DJI has announced the Pocket 3, the latest version of its handheld gimbal camera. Small enough to fit in a pocket, hence the name, the Pocket 3 has a larger 1-inch sensor, extended filming modes and a unique swivelling LCD screen for both horizontal and vertical video.
One of the key features of the DJI Pocket 3 is its new 1-inch CMOS sensor. This is substantially larger than the sensors in camera phones and action cameras and the same size – amazingly – as the sensor in compact vlogging cameras from Sony and Canon.
The Pocket 3 can also shoot 4K video at up to 120fps in slow motion mode and offers a 10-bit D-Log M mode, presumably for superior color grading results later, and 10-bit HLG color compatible HLG display devices.
The camera has what DJI describes as “full pixel fast focusing” and a Product Showcase mode, which sounds similar to the product showcase mode on Sony’s ZV-1 and ZV-1 II compact vlogging cameras. It also features DJI ActiveTrack 6.0, now with Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing. Thanks to the built-in 3-axis gimbal mount, the Pocket 3 can track and follow you or others while presenting.
The 2-inch rotating LCD is especially novel, and while it might look like a gimmick it does reflect a growing need for vertical video for social channels – video isn’t just horizontal any more. The screen is still quite small by camera standards, but much larger than the display on the previous Pocket 2.
The Pocket 3 does have three in-built mic capsules, and the good news is that unlike the previous Pocket 2, which required a separate accessory, the Pocket 3 can work directly with two DJI wireless mic transmitter.s
Not surprisingly, the Pocket 3 is more expensive than its predecessor, costing $519/£489, but that’s still cheap compared to a compact camera with a 1-inch sensor and a gimbal stabilizer. The costs will mount up if you buy into the Pocket 3’s accessory system:
- Osmo Pocket 3 Black Mist Filter
- Osmo Pocket 3 Wide-Angle Lens
- Osmo Mini Tripod
- Osmo Pocket 3 Battery Handle
- DJI Mic 2 Transmitter
- Osmo Pocket 3 Magnetic ND Filters Set
- Osmo Pocket 3 Expansion Adapter
- Osmo Pocket 3 Carrying Bag
The regular Pocket 3 just comes with a Type-C USB power/charging cable, protective cover and Osmo Pocket 3 handle, but the Pocket 3 Creator Combo includes the Osmo Pocket 3, a Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, a Osmo Pocket 3 Protective Cover, a DJI Wrist Strap, a Osmo Pocket 3 Handle With 1/4″ Thread, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a Osmo Pocket 3 Battery Handle, a Osmo Mini Tripod, and Osmo Pocket 3 Carrying Bag.
You can find out more about the DJI Pocket 3 at dji.com or at your favorite retailer.