DJI Osmo Mobile 8: Complete Guide to PTF, PF, FPV, SpinShot, and Lock Modes

Understanding DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Gimbal Modes

• 💡 The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 offers several modes to control smartphone gimbal movement, all switchable via the M button.
• 🔊 Each mode change is confirmed with an audible beep and a corresponding icon on the screen.

PTF Mode: Pan and Tilt Follow

• 🎥 In PTF mode, the phone follows both the pan (left/right) and tilt (forward/back) movements of the gimbal.
• 🕹️ The joystick can be used independently to move the phone up/down or left/right, overriding the natural follow behavior.

PF Mode: Pan Follow Only

• 🚫 PF mode restricts the follow behavior to only the pan (left/right) movements.
• 🔒 The tilt (up/down) movement is locked, meaning the phone will not follow these changes, keeping the horizon stable.
• 🕹️ The joystick remains available for manual pan and tilt adjustments.

FPV Mode: Full Follow

• 🔄 FPV mode allows the phone to follow all gimbal movements, including pan, tilt, and rotation.
• 🤸 Unlike PTF and PF modes, FPV mode permits the phone to rotate freely, not keeping the horizon straight.

SpinShot Mode: FPV with Joystick Rotation

• 🌀 SpinShot mode builds upon FPV mode by allowing joystick-controlled rotation of the phone.
• 🎬 This enables creative spinning shots that are not possible in standard FPV mode.

Lock Mode: Freeze Framing

• 📌 Lock mode is activated by pressing and holding the trigger on the gimbal.
• 🚫 While held, the phone's orientation is frozen, and it will not follow any gimbal movements.
• ✅ Releasing the trigger returns the gimbal to its previous active mode.