DJI Osmo Pocket 4K Action Camera Review
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4K Action Camera combines the latest technology with a 3-axis gimbal and integrated camera that conveniently attaches to either your Android or iPhone. Capture 12 megapixel JPEG or DNG raw photos, along with stunning 4K, 60 fps video. This is the perfect gadget if you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, vlogger, travel buff, or professional videographer. Weighing in at just 4.1 ounces, this little dynamo is the ultimate in quality and convenience.
Don’t be fooled by the Osmo Pocket’s small size, its powerful features make it a cinematic wonder that’s jam packed with the most up-to-date features. It’s the smallest and most compact handheld camera DJI has designed and promoted to the public. The Osmo Pocket is used in conjunction with the DJI Mimo smartphone app, which gives you access to a library of creative functions, including Face Track, Motionlapse, and Active Track.
The app offers comprehensive and intuitive editing tools to take your videos and photos up a notch, and was designed specifically for the Osmo Pocket. Enjoy live HD viewing, dynamic slideshows, quick-editing tools, and a myriad of filters, audio templates, and watermark stickers. You can also upload and share videos in the app.
DJI Osmo Pocket Camera / Functionality and Performance
The DJI Osmo was launched in December of 2018 as a one-of-a-kind portable gadget that supports an assortment of optional accessories, all without the cost, bulkiness or complexity of a DSLR. The device boasts exclusive features, including the ability to change the white balance and exposure in camera, panning and tracking, and some pretty fantastic capabilities like the ability to produce hyperlapse, slow-motion, and timelapse videos.
Vloggers will love the Story Mode feature, which is great for throwing together video clips to construct a story. Edit clips, add music, titles, and transitions, the only downside is only 720p videos are supported. In my opinion, this is a high enough resolution for social media. If you want better resolution, you can always use a third-party app. The Face Tracking feature works well for either tracking your own face while shooting selfies or for tracking a subject’s face, and keeping it in the frame. However, this feature won’t work while shooting 4K/60fps video.
The Osmo Pocket is essentially a drone camera mounted on a gimbal for exceptional stabilization. It measures roughly half the width of a regular-sized iPhone, bu not quite as tall. This miniature device packs a hefty punch in terms of its functionality, features, and performance, especially considering the cost is under $400.00. It’s a technological wonder that captures brilliant 4K video, and enables 12-megapixel photos in either raw or JPEG.
Firmware Updates and Audio
DJI is continually updating the firmware to keep both the device and software up to date. This allows you to take advantage of the latest advancements. If you’re not familiar with how a gimbal works, it’s a stabilization device, which enables you to walk and film while keeping the camera steady. I prefer a gimbal over a tripod any day because it doesn’t inhibit my mobility, and eliminates the hassle of wrestling with a video head. Using a gimbal does take a little getting used to as a beginner, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love how smooth it operates.
The Osmo Pocket has two microphones, one on the bottom, and one below the universal port. The functional is quite good, just make sure to not cover the bottom mic with your hands while handling. DJI makes a 3.5mm adapter that supports an external microphone if you find you need better audio quality.
Features
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- 3-axis gimbal and camera
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.9 x 8.1 inches
- Compact, sturdy, and lightweight design
- Captures 12MP JPEG and raw images
- Records 1080p, 4K video (60 fps)
- 1/2.3″ sensor and f/2.0 aperture
- 80° FOV images (field of view)
- 100 Mb/s bit rate recording (affects video quality and recording duration)
- 128GB micro SD card
- Connects to iPhone or Android for a larger display and easier viewing
- Rechargeable Li-Po battery (lithium polymer)
- Device is registered and activated via DJI Mimo smartphone app
What’s Included
- Osmo Pocket Camera with cover
- Smartphone adapters (lightning and USB-C)
- Power cable
- SanDisk 128 GB microSD card
- SanDisk adapter
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
Pros:
- Touchscreen viewfinder with functional menu
- Shoots timelapse, motion lapse, and slow-motion video
- Unobtrusive to use in public settings
- Create brilliant bokeh with f/2.0
- Captures stunning video and raw stills
- Pro settings and full-manual control
- Smooth gimbal with impressive stability
- Great tracking and focus
- Wide-angle shooting feature
- Powers on in 5 seconds
- Great for vlogging and travel
- Attaches to smartphone for easier viewing
- Fast video transfer
Cons:
- Diminished sound quality and minimal noise may be noticed in less-than-optimal lighting conditions when using higher ISOs
- No zoom function
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy extra batteries?
Answer: No, the battery is internal. It comes with a 6-month warranty.
2. What is the largest SD card I can buy?
Answer: 236GB is the largest card that the Osmo Pocket supports.
3. What accessories are available?
Answer: Here’s a list of optional accessories:
- Waterproof Case: protects Osmo Pocket from water damage, supports depths of 60 m, brackets for additional accessories
- Wireless Module: charging port, supports remote control via wireless connection
- Expansion Kit: wireless connection supports remote control, accessories port, precision gimbal control
- Extension Rod: retractable rod with phone holder, mounting brackets for more shooting options, 1/4″ tripod mount.
- Accessory Mount: accessory mounting bracket for shooting in various situations
- Controller Wheel: navigation for quickly switching between gimbal modes, precision gimbal control
- ND Filter Set: a variety of high-quality filters to reduce light and enhance creativity
- 3.5mm Adapter: Supports external microphone for superior audio
- Charging Case: Store the Osmo Pocket and accessories, while charging on the go.
4. Is there a built-in microphone?
Answer: Yes, there are two microphones, one on the bottom, and one on the front of the device below the universal port.
