A Traveler's Review: DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Quick Summary of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

If you are short on time, here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of using the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for travel, and a link to check the recent discount on the camera below:

Why Did I Choose the DJI Osmo Pocket 3?

As a light traveler, I am often quite reluctant to add more unnecessary weight to my already heavy rucksack. That is why I have always carried only one camera with me, the Sony a7R V. By combining this camera with all the lenses I need for my travels, my backpack can weigh as much as 7 kg.

That said, I often find that having only one usable camera at a time can be extremely limiting, especially for a hybrid shooter like myself who captures both photos and videos. When shooting a timelapse, which can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or more, I am unable to use my camera for any other purpose during that duration.

I would often have to choose whether I want to capture a timelapse of the sunset or take a still photo of the sunset because I can't do both simultaneously with my camera.

I also like to shoot hyperlapse, which is an extremely time-consuming process that requires you to align a camera to a subject, shoot, move one step, and repeat until you get at least 2-3 seconds of footage. That is around 50-100 steps you have to take to get the shot. I've been doing it for years and it would be nice if there is a way I can reduce the time it takes.

To address these issues, I decided to search for a camera that would not only free up my main camera but also serve as a reliable secondary option when needed. I was looking at another point-and-shoot camera, but it is just too cumbersome to have another camera that I would need to fiddle with the settings and tripods just to shoot a timelapse video. It also doesn't solve my hyperlapse issue.

I was also considering action cameras like GoPro and the 360° camera from Insta360, which were all great options individually. However, when you factor in all the accessories you have to carry and the potential reduction in quality you may have to endure, I don't believe these cameras are tailored to my very specific needs. Additionally, I already own a GoPro Hero 5. Although it's considered ancient, I can still use it for action shots like swimming and snorkeling when the need arises.

And then, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 was released with its one-inch sensor attached to a gimbal, dedicated timelapse and hyperlapse features, and a compact design weighing only 179 grams (6.4 oz), ticking all the boxes. So, I decided to grab one and see if it could solve all of my problems. Spoiler alert! It does, and it does so extremely well. Here are the reasons why I love the DJI Pocket 3:

What I Love Most About the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Great Video Quality

The video quality from the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is excellent, especially considering its size. With its 1-inch image sensor that rivals those of point-and-shoot cameras and a 20mm F2 lens, the Pocket 3 can retain sharpness even in low-light conditions. The video produced by this camera surpassed that of my phone and my GoPro by a wide margin.

Another issue with GoPros and phones is that they often rely on digital stabilization, which may work well in good lighting; however, the moment you shoot in low light, they tend to fall apart completely.

My footage would often become too jittery with unwanted motion blur when I shoot myself walking at night on GoPros and my Pixel phone. That doesn't happen with the DJI Pocket 3, thanks to its dedicated physical gimbal.

The footage also looks smoother on the DJI Pocket 3, as the camera no longer has to increase the shutter speed to compensate for digital stabilization. You can shoot at a 180-degree shutter speed to capture motion blur that is true to human eyes.

All in all, I am extremely impressed by the video quality I got from the DJI Pocket 3. It might not be as good as a mirrorless camera, but for its size, it is way better than all the other cameras out there.

Excellent Stabilization and Tracking

Taken straight from its extensive DJI drone lineup, the DJI Pocket 3 is equipped with 3-axis mechanical stabilization, allowing the camera view to remain stable even during dynamic camera movements.

This opens up so many new opportunities for me to shoot in ways that I was unable to do with my main camera, such as a smooth walking shot, a smooth swerve around a building, and even tracking myself in the camera, allowing me to move around the environment without having to move the camera.

The DJI Pocket 3's Active Tracking is a game-changer, especially for a solo content creator like myself. Whenever I want to shoot a video of myself walking, I no longer have to continuously look at the camera screen to see if I am in the frame.

Now, with the DJI Pocket 3 camera, it automatically detects my face when I turn the camera on myself, and it keeps me in frame no matter how I move. I can also put it somewhere and do a moving shot of myself without having to touch the camera, and it will automatically move the camera to keep me in frame.

Being able to shoot videos smoothly without the need for additional equipment like a large gimbal, coupled with the ability to track a subject in a set-it-and-forget-it manner, the DJI Pocket 3 is a total game-changer. There is no other camera out there, not even larger ones, that can perform all these functions, making the DJI Pocket 3 an exceptional camera.

