Last Updated on July 2, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos
It’s been a while since I first thought of writing this DJI Osmo Pocket review. I’m not a pro videographer; therefore, I needed some time to find out what this little camera is capable of. However, after owning the DJI Osmo Pocket for over seven months, I decided it was time to review it. During these seven months, I shot dozens of videos; I uploaded some of them to my YouTube Channel (follow me on YouTube here), while others remained on my hard drives. Some were just random footage for learning the camera, and others were daily life vlogs that I preferred to keep private.
From the first day I started this travel blog, I promised myself that I would travel lightly. I didn’t want to carry heavy equipment for several reasons, and I also wanted to see what I could produce without the fanciest tools. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I only use the Ricoh GR II for the photos on this blog. That’s a compact and lightweight camera. But since I also wanted to explore video as a medium, I needed a video camera. Back in July 2019, I decided to buy the DJI OP and give it a try.
Until July 2019, I had been using the Sony a6300 for my videos. This is a fantastic camera, but here’s the thing: together with the lens(es), it added significant weight to my luggage. Also, if you want to shoot video while moving, you’ll probably need a gimbal. But gimbals are heavy as well, and for a non-professional videographer like me, it was discouraging to carry it around all the time. I needed something small and lightweight, something that would motivate me to shoot more videos. Yes, I admit it: I could sacrifice some quality for more motivation.
This DJI Osmo Pocket review is also a presentation of an amateur videographer’s perspective. I’ll try to write as much as possible about my experience with the Osmo Pocket. I will present to you some of my videos and discuss the things I observed regarding their pros and cons. Before I begin this review, I want to tell you that this is not a sponsored post. This is my honest opinion about the DJI Osmo Pocket, and the company producing it does not influence this post.
So, let’s begin with the DJI Osmo Pocket review now.
*Some links are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What I love about the DJI Osmo Pocket
Now, in this section, I’m going to cover the things that I love the most about the Osmo Pocket. All these things are actually reasons that motivated me to always carry this tiny camera with me. Nowadays, that’s the only video camera that I have with me when traveling.
Apart from that, I usually have it in my bag even when I’m in Berlin or Athens, the cities where I spend most of the year. As for the video above, that’s actually the very first video I shot with the DJI Osmo Pocket. It’s what you get straight out of the camera: shot in Normal Profile, in auto mode, no stabilization in post-production, just minor tweaks here and there in exposure due to the harsh light of Astypalaia, Greece.
The weight of the DJI Osmo Pocket
If you want to achieve stabilized footage from your DSLR camera, you will definitely need a gimbal. DSLR cameras are amazing, but they can also be quite heavy.
Starting from 600-700 grams just for the camera body means that you’re adding significant weight to your shoulders. For example, some lenses typically weigh between 400 grams and a kilogram, plus the obligatory gimbal (unless you only shoot slow motion), which can range from half a kilogram to 2 or even 3 kilograms. Do the maths, and then you have an overview of what you have to carry. And that’s without any extras, from bags to filters and from power banks to batteries.
As you can imagine, all these factors can be demotivating. There are videographers that I admire on YouTube, but I know they carry a lot of equipment. As I stated at the beginning of this review, I’m not a pro, and I just enjoy exploring the medium and creating video memories. The fact that a camera comes with a gimbal and weighs only 116 grams was actually a reason to consider it.
Yes, the DJI Osmo Pocket weighs just 116 grams (four ounces), significantly less than a smartphone. As for its size? That’s 121,9 x 36,9 x 28,6 mm (or 1.51 x 1.12 x 1.45 inches). Practically, that’s half the size of your phone. The little device fits easily (as the name suggests) in your pocket.
Gimbal
That’s what actually made me consider the DJI Osmo Pocket seriously. This small camera is attached to its own gimbal. While the device fits in the palm of your hand, it also features a 3-axis gimbal. What this actually means is that you can walk, cycle, or be in a car and still get a smooth video.
When I used the Sony a6300, I recall that it was impossible to capture proper footage while walking, as it was way too shaky. Actually, it was so wobbly that most of the time, it was unusable, at least for my taste. Let alone, of course, that it was impossible to take the stairs and shoot simultaneously. I like longer sequences, and I don’t cut them every second.
