Launched in November 2023, the DJI Pocket 3 is now claimed by many to be the best vlogging camera.
With its large one-inch-equivalent sensor, improved low-light performance, and more reliable autofocusing than its predecessors, it’s no wonder it’s generating so much hype.
While these advancements are impressive, the DJI Pocket 3’s $519 price tag makes it less affordable for casual vloggers.
In this article, I’m going to investigate whether or not this camera is worth buying by presenting its main features, pros, and cons, and comparing it to its main competitor in the action camera market, the GoPro Hero 12.
QUICK TAKE
- The Osmo Pocket 3 is great for vlogging, thanks to its vertical and horizontal modes and excellent video quality, even in low light.
- It also excels in audio quality and seamlessly connects to the DJI Mic 2.
- The price for the basic camera is $519, which is significantly higher than its competitors.
Main Specs of The Osmo Pocket 3
Larger 1” CMOS Sensor
One of the standout features of the camera is its 1-inch CMOS sensor (and the reason why many got it), which is a significant upgrade. Compared to the Pocket 2’s 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor from 2020, the Pocket 3 captures better video and photos, especially in low-light conditions where its predecessor and much of its competition struggle.
The larger sensor provides more background blur and superior low-light performance than I expected. It’s a significant improvement over the Pocket 2.
While the dynamic range may not match that of a mirrorless or DSLR camera, it’s the best I’ve seen in a compact device.
4K at 120fps
Another compelling reason to buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is its support for higher frame rates and more professional picture profiles.
You can now shoot crisp slow-motion footage in 4K at 120fps, whereas the Pocket 2 tops out at 4K 60fps.
For many creators, the other significant advantage is the inclusion of D-LOG or HLG, which provides increased dynamic range and greater flexibility in post-color editing.
If you’re willing to put in the extra effort, this feature allows you to fine-tune your footage. Shooting in D-LOG gives you ample room for grading and color correction.
Sound
The built-in mics deliver great sound quality, but they may need fine-tuning depending on the situation.
The front-facing mic is the best, which makes sense for a vlogging camera. The mics on the back and sides are not as good but excel at capturing ambient sounds. They perform well even in noisy environments like concerts or football games.
If you have the creator combo or the DJI Mic 2, you can connect an external mic via Bluetooth and record an internal backup track.
When using an external mic, you can set the camera to record a backup audio track with the built-in mics and save it as a separate audio file on the SD card.
Battery
Portability
I have three major concerns. Firstly, I think the Osmo Pocket 3 may not be the best choice for those prioritizing portability and simplicity.
While it still maintains these qualities, it’s noticeably larger and about 60g heavier than its predecessor.
The larger sensor, more versatile rotatable screen, and bigger battery are worth the tradeoff for some, but not everyone will agree.
Secondly, the camera lacks any weather-sealing. Even the MicroSD card slot is fully exposed, which might not be an issue for everyone, but it has prevented me from filming a few times.
Lastly, the camera feels somewhat fragile. You certainly wouldn’t want to drop it headfirst. But let’s face it, it’s a vlogging, not an action camera, so it’s doesn’t have to be so rugged.
Osmo Pocket 3 Deals
And now we arrive at the most provocative part of this article—the price of the Osmo Pocket 3.
Osmo Pocket 3
Standard bundle, just a camera itself.
- Capture Stunning Footage - This vlogging camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor and...
- Effortlessly Frame Your Shots - Get the ideal composition with Osmo Pocket 3's...
- Ultra-Steady Footage - Say goodbye to shaky videos. Osmo Pocket 3's advanced 3-axis...
Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo
The combo includes: camera, DJI Mic 2 transmitter , battery handle, mini tripod, carrying bag.
- Capture Stunning Footage - This vlogging camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor and...
- Effortlessly Frame Your Shots - Get the ideal composition with Osmo Pocket 3's...
- Ultra-Steady Footage - Say goodbye to shaky videos. Osmo Pocket 3's advanced 3-axis...
I would only suggest opting for the pricier $669 creator combo if you’re certain you’ll use the included wireless Mic 2 and battery grip.
Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Combo
The vlog combo includes:camera, 2 DJI Mic 2 transmitters, DJI Mic 2 receiver, Mic 2 charging case, battery handle, mini tripod, carrying bag.
Check out the price on the DJI site>>>
As you can see, the prices are not competitive in the market.
With many potential users waiting and hoping for it, I feel that DJI missed the mark on the pricing.
It’s quite expensive for non-professional vloggers, making DJI’s niche audience narrower.
Not everyone can spend $519 on a hobby camera they’ll only use on vacations.
Pros
Let’s take a look at what I like about the new Osmo Pocket 3:
- There’s no longer a power button, but you won’t miss it. A single press on the recording button powers up the camera, and a long press turns it off.
- The built-in microphone delivers excellent sound quality and offers stereo audio, thanks to its three microphones.
- It seamlessly connects to the DJI Mic 2, making the setup process effortless.
- The video quality is impressive thanks to 1-inch sensor, with significantly reduced noise in low-light conditions. With the right settings, you could mix this footage with clips from higher-end cameras, and most people wouldn’t notice the difference.
- It offers great flexibility for shooting, allowing you to position your tracked subject anywhere in the frame, not just in the center. It’s very quick and intuitive to use.
- The remote connection via the Mimo app (download here) is very handy, especially for setting up motionlapse shots with up to four points.
- The background blur effect is excellent when there is something close by.
- I like that I can shoot in horizontal/landscape mode, even though the screen remains vertical.
