ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a dependable 1-inch CMOS sensor that captures stabilized 4K footage.
- It is compact, has a built-in gimbal, and may be very straightforward to make use of.
- The management pad might be wonky, and low-light efficiency takes a success.
extra shopping for decisions
I did not count on a pocket digital camera to be one among my favourite tech devices of this 12 months — not when smartphone cameras have gotten so good — however the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 managed to vary that.
I’ve seen the Pocket 3 takeover firsthand, witnessing different tech journalists slowly changing their heavier, bulkier, and extra sophisticated DSLRs and smartphones with the flip-out digital camera. My default shooter, a Sony A7S III with a GM 16-35mm lens, weighs virtually three kilos, so I get it.
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However there’s greater than meets the attention with the Pocket 3; its portability and comfort will draw you in, however its intensive capturing modes and recording instruments will make you come again for extra. I have been testing the Pocket 3 for about two months now, and this is what you must know concerning the hottest digital camera in tech.
Whereas that is the third iteration of the DJI Osmo Pocket, the corporate has upgraded the machine in virtually each approach, from the bigger two-inch show that may flip from vertical (portrait) video recording to horizontal (panorama) to the bigger, extra succesful one-inch CMOS sensor. Altogether, you are getting a really succesful digital camera that can slot in most pants pockets, shoulder luggage, and backpacks.
That flip-out show is among the Pocket 3’s finest options, because it permits you to rapidly activate the digital camera (once you flick it out) and report in your required orientation. These days, the power to shoot each vertical and horizontal movies is important, whether or not you are casually grabbing a clip for social media or posting on TikTok and YouTube as a content material creator.
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There will likely be events once you’re capturing at a decrease or greater angle and will not be capable to use the viewfinder as successfully, however I usually discovered the two-inch touchscreen panel dependable sufficient to border topics. Like with most different cameras, you’ll be able to at all times pair the Pocket 3 to your cellphone for a bigger evaluate display.
Navigating the settings is a straightforward system of swipes, faucets, and lengthy presses. When you’ve used an motion digital camera earlier than, the consumer interface will likely be very acquainted, from primary recording capabilities like adjusting zoom and video format to extra skilled modifications like turning on D-Log M, must you wish to additional modify colours and distinction ranges or higher match your footage with a second digital camera.
One benefit of utilizing the Pocket 3 over the most recent iPhone 16 Pro Max, for instance, is its three-axis gimbal mechanical stabilization. In comparison with the smaller optical picture stabilizers present in smartphone cameras, which are sometimes paired with some degree of synthetic digital stabilization, there are noticeably fewer jitters and shakiness when recording with the Pocket 3. Because the digital camera is held up by a rotating gimbal, you’ll be able to swivel it side-to-side for smooth-panning movies and switch it 180 levels for vlogging.
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Whereas I discovered software-enabled monitoring options like ActiveTrack 6.0, which prompts the digital camera to routinely observe your required topic, very helpful when capturing merchandise at tech briefings or of presenters strolling round, the bodily, joy-stick-like management pad was clunkier to function. For instance, holding the management pad in a single route for a panning shot usually resulted in footage with much less pure motion. The digital camera additionally strikes a bit too slowly for my style, so I’ve reconfigured the management pad to regulate the zoom vary as an alternative.
When it comes to video high quality, I would not put the Pocket 3 above a DSLR or mirrorless digital camera with a real lens, nevertheless it definitely beats out flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google — a minimum of in common to good lighting circumstances. The one-inch CMOS sensor will get the credit score right here, pulling way more gentle and element whereas creating a pure separation (learn: bokeh or blur) between the topic and background. The digital camera and gimbal system are much less efficient when capturing movies at night time, the place it struggles with noise and movement blur.
Since loads of my video work entails specializing in a product in hand, the Pocket 3 may be very ideally suited. Its portability, particularly, helps me seize photographs that I might usually battle with when utilizing a bigger digital camera.
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DJI affords the Pocket 3 with an assortment of optionally available equipment, together with an expandable battery pack (that comes with a 1/4″-20 mount) and a Mic 2 transmitter for on-device audio recording, however I truly discovered the usual configuration (the digital camera by itself) adequate for informal use. I simply want the Pocket 3 got here with a 1/4″-20 mount by default, because it’s helpful to mount onto tripods and different stands for extra artistic photographs.
My utilization, which incorporates 15-minute stints of 4K recording for work and a few 1080p movies when capturing scenic views throughout journey, usually left me with 10-20% battery by the tip of the day. Once I’m completed, I join the Pocket 3 to my laptop computer through USB-C for each charging and information switch.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
That is to say, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has change into a mainstay in my work and journey backpack. Its portability, ease of use, and versatile capturing modes make it virtually irreplaceable for content material creation. At a beginning worth of $519, the Pocket 3 is pricier than most motion cameras and even some mid-range telephones. However the worth is justified, based mostly on my testing and all of the real-world testimonials that I’ve gathered all through the previous 12 months.
When you’re critical about content material creation or wish to make investments extra in your journey digital camera, I might extremely suggest the $669 Creator Combo, which bundles the digital camera with a Mic 2 transmitter, battery deal with, mini tripod, carrying bag, and wide-angle lens attachment. For vloggers who desire a machine that may do all of it, that bundle is sort of nearly as good because it will get.