Plenty of Cool Video features

One of the things I wanted my secondary camera to do is to be able to shoot timelapse and hyperlapse quickly and discreetly without me having to set up my tripod and fiddle with the settings. The DJI Pocket 3 allows me to do exactly that with its dedicated timelapse and hyperlapse functions, which I can easily switch to with a few swipes.

The camera comes with an extension that has a tripod screw, which you can use to mount your camera on a small tripod. This extension is included with the camera in every version you get, although you will only get the small tripod if you buy the Creator Combo version. Once it is on a tripod, you can set it up anywhere you want, and with a few flicks of your finger, you are now ready to shoot a timelapse.

The same goes for hyperlapse. With its 2-inch screen, you can track a subject by double-tapping, and all you have to do is move towards it, and the camera will automatically keep the subject in frame as you move. Long gone are the times when you had to shoot hyperlapse manually, snapping a photo one step at a time.

The DJI Pocket 3 also comes equipped with other cool features like 4K/120fps 10-bit, night shots, motion timelapse, where the camera moves automatically over the duration, a rotate-to-turn-on 2-inch screen for easy operation, and great audio capability with the ability to use a wireless mic. You will also get a free wireless mic if you buy the Creator Combo version, which is a great deal, if you ask me.

The list of features goes on and on. It is clear that DJI designed this camera with content creators in mind, and they have knocked it out of the park with all the features that not only make our lives more convenient but also help us elevate our storytelling to the next level.

Fast Charging

The battery life is exactly what I expected with a small camera such as this. I can shoot 2.5 hours' worth of 4K video until the battery dies, which is enough for a day of operation as a secondary camera for me. You might need the battery extension, which also comes in the Creator Combo, if you plan to use the Pocket 3 as a primary camera.

That said, the DJI Pocket 3 has one of the best fast-charging capabilities out there, allowing you to charge the camera to 80% in 16 minutes with a USB-C charger. That is just incredible!

Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a charging brick, but you can fast-charge it with any charging brick with power delivery capability you have for your phones or other electronics. Sometimes, I just wish my Sony camera had the ability to fast-charge to 80% in 16 minutes as well.

What I Hate Most About the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Not as Pocketable

The first thing I realize when I first get the DJI Pocket 3 is that it is not as pocketable as its predecessor. The camera itself is 5.5 inches tall, 1.66 inches wide, and 1.32 inches thick without any extension, and I was unable to fit it in my jean pockets without it protruding out.

If you thought you could have this camera in your pocket everywhere you go, think again. While it is possible, it is neither comfortable nor recommended as you might risk accidentally dropping it while going about your day.

I would recommend that you get either a sling bag or a fanny pack to store the camera. That way, you will still be able to access it quickly, which is what the camera is designed for. I just wish I could fit it in my pocket. Maybe I need new pants. 😂

Lackluster Photo Quality

The photo capability of the DJI Pocket 3 is nothing to brag about. It can shoot 9.4-megapixel images, which is alright for casual use, but I think you would be better off shooting photos with your phone, as the lenses on your phone are more capable for photography than the DJI Pocket 3's video-centric lenses.

The camera is clearly designed more towards videography, so please keep that in mind before you buy. Don't buy the DJI Pocket 3 if you plan to shoot more photos than videos.

Not rugged or waterproof

One of the downsides of choosing the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 over action cameras like the GoPro and Insta360 is that this camera is not built for action. The gimbal is extremely fragile, and you often have to be aware of and take care of it when using and storing the camera, which is something you don't really have to do with action cameras.

The DJI Pocket 3 does come with a protective case that holds the gimbal in place, allowing for safe storage. However, even with the case, I am still nervous about it, as I often find the gimbal turning by accident and exposing the lens outward. I wish the gimbal could be completely locked when in storage.

The camera is also not waterproof, so using it in the rain is out of the question. While the camera is rich in features, it isn't an action camera. As long as you do not expect it to perform like action cameras, the DJI Pocket 3 might be the right choice for you.

Sample Videos From the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

A video is worth a thousand words, so here are some of my favorite footage I took with the DJI Pocket 3 during my trip in Japan.

The Verdict: A Great Secondary Video Camera

After using it in Japan and a little bit in Thailand for weeks, I have decided that the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is worthy of a spot in my backpack. The camera is small and discreet enough for me to carry around every day while traveling.

