๐จ๐ณTechNodeโขStalecollected in 48m
Oppo and Vivo to Challenge DJI with AI Gimbal Cameras
๐กMajor mobile players are entering the hardware AI-camera space, potentially disrupting the specialized gimbal market.
โก 30-Second TL;DR
What Changed
Oppo and Vivo are entering the handheld gimbal camera market by year-end.
Why It Matters
This expansion signals a shift where mobile imaging expertise is being ported into dedicated hardware, potentially commoditizing AI-assisted stabilization and tracking features previously exclusive to specialized brands.
What To Do Next
Monitor the SDK releases or API documentation for these new devices to see if they offer open access for custom AI-driven camera applications.
Who should care:Developers & AI Engineers
Key Points
- โขOppo and Vivo are entering the handheld gimbal camera market by year-end.
- โขDevices will focus on integrating proprietary imaging algorithms and AI features.
- โขThe move aims to challenge DJI's dominance in the lightweight video creation segment.
- โขIntegration with existing mobile ecosystems is a core strategic pillar.
๐ง Deep Insight
Web-grounded analysis with 22 cited sources.
๐ Enhanced Key Takeaways
- โขOppo's gimbal camera project is codenamed 'Fuyao' and is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, potentially alongside the Find X10 series.
- โขVivo initiated its Vlog camera project in late 2025, has assembled a team of nearly 100 people, and has already completed prototype molding, with user testing scheduled to begin on May 22, 2026.
- โขThe entry of Oppo and Vivo into this market is partly driven by the high-profit margins (exceeding 50% for new models from DJI and Insta360) and intense competition in the traditional smartphone market.
- โขVivo's upcoming gimbal camera may feature a flagship-grade 1/1.12-inch LYT-901 sensor, which is physically larger than the 1-inch sensor found in the DJI Osmo Pocket 4.
- โขThe handheld gimbal market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $227.1 million in 2026, with AI-powered gimbals and user-friendly designs being key trends.
๐ ๏ธ Technical Deep Dive
- Oppo MariSilicon X NPU: A 6nm neural processing unit (NPU) and image signal processor (ISP) capable of 18 trillion operations per second (TOPS) with 11.6 TOPS/watt power efficiency. It features a dedicated DDR with 8.5 GB/s bandwidth, enabling real-time 4K AI processing and 20-bit HDR fusion directly in the RAW domain. It also supports AI Noise Reduction and enhances RGBW sensor performance.
- Vivo Imaging Chips (V1, V1+, V3):
- V1: Vivo's first self-developed professional imaging chip, designed for high-efficiency, low-latency, and low-power image processing. It includes a 32MB on-chip cache with 35.84Gbps read/write speed, supporting real-time 1080p 60fps video noise reduction and low-light 4K 30fps MEMC noise reduction.
- V1+: An upgraded booster chip that improves image accuracy by 12% and brightness by 16% through an AI perception engine. It also offers enhanced noise reduction and 15.5% improved color accuracy.
- V3: A 6nm chip featuring a multi-concurrent AI-ISP architecture and second-generation Frame Info Tunneling (FIT) technology. It enables advanced features like 4K cinema-like bokeh, automatic subject focus detection, cinema-like skin optimization, and cinematic color processing, making Vivo the first Android phone maker to offer 4K cinema-quality portrait video with post-processing.
- Vivo Origin Imaging Engine (VOIE): A composite algorithm matrix solution that enhances image quality, color, tone, and computing functionality through its Color Restoration Engine, Ultra HD Engine, and Accelerated Computing Engine.
- Potential Sensor Technology: Vivo's upcoming device may utilize a 1/1.12-inch LYT-901 sensor, indicating a hardware-first approach to capturing more light per pixel.
๐ฎ Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources
The entry of Oppo and Vivo will intensify competition in the lightweight video creation market.
Their established brand recognition, supply chain efficiencies, and existing mobile imaging expertise will allow them to quickly gain market share against incumbents like DJI.
Consumers will benefit from a wider range of product offerings and more competitive pricing in the handheld gimbal camera segment.
New entrants typically diversify product features and pricing strategies to attract users, challenging the current market leaders.
The integration of advanced AI imaging chips and algorithms from smartphones will elevate the capabilities of compact gimbal cameras.
Oppo's MariSilicon X and Vivo's V-series chips demonstrate significant computational photography prowess that can be directly applied to dedicated camera hardware for superior image and video quality.
โณ Timeline
2021-09
Vivo unveils its first self-developed professional imaging chip, V1.
2021-12
Oppo unveils MariSilicon X NPU for enhanced photo and video quality.
2022-12
Vivo introduces new imaging technologies, including Vast-Sky Night System and Hyper-Sense Portrait System.
2023-07
Vivo unveils its V3 imaging chip, enabling 4K cinema-quality portrait video with post-processing functions.
2025-09
Reports emerge about Oppo and Vivo developing handheld gimbal cameras to challenge DJI.
2025-late
Vivo initiates a dedicated Vlog camera project with a team of nearly 100 people.
๐ Sources (22)
Factual claims are grounded in the sources below. Forward-looking analysis is AI-generated interpretation.
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Original source: TechNode โ