DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Small and easily held, the Osmo Pocket 3 doesn’t immediately give off an air of sophistication. In fact, its design might remind you more of a covert tool than an intricate camera. However, in the skilled hands of a photographer or videographer, its potential shines through, particularly in its ability to deliver high-quality shots. I’ve had the pleasure of using the Osmo Pocket 3 for nearly three weeks now, and during this time, it has unmistakably proven itself as a standout choice among handheld vlogging cameras in the market.
Harnessing the capabilities of a robust 1-inch CMOS camera sensor coupled with an advanced gimbal system, the Osmo Pocket 3 opens up a diverse spectrum of possibilities for photography and videography. Upon my initial testing of the device, it became evident that its excellence extends to various events, including CES, auto or boat shows, and even music performances. The exceptional camera capabilities, combined with the seamless and responsive control afforded by its gimbal, create a formidable combination that, as of now, stands unparalleled.
With the Osmo Pocket 3’s gimbal, you can achieve impressive pans ranging from negative 235 degrees to 58 degrees, tilts spanning from negative 120 degrees to 70 degrees, and rolls extending from negative 45 degrees to 45 degrees. This extensive range empowers users to access a wide array of angles and optimal viewing positions. When observing videos, the camera maintains exceptional stability, ensuring that your chosen focus remains sharp and centered, regardless of your movement.
Additionally, the device is outfitted with three primary modes: Spin Shot, Dynamic Framing, and Face Auto-Detect. I observed that the Face Auto-Detect mode could be a tad finicky at times, particularly when the camera shifted too much, even with the gimbal. It didn’t consistently stay focused on my face. On the other hand, Dynamic Framing emerged as the standout among the three modes. While Spin Shot presented an intriguing option for spicing up transitions, it didn’t quite match the frequency of use that Dynamic Framing offered in my experience.
In-Depth Review: The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – Compact Design, Unmatched Capability
Diverging from the conventional reliance on smartphones for capturing content, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 adopts an integrated camera approach, reminiscent of the front end of a DJI drone attached to a control stick. Notably, it stands out among creator gimbals, earning my appreciation and becoming one of the rare few that I genuinely enjoy using.
Creators seek a compact gimbal for on-the-go video and photo capture, relying on effective image stabilization and quick setup. Achieving this straightforward goal is a challenge for many gimbals in the market. When relying on smartphones for image capture, these compact gimbals often lose their compactness. They become top-heavy and unwieldy, making them cumbersome and inconvenient to use in practice.
The Osmo Pocket series reimagines the conventional gimbal design by consolidating all controls and features into a device equipped with an integrated camera. In a figurative sense, it turns the typical gimbal setup on its head, effectively eliminating the primary drawback found in other tools.
To understand my affinity for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, let’s take a moment to delve into the inherent issues prevalent in most gimbals designed for creators and examine how DJI tackles these challenges.
Decoding the Challenges of Gimbals
The majority of creator-centric gimbal systems are crafted to leverage smartphones as the primary recording device, given the ubiquity of iPhones or Android phones. While this reliance on smartphones offers certain advantages, particularly in terms of optics, it also introduces a host of limitations due to this design choice.
When mounted on a compact gimbal, the expansive screen of a smartphone disrupts the balance, resulting in a top-heavy configuration. Opting for a smartphone-centric image-capture approach mandates a robust design to manage the weight and counteract the cantilever effect induced by the phone. Conversely, prioritizing a lightweight and portable design may leave the gimbal feeling fragile and susceptible to tipping over, especially when utilized on a tripod.
A smartphone-dependent gimbal compels the utilization of a lower-quality front-facing camera for selfie footage or demands reliance on a higher-quality back-facing camera. Opting for the back-facing camera, however, introduces challenges in monitoring footage and adjusting settings during the recording process, making these tasks more cumbersome.
Relying on a smartphone also mandates dependence on the phone’s built-in audio, often through Bluetooth connections, or it entails the use of a wireless adapter attached to the phone’s bottom, disrupting the balance of most gimbals. Given the enhanced built-in stabilization modes of smartphones, there are instances where it becomes more convenient to use the phone at arm’s length than to employ a gimbal.