Now, while the footage is very smooth, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to follow some rules to make it even better. At the end of this DJI Osmo Pocket review, I’ll add a section on shooting tips. That’s actually how I shoot my videos to get the best result. Of course, I’m still learning, so whenever I come up with a new tip, I’ll add it.
For now, all I can say about the Osmo Pocket’s gimbal is that it’s a joy to see the stabilized footage it produces.
It has a 4K resolution
The DJI Osmo Pocket is capable of shooting in 4K resolution. For some, this is a must for a camera in 2020. While the human eye cannot fully appreciate 4K resolution, shooting in 4K offers some possibilities. For example, you can crop your footage in post-production without losing any detail. If you do that in 1080p, you will have a loss of detail.
I have to be honest here: I shoot 95% of my videos in 1080p. The reason is that 4K is resource-intensive, and for a more extended project, it will take a considerable amount of time to render in post-production. Apart from that, you will find yourself buying SD cards all the time. I see the 1080p of the DJI Osmo Pocket is excellent; therefore, I don’t usually go for the 4K.
Nonetheless, it’s very helpful to know that there’s a 4K option: it also means that the camera is ready for the future when all screens will be in 4K.
Video quality
The DJI Osmo Pocket has a 1/2.3″ sensor. That said, the sensor is relatively small and nowhere near the APS-C of the Sony a6300. However, for a camera with such a small sensor, I find the quality fascinating.
The DJI Osmo Pocket has never let me down, consistently performing exceptionally well under most circumstances. Of course, small sensor cameras suffer in low-light or no-light conditions. The Osmo Pocket is not an exception to that. But even when I shot with it at night, I got usable results.
Additionally, the camera performs well in daylight, even in the summertime. Even in auto mode, the camera performs exceptionally well. Let alone that, you can shoot a time-lapse (or a hyper-lapse) and slow-motion straight into the camera.
D-Cinelike Profile for more experimentation
Shortly after its release, the DJI Osmo Pocket got an update. One of the most significant upgrades to the camera was the introduction of the D-Cinelike Profile by DJI. This is a flatter profile (imagine it like S-LOG or better Cine-Profiles in Sony’s and other pro-cameras).
Apart from a more cinematic shooting style, the D-Cinelike Profile allows for extensive experimentation in color grading. I use Final Cut Pro X for post-processing and color grading, and the truth is that you can get more vibrant colors and contrasts. Additionally, if you are willing to apply a LUT (think of it as a filter or a Lightroom Preset), then it’s definitely easier to do so if you shoot in D-Cinelike.
That’s a very welcome addition from DJI, and I’m glad they included a flat profile. It certainly opens new paths for both amateur and professional cinematographers.
The price of the DJI Osmo Pocket
Now, one might say that the price should be among the first things to mention regarding the DJI Osmo Pocket. Nothing is for free, and you always expect to spend some extra cash when it comes to innovative stuff. When I purchased the DJI Osmo Pocket in July 2019, it cost € 380. Nowadays, it costs a bit less, most likely 320-340 euros/dollars (you can check the current DJI Osmo Pocket price here). That’s not exactly cheap, but I also don’t find it insanely expensive compared to DSLRs or my Sony a6300. For the latter, I paid almost 1,000 euros for the camera and the kit lens.
Yes, the DJI Osmo Pocket is not cheap. However, when it comes to videography, I honestly believe that it’s a fair price. The reason is that it’s less expensive than a DSLR with a kit lens, and the fact that this is a gimbal camera of 116 grams makes it irresistible.
A month after I bought the Osmo Pocket, I skipped my Sony a6300. For me, this says something about both my motivation and my renewed video lust. Once again, I’m not a pro; if you aren’t one either, I think that you’ll enjoy the DJI Osmo Pocket for videos more than any other camera.
7. Photography
Okay, you won’t buy the DJI Osmo Pocket for taking photos. But it’s nice that the camera can also shoot some photos, and I must say they are decent. The 12 MP camera is not something extraordinary, but the truth is that the images look good. It’s a welcome addition for the occasional shot/selfie when you are out and about.
