Introduction and Design: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Unveiled
DJI, renowned for its drones, has once again showcased its prowess in the realm of compact cameras with the Osmo Pocket 3. Following the success of the Osmo Action 4, this third evolution of the Osmo Pocket series amalgamates recent technologies from DJI’s drone and action camera lineup. Launched three years after the Osmo Pocket 2, this new iteration aims to cater to vloggers and content creators, boasting features like the innovative two-inch rotating OLED touch screen.
Compact and Lightweight Design with Enhanced Imaging Capabilities
Despite a slight increase in weight to 179g, the Osmo Pocket 3 maintains a reasonable profile at approximately 14 cm in height. The 1-inch 12 MP CMOS sensor, coupled with a 20mm f/2 lens stabilized by a three-axis gimbal, promises high-quality imaging. The camera’s ISO range spans from 100 to 6400, extending up to 16,000 in low light video mode. Video capabilities include 4K at various frame rates, reaching up to 120 fps in slow-motion mode. DJI offers the Osmo Pocket 3 at a price of €539, with additional accessories such as a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, protective cover, wrist strap, and a handle with a 1/4″ thread.
Comprehensive Bundles: Standard and Creator Bundles
The Osmo Pocket 3 is available in two bundles – the standard version and the Creator bundle, retailing at €539 and €679, respectively. The Creator bundle includes essential accessories like a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, windscreen, magnetic clip, battery grip, mini tripod, and a carrying bag. The additional battery handle, mini tripod, and DJI Mic 2 wireless microphone make the Creator bundle particularly attractive for advanced users. Accessories such as ND filters, ultra-wide-angle optical complement, and a “black haze” filter can be purchased separately, enhancing the camera’s capabilities.
User Experience: Ergonomics and Interface
DJI addresses concerns about small product ergonomics with careful design considerations for the Osmo Pocket 3. The introduction of a new rotatable OLED touch screen, positioned above the trigger and gimbal control pad, enhances user interaction. The bright (700 nits) and high-resolution (314 x 556 pixels) screen supports easy navigation. The compact size of the camera, tested in the Creator bundle version, proves user-friendly, especially with the additional battery handle. Accessing various features via the small screen is intuitive, allowing quick switches between shooting modes and menu navigation. The Osmo Pocket 3 can be remotely controlled through the DJI Mimo application on smartphones or tablets.
Accessories and Ecosystem: Enhancing Functionality
The Osmo Pocket 3’s ecosystem offers a range of accessories available both with bundles and separately. While the standard version provides the basics, advanced users may find the Creator bundle indispensable. Notable accessories include ND filters, an ultra-wide-angle optical complement, and a “black haze” filter for creative control over light and image quality. The availability of a standard screw thread adapter, absent in the previous version, is a welcomed addition.
Features: Expanding Creative Possibilities
Beyond its imaging capabilities, the Osmo Pocket 3 introduces features like SpinShot functions, MotionLapse, and Timecode synchronization. The camera can produce panoramas, transform into a webcam, and facilitate live broadcasting on social networks. Active Track 6.0, inherited from DJI’s latest drones, enhances subject tracking with advanced modes, including Face Detection and Dynamic Framing. These features cater to both casual users and professionals seeking diverse creative options.
Stabilization and Tracking: A Strength of Osmo Pocket 3
DJI continues its legacy of three-axis stabilization in the Osmo Pocket 3, ensuring steady footage. Tracking mode adeptly follows the user’s movements, while Locked Tilt mode maintains a level horizon. The FPV mode offers additional creative freedom by letting the gimbal rotate freely according to the device’s movements. Stabilization emerges as a standout feature, crucial for vloggers and content creators seeking professional-quality output.
Active Track 6.0: Advanced Subject Tracking
Building on the success of its drones and integrated into the latest Osmo Mobile 6 update, the Osmo Pocket 3 features ActiveTrack 6.0. Offering various tracking modes, including automatic Face Detection, ActiveTrack simplifies subject tracking. Dynamic Framing mode further enhances aesthetically pleasing shots by locking the movement on the subject, choosing from nine focus points.
Autofocus and Sound: Enhancements for Optimal Performance
The Osmo Pocket 3’s autofocus system, functioning occasionally or continuously with a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm, delivers commendable results, especially in face detection. Noteworthy improvements in sound capture involve three strategically placed microphones, minimizing wind noise and recording immersive omnidirectional stereo sound. The camera’s integrated wifi module and Bluetooth 5.2 facilitate dual-transmitter connectivity in the Osmo Pocket 3 Creator bundle, enabling the recording of two people.
Battery Life and Charging: Striking a Balance
In its basic version, the Osmo Pocket 3 boasts a battery life of 116 minutes in 4K/60 fps or 166 minutes in 1080p/24fps on a full charge of the internal 1300 mAh battery. Rapid charging capabilities enable an 80% charge in just 16 minutes and a full 100% charge in 32 minutes with a 65 W charger. The Creator bundle’s additional battery handle extends usage, saving up to 63% of battery life.
