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. But after owning the DJI Osmo Pocket for more than seven months now, I decided that it was time to review it. During these seven months, I shot dozens of videos: I uploaded some of them on my Youtube Channel (follow me on Youtube here), while others remained on 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 stuff for a number of reasons, and I also wanted to see what I could possibly produce without having the fanciest equipment. If you are following me for a while, you know that for the photos of this blog, I only use the Ricoh GR ii. 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’ve been using for my videos the Sony a6300. 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.
So, this DJI Osmo Pocket review is also a presentation of an amateur videographer’s mindset. 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 include the things I observed when it comes to its 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 has nothing to do with this post.
So, let’s begin now with the DJI Osmo Pocket review.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might 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 carry always 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 that I spent 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.
1. The weight of the DJI Osmo Pocket
If you’d like to have stabilized footage from your DSLR camera, you will definitely need a gimbal. DSLR cameras are amazing, but they are also 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 usually weigh between 400 grams and a kilo, plus the obligatory gimbal (unless you only shoot slow motion), which can be from half a kilo up to 2 or even 3 kilos. 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 that they carry a hell 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 there is a camera that comes together 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.
2. Gimbal
That’s what actually made me consider the DJI Osmo Pocket seriously. This small camera is attached to its own gimbal. So while the device fits in the palm of your hand, it also has a 3-axis gimbal. What this actually means is that you can walk or cycle or be in a car and still get a smooth video. When I was using the Sony a6300, I remember that it was impossible to get proper footage while walking: it was way too shaky. Actually, it was so shaky 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 one 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.
3. It has a 4K resolution
The DJI Osmo Pocket is capable of shooting in 4K. For some, this is a must for a camera in 2020. While the human eye cannot fully appreciate the 4K resolution, shooting in 4K gives you 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 heavy, and for a more extended project, it will take lots of time to render in post. Apart from that, you will find yourself buying SD cards all the time. I find the 1080p of the DJI Osmo Pocket excellent; therefore, I don’t usually go for the 4K. Nonetheless, it’s very helpful to know that there is the 4K option: it also means that the camera is ready for the future when all the screens will be in 4K.
4. Video quality
The DJI Osmo Pocket has a 1/2.3″ sensor. That said, the sensor is rather 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, and it performs exceptionally well under most circumstances. Of course, small sensor cameras suffer under 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.
Also, the camera handles rather well in the daylight, even in the summertime. Even in the auto-mode, the camera is performing exceptionally well. Let alone that, you can shoot a time-lapse (or a hyper-lapse) and slow-motion straight into the camera.
5. D-Cinelike Profile for more experimentation
Shortly after its release, the DJI Osmo Pocket got an update. One of the most significant upgrades of the camera was that DJI introduced the D-Cinelike Profile. This is a more flat profile (imagine it like S-LOG or better Cine-Profiles in Sonys and other pro-cameras). Apart from a more cinematic shooting style, the D-Cinelike Profile allows you to experiment a lot 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. Also, if you are willing to apply a LUT (imagine it like a filter or like 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 opens new paths for both amateur and pro cinematographers for sure.
6. 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 bought the DJI Osmo Pocket in July 2019, it cost 380 euros. 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. But honestly, when it comes to videography, I always think 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 both about 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 more the DJI Osmo Pocket for videos 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 photos look good. It’s a welcome addition for the occasional shot/selfie when you are out and about. Within the next 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 talk about some missing things from the Osmo Pocket but don’t bother me. In the next section, you’ll see what it’s really missing for me.
1. 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 your typical wide-angle lens, it’s quite wide to capture everything you want. You can think of it as one of the best vlogging cameras because even if you shoot in selfie mode, you can still have your face and enough 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.
2. 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. Also, you cannot create your own picture profile like in Sonys, where you can adjust a set of parameters (saturation, contrast, etc.). So, for now, your only two options are Normal and D-Cinelike. For such a device, I find them enough.
What is missing in the DJI Osmo Pocket?
Now, this DJI Osmo Pocket Review wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t write down what I miss in 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.
1. The Osmo Pocket quality of the microphone
Lots of people might think of the Osmo Pocket as the best vlogging camera out there. 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 lots of 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 have to make sure 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 places without much noise. 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 raise the cost of the camera, and it will also make it a bit bulkier. The improvement is significant, but that’s not a straight out-of-the-box camera anymore.
2. A setup with its own rules
That’s probably not that clear, so let me specify it straight ahead. When you buy the Osmo Pocket, the first time you turn it on, it has to do a setup. Sounds rational so far, right? But here’s the thing: you can’t set up the DJI Osmo Pocket if you don’t have a smartphone or a tablet with a USB-C port (or Lightning). 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 way faster than with the older USB ports, setting up a device in a smartphone is something odd.