- The bottom connection with the tripod screw is much improved (it was nearly impossible to remove before). Plus, there’s a USB-C connection on the side, making it easy to power the camera while it’s on a tripod.
- Active Track works well and is much easier to use with remote viewing from a phone or with a larger screen.
Cons
In this section, we’ll discuss Osmo Pocket 3 disadavntages:
- The price! The basic camera costs $519, the creator kit is $669, and the vlog combo is $868.
- It feels significantly bigger and heavier compared to the previous models (Pocket 2 and Pocket). It may not be the best choice for those prioritizing portability and simplicity. The larger sensor, rotatable screen, and bigger battery are worth the tradeoff for some, but not for everyone.
- It can only manage a 2X-equivalent digital zoom.
- The vertical stabilization while walking, even slowly, is still lacking. It’s unfortunate that DJI hasn’t combined gimbal stabilization with digital stabilization (like they do with their drones).
- It’s disappointing that there isn’t a long exposure mode for timelapse videos. The Action 3 camera has this feature, and the Pocket 3, with its large sensor, would excel at it.
- Attaching the lanyard was very challenging. I had to find a nearby tool to get it to finally go through.
The Osmo Pocket 3 vs The GoPro Hero 12
If you’re undecided between the Hero 12 and the Pocket 3, read carefully.
In this section, we’ll discuss the main similarities and differences between these two cameras.
Design and Portability
DJI Pocket 3
- The Pocket 3 has a slim, hand-sized design with a gimbal-mounted camera lens, making it easy to handle and perfect for vlogging.
- Despite being slightly larger and 60g heavier than its predecessor, it’s still very portable. The added size comes with a larger sensor, a more usable rotatable screen, and a bigger battery.
- However, it’s not weather-sealed, and the MicroSD card slot is fully exposed, which can be a drawback in certain environments.
GoPro Hero 12
- The Hero 12 maintains GoPro’s iconic design with dual touchscreens on the front and back, making it user-friendly for action shots.
- It’s weather-sealed and can withstand underwater adventures up to 10 meters without additional housing.
- The Hero 12 is known for its robustness and can handle extreme conditions better than the Pocket 3.
Video and Photo Quality
DJI Pocket 3
- Features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, significantly improving video and photo quality, especially in low light, compared to its predecessors.
- It supports 4K video at 120fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion footage.
- The built-in gimbal stabilization ensures incredibly smooth videos, ideal for vlogging.
GoPro Hero 12
- Equipped with a 1/1.9 CMOS sensor, offering up to 5.3K video resolution at 60fps and 4K at 120fps.
- The HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization system provides exceptional video stability, even in intense action scenes.
- Its ultra-wide 156° field of view is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and dynamic action shots.
Audio Quality
DJI Pocket 3
- The built-in mics deliver excellent sound quality and connect seamlessly with the DJI Mic 2 for enhanced audio capture.
- Allows for external mic connections via Bluetooth and offers the option to record a backup audio track using the built-in mics.
GoPro Hero 12
- The sound quality is decent, but it tends to pick up a lot of background noise. You can connect Bluetooth AirPods directly, but for other mics, you’ll need a mic adapter or the Media Mod.
- This makes it less convenient if you’re looking for high-quality audio without extra accessories.
Battery Life
DJI Pocket 3:
- Comes with a 1300mAh battery, offering 2-2.5 hours of filming on a single charge, depending on the mode.
- Supports fast charging, reaching 80% in 16 minutes and 100% in 32 minutes. An optional battery handle can extend the runtime by about 60%.
GoPro Hero 12:
- Features a 1720mAh battery, providing up to 70 minutes of recording in 5.3K60 mode, 85 minutes in 4K 60fps, and 155 minutes in 1080p 60fps.
- Can operate in cold weather conditions, making it reliable for various environments.
Price
Check Current Price of The Osmo Pocket 3
- Capture Stunning Footage - This vlogging camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor and...
- Effortlessly Frame Your Shots - Get the ideal composition with Osmo Pocket 3's...
- Ultra-Steady Footage - Say goodbye to shaky videos. Osmo Pocket 3's advanced 3-axis...
Check Current Price of The GoPro HERO 12
- High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...
DJI Osmo Pocket Expantion Kit
The Osmo Pocket 3 doesn’t come with an official extension rod. If you want to use one, here are some options to consider:
- You can use the “Osmo Pocket 3 Expansion Adapter” together with the “Osmo Action 1.5m Extension Rod Kit.” This setup allows you to compose and monitor your shots via the DJI Mimo app.
- Alternatively, you can use a third-party extension rod with a 1/4″ screw. Simply connect it to the 1/4″ screw hole on the bottom of the handle or the Battery Handle. For easier selfies, look for an extension rod with angle adjustment.
Keep in mind that neither the DJI Osmo Pocket Wireless Module nor ND filters from Pocket 1 and 2 are compatible with the Pocket 3.
Worth The Hype?
The DJI Pocket 3 lives up to the hype if you are a frequent vlogger. Its compact design, superior gimbal stabilization, and excellent video and audio quality make it a perfect companion for creators on the go.
However, if you’re only planning to use it for a vacation once a year, it might be a bit too expensive.
And if you’re planning to film some action shots, the DJI Pocket 3 is definitely not the appropriate camera. Take a look at the GoPro Hero 12.
It’s rugged, water-sealed, and specifically designed for extreme conditions. Its high resolution, robust build, and outstanding stabilization make it ideal for capturing your most adventurous moments.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you understand whether or not to get the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 🙂
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