5. What is the warranty on the Osmo?
Answer: The Osmo Pocket comes with a 6-month warranty, with one accidental damage replacement. You can, however, purchase a 2-year warranty for additional coverage.
Key Points
The major advantage of using the DJI Osmo Pocket is that you can achieve the same results (well, almost) as you would using equipment that costs significantly more. Get comparable functionality with the added convenience of a lightweight, affordable, and ultra-compact device. Capture vivid stills and high-quality 4K footage for a fraction of the cost of more expensive gear. Overall, you’ll get superb performance using a tiny gadget that will fit in your pocket, and can be operated with one hand. Because of its size and convenience, you won’t want to leave home without it. It doesn’t get better than that…
Does the DJI Osmo Pocket sound like a winner? Let me know in the comments:)
DJI Osmo Pocket 4K Action Camera
$399.00
Pros
- 4K/60fps video
- 12-MP JPEG or raw photos
- 3-Axis gimbal
- Fast video transfer
- Creative features
Cons
- Diminished sound quality with high ISOs
- No zoom function
Hello there, thanks for this awesome article. It will be of great help to the public as it has been a help to me. I have been looking for a good action camera, but I don’t really think this one meets my requirements, although it a nice camera and also worth its price too. Maybe I might end up getting it.
You’re very welcome. My intention was to educate people on the latest technology that the Osmo Pocket delivers. It’s a great piece of equipment at an affordable price. Thanks for taking the time to read my review.
Hi, this is a pretty cool looking camera, I especially like the fact that it’s so small. I like the idea of being able to put it in my pocket or being able to put it in my bag somewhere. My biggest concern is that it is durable. If I’m taking it out hiking or camping than the last thing I want is to be breaking it. I was also pretty impressed with his video, it’s hard to get great video and pictures like that with just your camera phone.
Hi Jake,
The Osmo Pocket is very cool and is small enough to fit in your pocket. If you’re taking it hiking or camping or anywhere for that matter, I would use the case to keep it safe. The 4K video it’s able to capture is amazing. More impressive than what a phone would capture. Read the reviews if you’re interested in purchasing it. I think that will clinch the deal for you. Thanks for taking the time to comment:)
I had only briefly heard about DJI products before reading your review. I’ve used a GoPro Hero4 for several years now, but am interested in upgrading my equipment as I move into creating more video reviews for Youtube (and that I can share via my websites). I love the fact that it comes with a built-in gimbal because most of my content will be captured “on-the-go” and I’ve had the unfortunate experience of a whole wasted day of filming when I realized that all the video was just too shaky to use.
I just have one additional question I have that I didn’t notice you cover in the article:
Can this pocket camera connect with an external microphone? (either through Bluetooth or hardwire)
Thanks!
Hi Tucker,
The DJI Osmo is only a couple of years old so if you weren’t looking for a new piece of equipment, you may not have heard about it. It’s a great choice for creating YouTube videos. I really like using gimbals because they don’t cramp your style in terms of being able to capture footage on the go.
Sorry about your unfortunate experience with shaky video. We’ve all had something similar happen as photographers or videographers.
Yes, you can attach an external microphone to the Osmo Pocket using the 35mm adapter accessory that’s designed for that. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Hi! I’m impressed with how small, but also how versatile, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4K Action Camera is. I like the fact that among the accessories, we can purchase a waterproof case for this camera. I need to make some videos underwater and this would be the solution for me. Thanks for the post.
Hi Ann,
Yes, the OSMO is small and compact, features that make it so convenient to use. There are a variety of accessories available, including a water proof case. Perfect for taking videos underwater. Thanks so much for reading my review:)
I’m never going to be a professional photographer, so I really don’t need anything ‘top of the range’ as it were. Saying that though, I would like to have a camera that can at least hold its own. This matters if I am going to put videos up on YouTube, which is the plan for this coming year. Can’t do it without the proper tools.
It’s a highly competitive place and I want to make sure that the quality is decent enough, so as not to raise any questions in regard to ‘professionalism’. I currently have a pretty basic ‘point and shoot’ type of camera, it does have a video feature but it’s really not the best and it doesn’t have any of the features needed to make nice, steady high quality videos.
I’ve not used a gimble before but I’m sure that just needs some practice. I love the size and design, ideal for vlogging and doing it on the go. As much as I could just use the webcam and sit there, If I’m going to do any walkabouts then I need something a little more fit for purpose.
Maybe a touch over what I was planning on spending but then the added extras and features are worth it, including a huge 128GB micro SD card as well. Even if I don’t use them all, they’re there should I ever need them. Perfect.
The Osmo Pocket is a great little gadget for filming YouTube videos, the perfect mix between convenience and professionalism. And the price is affordable. Yes, YouTube is competitive, but having the right equipment will make your videos stand out. I like using gimbals, though they do take a little getting used to in the beginning. Once you get the hang of how to use them, they’re amazing, especially since you can walk with them. Thanks so much for reading my review:)
This is a great device especially for people that make videos a lot. I love its simplicity, how it’s so lightweight and compact, and considering the fact that you can have it in your pocket is great.
This camera comes with so many features that will benefit one in video creation especially if you’re a YouTuber. I have created a channel already on YouTube for my website and was looking forward for a good camera. This pocket camera sounds like a good choice. Thank you!
Hi Kell,
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. I sure appreciate it. Yes, the DJI Osmo Pocket has so many great features, including being compact and portable, not to mention the cinematic 4K video and all the editing features that go along with it.
Plus, using something so compact is so much easier than lugging around bulky, cumbersome equipment. The more convenient something is to use, the more it will get used is my sentiment. Thanks for commenting:)