Just after GoPro announced their latest Hero 7 Black with built-in image stabilization, DJI is challenging their action camera dominance with the world’s smallest mechanically stabilized 4K option.
UPDATE: The new DJI Pocket 2 just launched and replaces this model. Check it out right here.
The new DJI Osmo Pocket doesn’t just offering fully stabilized footage, it does so with a feature set that makes us think you’re gonna have a hard time justifying anything else. Here’s why…
For starters, they had to develop a new micro-manufacturing method to create such a small gimbal. Inside the fully articulating 3-axis design are micro brushless motors, with a silent, fanless heat dissipation system built into the handle.
The camera uses a 1/2.3 sensor capable of capturing 12 megapixel stills and 4K video at an impressive 60 frames per second with up to a 100Mbps bitrate. Translation? The video capture itself is extra smooth with lots of data, which should look all the more impressive thanks to the mechanical stabilization.
But wait, it gets better. The handle contains a color 1″ touch screen that gives you easy, intuitive control over the camera. Turn it to selfie mode and it will automatically track and follow your face. When filming someone (or something) else, just double tap the screen on the thing you want it to follow and the camera does the rest. Other modes let it mimic first person view, pan, or just stabilize the video wherever you’re pointing it. You can also quickly swipe through the photo and video modes.
Want more control? Sync it with the app and you can use your smartphone as the screen. Turn it to Pro mode and you can set the white balance, exposure and frame rate for even more control. Other modes let you capture something similar to RAW, letting you have more control in post production. Or just use the app to cut together clips and create a shareable video right from your phone.
Making it all the more impressive is its size. Measuring just 4″ high and weighing a scant 116g, it’ll capture up to 140 minutes on a single charge. That seems to be the only quibble we can find, that it doesn’t have swappable batteries.
Lot of accessories are available, including a hard case, extendable handle for easier “selfie” filming, a waterproof case good down to 60m, a wireless control dongle, and a precision controller that gives you better control over the camera’s pan and tilt.
What we cyclists will love is the $19 Accessory Mount, which clips around the handle and has a standard “GoPro-style” action camera mount on the back. This means you can mount it to your helmet, handlebar or chest mount, or any other mount you use for cycling or other sports.
The DJI Osmo Pocket retails for $349 and is available for pre-order, shipping starts on December 15. Price is for the camera, cover, smartphone adapters (USB-C and Lightning), and power cable. All other accessories and MicroSD memory cards are sold separately. The expansion kit ($109) comes with the precision controller, accessory mount, wireless connection controller unit, and 32GB card.
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