DJI’s Osmo Pocket line has always been a niche product, but it has a dedicated fan base due to its portability, fluid video, and decent image quality. Three years after the Pocket 2, DJI has introduced the Osmo Pocket 3, which comes with significant improvements. These include a larger 1-inch sensor for better image quality, especially in low light, a bigger screen that flips sideways, and advanced subject tracking. The Pocket 3 also features 4K 120p shooting, 10-bit D-LogM for improved dynamic range, quicker autofocus, and more.
With all these enhancements, the Pocket 3 could serve as a standalone vlogging camera. However, it’s also considerably more expensive than its predecessor. To determine if it’s worth the extra cost, I conducted extensive testing to explore its capabilities and limitations.
Design and Features
The Osmo Pocket 3 is a portable camera that’s easy to use, small enough to carry anywhere, and maneuverable in tight spaces. It’s stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, which ensures smooth and fluid shots. The camera can pan, tilt, and roll across a wide range of 303, 278, and 283 degrees, respectively.
At 5.5 inches long and weighing 179 grams, it’s slightly heavier but nearly as compact as the Pocket 2, which weighs 117 grams and measures 4.9 inches long. While it resembles its predecessor, several key changes stand out.
Larger Screen
The most noticeable difference is the 16:9 2-inch screen, which is nearly five times the area of the Pocket 2’s 1-inch display. This screen flips sideways and automatically rotates the camera, allowing you to shoot in either landscape or portrait mode without adjusting settings. However, note that vertical video mode crops the resolution from 4K to 3K.
Menu System
The menu system on the Pocket 3’s touchscreen is not particularly intuitive. It involves swiping from the sides or touching icons to access functions, requiring some memorization due to the lack of visual clues.
Improved Camera Head
The camera head is larger and houses a 1-inch 9.4MP sensor, which is nearly three times the size of the Pocket 2’s 1/1.7-inch sensor. DJI might use this sensor in future products like the Mini drones and Osmo action cams. The fixed 20mm equivalent lens has a fast F/2.0 aperture. While the wide focal length isn’t ideal for portraits or product shots, a two times digital zoom can double it at the cost of some resolution.
Performance
The Osmo Pocket 3 is designed to provide smooth and stable video. It operates in a point-and-shoot manner to keep subjects in frame, with the gimbal and autofocus handling the rest. It offers three modes: follow, tilt lock, and FPV mode.
- Follow Mode: The camera aims where you point it, locking off roll to keep the camera level.
- Tilt Lock Mode: Locks the tilt function to keep the horizon level.
- FPV Mode: Keeps all three functions unlocked, allowing the camera to tilt, pan, and roll as you move.
The larger sensor, combined with optical stabilization, helps the Pocket 3 create cinematic video. It allows for slower shutter speeds, producing natural-looking motion blur, which is impossible with electronic stabilization.
The gimbal performs well in various scenarios, such as car rides, running, and rapid panning. However, without electronic stabilization, Z-axis (up and down) motion can still be present, requiring smooth walking to avoid it.
DJI Mic 2 Integration
The Pocket 3 and DJI Mic 2 combination is practical, providing smooth, high-quality video and excellent audio. The Pocket 3’s small size and the Mic 2’s ability to capture clear audio, even in noisy environments, make it ideal for vlogging.
The Mic 2 offers consistent sound quality and minimizes outside noise. It has a decent range, though DJI hasn’t specified the exact range yet. It works well for scenarios where you might be separated from the camera, like when it’s mounted on a car.
Subject Tracking and Dynamic Framing
The Pocket 3 features ActiveTrack subject tracking, which you can enable by double-tapping a subject or selecting it from the Mimo app. The camera head tilts and pans to follow the subject and keep it in focus. In selfie mode, it goes into face-tracking mode, keeping your face centered on the screen.
A new dynamic framing mode also tracks faces and allows you to change the framing with a button touch. Another new feature, spin shot, rotates the camera 90 or 180 degrees for stylized scenes.
Video and Image Quality
The Pocket 3 can shoot 4K at up to 60 fps in normal mode and includes 10-bit D-LogM and HLG modes for HDR shooting. It also offers 4K 120p shooting for slow-motion scenarios. Initially, this mode didn’t support 10-bit and D-LogM/HLG modes, but a recent firmware update added these features.
A new low-light video mode boosts ISO up to 16,000, compared to 3,200 in regular video mode, improving performance in dim scenes. The Hyperlapse and time lapse settings work similarly to DJI drones, providing a time lapse option for showing the quick passage of time. Other modes include Panorama for wide shots and standard photo mode.
Conclusion
With significant improvements in image quality, tracking, and other features, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 is more versatile than ever. The image quality rivals high-end compact cameras, and the optical stabilization is equivalent to a handheld gimbal without the hassle.
However, the Pocket 3 is priced at $520 for the gimbal alone or $699 for the Creator Combo, which includes a battery handle, mini tripod, 0.75x lens adapter, and carry bag. For that price, you could consider alternatives like Sony’s ZV-1F vlogging camera or the ZV-10 mirrorless camera with a larger sensor. While these cameras can’t match the Pocket 3’s cinematic capabilities, they might be better suited for portraits, product shots, and other content types.
The Pocket 3’s $170 price increase over the Pocket 2 makes it a more significant investment. DJI hopes users will embrace it as a standalone vlogging camera. It excels in creating cinematic shots but is less ideal for people or product-focused content.
In summary, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a powerful tool for vloggers and content creators who prioritize smooth, cinematic video. Its advanced features and improved performance justify the higher price for those who need its unique capabilities.
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