A Powerful Pocket Camera for Content Creators - DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the latest addition to DJI's popular line of compact cameras. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Pocket 3 aims to deliver big image quality in a tiny package.

Design

Measuring 5.6 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches and weighing just 6.4 ounces, the Pocket 3 maintains the same cylindrical form factor as previous models.

Ergonomics are on point, with a physical record button and joystick on the front of the camera and most settings are able to be adjusted via the responsive 2.76-inch LCD touchscreen.

Image Quality and Video Performance

The headline spec is the one-inch 20MP CMOS sensor, which is significantly larger than what you typically might find on action cameras or phones. This provides a noticeable boost in low-light ability and detail resolution.

Video quality is superb, with a maximum 4K60 resolution and 10-bit colour. The footage looks cinematic thanks to the buttery-smooth three-axis stabilisation. Autofocus is also fast and reliable for run-and-gun shooting.

Meanwhile, still photo quality is excellent. Images exhibit vibrant colours and sharp details, even in challenging lighting environments.

The extra lens included that are 20mm wide is able to fit more of the scene in the frame.

Features and Modes

In addition to standard video modes, pro options like D-Log and HDR are available. 240fps slow motion also adds potential for more creative shots. Portrait, landscape, and night modes, meanwhile, cover more common scenarios.

The versatile aspect ratios – including the new portrait format – optimises content for various platforms. Then, there’s the built-in streaming via USB-C, which is a nifty bonus if you want to broadcast live content.

Some unique modes include :

• SpinShot - Get 180° or 90° unique and smooth camera movements with just one hand.

• Low Light Mode - When this mode is turned on, it cuts the maximum frame rate down from 60fps to 30fps. This helps the camera's 1-inch image sensor and 20mm F2 lens capture a brighter, less noisy image in low light. By lowering the frame rate, the camera has a longer exposure time to collect more light for each frame. This improves the overall image quality and reduces grain/noise that usually occurs in very dim scenes. In our testing, footage shot in low light mode at 4K30 looked noticeably cleaner and brighter than trying to shoot at higher frame rates like 4K60 in the same low light conditions. Details were better preserved.

Microphone

For audio recording, there’s the Mic, a wireless lapel microphone that can be easily clipped onto clothing. It connects to the camera via Bluetooth and has a transmission range of up to 100 metres. This allows you to have freedom of movement without being tethered to the camera via cables.

Audio quality from the external mic is a noticeable upgrade over the built-in microphones on the Osmo Pocket 3. It captures clearer voice recordings with less background noise interference. This is thanks to its close proximity to the presenter. The mic features DJI's Osmo Wireless protocol for a stable connection. It has an omnidirectional pickup pattern to record sound from all directions. Battery life on the mic is rated at five hours, which should be sufficient for most shooting needs.

An important benefit of the Mic is that it allows for completely silent recording on the Osmo Pocket 3. Vloggers can speak freely without picking up handling or wind noises that the on-board mics may detect.

Battery Life and Accessories

Battery life is strong at 140 minutes of video per charge. An optional battery grip nearly doubles the runtime.

Charging is via the convenient USB-C port. DJI offers the camera alone or in a "Creator Combo" bundle that includes extras like a wireless mic, grip, and lenses. Third party accessories like protective cases are also available.

Conclusion

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 delivers big on image quality and features while maintaining a pocketable form factor. At its price point, it outperforms most other compact cameras, especially in low light shooting. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a camera that’s both portable and capable of shooting stabilised, pro-grade video. On-the-go content creators, meanwhile, will definitely appreciate its versatility.