The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is just two features away from PERFECTION
The dji pocket 3 is 2 features away from perfection. Those two features are open gate recording and weather sealing. But even with those shortcomings it’s my favorite camera purchase of 2024. So let’s talk about this powerhouse pocket video camera. This video is broken into two sections—my thoughts and sample footage.
Let’s start with the two features that it’s sorely lacking.
Open gate (full sensor recording) and weather resistance. If you’re unfamiliar with open gate video this might help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9n74NtErS8. Ok so you bought this camera because you’re a creator of some kind and you know that in order to boost your chances of people seeing them you have to post on YouTube, TikTok, IG, etc. But just with those 3 platforms you could be looking at 3 different aspect ratios, so you’ll probably have to record at least two takes (one horizontal and one vertical). If the pocket 3 wants to be the best content creation tool then why doesn’t it have a sensor that allows you to record the full sensor size? If we could shoot once and decide on the aspect ratios later that would make this a very powerful, pocketable video camera.
Weather resistance. I personally don’t really think any tech can be considered an every day carry if it’s not weather resistant. If I look back to my previous travel videos, it rained in pretty much every single one. I don’t need it to withstand submersion but I don’t want to worry about some inclement weather. I will say that DJI offers a pretty affordable protection plan. I enrolled in it so I could treat it like an every day camera. I’m not going to intentionally be rough with it but so far I haven’t babied it at all and it’s done well.
If you’re considering buying a dji osmo pocket 3, I say go for it. It’s a low risk purchase as long as you have the budget. Lots of people would gladly buy a secondhand one if you end up not liking it but I think you’ll love it. It’s convenient, easy to use, and surprisingly powerful. Also dji offers a protection plan so if you’re worried about it not being rugged enough then you can cover your bases there. I have to mention too that I don’t think most people need the creator combo, so you can save some money there and if you end up needing a mic later because you want to vlog in loud spaces then you can pick one up for $100. I also definitely don’t think you need an ND filter since it ruins the whole point and shoot use case. However, if you are looking to get accessories for this camera I’d recommend a mist filter and a stand. Since lots of people have this camera your footage might look v similar to others and the mist is a good way to add some character without having to work so much in post.
The pocket 3 is just lovely for everyday personal documentation or professional social media work. The battery life is solid + it charges fast. The SD card allows for quick transfers and my brain quite enjoys photo/video separation. I also personally don’t like filling up my iPhone with videos or draining the battery when I need it for navigation (specifically in travel situations). I’ve used it for a couple of paid gigs and it was my main video camera when we went to Japan and I have absolutely no regrets about using it vs my Sony a7IV. The clips that you’re going to see at the end of this aren’t edited at all. I’ve made a short montage of a couple of trips we took in the summer. All the footage was shot in 4k 30fps in auto exposure (ISO range between 50 & 800), AWB, and the normal color profile.