In the following sections of this post, you will see another photo taken with the Osmo Pocket, without any post-processing at all. For me, the DJI Osmo Pocket photo quality is really acceptable.
What doesn’t bother me in the DJI Osmo Pocket
Now, there are always things missing from our dream devices. Some of them might be significant; for others, we don’t care that much. That’s the case also for me. In this section, I will discuss some features missing from the Osmo Pocket. In the next section, you’ll see what it’s really missing for me.
The DJI Osmo Pocket doesn’t have a zoom
It would be unfair to ask for a zoom lens from such a camera. The DJI Osmo Pocket has a focal length of 26mm. While this is not a typical wide-angle lens, it’s pretty wide, allowing you to capture everything you want. You can think of it as one of the best vlogging cameras because, even when shooting in selfie mode, you can still capture your face and some of the surroundings in the video. I rarely use it this way, and I mainly prefer to capture what I look at.
The lack of zoom means that you cannot bring your subject closer; you’ll have to walk if you want to do that. I know: it’s not always possible to walk. You can’t shoot details on the top of skyscrapers, you can’t stand close to a lion on a safari, and you won’t be able to capture close-up action in a football game.
For me, exactly like with my Ricoh GR ii (28mm lens), I don’t care about these things. I prefer shooting with one focal lens and mastering it. Losing some close-up details doesn’t bother me because that’s not my shooting style. I don’t have a thing for bokeh (the DJI Osmo Pocket will struggle with that, too), and I always prefer to have more things in focus.
The latter is one of the significant advantages of the 26mm lens of the Osmo Pocket: it’s sharp and detailed. Of course, the 1/2.3″ sensor cannot have the dynamic range of an APS-C camera, but then again, this is a much cheaper device.
No custom filters
The DJI Osmo Pocket doesn’t have any custom filters. That said, you can -currently- shoot only in two profiles: the flat D-Cinelike Profile that I mentioned earlier and the Normal one.
The Normal Profile is practically what you get straight out of the camera. The colors look beautiful; they are not too vivid, so there’s room for improvement if you’re into color grading. However, I find the in-camera color rendering fine. I never use in-camera filters anyway, so I don’t miss them.
Additionally, you cannot create your own picture profile, as in Sony’s, where you can adjust a set of parameters (such as saturation and contrast). So, for now, your only two options are Normal and D-Cinelike. For such a device, I find it enough.
What is missing in the DJI Osmo Pocket?
Now, this DJI Osmo Pocket Review wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention what I miss about the camera. As with the section straight above, these are things that could be improved or added based on my personal taste. Let’s dive in.
The Osmo Pocket quality of the microphone
Many people might consider the Osmo Pocket the best vlogging camera available. And they are right: it has 4K, a 3-axis gimbal, it’s lightweight, and comes at a fair price. But for vlogging, one always needs a good microphone.
While the sound quality of the DJI Osmo Pocket microphone is good, there’s still room for improvement. The DJI Osmo Pocket handles the sound from two spots: one at the bottom and one above the Record button. While you’ll need to ensure that you hold it without blocking the sound entrances, the truth is that a vlogging camera should handle outdoor noise better.
On the other hand, the results are almost perfect when I’m shooting indoor videos in quiet locations. However, I’d love it if the Osmo Pocket could isolate outdoor noises and deliver better results. In the accessories section, I’ll add an entry for a workaround. This, however, will increase the cost of the camera and make it slightly bulkier. The improvement is significant, but that’s no longer a straight-out-of-the-box camera.
A setup with its own rules
That’s probably not that clear, so let me specify it straight away. When you buy the Osmo Pocket, the first time you turn it on, it must perform a setup. Sounds rational so far, right?
However, here’s the thing: you can’t set up the DJI Osmo Pocket without a smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port (or Lightning port). Now, USB-C ports will be the norm in a couple of years, but today, not everybody has a phone with a USB-C port. While transporting data is significantly faster than with older USB ports, setting up a device in a smartphone is a somewhat unusual process.
