I did not anticipate a pocket digital camera to be one among my favourite tech devices of this yr — not when smartphone cameras have gotten so good — however the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 managed to alter that.
I’ve seen the Pocket 3 takeover firsthand, witnessing different tech journalists slowly changing their heavier, bulkier, and extra difficult 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 here is what you need to 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 baggage, and backpacks.
That flip-out show is without doubt one of the Pocket 3’s greatest options, because it helps you to shortly activate the digital camera (while you flick it out) and document in your required orientation. Nowadays, 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 probably be events while you’re capturing at a decrease or larger angle and will not be capable to use the viewfinder as successfully, however I typically 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 assessment display screen.
Navigating the settings is a straightforward system of swipes, faucets, and lengthy presses. If you happen to’ve used an motion digital camera earlier than, the person interface will probably be very acquainted, from fundamental recording capabilities like adjusting zoom and video format to extra skilled modifications like turning on D-Log M, do you have to need 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 Professional 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. For the reason that 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 mechanically 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 path for a panning shot typically 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 a substitute.
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, however it definitely beats out flagship telephones from Apple, Samsung, and Google — at the least in common to good lighting circumstances. The one-inch CMOS sensor will get the credit score right here, pulling much more gentle and element whereas growing 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 a number of my video work entails specializing in a product in hand, the Pocket 3 may be very excellent. Its portability, particularly, helps me seize photographs that I might sometimes battle with when utilizing a bigger digital camera.
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DJI provides the Pocket 3 with an assortment of non-obligatory 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 really 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 inventive photographs.
My utilization, which incorporates 15-minute stints of 4K recording for work and a few 1080p movies when capturing scenic views throughout journey, typically left me with 10-20% battery by the top of the day. After I’m executed, I join the Pocket 3 to my laptop computer by way of 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, primarily based on my testing and all of the real-world testimonials that I’ve gathered all through the previous yr.
If you happen to’re severe about content material creation or need 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 package deal is sort of pretty much as good because it will get.
