DJI Osmo Pocket – should you own one?

I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. What do you mean, “You’re 53, you should know by now”??

I want to be a Professional Influencer! Why? Well, it has the same initials as Private Investigator, for one. Does this career exist?

Yes. Yes it does.

And what should be one’s first step towards this new career path? Why, buy a DJI Osmo Pocket, of course. At least that’s according to YouTuber Dave Altizer in his review of DJI’s new ultra mini camera-gimbal, which was released last night.

Here’s a kind of review of the reviews…

“This is probably the best implementation of shooting in portrait mode from any manufacturer I have ever seen.” Dave Altizer

He goes on to explain, “Because once the camera is mounted on your phone, it balances really nicely, you can hold it in a really natural way. And you’re getting portrait mode stuff completely stabilized, with a professional camera. This feature alone is a huge selling point for anyone looking to be a professional influencer…”

Take my money.

DJI Osmo Pocket vs GoPro Hero 7

Dave goes on to compare the Osmo Pocket to the camera it’s aimed to compete with – the GoPro Hero 7. So check Dave’s review to see that comparison.

So, Dave says they’re different cameras for different things. True, the GoPro is designed to be robust in all conditions and activities, while Osmo Pocket is a few $ cheaper and more of a convenient vlogger tool (as you rocket your way to professional-grade influencer).

To my ears, the GoPro has better inbuilt microphone. The GoPro has a wider lens, which might also be more useful for vloggers. I think there can be an issue when filming yourself from arm’s length with a less wide lens, as the Osmo Pocket has. The look can get a little too personal.

What can it do?

It can fit in your pocket. It can fit in the palm of your hand It can be hidden down a jeans leg (loose fit) It’s bloody small The little screen is small too

Well, it also does a bunch of stuff that we are used to already, such as face or person tracking. So if you want to film yourself, talking and moving around, the Osmo Pocket will follow you. And, from the review videos I’ve seen, it seems to perform function this pretty well.

Specs

The camera can film up to 4k at 60fps.

Max aperture f2.0.

Sensor: 1/2.3″.

ISO range: 100 – 3200.

Pixel size 1.55µm.

Battery life: 140 min.

Charges from 0-90% in under 1 hour.

As you would expect, it’s very lightweight. It weighs about the same as a smartphone.

One feature which makes it a bit different is the mini touch screen. This can be used for monitoring, adjusting settings and controlling the camera.

Using an adapter (see above), you can also attach your smartphone for extra functions. This will allow you to manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed – the stuff you need to really get the most out of the camera. Obviously, this will also give you a bigger screen to work with, which will be easier on your eyes and fingers.

Here’s another example above – you can set up your tracking modes better with a bigger screen.

“Plus we’ll have in the future extra accessories like ND filters, 3.5mm jack for external microphone, and an external rod so you can use so you can use it like a very long selfie stick.” Alex Assenmacher

One thing occurred to me whilst watching Alex’s review – I noticed the handheld footage they got with the Osmo Pocket is perhaps a little too “mobile”. I’ll explain what I mean…

When size matters

One of the problems filming with a phone is that the camera is actually too light.

This means any small movements in your hands or arms (your body in general) will move the camera. If you have a heavier camera, small movements in your body are less likely to move the camera as much. It’s just basic physics – a heavier object is harder to move.

When you add a gimbal to your phone, you are adding weight, which is part of what helps to stabilize the camera. Yes, you could probably make your smartphone footage smoother just by sticking a 1 meter bar onto your phone.

I think you can see from Alex’s footage there’s a bit of extra hand/body-wobble than you would get with your smartphone-gimbal setup. And this is purely down to the feature they’re selling it on – it’s size and weight.

I’m not trying to pick faults. But remember this gadget is sold on its ability to provide you with stablized footage. I mean, it’s a gimbal, afterall. Unfortunately, it could be shooting less stable footage than you can already get.

And to get the most out of this device, you have to attach your smartphone to it anyway…

However, if you buy the extra wireless module adapter ($59), you will be able to connect your smartphone via bluetooth.

Alex goes on to point out, focusing the Osmo Pocket camera when using the little screen can be difficult – it’s just not big enough for you to see what’s in or out of focus.

Check Price of DJI Osmo Pocket on Amazon

Filming at speed

That said, if you’re filming from your motorbike (don’t do this at home), this could be where the DJI Osmo Pocket finds an advantage over your smartphone+gimbal. With the latter setup, the wind force will be blowing your phone all over the place. The Osmo Pocket is very small and the right shape to avoid this problem.

I actually tried to film with my phone+gimbal from the window of a moving car, once. And it was impossible, with the phone being blown and the gimbal not having the power to keep the phone in position. So, if you need to film at speed exposed to the elements, this device could be your solution.

You can watch Alex’s full review here:

You also get a clearer test of the inbuilt audio recorded by the DJI. And the result is very thin and tinny. The mics on your iPhone or my Samsung get way better audio than this. And if this is aimed at vloggers, then surely a decent mic is required.

As you can see from the DJI store, the Osmo Pocket comes with various options to purchase as extras. For example, for $109, the expansion kit gives you a Controller Wheel, a Wireless Module, an Accessory Mount and a 32GB Samsung microSD Card.

Is it cool for filmmaking?

I like that it’s small. I like that you can film at speed without your camera being blown around. Other than that, it doesn’t seem to do too much you can’t do cheaper on your existing smartphone+($100)gimbal setup. I doubt I would buy one at $349, though. My new career is over so soon?

Here’s picture of a man gazing into his GoPro Hero 7. Presumably dreaming of what he will do with the mountains of cash he receives as a professional influencer.

I too have hair and beard. Now I just need some designer shades and a deserted beach…

Read Next: Best Smartphone Filmmaking Kit 2019.

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