Moreover, DJI offers its own app, called the MiMo app. For the Osmo Pocket’s life, that’s very useful (I have a section about the DJI MiMo app below), but you’ll also have to download the app for setting up the camera. It’s quite heavy, and it will likely occupy some of your smartphone’s storage space. But together with USB-C, these two things are obligatory if you want to set up your Osmo Pocket.
If you don’t have a smartphone with USB-C and the MiMo app, you won’t be able to set it up. What to do then? Well, return to the analog world: ask a friend, a neighbor…
While the MiMo app of DJI is handy, I find it rather bizarre that you can’t perform an initial setup without these two things. I’d love to see it happening in-camera in the future. At least the Osmo Pocket has an adapter, so if you have a smartphone with a USB-C (or Lightning) port, you can connect it straight.
Battery life
No DJI Osmo Pocket review is complete without a section on the battery. The Osmo Pocket has an 875 mAh battery. According to DJI, this translates to two hours of shooting.
Now, 875 mAh doesn’t sound like a lot of energy. A workaround is to shut down the camera whenever you’re not using it when you’re out shooting. By doing this, I never had an issue with running out of battery during the day. Two hours is, anyway, much more than I probably shoot. However, I’d like to see a bigger battery in the DJI Osmo Pocket in the future.
The DJI MiMo App
As I mentioned earlier, DJI introduced its app, called MiMo, to unlock some unique features. Apart from the initial setup, the MiMo app offers some extra possibilities. First of all, you can download and install future firmware updates through the Mimo app. If you were buying the Osmo Pocket in 2020, you can expect at least one firmware update.
Apart from that, there are also several cool features inside. Since DJI updates the app frequently, I don’t want this DJI Osmo Pocket review to be cluttered with every update; therefore, I won’t include every single one of them here.
However, one of the latest updates is the Stories feature. Social Media Stories are everywhere nowadays, and the MiMo app will drive you through your Stories creation for Social Media. It will provide angles, cuts, and everything you need if Stories matter to you.
But, the most important feature of the MiMo app is that you can see what you are shooting on your smartphone. The DJI Osmo Pocket features a small 1-inch screen, which can sometimes be difficult to see and use for shooting. By attaching the Osmo Pocket to your smartphone (an adaptor is included), you can use your smartphone to compose and record videos. While the camera won’t be that compact anymore, the truth is that this is a useful addition, especially on occasions where you struggle to see on the 1-inch screen. Last but not least, it’s through the DJI MiMo app that you can have a manual mode for your camera.
An important note
The MiMo app is available for both iOS and Android devices. However, when you plug your Osmo Pocket into your Android smartphone, the battery starts to drain quickly. It seems that, for whatever reason, the Android smartphone is using your device as a power bank. I have no idea why this is happening, and it’s likely due to some Android regulation.
However, if you don’t want to see your Osmo Pocket run out of battery, avoid shooting all the time with the camera plugged in on your Android smartphone. The issue doesn’t apply to iPhones: it works perfectly with them, and the battery doesn’t drain.
Pros & Cons of the DJI Osmo Pocket
Before getting to the last and more interesting sections of this long DJI Osmo Pocket Review, let’s do a recap of the device’s pros and cons. So, there are:
Pros
- Shoots in 4K
- It has a gimbal
- Small: it fits in the pocket
- Lightweight: 116 grams
- Sharp 26mm f/2,0 lens
- It can also shoot photos
- Turns on/off fast
- Flat D-Cineline Profile
- Excellent smooth videos
- Fair price
Cons
- The microphone can be improved
- No zoom
- Small 1-inch screen
- It could have a better battery
- Needs a smartphone for the setup
The DJI Osmo Pocket Accessories
Shortly after introducing the Osmo Pocket, DJI also started producing some accessories. Now, I must be honest with you: I’m not the biggest fan of accessories because they significantly increase the cost. Quite often, they will also make the device heavier. On the other hand, some people find one or more accessories a must for their work.
Therefore, I’m presenting two subsections here: what I use and all the other accessories for the Osmo Pocket.
