DJI's consumer products are typically updated annually. But the Pocket series is different. Can you believe it? It's been three years since the release of the 2nd gen. Its specs have fallen behind, and everyone's been waiting for Pocket 3. But DJI remained silent. Within our company, we even came up with this system, without digital cropping, allowing Action 4 to achieve stable footage and a better image quality. But when we were working on this system, we were wondering about some issues. It's good to use, with a three-axis structure and a nice image quality. If DJI simply put the same sensor into a gimbal, it wouldn't be anything special, just another variant of Action 4, right? We thought DJI might be out of ideas, there'll be no Pocket 3 anymore. But unexpectedly, this new Pocket 3 is quite astonishing. But unexpectedly, this new Pocket 3 is quite astonishing. I have to say, "3rd gen is always the best" still works. A product often hits its stride by the 3rd gen. A product often hits its stride by the 3rd gen. This time, DJI seems to have nailed it. This time, DJI seems to have nailed it. This might just be the best product they've made this year. I'd love to talk about its image quality, but I think it's worth discussing the design of this screen first. We've seen plenty of devices with flip and folded screens, We've seen plenty of devices with flip and folded screens, but a rotating screen on this Pocket 3 is quite rare. but a rotating screen on this Pocket 3 is quite rare. The design is similar to LG's WING phone and the StandbyMe display. DJI has cleverly designed it to maximize the screen 4.7x larger while keeping the device compact. to maximize the screen 4.7x larger while keeping the device compact. The screen is now 2 inches, which is one of the largest built-in screens among the portable cameras. When you compare it to other cameras, you'll realize how big its screen size and ratio are. you'll realize how big its screen size and ratio are. When you turn around and look at the Pocket 2, you'll realize how small it is. Plus, the Pocket 3's screen boasts a bright 700-nit OLED display with vibrant colors. It's readable in most lighting conditions, It's readable in most lighting conditions, but a bit more bright would be better. DJI has put thought into the interaction logic too. DJI has put thought into the interaction logic too. Pocket 3's rotating screen is tied to the power on/off logic, making it feel like a seamless step. When you holding it, you can do this. It's quite satisfying to play around with, It's quite satisfying to play around with, almost like spinning walnuts. I've come to appreciate why it's so enjoyable, very relaxing. You can even set it to start recording when you flip the screen on. What used to be a 3-step process transforms into one elegant move. What used to be a 3-step process transforms into one elegant move. What used to be a 3-step process transforms into one elegant move. DJI has maintained consistency in its UI design. If you've used other DJI action camera products, you'll quickly get the hang of it. Overall, the touchscreen experience is much better now, unlike the past where it could be covered by one finger. unlike the past where it could be covered by one finger. Moreover, it's smart enough to allow full-screen vertical framing Moreover, it's smart enough to allow full-screen vertical framing Moreover, it's smart enough to allow full-screen vertical framing and has dedicated menus for vertical shooting without needing to rotate. This is a distinct feature. The only drawback is the Pocket 3's gimbal, The only drawback is the Pocket 3's gimbal, it can't be turned vertically like that of the Mini 4 Pro, so vertical images are cropped, the resolution would drop to 3K. But for most vertical content creators, it should suffice. But for most vertical content creators, it should suffice. Have a look at some of the vertical demos we took, Have a look at some of the vertical demos we took, how's the image quality? If you're a perfectionist seeking full 4K resolution for vertical shots, you can shoot while holding the stabilizer vertically. However, this device is primarily designed for creating horizontal content to leverage the full potential of the 1-inch sensor. to leverage the full potential of the 1-inch sensor. to leverage the full potential of the 1-inch sensor. The real game-changer with this Pocket 3, I believe, is its sensor. The real game-changer with this Pocket 3, I believe, is its sensor. DJI didn't stick with the previous strategy, that old-fashioned 1/1.3-inch sensor was finally replaced by a 1-inch one. was finally replaced by a 1-inch one. Yes, the same