It also allows me to shoot video and hyperlapse without attracting people's attention. The number of people who come up and ask me what I was doing when I was shooting hyperlapse is insane. By the way, I look when I do that, I kinda get where they are coming from. 😂

The camera also made my life so much easier with its Active Track capability, allowing me to shoot hyperlapse in seconds, a dedicated timelapse feature that I can set up quickly, and a secondary camera I can use to shoot creative shots that I can't do with my primary camera. It ticked all the boxes of what I was looking for in a secondary camera.

If you are looking for a camera, as I did, or if you are a vlogger wanting to start vlogging with a pocket-sized, discreet camera that doesn't require a lot of gear, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is perfect for you. Make sure to get the Creator Combo if you intend to vlog, as the camera will come with a wireless mic and a wide-angle adapter, making your life so much easier.

To check the latest price and discounts on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, click the link below.

Check Price

DJI Pocket 3 Standard vs Creator Combo: Which one to buy?

You are probably wondering which DJI Pocket 3 version you should get, right? Well, the decision is pretty easy. If you want to vlog with it or prioritize having good audio quality in video, then the Creator Combo is the way to go.

The retail price for the Creator Combo is 669 USD, and it comes with a wireless mic, a small tripod, battery extension, and a wide-angle lens filter, which will come in handy for you. The wireless mic alone is worth more than the extra cost of getting the Creator Combo over the standard.

If you are like me, who doesn't vlog, does not care about the audio, and is looking for a second camera to take on the duty of shooting timelapse, hyperlapse, and help you experiment more on cool camera movement and motion, the standard version is more suited for you.

The retail price for the standard version is only 519 USD, and you will save 150 USD by not buying things you don't need. If you need a small tripod, you can easily grab a cheap, generic small tripod here, and you will still have 140 USD left to invest in other camera accessories.

At the end of the day, it will depend on whether you need the accessories or not. If you do need the audio for your current application but you wish to go into a more narrative content creation, then by all means, go with the Creator Combo. If you are dead set in your way, as I am 😂, then the standard version should suffice.

Want to take your photography game to the next level? Here are some resources to help you upgrade your work and photography gear:

Lightroom Presets: If you are looking for a quick way to make your travel photos look like mine, you should check out my newly released Lightroom Preset Collections.

Camera: Sony a7R V, the highest resolution full-frame camera out there, is my go-to camera when I travel. All of my recent photos and videos are all from this beast.

All-Around Travel Lens: Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens is the lens I mounted on my camera the most. The lens covers most of the ranges I need for travel from wide to telephoto. If I have to take only one lens with me on my travel, it would be this lens.

Ultra-Wide Lens: Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lnes: An ultra-wide lens I often use to shoot expansive landscapes and capture massive architecture I stumble upon while traveling.

Telephoto Lens: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens is one of the most versatile lenses to have. It is great for picking out details in landscapes and capturing wildlife when combined with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter.

Portrait Lens: Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Lens is the most compact and lightweight 85mm F1.4 lens out there. It's sharp and produces stunning bokeh for subject separation, perfect for portraits and street photography.

Drone: DJI Mavic Mini 2, a perfect drone for those who travel light. It weighs less than 250g and smaller than an iPhone when folded and can capture 4K video as well as 12 megapixels RAW photos. More than enough for its size.

Bag: Langly Alpha Globetrotter is a camera bag I use to carry all these lenses as well as other essentials when I'm traveling.

Further Reading for Photography

Looking for more photography articles like this? Here are a collection of articles you might like:

• Looking to buy a new travel camera, but not sure where to start? Check out our camera guide on 10 Best Travel Cameras to Buy.
• Wondering which Sony Mirrorless camera is right for you? The Best Sony Travel Cameras to Buy.
• For the best hybrid travel camera to buy, the Sony a7R V with its 61-megapixel sensor and video capabilities is hard to beat. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7R V Camera
• Looking for the very best full-frame travel camera to buy for your next trip? How about the Sony a7C, the smallest full-frame camera with an EVF in the world! Check out my review: A Traveler's Review: The Sony a7C Camera
• Bought a new camera and not sure what camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
• Finding a great camera bag you can travel with is not as easy as it sounds. If you are looking for one, here are the 10 Best Camera Bags for Travel, Backpacking, and Hiking You Should Buy.
• Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger like myself carries in their camera bag? Check out: What's In My Camera Bag in 2022?
• For more photography resources like this, visit my Photography page.