DJI Pocket 3 Long-Term Review - Pros and Cons
Table of Contents
The latest from DJI is becoming the vlogger and photography enthusiasts choice for a compact powerful camera. Our review goes through the pros and cons, features and user feedback to give you a full analysis if this is the camera for you. Whether you’re a pro or a hobbyist this review will help you decide if the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the best compact camera out there.
Unlike many review sites that just look at the specs, our approach to reviewing products like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is real life usage. Before we form an opinion we test the product in various everyday situations to give you a practical hands on view.
Key Takeaways
High-Quality Video: The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers 4K video at 60fps and 9.4 MP stills, making it perfect for high-resolution recording.
Enhanced Features: Includes advanced low-light performance, subject tracking, and a 2-inch OLED touchscreen for better control and viewing.
Portability: Weighs only 6.31 ounces and has a compact design, making it ideal for travel and vlogging.
Battery Life: Up to 166 minutes of continuous use, with an optional battery handle for extended shooting.
Creator Combo: Offers additional accessories like a tripod, carrying bag, and DJI Wireless Mic 2 for professional audio.
The Osmo Pocket 3 boasts impressive features:
Max Video Resolution: 4k,60fps, 16:9 aspect ratio
Max Stills Resolution: 9.4 MP
Lens: 20mm f/2.0
Battery Life: Up to 166 minutes of continuous use
Display: 2" rotatable OLED Touchscreen
Sensor: 1" CMOS
Weight: 6.31 ounces
Low-Light Mode
Slow-Motion Mode
These advancements enhance the user experience and elevate the camera's performance in dynamic environments, making it a significant upgrade for enthusiasts and professionals. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 fills a unique part of the camera market. Still, it distinguishes it from an action camera like DJI's Osmo Action. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is not waterproof, and the Gimbal isn't designed for high-action activities. Who should be interested in purchasing this camera and why?
DJI clearly answered this question with their introduction to the Osmo Pocket 3. Vloggers are the primary targeted audience. In addition to vlogging, I found this camera to be great for family trips, video creators who want to be more discrete, and social media content creators.
Pros of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a game-changer in the world of compact cameras, boasting several enhancements that set it apart from its predecessor, the Osmo Pocket 2, and other competitors on the market. Here's why the Osmo Pocket 3 stands out:
Better Low-Light Performance: One of the biggest upgrades is the low-light performance. Unlike the Osmo Pocket 2, the Pocket 3 gives you clearer, less grainy images in low light, perfect for night shoots or indoor environments with limited lighting.
Better Image Quality: The Pocket 3 has a larger sensor which means sharper, more colorful images. Colors are more lifelike so your footage looks pro and polished straight out of the camera.
Bigger, Easier to Use Screen: The bigger screen on the Osmo Pocket 3 is a huge improvement over the Pocket 2’s small screen. It’s a more comfortable viewing experience and easier to navigate through settings and menus, overall more user friendly.
Longer Battery Life: The Pocket 3’s longer battery life is a big plus, you can shoot for longer without needing to recharge. Perfect for those on the go and don’t have frequent access to power sources.
Better Stabilization: Osmo Pocket 3 continues DJI’s tradition of great stabilization, so your footage is smooth and steady even in dynamic environments. Whether you’re walking, running or shooting fast moving subjects, the Pocket 3 keeps your shots stable and pro looking.
Cons of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
While the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a remarkable piece of technology, it does have a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider:
Higher Price Point: One of the most notable cons is its premium price tag. Compared to the Osmo Pocket 2 and other compact cameras on the market, the Pocket 3 is more expensive. This higher cost may be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers or those new to videography.
Photo Resolution: Although the video quality of the Pocket 3 is exceptional, its photo resolution still leaves some room for improvement. While it excels in capturing stunning videos, photography enthusiasts might find the still image quality not quite up to the same high standard.
Learning Curve: With its advanced features and settings, the Osmo Pocket 3 might have a steeper learning curve for beginners. Users who are new to gimbals or compact cameras may need some time to get accustomed to its functionalities to make the most out of the device.
Screen
One of the standout features of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is its upgraded 2-inch OLED touchscreen, now with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This larger screen not only improves the overall user experience but makes framing and adjusting settings a breeze, even in challenging environments. The screen's intuitive design allows it to automatically rotate when you flip the camera, seamlessly switching between landscape and portrait modes. This makes it perfect for content creators who need to quickly adapt to the trending vertical formats, like Instagram Stories or TikTok videos.
However, it’s important to note that the rotation doesn’t work the same way as DJI’s Mini Drone. Rather than physically adjusting the camera’s sensor, the Osmo Pocket 3 crops the frame when switching to portrait mode, which does result in a reduction of resolution. While this isn't a deal-breaker for most users, especially when shooting for mobile or social platforms, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re aiming for the highest possible video quality.
Another major improvement with the Osmo Pocket 3’s screen is its brightness. With 700 nits of brightness, it’s significantly easier to use in bright daylight compared to previous models. Whether you're shooting in harsh sunlight or low-light conditions, the enhanced visibility helps you compose shots and adjust settings without struggling to see the display. This is a big win for vloggers and creators who often shoot outdoors and need to monitor their footage on the go.
