We recently spent some time using the Osmo Pocket 3 for capturing a variety of video moments. This compact camera feels solid in hand and delivers very smooth footage thanks to its 3-axis stabilization. It’s easy to frame shots on the bright, rotating touchscreen, which made shooting both horizontal and vertical videos straightforward.
The camera handles fast action well with quick focusing and can shoot slow-motion in impressive 4K at 120fps. However, low-light performance isn’t its strongest point, and some movements can look a bit blurry at higher frame rates. Overall, it’s a handy tool for travel and casual vlogging where portability and stable video matter most.
Bottom Line
For those looking to step up their video quality with a small and easy-to-use camera, the Osmo Pocket 3 is a solid choice. Its smooth stabilization and clear footage make it well suited for everyday filming. Check it out and see if it fits your vlogging needs.
Buy the Osmo Pocket 3 here
Overview of DJI Osmo Pocket 3
We found the Osmo Pocket 3 to be a solid choice for capturing smooth, high-quality footage on the go. Its small size makes it easy to carry everywhere, and the 3-axis stabilization really helps keep videos steady, even when moving quickly. The touchscreen is bright and rotates, which makes framing shots simple whether shooting horizontal or vertical videos.
The camera focuses quickly and tracks faces or objects well, which is helpful for vlogging or action scenes. However, it struggles a bit in low light, where details can get blurry despite the fast frame rates. Battery life is decent, and charging is pretty fast with the right charger, though that charger isn’t included.
Overall, it balances powerful features and portability but needs some extra accessories for the best use.
1” CMOS Sensor and 4K/120fps Recording
We found the 1” CMOS sensor really makes a difference in image quality, especially in low light. The footage is sharp and clear with good color detail. Shooting at 4K and 120fps lets us capture smooth slow-motion clips that feel professional without needing extra gear.
However, recording at this high frame rate drains the battery quicker and creates larger files. So, managing storage and power needs some planning. Overall, the sensor and 4K/120fps combo give us versatile video options whether we want crisp everyday shots or detailed slow motion.
Rotating Touch Screen for Flexible Shooting
The rotating 2-inch touch screen really changes how we shoot. It flips easily, letting us switch between horizontal and vertical shots without hassle. This makes capturing different styles, like vlogs or social media clips, much smoother.
The touch controls respond quickly, which helps us frame shots fast and adjust settings on the go. However, the screen size is a bit small, so it can feel cramped when trying to review detailed footage.
Still, the flexibility to rotate the screen means we don’t have to guess angles or awkwardly hold the camera. This feature is handy for selfie shots or low-angle filming, giving us more freedom when recording. Overall, it makes the Osmo Pocket 3 feel versatile and user-friendly.
3-Axis Mechanical Stabilization
When we used this camera, the 3-axis mechanical stabilization really stood out. It kept our shots steady even when we were moving quickly or in bumpy conditions. Walking or running, the footage stayed smooth without the usual shakes.
That said, while it handles most motion well, very fast or abrupt movements sometimes caused slight jitters. Overall, this stabilization system makes vlogging and travel videos much easier to capture without extra gear.
Pros:
- Smooth footage during casual and active filming
- Works well without needing a gimbal or tripod
Cons:
- Can struggle a bit with very sudden or sharp movements
This feature alone makes the camera a solid choice for anyone wanting stable, handheld video.
ActiveTrack 6.0 for Effortless Subject Tracking
When using the Pocket 3, we found ActiveTrack 6.0 makes it easy to keep subjects in frame without constant adjustments. It locks on quickly and follows movement smoothly, even during fast action like running or dancing.
The tracking stays steady, which is great for solo filming or when we want to focus on creativity rather than controlling the camera. Sometimes it can struggle a bit with very fast or sudden changes, but overall it keeps subjects center-stage well.
Key points:
- Tracks faces and objects reliably
- Works well in both horizontal and vertical shooting
- Helps avoid blurry shots by maintaining focus during movement
ActiveTrack 6.0 is a solid tool for anyone filming on the go and wanting smooth, hands-free tracking.
