Having the DJI Osmo 3 for the last 5 months has been a blast. Maybe calling it “the best month of my entire life” in a video I created about this camera was a stretch, but this little camera has been an eye-opening experience, and this is coming from someone who has a lot of experience with action cameras for primary and B-roll footage.
Whether you’re an action enthusiast or a vlogger, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 brings together portability, powerful features, and sheer fun. And sure, it’s a pocket camera, but it packs the kind of punch that can outshine a lot of bigger gear. I believe I even said it in one of my videos… I honestly didn’t expect I would enjoy this camera this much, and here we are today! This little guy is my go-to camera for shooting on the go.
Why has this compact powerhouse earned a top spot on my list? Let’s dig into everything that makes the DJI Osmo 3 special.
Table of Contents
- Specs & Features That Make the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Shine
- Why the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is Perfect for Vlogging
- Accessories Make the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Even Better
- Pros & Cons of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- Final Thoughts: Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Right for You?
Specs & Features That Make the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Shine
Big 1-Inch CMOS Sensor for Superior Quality
One of the first things to love about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is its 1-inch CMOS sensor. This may sound like just another number, but this larger sensor means sharper, more vibrant images, even in low light. It’s an upgrade from the smaller 1/1.7-inch sensor in the Pocket 2, and it makes a noticeable difference in dynamic range.
Colors are richer, details are clearer, and shadows hold onto more detail in dark conditions as well. For anyone capturing video indoors or in low-light situations—which, let’s be honest, is often the case when I’m out on my outdoor adventures—the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a leg up, producing results you’d expect from much larger cameras.
4K Video and Slow-Motion Options Galore
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 captures excellent video, maxing out at 4K/60 fps and dropping to 1080p for super-slow-motion options at 240 fps. This versatility means you’re covered for everything from YouTube tutorials to creating cinematic travel reels.
And with a variety of aspect ratios—16:9, 1:1, and 9:16—you can shoot in formats ready for any social media platform. With slow-motion, you can capture action-packed moments like waves crashing, running pets, or even skateboard tricks in beautiful detail. Heck, this camera has all sorts of pro-grade video goodies:
- 10-bit D-log M for recording up to 1 billion colors
- HLG HDR video for improved dynamic range
- Timecodes for syncing video from multiple cameras
- The LightCut app offers a One-Tap Edit feature that allows for easier video editing using a number of pre-made video templates.
In other words, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 isn’t just compact—it’s a professional tool for video creation in your pocket.
Timelapse and Hyperlapse Modes
For capturing dramatic sequences, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers Motionlapse and Hyperlapse modes. Motionlapse lets you set waypoints, framing your timelapse with movement, while Hyperlapse allows the camera itself to be in motion. Imagine attaching it to your car for a scenic drive, capturing the changing landscape as you move. Hyperlapse, on the other hand, is incredibly smooth thanks to the gimbal, giving you high-quality, immersive videos that make the viewer feel like they’re part of the journey.
Three-Axis Gimbal for Exceptional Stability
As I discuss in the video above, the built-in three-axis gimbal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a serious asset. Actually, it’s no surprise, though—DJI has been mastering gimbal technology in their drones for years, and as someone who’s been using and swearing by their drones for the better part of a decade, I can tell you their expertise shines here.
While most handheld cameras struggle with stability, the Osmo Pocket 3 stays remarkably smooth, whether you’re walking, running, or even on a rough trail. Honestly, the stability it provides almost redefines what a handheld action cam can be. It may not be waterproof like a GoPro, but keep it dry, and you have a solid action camera for anyone who doesn’t need extreme ruggedness.
ActiveTrack 6.0, Face-Tracking & Dynamic Framing
ActiveTrack 6.0 on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 lets you mark a subject and follow it automatically, keeping everything in frame. And just like with DJI’s gimbal tech, ActiveTrack is another feature they’ve perfected over years of drone development—a feature I’ve relied on myself, as many of you know.
As a solo creator, especially out in the field, I need smart tech that helps me nail every shot. DJI’s ActiveTrack in their drones has been invaluable over the years, and seeing it shine in this camera is a big win in my book. For example, I can set the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on a tripod, step into the frame, and talk without worrying about drifting out of view.
A quick tip, though: while the gimbal has a wide range of motion, if you step too far beyond its reach, ActiveTrack will lose you, locking the gimbal in its last position until you re-center it.
With this in mind, ActiveTrack really rocks for anyone filming solo. Plus, for vloggers, the Face-Tracking feature keeps your face in focus as you move, ensuring your followers catch every word and expression. Combine that with Dynamic Framing, and you’ll stay perfectly centered in the frame without constant adjustments. Needless to say, this is ideal for tutorials, gear demos, or any kind of on-the-go content creation.