Unity in Functionality: An Integrated Approach
I evaluated the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, available at $670. Opting for just the Osmo Pocket 3 alone comes with a price tag of $520. While the standalone Pocket 3 serves as a capable creator device, the Creator Combo elevates this tool to its maximum potential. I contend that the Creator Combo is not just an enhancement but a necessary complement to unlock the full capabilities of the Osmo Pocket 3.
Equipped with a Type 1 CMOS sensor, the Osmo Pocket 3 boasts a built-in two-inch LCD screen that seamlessly rotates, facilitating effortless switching between vertical and horizontal shooting orientations. Highlighting its advanced capabilities are the inclusion of a 3-axis gimbal, ActiveTrack 6 for enhanced tracking, and stereo audio recording for an immersive audiovisual experience.
Capable of capturing video at an impressive 4K resolution and 120 frames per second (fps), the Osmo Pocket 3 takes it a step further by offering recording in DJI’s D-Log format in 10-bit. This log and color reproduction space align with the standards of DJI’s drones, ensuring that the Osmo Pocket 3 can seamlessly produce footage that harmonizes with the company’s aerial solutions.
The Osmo Pocket 3 offers versatile functionality, allowing users to engage in live streaming, create captivating timelapses, hyperlapses, and the innovative “motionlapse,” designed to capture images when motion is detected within the frame. Leveraging the renowned ActiveTrack technology from DJI’s drones, the Osmo Pocket 3 ensures exceptional tracking capabilities. Moreover, the companion phone app maintains the company’s reputation for delivering well-designed user interfaces, contributing to a seamless and user-friendly experience.
The creator kit comes complete with a convenient clip-on wireless microphone, accompanied by a magnet for secure attachment to clothing in case a clip isn’t readily suitable. Enhancing its functionality, the kit includes a battery grip to complement the internal battery, featuring a tripod mount point for added stability. For those desiring a more compact and lightweight setup, an additional smaller handle adapter with a tripod mount is provided as an alternative to the battery handle. Notably, the kit incorporates a magnetic wide-angle lens, showcasing intelligent industrial design, as many of these accessories neatly fit into the accompanying plastic carrying case.
Pictographic Formats
Introducing the remarkable capabilities of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, it excels in capturing 4K footage at a seamless 60fps, along with impressive resolutions of 2.7K and 1080p in either the 16:9 or 19:6 formats. Pushing creative boundaries, this device offers the unique feature of recording in 3K with a 1:1 crop, adding a distinctive touch to your content. Elevating the cinematic experience further, the Osmo Pocket 3 presents slow-motion wonders, delivering stunning visuals at up to 4K 120fps and 1080p 240fps.
The video recording process is optimized with a bitrate of 130Mbps, coupled with advanced 10-bit depth and D-Log functionality. This not only facilitates precise color grading but also ensures seamless integration and synchronization with other DJI devices, culminating in a harmonious and unparalleled videography journey.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Hand-Holding Experience
Approaching the testing of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with a fair share of skepticism, I found myself surprisingly won over, even though I encountered some challenges while setting up the pre-release beta version provided to me. The recent announcement of the Osmo Pocket 3 indicates that new users won’t face the configuration problems I encountered. However, this particular experience brought to light the sole issue I have with the device, which will be addressed in detail in the upcoming “Issues” section.
The design of the Pocket 3 is intelligently crafted. Its two-inch screen stands out for its brightness, ensuring clear visibility even in direct sunlight. Although the compact size of the touchscreen may limit the interface, navigating it is a breeze, and the DJI Mimo app serves as an excellent companion, offering comprehensive control over the Pocket 3 with user-friendly and more accessible controls.
Activating the Pocket 3 is a simple process accomplished either by a prolonged press on the power switch or by rotating the screen from a vertical to a horizontal position.
Notably, altering the orientation of the captured footage is effortlessly achieved by merely turning the screen from horizontal to vertical or vice versa. This stands in contrast to the typical process with most gimbals, where changing orientations involves multiple button presses, switches, or physically rotating the phone to the desired orientation. The Pocket 3 streamlines this operation for a more convenient user experience.
Should one consider buying it?
Certainly. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is an ideal choice for solo creators seeking a versatile, image-stabilized solution that excels in various settings and environments.
