DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Review

As someone who creates YouTube videos, capturing video content quickly and easily is one of my main priorities. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 makes it ridiculously easy, and now I couldn’t imagine creating content without it. Read on for my full review below, or check out the video version below.

What Is It?

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a small, light, pocketable little camera that really packs a punch. It’s a touch shorter and just slightly lighter than an iPhone 14 Pro, so it feels somewhat familiar in the hand. Its 1” CMOS sensor can record 4K footage at up to 120fps, with very impressive low-light performance, all of which is beautifully stable and level thanks to the dedicated gimbal.

It also shoots 9.4 megapixel still images, which is not as impressive, but personally I feel like that’s not important or relevant – I bought and use my Osmo Pocket 3 for shooting videos, not photos.

The Problem I Faced

When creating YouTube content, I used to have 3 main options: set my Fujifilm X-T4 or X100V up on a tripod and speak directly to the camera using my Rode Wireless GO II mic, awkwardly hand-hold my X-T4 or X100V while walking and talking, or film myself using my iPhone 14 Pro’s rear cameras and hope that the footage was level and stable. All of that has changed.

My New Solution

Now, I just pull out my DJI Osmo Pocket 3, flip the screen, and hit the record button. It really is that simple. I can record myself talking to the camera while standing or walking with the confidence that my footage will be intelligently stabilised, and with the push of a button I can quickly flip the camera around and record what’s in front of me. The body is made of matte black plastic, but it feels really sturdy, and it’s nice and grippy so I’m never worried about dropping it.

Don’t get me wrong: I still capture footage on my Fujifilm cameras, but because the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is so small and unimposing, I can shoot on-street b-roll or film myself talking to the camera while walking without attracting very much attention at all. And that is a game-changer.

What I Recommend Buying

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is available to buy on its own or as part of the Creator Combo. The Creator Combo includes a mini tripod, a wireless mic, and a carrying bag – none of which I needed – so I bought the standalone version and saved myself €140 in the process. Here’s how to connect a Rode Wireless Go 2 to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, in case you already have one of those in your camera bag.

The standalone version includes a clip-on handle extension with a 1/4” tripod thread, so I can pop it onto my Manfrotto tripod if I need to. I didn’t need the mic because I have the Rode Wireless GO II mic, and it works with the Pocket 3 when you use an adapter cable. So basically I would recommend buying the standalone version, unless you need a wireless mic.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Is Not Waterproof

It isn’t even splashproof. In fact, on the website, DJI makes it crystal clear in a single-word answer that this device simply is not waterproof. Bear that in mind if you plan to film when rain is forecast – or pretty much any day in Ireland.

To Buy Or Not

Absolutely buy this. If you’re an aspiring YouTuber like me, and/or maybe a little self-conscious about filming in public, this device is a must-have. This is not an ad or sponsored content, I’m just a huge fan, and I highly recommend it!