Why the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is Perfect for Vlogging
Vlogging calls for a camera that’s easy to use, small enough to carry, and good enough to produce polished results. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 does all of this and more, giving you the power to create professional-quality video on the go.
Rotatable 2-Inch Touchscreen
The Osmo Pocket 3 features a responsive, 2-inch rotatable touchscreen, which lets you seamlessly switch between horizontal and vertical formats. So, if you’re going from shooting for YouTube to filming an Instagram Reel, it’s a one-step process.
The screen itself is bright and detailed, making it easy to navigate menus and settings on the fly. Whether you’re framing yourself for a selfie or flipping it to capture a landscape, this touchscreen makes the whole process intuitive and quick.
Three-Mic Array with DJI Mic 2 Compatibility
Audio quality can make or break a vlog, and DJI knows this. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has a built-in three-mic array that works well even in windy conditions. For even better audio, especially in interviews or dual-narration vlogs, the camera pairs seamlessly with the DJI Mic 2, which connects wirelessly and syncs almost instantly. You can even connect two microphones at once, making it perfect for sit-down interviews or capturing ambient sounds without sacrificing clarity.
These mics are incredible, and I use them nearly 100% of the time. My camera came with a black mic, but I bought a second in white because I’m often in a white t-shirt. This allows the mic to blend nicely with my shirt, especially with a white dead cat attached.
Product Showcase, Panorama, and SpinShot Modes
If you’re someone who regularly shows off products or objects in your vlogs, you’ll love the Product Showcase mode. Hold something up to the camera, and the camera will instantly focus on it with no fiddling with the settings required. The quick autofocus helps show off your latest gadget without distracting from your narration. Then there’s Panorama mode for sweeping, wide-angle views, and SpinShot for a rotating effect, adding that extra bit of drama to your videos.
Keep Reading: The Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Leaked Specs and Pricing
Accessories Make the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Even Better
One of the best aspects of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is how versatile it becomes with accessories. From wide-angle lenses to magnetic ND filters, there’s a huge range to choose from.
Adding a wide-angle lens gives you that expansive, almost GoPro-like view, ideal for capturing more of the landscape in your action shots. There’s also an extended battery (shown below) from DJI—a 950mAh option that increases operating time by about 62%. Personally, I love this addition because it not only gives you more shooting time but also provides a bit more grip, making it easier to hold this compact camera comfortably for longer periods.
I also really like the DJI Expansion Adapter, which gives you access to cold-shoe mounts and an action camera port, making it compatible with most Osmo Action accessories. Together, these options make it easy to adapt the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to any shooting environment.
Pros & Cons of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Pros
- Ultra-Portable: At just a few inches, this camera is the perfect size for slipping into a pocket or bag, making it a constant companion for any adventure.
- High-Quality Video: The 1-inch sensor captures sharp, clear footage with excellent dynamic range and performs well in low light.
- Intuitive and Easy to Use: With the touchscreen and intuitive controls, it’s easy to get started, even for beginners.
- ActiveTrack and Face-Tracking: Both features make it easy to capture moving subjects and keep the focus where it needs to be.
- Broad Accessory Compatibility: The DJI Expansion Adapter opens up a world of customization options, enhancing its flexibility.
Cons
- Not Waterproof: While this isn’t a rugged action camera, it’s still disappointing that it can’t handle wet conditions.
- Somewhat Delicate: Unlike the GoPro, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 needs a bit of careful handling.
- Pricey for Its Class: This camera is $519 at the time of writing, so it’s a more significant investment than other action cameras. However, the quality it delivers may justify the cost if you’re a dedicated content creator.
In the end, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has more pros than cons. It’s compact, powerful, and loaded with features that give you the flexibility to capture almost any type of content. While a bit of caution is needed with its delicate design, the creative freedom it offers makes it well worth it.
Final Thoughts: Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Right for You?
For me, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the perfect hybrid between an action camera and a vlogging camera—ideal for any content creator who wants versatility without the bulk.
What’s funny is that in my first video about this camera above, some viewers got worked up when I called it an “action camera.” But to me, it’s definitely a hybrid. It brings together a professional-grade camera sensor, advanced tracking, smooth gimbal stability, and a variety of shooting modes, all in a pocket-sized package. If you’re looking for a robust, reliable, and ridiculously fun camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 might just be your next go-to.
And remember, whether you’re using it as an action camera, a vlogging camera, or simply a companion on your creative journey, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will keep up with you every step of the way. You do you, and let this amazing little camera take care of the rest!
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