As someone who has been making landscape photography videos since 2017, I have had my fair share of cameras to allow me to get the job done. I am also someone who doesn't jump onto the latest and greatest tech the moment it comes out. Instead, I normally wait until I can pick a unit up secondhand, long after it has proven its worth and capabilities. This, however, has now changed due to the latest release from DJI, the Osmo Pocket 3.
I currently have the first iteration of this camera, and it has worked well for me for years. It even took a dip in a lake for over a minute and still works to this day despite this. I also have the highly acclaimed Sony ZV-1, which in itself elevated the quality of my videos and opened up a whole new world of vlogging style to me. The reason I had both was due to the lack of a 3/4 inch mount on the first pocket, which meant I wasn't able to easily mount it on my tripod to give me that "presentation" look. So, the Sony ticked that box plus added a level up in terms of quality. I could also use my Rode Wireless Go II mics easily with this camera, as it had a standard port to plug in the receiver. I would only then use my Osmo Pocket for run and gun types of videos or when it was too much to have to bring two tripods on a hike or adventure with me.
Fast-forward now to this week when I, like many others, waited with bated breath to see if all the rumors were true and if this new flagship camera would tick the boxes. And boy does it tick those boxes. So much so that I am now selling all my existing video gear (Pocket 1, Sony ZV-1, and the Rode Wireless Go II) as this one camera replaces them all plus also levels up the quality once again for me.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the latest iteration in their line of pocket-sized stabilizers and cameras, seems to have picked up where the highly successful Pocket 2 left off. This tiny device packs a powerful punch in terms of features and performance, making it a standout choice for both amateur and professional videographers. In this article, I want to explore the key features, functionality and reasons why the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will prompt me to sell my other gear.
Design and Portability: 5/5
One of the most striking aspects of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is its compact design. The diminutive size of this handheld gimbal makes it incredibly portable, fitting comfortably in my pocket. The build quality is robust, and the device exudes a premium feel, as expected from DJI. It's ideal for those who want to capture stabilized footage on the go, and it's perfect for travelers and content creators who want to travel light. However, it is bigger than both of its predecessors, so perhaps larger pockets will be needed. Nonetheless, it does what it says it will do - fit right in your pocket - so full marks for that.
Stabilization: 5/5
The primary function of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is to provide exceptional stabilization for your videos. It does this brilliantly. The three-axis gimbal offers silky-smooth stabilization, which is essential for capturing professional-quality footage, especially when shooting in challenging conditions or while on the move. Whether you're walking, running, or even shooting from a moving vehicle, this gimbal keeps your footage steady and free from the dreaded "shaky cam" effect. Mechanical stabilization will trump digital stabilization all day, and it seems this unit won't suffer from ghosting like when the normal image is stabilized on action cams.
Camera Capabilities: 4.5/5
The camera on the Osmo Pocket 3 has seen significant improvements compared to its predecessor. It boasts a larger 1-inch sensor with improved low-light performance, capturing more detail and vibrant colors. With its 4K resolution and a variety of frame rate options, it's suitable for both casual vlogging and more serious videography work. It even supports HDR video recording, providing greater dynamic range and enhancing overall video quality. The early footage I have recorded with it looks fantastic and can even yield good results when the subject is fully backlit.
Versatile Shooting Modes: 4/5
DJI has equipped the Osmo Pocket 3 with an array of shooting modes to cater to various shooting scenarios. The device offers intelligent shooting modes like ActiveTrack 6.0 for following subjects, Pro Mode for fine-tuning settings manually, and creative modes like Timelapse, Hyperlapse, and Slow Motion. These modes give me the flexibility to experiment with different shooting styles and add depth and creativity to my videos. It also boasts LOG M, giving me the added power in editing to really get the details out of my video. However, I imagine that for the majority of users, the standard video format will be used more often.
User-Friendly Interface: 4.5/5
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. You can control various settings, modes, and even edit footage directly on the device. The inclusion of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as a microSD card slot, ensures practical connectivity options. For some the small screen might prove a challenge, however for seasoned pocket users, this will be an upgrade to the previous iterations screens. Finally it can connect wirelessly to the mimo app now, giving us a larger screen to use those controls on. It would have been nice to have an extra button for custom modes directly on the unit, to be able to switch between them quickly without having to go into the menus, but being able to have custom profiles saves and easily accessible will be great.
Audio Quality: 4/5
Audio is a critical aspect of video production, and the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has not overlooked this. It features improved audio performance with dual microphones in the body that capture clearer and stereo sound. Additionally, an external microphone can be attached for even better audio quality, making it a viable choice for content creators who prioritize sound quality in their videos. However, to get the best audio quality, you need to purchase the creator combo to get the new mic 2 and wireless mic. This will give you crystal clear audio and has quite a considerable range on it. It also boasts floating 32-bit audio, which is a game-changer.
Battery Life: 4/5
The device comes with a removable and rechargeable battery, providing about 140 minutes of use on a full charge. This is a commendable improvement over previous versions and should suffice for most shooting situations. However, it's advisable to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions, and the only way once again is to have the spare battery or to purchase the creator combo, which features a clip-on battery pack that gives you extra power plus charges your internal Pocket 3 camera's battery.
Conclusion
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a testament to DJI's commitment to excellence in the world of portable stabilizers and cameras. Its remarkable compactness, superior stabilization, and advanced camera capabilities make it a compelling choice for videographers of all levels. Whether you're an adventure traveler, a vlogger, or a professional filmmaker, this pocket-sized marvel offers a myriad of features and tools to elevate your videography game. While the device isn't without a high price tag, which may be prohibitive to many, the value it delivers in terms of performance and convenience is well worth the investment. DJI has once again set the standard for handheld gimbals and compact cameras, making the Osmo Pocket 3 a solid choice in 2023.
Have you any questions or thoughts on the unit? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below.
After seeing your first video we've had a look at it at decided to get it as a present for Christmas.. I hope it will be possible soon enough to buy second DJI mic 2 and some lenses for bit longer reach. Update for photography function would be great... Fingers crossed
Nice Christmas present for sure and hopefully the second mic will be available ! I’ve done some further tests on it since and it’s still holding up, I do have some “changes” that I’d like to see but they are just ideals more than needs
Me to.. Dont even have it yet. 3x3 pano in DNG files separately, and exposure time maximum 30s 🤣
I was hoping that the little screen could be used as a teleprompter. Isn't that a good idea?
Now that’s innovative :-) might need to come with binoculars tho :-)
If you go one word at time, it's ok 🤣
Ahh Keanu Reeves Telepromoter 😂
The Pocket 3 does not come with a removable battery. It is built into the unit. You can purchase an extra battery that attaches to it.
Good point ( I was referring to the creator combo which is what I bought ) thanks for your comment
Definitely not an overstatement like those "Smartphones are so good these days, I'm no longer needing my camera" statements. The video quality is exceptional out of the box in full auto with natural looking HDR colours that's much better than an iPhone. For vlogging distances the depth of field is good enough for subject separation without looking too surreal.
It’s still impressing me each time I use it, there are a couple of things that I’d like to change tho but it’s still an awesome piece of kit