In an age where producing content has never been easier, a decent, high-quality, and portable camera is essential. Enter the DJI Osmo Pocket 3—a pocket gimbal camera that’s been generating plenty of buzz for all the positive reasons. Designed for vloggers, travelers, and content creators who need performance in a pocket-sized package, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is bringing some hefty upgrades over the original. But is it worth it?
In this in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review, we’ll break down all you need to know—from performance and specs to usability and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
📦 What’s in the Box?
Unpacking the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 reveals a thoughtful set of the basics:
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera
- Type-C to Type-C PD cable
- Protective cover
- DJI wrist strap
- Quick Start Guide
- Optional: Creator Combo with wireless mic, handle, wide-angle lens, and mini tripod
DJI clearly had creators in mind with the Creator Combo, so it is easy to start shooting high-quality content immediately.
✨ Design & Build Quality
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is impressive with its thin shape factor—small enough to carry around in a pocket but durable enough to stand up to rough handling. It features a smooth, matte finish and a rotating 2-inch OLED touchscreen, which significantly enhances user interaction.
The turnt display screen is a revolutionizer. Whether you’re vlogging, recording other people, or filming cinematic B-roll, the screen meets your needs. It is especially beneficial to solo creators working with front-facing video.
🎥 Camera & Gimbal Performance
At its center is a large 1-inch CMOS sensor—a huge upgrade from the Pocket 2’s 1/1.7″ sensor. That means better low-light performance, more dynamic range, and more detailed images. The gimbal stabilizer produces exceptionally smooth video even when moving.
Among the most critical camera features are:
- 4K/120fps video capture
- 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profiles
- Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF)
- 3-axis mechanical stabilization
In everyday usage, the video quality is absolutely film-like. Strolling down a busy street or recording action sports, stabilization and image quality are great.
🎙️ Audio Quality
Audio is often a pain point for compact cameras, but the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 excels here. It includes stereo microphones and supports DJI’s wireless mic system (included in the Creator Combo). The audio is clean, with good directionality and minimal background noise—ideal for interviews, YouTube videos, and vlogging.
Additionally, it supports USB-C external microphones for creators who prefer third-party audio gear.
🤖 Intelligent Features
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is packed with smart features that make content creation easy:
✅ ActiveTrack 6.0
Keep your subject reliably in frame—even moving. ActiveTrack 6.0 is smoother and more precise than ever, with dynamic shots a breeze.
✅ Face Auto-Detect
Great for solo creators, it keeps your face sharp at all times, in the studio or on the go.
✅ Motionlapse, Timelapse, and Hyperlapse
Grasp the passing of time with top-grade time-lapse shots. The Osmo Pocket 3 has streamlined such effects.
✅ Glamour Effects 2.0
Smooth out and beautify your shots with real-time smoothening of skin and tonal correction—ideal for social media personalities.
⚙️ User Interface & App Integration
The new 2-inch screen interface is intuitive and responsive. Swipe gestures allow you to toggle modes and settings on the go, along with previewing shots.
Combining the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 with the DJI Mimo app reveals even greater control:
- Live preview
- Remote control
- Editing software
- Firmware updates
The app itself is straightforward and a must-have for maximizing device use.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is good, with up to 166 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p/24fps. At 4K, there’s about 90 minutes—still very good considering its compact nature.
It also features rapid charging via USB-C, reaching 80% in just 16 minutes when charged with a PD charger. Less time idling and more time creating.
🌍 Portability & Travel Friendliness
True to its name, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is very small. It fits into your bag or pocket and is ready to go in seconds. For travelers and vloggers, this is a fantasy fulfilled. No bulk camera, gimbal, or external equipment required unless you’re going pro.
The protective case gives even more peace of mind, and the Creator Combo accessories are that much easier to use on the go.
⚔️ DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Pocket 2
Why upgrade from Pocket 2?
- Bigger 1-inch sensor = better picture quality
- OLED screen that rotates for easier handling
- Improve autofocus
- Improved stabilization
- Enhanced low-light performance
- 4K at 120fps (against 60fps on Pocket 2)
Night and day difference—especially in challenging lighting or high-motion conditions.
💸 Pricing & Value
The standard DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is around $519, and the Creator Combo is around $669. Sure, it’s not inexpensive, but its worth is irrefutable, especially for content creators looking for cinematic level performance in a very small package.
On features and performance, it stands on its own compared to much larger and more expensive rigs.
👍 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Great video quality (4K/120fps)
- 1-inch sensor for amazing low-light capabilities
- Rotating OLED screen
- Exceptional stabilization
- Very small and light
- Creator-friendly features
❌ Cons:
- No optical zoom
- Not waterproof without a case
- Non-removable battery
📝 Final Verdict: Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Worth It?
Yes. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 gets a nearly perfect score in that balance between portability and performance. Whether you are a YouTuber, TikToker, traveler, or on-the-go filmmaker, this camera offers pro-level quality without weighing you down.
It’s not just a camera—it’s a content production device that is designed to address the needs of today. While not the cheapest tool out there, its capabilities, design, and usability make it one of the best investments for content producers who want to enhance their video game.