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 definitely occupy some of your smartphone’s storage. 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 adaptor, so if you have a smartphone with USB-C (or Lightning), you can connect it straight.
3. Battery life
No DJI Osmo Pocket review is complete without an entry about 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 don’t use it when you are out shooting. By doing this, I never had an issue of not having enough 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 already wrote above, DJI introduced its app, called MiMo, in order to unlock some unique features. Apart from the initial setup, the MiMo app offers some extra possibilities. First of all, it’s through the Mimo app that you can download and install future firmware updates. If you were buying the Osmo Pocket in 2020, then there will definitely be one firmware update.
Apart from that, there are also a bunch of cool features inside. Since DJI updates the app rather often, I don’t want this DJI Osmo Pocket review to feel stuffed with every update; therefore, I’m not going to add every single one of them here. However, one of the latest updates is Stories. 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 has a small 1-inch screen, which sometimes can be hard to see and shoot. By attaching the Osmo Pocket to your smartphone (adaptor is included), you can use your smartphone to compose and record your 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 iPhones and Androids. 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 uses your little device as a Powerbank! I have no clue why this is happening, and it’s probably some Android regulation. However, if you don’t want to see your Osmo Pocket 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
- 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 have to be honest with you: I’m not the biggest fan of accessories because they increase the cost significantly. 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 here two sub-sections: what I use and all the other accessories of the Osmo Pocket.
My DJI Osmo Pocket Accessories
This subsection is pretty empty for now. 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 appears in the next subsection (I’ll write about 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 more smooth 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 Powerbank, which is also an extra case for the Osmo Pocket. Due to the battery limitation, this gadget comes in handy when you’re shooting for many hours in a row. Get the Charging case here.
- Osmo Pocket Wireless Module. With this accessory, you can a) operate your Osmo pocket remotely and b) you can 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. In addition, a Neutral Density filter will allow 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. Useful for sure if you are 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, though, that I wasn’t satisfied with my videos from the Sony a6300. I’ll write it once again: the a6300 is a fantastic pro camera, but you need to carry lots of equipment to get more out of it. For me, this was a no-go. I prefer to travel light, and as I already stated, I’m not a pro-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. On top of that, it gave me 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 that 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 enjoy it very much.
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 if you are starting your journey into vlogging. The gimbal will stabilize your footage, and the relatively wide angle will cover your needs. Even if you like to vlog without showing your face (yes, it’s possible), the fact that this is a point-of-view camera will let you experiment. There are other action cameras, like the GoPro Hero, or even smartphone gimbals like the DJI Osmo mobile. However, the DJI Osmo Pocket’s smooth video is incomparable for 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 go for it without second thoughts. 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 on 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. So, here’s what worked for me while shooting with Osmo Pocket for the last couple of months.
- Walk slowly. I mean really slowly. The best way to get the most steady footage possible is to cut down to half your walking pace. 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 heals 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. So, if you are shooting at 25 fps, then you should opt for 1/50 shutter speed. Subsequently, for 30 fps go for 1/ 60, etc. Now, if you are shooting at noon with harsh daylight, using the 1/50 shutter speed will probably give you an underexposed video. That’s where the ND filters come in handy: they will cut down the light, and you can keep on shooting at your desired combination of frame rate and shutter speed.
- If, for whatever reason, the gimbal seems to have a wrong angle, recenter it. Just hit twice the button on the right.
- Before writing this long DJI Osmo Pocket Review, I shot loads of videos walking. The best walking setting for me was Slow, combined with Tilt-Locked. This setting will allow you always to shoot the horizon (or whatever the camera sees as the horizon), and having the Slow mode ensures that the gimbal will operate at a slower pace. I got the smoothest footage with this combination.
- Don’t keep your arms very stiff. This will make the gimbal compensate for every little move 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?
It might not be the most advanced camera in terms of sensor size or dynamic range, but the DJI Osmo Pocket is an exceptional device. The fact that you can get 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 get beautiful 4K footage under any light conditions is something to admire.
For me, the DJI Osmo Pocket brought back the motivation to have a video camera in 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 helped me also to 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 are searching for the most fantastic video camera out there, I can assure you that the Osmo Pocket is not the one. But if you are willing to get into video and to have a camera that will motivate you to shoot more videos, then look no further: the DJI Osmo Pocket is for you. Since it did for me, it can do it 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.
Did you ever shoot with the DJI Osmo Pocket? What do you think about it?
Buy the DJI Osmo Pocket
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More about the DJI Osmo Pocket: More of my travel videos
More gear reviews: Ricoh GR ii, Polaroid Onestep+
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Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos