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On a supported iPhone, Action mode adds stabilization to handheld video recording—no separate accessory is needed. Open Camera, switch to Video, then tap Camera Controls and choose Action. It helps with moving shots, but Apple says it works best in bright light, and its maximum capture resolution is 2.8K.
How to turn on Action mode
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Open the Camera app and select Video.
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Tap Camera Controls, then tap Action.
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Start recording and frame your subject. To disable the feature, tap the on-screen Action Mode On control.
Apple describes the feature and its controls in its iPhone video recording guide. Controls can vary by device; if you do not see Action, check your Camera app and the video-recording settings on your iPhone.
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On devices that offer the setting, go to Settings > Camera > Indicators and turn on Action Mode to show its control on the camera screen. This changes access to the control; it is separate from turning Action mode on for a recording.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience Seamless Stability - Osmo Mobile 7's robust 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures lossless stability, making it a vital part of any content creator's essentials. Capture creative bursts and craft stunning, cinema-quality masterpieces with ease.
- Streamline Your Creativity - The Osmo Mobile 7 phone gimbal features an integrated foldable design with a built-in tripod [5], making solo creation effortless and storage hassle-free.
- Stay In Focus - With DJI Mimo's ActiveTrack 7.0, track subjects with your gimbal in more diverse scenarios. No matter how bold your moves, enjoy smooth tracking every step of the way.
- Capture Like a Pro From Day One - Pair your Osmo Mobile 7 with DJI Mimo for ShotGuides and One-Tap Edit. Film and edit like a pro, saving time and enhancing your creative storytelling instantly.
- Ultra-Light With Comfortable Grip - At just 300 grams [4], Osmo Mobile 7 boasts an ergonomic design and an anti-slip handle, making it the ideal phone gimbal for extended use.
Use it in the right light
Apple’s guidance is direct: “Action mode works best in bright light.” If you need to record in dimmer conditions and your iPhone supports the option, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video and enable Action Mode Lower Light. That setting may help in lower light, but Apple’s bright-light guidance still applies; the setting is not a guarantee of clear or shake-free footage. See Apple’s video recording settings guide.
Know the resolution and format tradeoff
Action mode tops out at a capture resolution of 2.8K. The specific formats and frame rates available depend on the iPhone model, so check the recording options on your device if a particular resolution, frame rate, or format matters more than stabilization.
Rank #2
- Native Tracking With Audio [4] & Lighting [1] – Level up your shots with a DJI gimbal that combines tracking, audio reception [4], and lighting. Stay sharply in focus, well-lit, and crystal clear.
- Seamless 360° Pan Rotation – Enjoy 360° horizontal rotation for immersive shots. Intelligent tracking lets you follow subjects freely, and the built-in tripod/selfie stick adds more flexibility.
- Direct Phone Connection for Tracking [2] – Instantly connect your phone to the foldable gimbal for quick setup and intelligent tracking. Portable and easy to use for on-the-go shooting.
- Ultra-Comfortable Grip with Built-in Tripod for Low-Angle Shots – This gimbal is ideal for capturing kids or pets in action, creative skateboarding shots, or new vlogging angles with a Selfie Stick, all without wrist strain.
- Built-in Extension Rod [5] & Tripod – No extra gear required! Capture group selfies or wide travel shots with this DJI gimbal. Set up anywhere—from city parks to family parties—for hands-free filming.
| Device example | Action mode specification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro | Up to 2.8K at 60 fps | Apple technical specifications |
| iPhone 18 Pro | Up to 2.8K Dolby Vision at 60 fps | Apple technical specifications |
These are examples for the named models, not a complete compatibility or format list. Apple’s general guidance gives 2.8K as the maximum capture resolution, but the cited specifications do not establish the exact options for every iPhone. If you want a higher resolution or another format, compare the choices in standard Video mode with those offered when Action mode is enabled.
