The new Multifunctional Module adds a fill light and extra controls.

Image: DJI

The Osmo Mobile 7P gets the added benefit of the new Multifunctional Module. With this new tool, users can access robust tracking with their phone’s native camera, live streaming apps or another camera app. It attaches to the gimbal with a magnetic clip and enables hand gestures to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking or stop intelligent tracking. Additionally, the Multifunctional Module includes integrated light control, allowing users to change color temperature and brightness. It can also function as a microphone receiver through its USB-C port while providing extra power to your phone.

While the Osmo Mobile 7 doesn’t come with the Multifunctional Module, it is compatible with the new accessory and is available for purchase separately.

Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and 7 promise up to 10 hours of battery life. That is quite the boost from the 6 hours and 24 minutes of battery life promised by the Osmo Mobile 6.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P are available for purchase starting today for $89 and $149, respectively.

Buy now:

$89 at DJI

Press release:

DJI Delivers Next-Level Intelligent Smartphone Photography with Osmo Mobile 7 Series

New Flagship Phone Gimbal Features Seventh Generation DJI Stabilization Technology and ActiveTrack 7.0 Technology

February 18, 2025 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Osmo Mobile 7 Series. This new generation of phone gimbal takes three-axis stabilization and intelligent tracking to new heights. Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7 feature DJI’s seventh-generation stabilization, ActiveTrack 7.0 technology¹, and a range of intelligent features for capturing cinematic-quality footage on a smartphone.

“From award-winning filmmakers to short-form content creators, DJI continues to expand our ecosystem of creative camera technologies and push the industry forward,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “With the Osmo Mobile 7 Series’ latest advances in intelligent tracking and camera stabilization, capturing beautiful, professional content with a smartphone has never been easier.”

The Osmo Mobile 7P features a more powerful three-axis smartphone stabilizer that maintains the lightweight, portable, and robust tracking capabilities of the Osmo Mobile 6. With the new Multifunctional Module¹, creators can easily track subjects and it includes integrated light control with multiple color temperature and brightness levels. When the Multifunctional Module functions as a microphone receiver, its USB-C port can be connected to your phone to deliver high-quality audio transmission while also providing extra power. It is also easy to set up thanks to the quick one-step unfolding, integrated extension rod, and built-in tripod.

The Osmo Mobile 7 is the lightest gimbal in its class, weighing about 10 ounces (approximately 300 g). Like the Osmo Mobile 7P, it features a compact design and is easy to use, but at a more entry-level price. It also allows for quick unfolding, a built-in tripod, one-step storage, and can support the Multifunctional Module (sold separately).

Power of the Multifunctional Module

The Multifunctional Module allows creators to easily track subjects using their smartphone’s native camera, live streaming apps, and other camera apps. It can accurately maintain focus in a crowd or reacquire a subject if they re-enter the frame after leaving briefly. The module can be easily attached to the gimbal with a simple magnetic clip and controlled using hand gestures1 to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking, or adjust a composition.

Showing your palm to the module starts or stops intelligent tracking.
Making a “V” gesture takes a photo. It can also start or stop video recording.
Making a “Double L” gesture with two hands adjusts a subject’s framing.

ActiveTrack 7.0: Smarter Than Ever

When paired with the DJI Mimo app1, the Osmo Mobile 7 Series can use ActiveTrack 7.0. As DJI’s most advanced tracking technology, ActiveTrack 7.0 enables the gimbal to adjust to track subjects and follow their movements automatically, even in a crowded or active environment. Smart Capture allows the gimbal to detect multiple subjects, and users can direct the gimbal to lock onto one subject or switch to a different subject with a simple tap. Smooth tracking enables the gimbal to pinpoint the shooter’s preferred focus accurately and maintains continuous tracking even if the subject is obscured or moving rapidly.

Other Standout Features

Side Wheel for More Cinematic Control: Creators can adjust the focal length for a more flexible composition and a smoother zoom or switch to a manual focus. Additionally, a long press enables control over the fill light, making it easy to adjust brightness and color temperature, thus simplifying your shooting experience.
Compatible with Apple Watch1: Using the DJI Mimo app, creators can use their Apple Watch as a smart remote for the gimbal, remotely controlling their shoot and camera feed.
Up to 10 hours of operational time¹.

Price and Availability

DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Series is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

Osmo Mobile 7P retails for $149.

Osmo Mobile 7 retails for $89.

Accessories available include:

DJI OM Magnetic Quick-Release Mount
DJI Mic Mini Transmitter
DJI OM 7 Series Tracking Kit
DJI OM Grip Tripod

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.

DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 4 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official warranty, international warranty service and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.

For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.

1 All data was tested in controlled conditions. Actual experience may vary. For more details, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.

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