This new camera from DJI is not marketed as having the best video or audio quality, the most pixels or even similar image quality to a DSLR. Instead, it offers a very compact device with excellent stabilization, which can help even beginners seem like they’ve got the hang of things when it comes to taking cool shots.
The Osmo Pocket is mainly focused at clients who are part of the ever increasing world of vlogging. While traditional cameras typically yield better image quality, they have the disadvantage of being bulky, with hard to reach controls and, for people with smaller hands, a very risky investment. Imagine spending $2,000 on a new DSLR, and dropping it when trying to film something on the go for your blog.
DJI is not the first to come up with a small stabilized camera, but is among the first to pitch it specifically to vloggers, and designed it around their needs and how it would be mainly used. It uses a three-axis stabilized gimble to make every frame feel seamless and crisp, without the need to use a tripod every time. This comes in handy for time lapses, panoramic shots, and many more.
The image quality is not that bad either, considering all the features (both hardware and software) you will be getting for the price. The DJI Osmo Pocket can shoot in HD and even 4K, and features USB-C for quick data transfer between your devices.
Priced at just under the $350 mark, this tiny camera has a very good price to performance ratio, especially for something dedicated to a certain niche. As mentioned, it can film in 4K, at 60 frames per second, which is slowly becoming the industry standard for Youtube videos. It is very easy to use, both the software and the hardware are intuitive, and does not overcrowd the user with useless features or hard to understand processes. The motion lapse feature this camera comes with is intuitive and yields great results, even without any editing.
On the flipside, the Osmo Pocket is far from being perfect. It really is a good buy at $350, but has some imperfections which might turn away the more professional crowd. For example, the audio quality is far from being great, the built in microphone is sub par and far from the video quality. However, you can attach a microphone, and you will notice a sharp improvement in sound quality. Another thing we’ve noticed with this device is that the build quality is not as robust as we would expect. It is not flimsy at all, but we expected a better build quality, more in the way of what GoPro are doing.
All in all, DJI have created a very good stabilized handheld camera for people who want to create video content and are on a budget. The video quality is very good, audio could use a little work, and the design is both eye catching and innovative.