specs as that of cameras like ZV-1 II. The upgrade in sensor means better low-light quality, The upgrade in sensor means better low-light quality, shallower depth of field, and a better image quality. Back when the Mavic 2 was out, I dreamt of taking its gimbal off and mounting it on the Pocket, I dreamt of taking its gimbal off and mounting it on the Pocket, Now, it seems like that dream has come true. Now, it seems like that dream has come true. The physical gimbal stabilization structure allows it didn't need a wide field of view or crop to stabilize. allows it didn't need a wide field of view or crop to stabilize. So, its competitors are not an Action or GoPro but Sony's ZV-1 series and Canon's PowerShot series. but Sony's ZV-1 series and Canon's PowerShot series. This is what it's aiming for. Before we dive into the demos, it's essential to have certain expectations. It can't compete with cinema cameras' image quality, but it's one of the few portable cameras that can still capture decent footage in low-light conditions. that can still capture decent footage in low-light conditions. So, let's take a look at the demos we shoot. So, let's take a look at the demos we shoot. You'll find your answers. What do you think of Pocket 3's image quality now? What do you think of Pocket 3's image quality now? As usual, we've put some footage on our website for you to download and color-grading, and it's all free. for you to download and color-grading, and it's all free. All in all, I'm quite satisfied with the image quality of the 1-inch sensor. The images are sharp, the colors are good, and it's relatively clean. The lens aperture slightly regressed from f/1.8 to f/2.0, The lens aperture slightly regressed from f/1.8 to f/2.0, The lens aperture slightly regressed from f/1.8 to f/2.0, but the focal length remains at 20mm, which is excellent for shooting Vlogs. You don't have to hold the camera up very far to capture your face. You don't have to hold the camera up very far to capture your face. There will be enough room for you to frame. If you want to capture a group of people, just like the last gen, you can still use this wide-angle lens to get a 15mm field of view, you can still use this wide-angle lens to get a 15mm field of view, which is pretty good. At this point in time, we've compared it to ZV-1 II, PowerShot V10, and iPhone 15 Pro in terms of image quality. You can get a sense of where Pocket 3 stands. You can get a sense of where Pocket 3 stands. We've shot a set of straight-out footage, and you can see which one looks better. Apart from the straight-out footage, we also shot in Log mode and did some color grading and editing and did some color grading and editing and you can see which one looks better. Personally, I think Pocket 3 has done well in terms of optics and dynamic range this time. Especially the out-of-focus area looks quite nice, Especially the out-of-focus area looks quite nice, which is quite amazing considering its small size. which is quite amazing considering its small size. Pocket 3 has improved its sharpening as well, and you can customize it, which is pretty good. and you can customize it, which is pretty good. In terms of the jello effect, whether during the 180° gimbal rotation or in high-speed car movements, the readout speed of Pocket 3 is pretty good. You can see it, it has a jello effect, but not that obvious. it has a jello effect, but not that obvious. With the wide-angle lens, the jello effect would be weaker, and the gimbal can also help to improve. So, during most movements, as long as it's not an extremely violent shake, you'll hardly notice the jello effect. However, due to Pocket 3's gimbal design, lacking the so-called fourth axis, you can't entirely avoid the Z-axis up-and-down shake while shooting walking scenes or close-ups. In low-light conditions, Pocket 3 uses a low-light shooting mode. You can experience the low-light image quality in this mode, You can experience the low-light image quality in this mode, which, compared to other action cameras, shows a significant improvement. But it has one limitation: it can only shoot in 4K/30fps, without 4K/60fps and smart tracking. without 4K/60fps and smart tracking. All in all, Pocket 3's image quality has exceeded my expectations, All in all, Pocket 3's image quality has exceeded my expectations, but I still want more. Let's throw us back. Let's throw us back. Initially, drones only had a single wide-angle lens. But later, with the Mavic 3 series, under the same gimbal, we could have both wide-angle and tele lenses. And then, with the Mavic 3 Pro, they even added a mid-range lens. So, it makes me start imagining if