My DJI Osmo Pocket Accessories
This subsection is currently quite empty. I’m only using fast SD cards for my Osmo Pocket. There’s, however, one accessory that I’m considering buying. If I do buy it, you’ll see it on this list. For the time being, it is addressed in the following subsection (I’ll discuss it there).
- Sandisk MicroSD cards. That’s the only accessory I use for now, and well, it’s not really an accessory. It’s actually a must if you want to use the camera. I always buy the Sandisk Extreme Pro MicroSD because they are fast, and they can handle 4K videos. I usually go for the 64 GB ones. Get an Extreme Pro MicroSD here.
Other DJI Osmo Pocket Accessories
Here’s what DJI is currently offering for the Osmo Pocket. As I said, I find one of them very tempting. I haven’t used any of the accessories, though; therefore, read this subsection as a presentation of how the DJI is trying to enhance the Osmo Pocket experience.
- DJI Osmo Pocket Controller Wheel. For some, this is a recommended accessory. It practically makes your videos even smoother by supporting more precise gimbal control and movement. Check the price of the Control Wheel here.
- Osmo Pocket Charging case. Let’s call this a Power Bank, which also serves as an extra case for the Osmo Pocket. Due to the battery limitation, this gadget comes in handy when you’re shooting for extended periods. Get the Charging case here.
- Osmo Pocket Wireless Module. With this accessory, you can a) operate your Osmo Pocket remotely and b) transfer files to other devices without connecting the camera to a smartphone or laptop. Check the Wireless Module price here.
- DJI Osmo Pocket Waterproof case. The Osmo Pocket is not waterproof, but with this accessory, you can record the underwater world. Use it with caution. Check the price for the Waterproof case here.
- DJI Osmo Pocket ND Filters Set. Now, from all the Osmo Pocket accessories, that’s the one that’s actually tempting for me. This is a small set of four ND filters: ND 4, ND 8, ND 16, ND 32. If you want to shoot more cinematic footage, that’s something that you’ll need. Additionally, a Neutral Density filter allows you to control the exposure in an image. Extremely useful if you use manual mode. Check the DJI ND filters here. Other companies also produce ND filters for the Osmo Pocket. For example, Polarpro, Freewell, and Fstop Labs.
- Osmo Pocket 3,5 mm adapter. I wrote earlier about the sound quality of the Osmo Pocket, which is good but not perfect. With the 3,5 mm adapter for the Osmo Pocket, you can actually attach an external microphone and get fantastic audio. Definitely useful if you’re serious about vlogging. Buy the 3,5 mm adapter here.
The DJI Osmo Pocket is my only camera for travel videos
There’s both excitement and fear whenever you leave the comfort of a device you’re used to. I was excited when I decided to buy the Osmo Pocket, but also a bit afraid that I’d throw money out of the window.
The truth is, however, that I wasn’t satisfied with the videos from my Sony a6300. I’ll write it once again: the a6300 is a fantastic pro camera, but you need to carry a lot of equipment to get the most out of it. For me, this was a no-go. I prefer to travel light, and as I mentioned earlier, I’m not a professional cinematographer. I don’t travel for shooting videos; videos are a small travel project of mine, at least for now.
The DJI Osmo Pocket didn’t disappoint me at all. Additionally, it provided the motivation I needed to start shooting videos again. I remember that I was finding excuses not to take the a6300 with me. With the Osmo Pocket, this changed: nowadays, it’s always in my bag.
Even if I’m just walking in Berlin, there are times when I think of shooting a video. I take it out of the bag, and I start experimenting. Experimentation is the heart and soul of every improvement, and the short videos I create here and there help me improve. Yes, it’s a slow journey, but it’s rewarding, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
So, this brings us to the next section:
For whom the DJI Osmo Pocket is
The DJI Osmo Pocket is definitely the best video camera for those starting their vlogging journey. The gimbal will stabilize your footage, and the relatively wide angle will cover your needs. Even if you prefer to vlog without showing your face (yes, it’s possible), the fact that this is a point-of-view camera will allow you to experiment.
There are other action cameras, such as the GoPro Hero, or even smartphone gimbals like the DJI Osmo Mobile. However, the DJI Osmo Pocket’s smooth video is incomparable to me. This is probably the best video camera you can get without killing your budget for beginners and enthusiast videographers.
