.png "blank Coverage")
DJI's Osmo Pocket line has always occupied a niche in the standalone gimbal camera market, and after three years since the Pocket 2, the Osmo Pocket 3 brings significant enhancements. The standout features include a substantial 1-inch sensor, greatly enhancing image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, a larger screen that flips sideways and advanced subject tracking contribute to its versatility. The device supports 4K 120p shooting, 10-bit D-LogM for improved dynamic range, and faster autofocus, making it a potential standalone vlogging camera.
The Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact and user-friendly camera, offering smooth and stable shots with its 3-axis gimbal. Weighing 179 grams and measuring 5.5 inches long, it maintains portability, making it suitable for tight spaces. Notable improvements include a 16:9 2-inch screen with five times the area of its predecessor, which can flip sideways for convenient landscape or portrait shooting. However, the touchscreen menu system may require some familiarity due to its swiping and icon-based navigation.
The camera head houses a larger 1-inch 9.4MP sensor, significantly improving image quality. The 20mm equivalent lens with an F/2.0 aperture allows for a two-times digital zoom. The physical buttons have been reduced to record and gimbal control, while the microSD card and USB-C port remain in familiar positions. Remarkably, the device boasts outstanding battery life, offering 135 minutes with the built-in 1,300mAh battery and up to 240 minutes with the optional 950mAh battery handle, which supports fast charging.
The Mimo app, previously necessary for certain functions, is less critical now, as most operations can be performed directly from the camera screen. The Pocket 3 is available on its own or in a Creator Combo, offering additional accessories like a battery handle, mini tripod, 0.75x lens adapter, carry bag, and the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter for wireless high-quality audio.
In terms of performance, the Osmo Pocket 3 excels as a gimbal, delivering smooth and stable video. It introduces three modes: follow, tilt lock, and FPV, catering to different shooting styles. The gimbal effectively minimizes Z-axis motion, but some smooth walking is necessary to avoid it. Paired with the DJI Mic 2, the combination provides an excellent vlogging setup with high-quality video and audio.
The camera's video and image quality are impressive, with 4K 60fps shooting, 10-bit D-LogM mode, and HLG mode for HDR. The 1-inch sensor contributes to sharp and vibrant visuals, particularly in low-light conditions. The addition of 4K 120p shooting and a low-light video mode further enhances its capabilities. However, the relatively wide-angle lens may not be ideal for portraits or product shots, and the digital zoom incurs a resolution loss.
Despite some focus breathing and the absence of a breathing compensation feature, the Pocket 3 demonstrates minimal rolling shutter, ensuring stable footage. The device's ability to track subjects with ActiveTrack and innovative features like dynamic framing and spin shot add to its creative potential.
In conclusion, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 stands out as a versatile and high-performance gimbal camera with significant improvements over its predecessor. While it comes at a higher price point, its cinematic capabilities, enhanced image quality, and efficient stabilization make it a compelling choice for content creators focused on creating cinematic shots. However, its suitability for specific content types, such as portraits and product-focused content, may vary, and potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences before making a purchase.