Image Quality: A Blend of Performance and Creativity
The Osmo Pocket 3 offers both automatic exposure and manual modes, catering to diverse shooting scenarios. While Auto mode generally suffices for most shots, the Manual mode allows manual management of ISO sensitivity and exposure time. The camera’s outdoor performance impresses with warm color rendering, controlled saturation, and effective noise management up to 100 ISO. Photography at various sensitivity levels reveals good quality up to ISO 1600, with slight degradation at higher sensitivities. The introduction of a new 1-inch sensor contributes to improved image quality at high sensitivities. Despite advancements, certain moiré effects and colored artifacts may be observed in the JPG files.
Video Capabilities: Superb Quality and Versatility
In normal mode, the Osmo Pocket 3 excels in video recording, supporting up to 4K at 60 fps and up to 120 fps in slow-motion mode. The camera’s superb color accuracy and neutrality contribute to high-quality footage. Vertical filming options are available in 3K, 2.7K, and 1080p at up to 60 fps. For advanced users, DJI offers 10-bit D-log M color profiles for enhanced dynamic range and flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the camera supports 10-bit HLG video recording for heightened dynamic range on HDR-enabled equipment. The low light video mode stands out for its effective noise management in challenging lighting conditions, attributed to the new sensor and internal processing. Notably, the rolling shutter is well-contained, enhancing stability during fast-paced movements.
Conclusion
the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 stands out as a versatile and feature-rich pocket camera, seamlessly integrating advancements from DJI’s drone and action camera technologies. Its compact design, combined with the new two-inch rotating OLED touch screen, exemplifies DJI’s commitment to enhancing user experience. Whether in the hands of vloggers, content creators, or enthusiasts, the Osmo Pocket 3 offers a comprehensive imaging solution, balancing portability with powerful capabilities.
The camera’s prowess extends beyond its compact form, with stellar three-axis stabilization, advanced tracking features, and a range of creative shooting modes. The inclusion of the Creator bundle, with its array of accessories, caters to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts seeking expanded functionality. From impressive battery life and rapid charging to superb image and video quality, the Osmo Pocket 3 excels on multiple fronts. With thoughtful design, innovative features, and a robust ecosystem of accessories, DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3 solidifies its position as a go-to choice for those seeking a compact yet high-performance camera for diverse creative pursuits.
Pros of DJI Osmo Pocket 3:
- Compact Design: The Osmo Pocket 3’s small and lightweight design makes it extremely portable, allowing users to carry it effortlessly for on-the-go shooting.
- Rotating OLED Touch Screen: The two-inch rotating OLED touch screen enhances user experience by providing a convenient and intuitive interface for navigation and framing shots.
- Three-Axis Stabilization: The stellar three-axis stabilization system ensures smooth and steady footage, even in dynamic and challenging shooting conditions, contributing to professional-looking videos.
- Advanced Tracking Features: The camera’s advanced tracking features make it easy to capture subjects with precision, enhancing the overall quality of videos and making it suitable for vloggers and content creators.
- Creative Shooting Modes: The Osmo Pocket 3 offers a variety of creative shooting modes, providing users with the flexibility to experiment and add a creative flair to their content.
- Creator Bundle Accessories: The inclusion of the Creator bundle with a range of accessories expands the camera’s functionality, catering to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive imaging solution.
- Impressive Battery Life: The camera boasts an impressive battery life, ensuring extended usage for capturing footage over an extended period.
- Rapid Charging: The rapid charging feature allows users to quickly charge the camera, minimizing downtime and ensuring it’s ready for use when needed.
- Superb Image and Video Quality: The Osmo Pocket 3 delivers high-quality images and videos, providing users with excellent results for various creative pursuits.
- Thoughtful Design: The camera’s design reflects thoughtful considerations, emphasizing usability and user comfort.
- Robust Ecosystem of Accessories: DJI’s ecosystem of accessories enhances the camera’s versatility, allowing users to customize their setup for different shooting scenarios.
Cons of DJI Osmo Pocket 3:
- Price: The Osmo Pocket 3, especially with the Creator bundle and additional accessories, can be relatively expensive compared to other pocket-sized cameras.
- Limited Manual Controls: Professional photographers and videographers might find the limited manual controls restricting for more advanced or specific shooting requirements.
- Non-Interchangeable Lens: The fixed lens on the Osmo Pocket 3 limits users in terms of optical flexibility, making it less suitable for those who prefer interchangeable lenses.
- Small Touch Screen: While the touch screen is a pro, some users might find it small, particularly for precise adjustments or for users with larger fingers.
- Limited Low-Light Performance: Like many compact cameras, the Osmo Pocket 3 may face challenges in low-light conditions, resulting in potential image quality issues.
- Not Waterproof: Unlike some action cameras, the Osmo Pocket 3 is not waterproof, limiting its use in certain environments or adverse weather conditions.
- Limited Zoom Capability: The camera’s limited zoom capability might be a drawback for users who require more extensive zoom options for their shooting scenarios.
- Dependency on Accessories: While the Creator bundle enhances functionality, some users might find themselves dependent on accessories for certain features, potentially adding to the overall cost.