the gimbal on Mavic 3 could appear on a Pocket 3 Pro. if the gimbal on Mavic 3 could appear on a Pocket 3 Pro. Right? After all, this Pocket 3 only has a 20mm focal length. After all, this Pocket 3 only has a 20mm focal length. Shooting everything with a wide-angle lens might seem a bit odd. Shooting everything with a wide-angle lens might seem a bit odd. That's its most significant disadvantage compared to compact cameras. Although it has a built-in 2x crop feature, you can clearly feel the decline in image quality. So, if the Pocket could have a tele lens in the future, it might increase its size a bit, but I believe it would be worth it, which can broaden its range of applications. It's something to look forward to. Pocket 3 proves that DJI isn't just focusing on consumer applications. They've made some moves in the professional direction as well. Not all professionals need larger equipment, and DJI knows that. So, you'll find that this Pocket 3 has a timecode feature. So, you'll find that this Pocket 3 has a timecode feature. And now you can synchronize your Pocket with Action or other devices, And now you can synchronize your Pocket with Action or other devices, including professional video equipment. Regarding recording specs, Pocket 3 is similar to the Action 4, supporting up to 1080p/240fps and 4K/120fps. supporting up to 1080p/240fps and 4K/120fps. In a 1-inch sensor camera, this is already quite impressive. However, the dynamic range of Pocket 3 when recording at 4K/60fps, is slightly smaller compared to 4K/30 and 4K/25. With such a gimbal structure, other cameras can barely shoot dynamic timelapse like Pocket 3, That's something that other cameras can't do. I personally love that. For this Pocket 3, DJI also provides a 10-bit 4:2:0 D-Log M curve, offering a larger dynamic range. Of course, I would hope for 10-bit 4:2:2, but for now, this is acceptable. However, its live monitoring feature is still far from my expectations. However, its live monitoring feature is still far from my expectations. So, you'll only see a grayscale image, making it quite challenging to manage exposure during shooting. One interesting or peculiar thing we discovered during use One interesting or peculiar thing we discovered during use is that in straight-out footage, even when using the same exposure parameters, the brightness is different between auto exposure and manual exposure. Initially, we thought it was a bug. But DJI explained that under auto exposure, there's an algorithm that brightens the image's subject there's an algorithm that brightens the image's subject to achieve a higher dynamic range, which doesn't happen under manual exposure. In other words, under auto exposure, Pocket 3 acts more like a smartphone, while under manual exposure, it behaves more like a traditional camera. This difference is quite noticeable during actual shooting. Under auto exposure, the color and dynamic range are quite good. Under auto exposure, the color and dynamic range are quite good. So, we prefer to use auto exposure. I'd like to hear your opinion on this, on such a device, designed for casual shooting, a good straight-out image quality or a Log mode with great dynamic range but requires post-editing, which mode do you prefer? I'm curious about your answer. In terms of footage transfer, DJI provides several options. You can wirelessly transfer via DJI's Mimo app, which is reasonably fast. But, if you need faster transfer speeds, you can use the USB-C port to transfer. That's also an option. Additionally, the built-in beauty mode must be used with DJI's Mimo app due to chipset limitations. must be used with DJI's Mimo app due to chipset limitations. You can customize every detailed beauty option, but it's essential to use the beauty effect moderately. Overdoing it can make things look a bit odd. Overdoing it can make things look a bit odd. So remember that. But this feature needs a smartphone, I would prefer it to be built-in for the next gen. I would prefer it to be built-in for the next gen. That would be better. Our team has been thinking Why does shooting a Vlog with a product like Pocket Why does shooting a Vlog with a product like Pocket feel so comfortable and elegant? feel so comfortable and elegant? We thought for a long time and finally figured it out: We thought for a long time and finally figured it out: Most of the time, you only need one hand. This is vital. Think about it, traditional cameras require a selfie stick or stabilizer. traditional cameras require a selfie stick or stabilizer. You need both hands to adjust settings, manually flip the screen, and constantly change the hand's position. But with Pocket 