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Hands-on with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3: DJI’s creator camera gets a bigger sensor

Meet DJI’s latest Pocket

Today, DJI has released the latest iteration in its series of handheld gimbal cameras that are small enough to fit in your pocket. The Osmo Pocket 3 gets an updated camera with a larger Type 1 sensor – a frequent request by users of previous Pocket models – and a 2-inch rotatable screen that lets you easily turn the device on and switch between horizontal and vertical shooting.

The Osmo Pocket 3 starts at $519 and includes the Osmo Pocket 3, a Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, and a protective cover. The Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo retails for $669 and includes the device, the same USB-C cable, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter, a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a Battery Handle, a Mini Tripod, and the Carrying Bag.

Let’s take a closer look at what this creator-oriented camera brings to the table, and whether it ups its game enough to justify an upgrade.


Preorder the DJI Osmo Pocket 3:


Sensor

The Osmo Pocket 3 has a Type 1 CMOS sensor, with the entire lens stabilized on a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. It can shoot up to 4K/120p high-speed footage. It has a 20mm equiv. focal length and a fixed F2.0 aperture. It can shoot 9.4 MP still photos and maxes out at 4K resolution for video.

For some kinds of video shooting, the DJI Pocket 3 now competes with the likes of Sony’s ZV-1F, but with the added benefit of a gimbal for super smooth footage.

Comparatively, the Osmo Pocket 2, released 3 years ago, has a far smaller Type 1/1.7 sensor, also stabilized on a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, that can shoot up to 4K/60p footage. It’s clear that the new Pocket 3 has the old one beat on imaging specs in just about every way.

DJI has also given the Pocket 3 its 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG color profiles for more dynamic range when shooting video.

Display

The Pocket 3 has a 2-inch full-color rotatable OLED touchscreen with 100% P3 color gamut coverage. This allows you to toggle between horizontal and vertical shooting. The previous generation Pocket 2 had a far smaller display that could not rotate, so this seems like a big upgrade whether you’re trying to capture cinematic footage or vertical shots for social media.

This clever rotatable screen also gives you access to the most essential features. You can tap the icon on the bottom-right-hand corner and instantly switch the camera’s orientation.

Controls

Pictured to the left is the 5D joystick which allows you to recenter the gimbal, zoom in or out, pan, tilt, and switch camera orientation with a few taps. To the right is the Power On/Off button which also lets you start and stop recording or take a photo.

The Osmo Pocket 3 is powered by a built-in 1300 mAh battery that can be charged to 80% in 16 minutes and 100% in 32 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the Pocket 2’s 875 mAh battery. When it’s fully charged, it can record up to 116 minutes of 4K/60p or 166 minutes of 1080p/24p footage – the Pocket 2 was only rated for 140 minutes of 1080p/24p shooting.

DJI Mimo and LightCut apps

Like the Pocket 2, the Pocket 3 is powered by DJI’s Mimo app. You can toggle between photo and video modes on the right-hand side of the menu. The icon above the record button allows you to maneuver the camera while above allows you to switch its orientation.

The Osmo Pocket 3 offers creative modes including Motionlapse, the equivalent of a moving timelapse, and SpinShot, which allows 180º movements with one hand.

For editing and sharing on social media, DJI’s LightCut app quickly assembles videos using intelligent recognition and a number of built-in templates.

Microphone

DJI is taking audio seriously with the Pocket 3, offering a Mic 2 transmitter with the Creator Combo bundle. Like the company’s standalone wireless microphones, this contains a microphone, 8 GB internal storage for off-camera audio backup, and can transmit its sound directly to the Pocket 3. Users can choose to select just the Mic 2 for audio, or have a stereo setup with simultaneous recording from the camera and the wireless module. DJI says the Mic 2 Transmitter should last up to 6 hours on a single charge.

Accessories

The Osmo Pocket 3 offers accessories including an attachable 950 mAh battery handle to extend the device’s runtime. It has a 1/4-inch thread for mounting to a tripod, and can connect to external audio equipment with a USB-C adapter. DJI’s Mini Tripod can be screwed into the battery handle for added stability when recording a timelapse.

DJI is also offering a compatible wide conversion lens for an expanded 108º FOV and a black mist filter to manage highlight flares and soften skin tones.

Other available accessories include an ND filter set (with ND16, ND64 and ND256 filters), an expansion adapter to fit an action camera port or cold shoe, and a carrying bag.

For more information, and to purchase, please visit the official Osmo Pocket 3 site.


Preorder the DJI Osmo Pocket 3:


Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.

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