Vlogging On the Go: Portability and Battery Life
We found this camera easy to carry everywhere due to its small size and light weight. It fits easily in a pocket or bag, making it great for quick vlogging sessions while traveling or walking around.
The battery life is decent for short shoots, but if you plan to record long videos, you might need a power bank or extra charging options. Charging speed is fast, which helps us get back to filming quickly after a break. Still, continuous 4K recording on high frame rates should be planned carefully since battery drains faster during these modes. Overall, it balances portability and power well but requires some charging strategy for longer days out.
Audio Performance and Connectivity
We found the audio on this camera to be decent but not outstanding by itself. The built-in mic captures clear sound in quiet places but tends to pick up background noise in busy settings. If you want better sound, pairing it with an external mic, like the DJI Mic 2 included in the Creator Combo, makes a noticeable difference.
For connecting devices, the camera supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which helped us transfer files easily. However, the setup requires downloading the DJI Mimo app from the official website since it’s no longer on Google Play. Overall, connectivity is reliable but needs a few extra steps to get started.
Creative Potential: Advanced Color and Slow Motion
We found the color capabilities on this camera impressive. With its 10-bit color depth and D-Log M mode, it gives us a wide range of colors to work with in editing. This lets us bring out fine details in sunsets and vibrant scenes, making our videos look more professional.
The slow-motion feature also stands out. Recording 4K video at 120fps means smooth, detailed slow-motion clips that add drama without losing clarity. However, the recording time in this mode is limited to around 20 minutes, so planning shots carefully is important.
While the advanced color and slow motion add great creative options, the camera may struggle a bit in low light. Still, for most outdoor and well-lit conditions, these features open up many possibilities for making unique, eye-catching videos.
Pros and Cons
When we used this compact camera, a few clear strengths and weaknesses stood out. It performs well in many situations but also has some limits we noticed during regular use.
Pros
- The image quality is sharp and detailed thanks to the large sensor and fast frame rates. This makes videos look professional even in challenging light.
- Mechanical stabilization works very well. Our footage stayed smooth when moving or walking, which is key for vlogging.
- The touchscreen is bright and easy to use, letting us quickly frame shots both horizontally and vertically.
- Fast focusing and tracking keep subjects clear even when they move. This makes active shooting less frustrating.
- The camera fits easily in a pocket, so it’s convenient to carry for trips or daily use without extra bulk.
- Good audio recording and simple mic connections help capture clear sound with minimal extra gear.
Cons
- The camera struggles a bit in low light, with some blur at higher frame rates that reduces sharpness.
- It is a bit fragile and not water resistant, requiring careful handling outdoors.
- You must register the product before the 5th use, which feels a bit inconvenient.
- While the controls are mostly easy, some zoom and direction controls could be more intuitive.
- The included battery charger is not included and must be bought separately.
Overall, the device offers strong video quality and ease of use with a few compromises to consider based on where and how you plan to shoot.
Customer Reviews
We found most users appreciate the Pocket 3’s fast focusing and smooth stabilization, making it easy to capture sharp and steady videos. Many liked how compact and versatile it is for travel and everyday vlogging. The video quality stands out, especially in good lighting, thanks to the larger sensor.
Some noted it struggles a bit in low light and can produce blurred motion at higher frame rates. Several mentioned that the camera feels delicate and needs careful handling, plus registration is required early on. Overall, the balance of size, performance, and video quality makes it a popular pick, though it’s not perfect for every situation.
Key points from users:
- Quick, accurate focusing
- Strong video stabilization
- Compact and easy to carry
- Less effective in low light
- Sensitive and requires careful use
Conclusion
After spending time with the Pocket 3, we see it as a solid choice for anyone who wants great video on the go. The small size and effective stabilization make it easy to carry and use in many settings. It handles most lighting well, but not the best in very low light.
Fast focusing and smooth tracking help capture clear shots without much effort. However, it feels a bit fragile and needs careful handling. Also, registration early on can be a slight hassle.
Overall, the Pocket 3 balances quality and portability well. It’s best for vloggers who need a reliable, compact camera but don’t want to carry big gear. If you value sharp 4K video and steady shots in a tiny package, this is worth considering.