3, you only need one hand. You can firmly hold it, adjust settings with just your thumb, and three clicks on the joystick for selfies. Most importantly, you don't need extra stabilizing devices or worry about controlling your walking pace. Just film while walking, easy and elegant, nothing to worry about. Suppose you're at the airport with a suitcase or carry bags for your partner while shopping, you can shoot without any problems. you can shoot without any problems. So, Pocket 3's form minimizes the impact of shooting in your daily life. minimizes the impact of shooting in your daily life. Its compact size allows you to double-tap the screen to track faces or other objects and focus at the same time without worrying about framing and focus. This is very useful for filming that requires sitting still or walking. Pocket 3 basically can have the focus synchronized with the tracking frame. As long as the frame identifies the object, most of the time it can stay clear with a sharp focus. Minimum focus distance is not too bad, about 10cm. But you can't compare it with iPhone or other smartphone's macro mode. As you can see, that's a huge difference. This gen has a new feature: Product Showcase mode. This gen has a new feature: Product Showcase mode. Sounds familiar, right? Fujifilm and Sony have that. In short, the foreground will be prioritized with focus. In short, the foreground will be prioritized with focus. It's a very useful function, and this gen needs less light for tracking recognition. So in low-light conditions, the tracking frame still can secure the object. Pretty stable. DJI this time offers Dynamic Framing, and it can frame the object with a golden ratio composition, and it can frame the object with a golden ratio composition, then you will have better images. But more importantly, you can use these small frames to manually select small objects, Although it has a bigger screen, it's still two inches, The double tap on the screen is not that precise. some frames will be much better. The gimbal has great improvement, it now has a physical axis lock. Pocket 2 seemed to have one when powered off. Looks solid, right? But it would loosen after 15 seconds. But it would loosen after 15 seconds. The main purpose was to use the 15 seconds before complete power-off The main purpose was to use the 15 seconds before complete power-off to insert it into the protective case. Now, Pocket 3 has a physical axis lock. After powering off, the lens module automatically faces the axis arm, reducing the chances of wearing out the lens. One annoying aspect is that due to its short axis distance, once you attach the magnetic filter to the lens, once you attach the magnetic filter to the lens, after turning it off, it will hit the axis wall and then return to an outward state. BTW, about the magnetic filter, in addition to ND filters and wide-angle lenses, Pocket 3 adds a Black Mist filter, which makes the highlights in the picture more natural, which makes the highlights in the picture more natural, and when shooting portraits, the skin texture will be softer. Just like this. Of course, what you wear is also crucial. Check out our store and the latest clothing products. Check out our store and the latest clothing products. Thank you. For accessories, Pocket 2's most accessories are not compatible with Pocket 3. But that's not a bad thing. Because the features of most accessories are integrated into the body. Pocket 3's body integrates Wi-Fi, Pocket 3's body integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modules, speakers, and microphone receivers. A single body can achieve over 90% of the functions. A single body can achieve over 90% of the functions. But the cost is the increased weight. However, think about it, Pocket 2 wasn't exactly lightweight. To achieve these functions, you need to purchase the versatile handle for about $79, plug it in, and it significantly reduces battery life. However, we did find a problem about Pocket 3's body. One sample's joystick felt a bit harder, it's slightly different. You needed a bit more force to double or triple-tap to re-center and flip the gimbal. But we didn't find this issue with other samples. Maybe there are some tolerance issues with the assembly. But since we came across it, we thought you should know. Previous gens use connectors to link your Pocket Previous gens use connectors to link your Pocket with your phone through DJI Mimo App with your phone through DJI Mimo App for a better monitoring and shooting experience. for a better monitoring and shooting experience. However, Pocket 3 doesn't have that solution. However, Pocket 3 doesn't have that solution. Wi-Fi