Advanced and pro photographers can definitely find the Osmo Pocket useful. However, this won’t be the only camera that they will use. The Osmo Pocket can be one of the cameras to have on the field, either for shooting a few sequences or just for behind-the-scenes material. Yes, the depth of field might not compare to advanced DSLRs, but the DJI Osmo Pocket is a very decent camera.
All that being said, beginners and enthusiasts jump at the opportunity without a second thought. Advanced and pro photographers could have it as a secondary camera, but it’s a welcome addition to their equipment, which will surprise them with its capabilities.
Some DJI Osmo Pocket Tips
After using the camera for more than seven months, I think it’s fair to include some shooting tips in my DJI Osmo Pocket review. I’ll try to update this sub-section whenever I come up with a new tip, so make sure to bookmark this post and return for the latest updates. Here’s what worked for me while shooting with the Osmo Pocket over the last couple of months.
- Walk slowly. I mean really slowly. The best way to achieve the most steady footage possible is to reduce your walking pace to half. While you can get very good footage even when running, for the smoothest experience, remember to walk slowly. To achieve that, take short, slow steps. Also, try to walk heels to toes.
- Master the Ninja-walk. The so-called Ninja style requires walking with your knees slightly bent, rolling your feet, and walking just on your tiptoes.
- If you want to shoot more cinematic videos, then your shutter speed should be double the frame rate. Therefore, if you are shooting at 25 fps, you should opt for a 1/50 shutter speed. Subsequently, for 30 fps, go for 1/60, etc. Now, if you are shooting at noon with harsh daylight, using a 1/50 shutter speed will probably result in an underexposed video. That’s where the ND filters come in handy: they cut down the light, allowing you to continue shooting at your desired combination of frame rate and shutter speed.
- If, for any reason, the gimbal appears to be at the wrong angle, recenter it. Just hit twice the button on the right.
- Before writing this lengthy DJI Osmo Pocket Review, I shot numerous videos while walking. The best walking setting for me was Slow, combined with Tilt-Locked. This setting will always allow you to shoot the horizon (or whatever the camera detects as the horizon), and having the Slow mode ensures that the gimbal operates at a slower pace. I got the smoothest footage with this combination.
- Don’t keep your arms very stiff. This will enable the gimbal to compensate for every slight movement of your hands. Instead, have your arms relaxed and let them absorb some of the movements. You can’t avoid a bit of bobbing even with the most expensive gimbals. But you can definitely minimize it.
DJI Osmo Pocket review: Is this the future?
Although it may not be the most advanced camera in terms of sensor size or dynamic range, the DJI Osmo Pocket is an exceptional device. The fact that you can capture super-stabilized 4K footage from a camera that fits in your pocket and can be hidden in the palm of your hand is proof of how much technology has advanced.
While it won’t easily replace traditional cameras and DSLRs, the DJI Osmo Pocket looks like a camera from our most futuristic dreams. Being able to capture beautiful 4K footage in any light condition is something to admire.
For me, the DJI Osmo Pocket reignited my motivation to have a video camera on my journeys. I felt demotivated to carry a second (and much heavier) camera on the road. As I stated a couple of times already, I’m not a cinematographer. I travel for writing and photography. But having a tiny camera in my pocket also helped me shoot more videos. One of my goals for 2020 is to grow my Youtube Channel, and the Osmo Pocket helps me do that.
If you’re searching for the most fantastic video camera available, I can assure you that the Osmo Pocket is not the one. However, if you’re willing to explore video and have a camera that motivates you to shoot more videos, then look no further: the DJI Osmo Pocket is for you. Since it worked for me, it can work for you too.
After all, that’s why I wrote this extensive DJI Osmo Pocket review: to highlight how advanced this tiny 4K camera really is.
Buy the DJI Osmo Pocket
Amazon USA | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany | Amazon Canada
More about the DJI Osmo Pocket: More of my travel videos
More gear reviews: Ricoh GR ii, Polaroid Onestep+
The company’s official website
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