The Chinese DJI company, better known for producing drones like the Mavic 2 Pro, the Spark and the Phantom, continues to surprise fans of hi-tech gadgets and creatives from all over the world thanks to its masterpieces. Today I talk about the Osmo Pocket: an action camera connected to a tiny three-axis gimbal that allows you to turn incredibly clear and stabilized high-definition video.
We are probably facing the smallest PTZ camera (PAN / TILT / ZOOM). As for the dimensions, these are of 121.9 × 36.9 × 22.75 mm, definitely pocketable and transportable everywhere. Despite its compact size, its weight is 116 gr, enough to make it very compact.
DJI Osmo Pocket: A close look
Just like the equally famous GoPro, the Osmo Pocket records 4K videos at frame rates of up to 60fps. It is also capable of capturing time-lapse video and taking 12-megapixel photos as well as mounting a small touchscreen. As I said above, perfect to carry in your pocket and use in any occasion.
If the Osmo Pocket is able to shoot fluids in very high definition is thanks to the use of a tiny motorized three-axis gimbal, just like the mechanisms used to stabilize cameras on drones like the Mavic 2 Zoom.
The result is that you can record exceptionally smooth, stable and professional-looking videos without having to carry a cumbersome tripod with you. In addition, DJI Osmo Pocket guarantees perfectly silent performance, for videos without buzzing and background noises.
The entire system uses a passive cooling solution that dissipates heat evenly, ensuring constant performance and long life of the device, up to 140 minutes on a single charge.
The package includes, in addition to the camera, a carrying case and two adapters, Lightning and USB-C, so as to easily connect to Android or Apple devices.
Osmo Pocket: General Features
Compared to previous models, in this Pocket version we have a noticeable difference. In other words, it works autonomously, thanks to the 1-inch touchscreen that shows a preview of the video, as well as allowing you to change modes and adjust numerous settings.
In addition to shooting videos, it allows 12MP shots, 180-degree panorama mode, as well as 3 × 3, time-lapse video and motion-lapse.
- Gimbal 3 Axis Stabilizer
- Weight: 116g
- Dimensions: 28.6 × 38.9 × 121.9mm
- Battery life: 140 minutes
- Resolution: up to 4K at 60fps
- Photo: 12Mp
- Sensor: 1 / 2.3in
- Lenses: f / 2.0
- FOV (Field of vision): 80 °
- ActiveTrack with FaceTrack
- 3 × 3 panorama
- Timelapse
- Motionlapse
The square screen, although convenient to get an idea of the video preview, may be slightly uncomfortable in some situations. Right here comes the smartphone and the DJI Mimo app.
It is a complete app that offers intuitive and powerful editing tools to enhance photos and videos. Thanks to tools such as live viewing in HD during recording and various intelligent modes, DJI Mimo is an all-in-one solution that allows you to capture, edit and share each movie, directly from your smartphone.
DJI Mimo app: ActiveTrack and FaceTrack functions
ActiveTrack, as you can do on one of the DJI drones, allows you to draw a rectangle around the desired subject and the camera will keep it in the center of the frame.
With FaceTrack, however, press the function button three times and the camera will rotate 180 degrees and keep your face in the center of the frame. Great feature for vloggers or videos for YouTube.
The DJI Mimo app also allows you to access the Pro mode and set the timelapse shots, “play” with advanced video editing settings and set filters, soundtracks, stickers and more.
Osmo Pocket: Performance analysis
Given its small size, the Osmo Pocket behaves very well. It is able to capture extraordinarily fluid videos.
Below is the video presentation that you can find on the official DJI YouTube channel :
Another nice feature of the DJI Mimo app is the Story Mode. Remember a little about the creation of mini-trailers that you can create on an iPhone with iMovie: in practice you have a model already preset, so you only have to point and shoot your clips that will be automatically modifiedin a final video.
The main difference is that on the Osmo Pocket everything is already pre-programmed, so that the gimbal moves the camera appropriately.
Here is a very short tutorial to learn how to set up and make the most of Story Mode:
You can edit videos in the Mimo app, if you avoid shooting at 4K / 60fps on iPhone (on Android there is no such limit). In any case, DJI claimed to be working on an update that will remove this limitation for iPhone owners.
Regarding the management of the photos and panoramic videos, these will be created within the Mimo app, so everything you will find on the microSD card are the photos separated from each other, then through the app you will have to download them on the smarpthone.
Final considerations
The Osmo Pocket is in all respects a small, fantastic camera with small dimensions that does its job very well. If we consider that the fact that soon DJI should also release fixes for some small bugs, then I think we are facing the product of the year for its category.
If you are an amateur director who makes amateur videos or manage a YouTube channel, then you have found a fantastic tool that will accompany you on every adventure.
DJI Osmo Pocket: Price and Availability
Since it includes a 4K camera, it is clear that the price is higher than the Osmo Mobile 2. You can buy the Osmo Pocket for $359.00 directly from the official DJI website.
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