is your only option. So we have come up with a solution by 3D printing an adapter to connect Pocket 3 to our phone case, to connect Pocket 3 to our phone case, creating a great setup. It might look strange, but the advantage is clear: a big screen for monitoring, and a 1-inch screen for selfies. Using it for live streaming is quite awesome. Using it for live streaming is quite awesome. The video quality is better than your phone's front camera, The video quality is better than your phone's front camera, and no more awkward angles. About the sound, Pocket 3's built-in microphone allows you to customize sound direction. We did some tests, and the sound quality is quite decent. Let's give it a listen. What you are hearing now is the sound from the OSMO Pocket 3's built-in mic. What do you think of the sound quality? Now, switching to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, can you tell the difference? Which one do you prefer? DJI Mic has been a successful product over the years, many people are using it. Pocket 3 is built in with the 2nd-gen Mic receiver. So when you power on the transmitter, It automatically connects to Pocket 3. It's very seamless. Clip it to your chest, and you will get clean audio. The screen displays the current sound levels, and it supports dual-mic recording, so you can record many people's voices. Like the last gen, you can still control the recording through the microphone. Just press the mic's button to begin recording. Just press the mic's button to begin recording. Very convenient. If you've got the 1st-gen DJI Mic or any other brand's microphone, you can still use it with Pocket 3 via the Type-C port. It might look a bit odd, or not that elegant. One small gripe with this model is the absence of a 1/4-inch screw hole at the bottom. is the absence of a 1/4-inch screw hole at the bottom. Probably just to save space. But if you want to attach a tripod, you'll need the included extension base or the battery handle. The attaching and detaching are a lot smoother. The attaching and detaching are a lot smoother. Just press the button on the front to open and close the clamps, rather than the last gen's tight-fit accessories. rather than the last gen's tight-fit accessories. We particularly like adding a small extension base, which not only adds the screw hole but also provides a place for your pinky. The battery handle, frankly, is a bit large and long. is a bit large and long. Adding the included mini tripod makes the whole device a giant stick. makes the whole device a giant stick. It might draw attention to airport security, for it looks like a... weapon. Isn't it? As we tested, Pocket 3 with the screen on and Wi-Fi active, As we tested, Pocket 3 with the screen on and Wi-Fi active, managed to record 109 minutes of 4K/60fps footage without overheating or shutting down. In this regard, Pocket 3 has shown great improvement, basically can cover an all-day shooting. Furthermore, it supports fast charging, and it's blazing fast. With a 65W adapter, we only need less than 24 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. we only need less than 24 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. That's crazy, even lower than the official data. We will test more about it. Not sure if DJI is being modest to keep the time longer. And if the built-in battery isn't enough for you, the included battery handle can bring an extra 62% of power. the included battery handle can bring an extra 62% of power. the included battery handle can bring an extra 62% of power. That should be enough. In conclusion, We think Pocket 3 is going to be a bestseller, We think Pocket 3 is going to be a bestseller, at least many of my colleagues believe so. Would you like to buy it? Even though it's a bit bigger, it's still within an acceptable range. In exchange, you get a larger sensor, a bigger screen, and a bigger battery. The video quality and user experience are right on the sweet spot. Honestly, we can't find anything on the market Honestly, we can't find anything on the market that can compete with this product. Personally, I love it. If I used to like the form of GoPro, then Pocket 3's design might just be my new favorite. We've given this camera high marks, and I think DJI is pretty worth it. Such a good product upgrade, right? Such a good product upgrade, right? Lots of changes, a great leap forward. So, that's all for our review, So, that's all for our review, if you're interested or your friends want to buy Pocket 3, share this video with them. This may be helpful to them, and means everything to us. Remember to like, share, and subscribe! So, until next time! So, until next time!