Gimbal
One of the key features that sets the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 apart is its advanced 3-axis gimbal. The camera lens and sensor are mounted on this gimbal, which allows for incredibly smooth, stabilized footage, even when you’re on the move. The gimbal compensates for any sudden movements or shakes, providing a cinematic look to your videos—perfect for everything from walking shots to handheld vlogging.
At first glance, the compact size of the Osmo Pocket 3 might make you question its durability, especially given how exposed the gimbal appears. However, in my experience, DJI has maintained a very high build quality with this model. The gimbal and camera housing are surprisingly sturdy, and despite its delicate appearance, it holds up well in real-world use. This makes it a fantastic option for creators who need a portable yet reliable tool that can deliver professional-grade stabilization.
That said, there is one thing to keep in mind: while the 3-axis gimbal is incredibly effective at stabilizing horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) movements, it’s not designed to fully eliminate the up-and-down motion (Z-axis) that happens when you’re walking or running. You might notice some slight bounce in your footage if you’re moving quickly.
Battery Life
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a rechargeable battery however its not swappable. You get 166 minutes of continous use with the built in battery however there is an optional battery handle that extends battery life up to 60%. The bottom of the built in battery and the additional battery both have a 1.4" tripod mount. The optional battery is swappable so you can buy as many as you may need to ensure you have enough power to complete your shooting. The Osmo Pocket 3 also has a quick charge feature that allows you to charge up to 80% in about 16 minutes.
Size
In the above picture you can see the size differences in the evolution of the DJI Osmo Pocket. The unit on the left is the first version and the unit on the right is the Osmo Pocket 3. I'll say that the first version was so small it was a little more difficult to use. The base unit is 5.5 inches long and 179 grams on the Osmo 3. The base Osmo Pocket 2 is 4.9 inches long abnd 117 grams. I like the way the Osmo Pocket 3 feels in my hand better than previous models but thats going to be different for everyone.
Lens
The fixed 20mm equivalent lens has a fairly fast f/2.0 aperture however due to the lens being so wide its not the best for portraits and products. The lens does allow for a 2 times digital zoom but it does reduce the resolution some. The camera comes with a Wide-Angle Lens to achieve and even wider shooting angle with 108 degree FOV and 15mm focal length.
Creator Combo
An additional $150 will get you the creator combo. The creator combo includes a battery handle, tripod, carrying bag, and DJI Wirelss Mic 2. The best part of the package is the DJI Wireless Mic 2. It pairs to the Osmo Pocket 3 automatically so you won't need a reciever. This was an excellent idea from DJI for all content creators. Although the native microphones built into the Osmo Pocket 3 are decent, the DJI Mic 2 allows you to create professional sounding audio for you video. In fact, you can purchase or use an additional DJI Mic and the Osmo Pocket 2 will pair it also so you can carry 2 mics at the same time on the video. The carrying bag is ok but the Osmo Pocket doesn't fit inside it while inside the plastic protector. The tripod is a much better on this edition. It resembles GoPro's tripod. Its sturdy and provides confidence the unit is not going to get knocked over easily.
Final Thought
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a game-changer in the realm of compact cameras. With advanced stabilization, 4K video quality, an intuitive interface, and improved battery life, it's an excellent choice for both amateurs and professionals. Whether you're a vlogger, a travel enthusiast, or someone who loves capturing life's moments in stunning detail, the Osmo Pocket 3 is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3? A: The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact camera that offers advanced stabilization, high-quality 4K video, and various innovative modes, making it ideal for vlogging, travel, and everyday photography.
Q: What new modes are available on the Osmo Pocket 3? A: The Osmo Pocket 3 introduces Subject Tracking (Selfie Mode), Face Auto-Detect Mode, Dynamic Framing Mode, Low-Light Mode, and Slow Motion Mode.
Q: How does the Subject Tracking mode work? A: Subject Tracking allows the gimbal head to follow the subject smoothly and accurately. You can activate it by double-tapping the screen or using the Mimo app.
Q: What is the benefit of the Low-Light Mode? A: The Low-Light Mode improves detail in dim conditions by limiting the frame rate to 30 fps and increasing the ISO up to 16,000, which enhances image quality significantly in low-light environments.
Q: Can I shoot slow-motion videos with the Osmo Pocket 3? A: Yes, the Osmo Pocket 3 features a Slow Motion mode that allows you to capture footage in 4K at 120 fps, perfect for creating dramatic slow-motion effects.
Q: Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 suitable for professional use? A: Yes, with its advanced features, high-quality video output, and user-friendly interface, the Osmo Pocket 3 is suitable for both amateur and professional use.
Q: What improvements does the Osmo Pocket 3 offer over previous models? A: The Osmo Pocket 3 offers enhanced stabilization, improved low-light performance, new tracking modes, and better overall video quality compared to its predecessors.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest reviews and tips for using the Osmo Pocket 3? A: Stay tuned to our blog for detailed reviews, insights, and tips on using the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and other tech gadgets.