Choose between handheld stabilization and a tripod
Action mode is intended for more stabilized video when filming handheld, especially when you are moving with the subject. A tripod is for a different setup: keeping the phone fixed for stationary framing or time-lapse recording. Apple specifically recommends a tripod for low-light time-lapse video; it is not required to activate Action mode and is not a substitute for its handheld use.
Rank #3
- Snap the Spectacular - The Multifunctional Module packs intelligent tracking, DJI Mic 2/DJI Mic Mini reception, and lighting features into one compact unit. Pair it with your phone gimbal for ideal shots every time.
- Experience Seamless Stability - Osmo Mobile 7P's robust 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures lossless stability. Capture creative bursts and craft stunning, cinema-quality masterpieces with ease.
- Capture Like a Pro From Day One - Pair your Osmo Mobile 7P with DJI Mimo for ShotGuides and One-Tap Edit. Film and edit like a pro, saving time and enhancing your creative storytelling instantly.
- So Quick, So Easy - Unfold the phone gimbal to power it on. Easily mount a paired smartphone with the magnetic design, and the Mimo app pops up automatically [3] so you can film instantly.
- Streamline Your Creativity - Osmo Mobile 7P's built-in extension rod and tripod [4] let you capture wide selfies and steady vlogs with ease, offering creative freedom without the hassle of extra gear.
What Action mode cannot promise
Apple does not quantify how much shake Action mode removes or guarantee a particular result for every movement, lighting condition, or iPhone model. It also does not specify the exact amount of cropping. Treat it as a stabilization option rather than a promise that footage will be perfectly steady, and review a short clip in your actual lighting before recording something important.
Apple’s Canadian video recording guide explains the Action control and tripod use; its general iPhone camera guide documents the feature and its bright-light guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Native Tracking With Audio [4] & Lighting [1] – Level up your shots with a DJI gimbal that combines tracking, audio reception [4], and lighting. Stay sharply in focus, well-lit, and crystal clear.
- Seamless 360° Pan Rotation – Enjoy 360° horizontal rotation for immersive shots. Intelligent tracking lets you follow subjects freely, and the built-in tripod/selfie stick adds more flexibility.
- Direct Phone Connection for Tracking [2] – Instantly connect your phone to the foldable gimbal for quick setup and intelligent tracking. Portable and easy to use for on-the-go shooting.
- Ultra-Comfortable Grip with Built-in Tripod for Low-Angle Shots – This gimbal is ideal for capturing kids or pets in action, creative skateboarding shots, or new vlogging angles with a Selfie Stick, all without wrist strain.
- Built-in Extension Rod [5] & Tripod – No extra gear required! Capture group selfies or wide travel shots with this DJI gimbal. Set up anywhere—from city parks to family parties—for hands-free filming.
Rank #4
- Detachable Remote Controller: The hohem iSteady X3 SE Gimbal comes with a detachable magnetic remote, allowing you to effortlessly control selfies and videos from up to 32.81 feet away. This phone stabilizer is perfect for capturing family gatherings and solo travel moments with ease
- Advanced iSteady 8.0 Technology: Featuring upgraded 3-axis stabilization, this phone gimbal ensures ultra-smooth footage, even when jogging or jumping. Perfect for action-packed outdoor adventures and dynamic vlogging sessions
- Portable and Foldable Design: Take your gimbal anywhere! Weighing only 0.79 lbs, the iSteady X3 SE stabilizer easily folds into a pocket-sized tool, making it a must-have for travelers and vloggers on the go
- Unlock your Creativity with the Hohem Joy App: The gimbal stabilizer for iphone integrates seamlessly with the Hohem Joy APP, offering multiple shooting modes like AI tracking, gesture control, and creative templates. Ideal for vloggers and content creators looking to elevate their production quality
- 11-Hour Long Battery Life: Film all day without interruptions. The iSteady X3 SE smartphone gimbal offers 11 hours of continuous operation on a 2-hour charge, making it perfect for live streaming and day-long shoots. Capture entire events or long adventures without worrying about running out of power
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