The new DJI Pocket 2 builds on their original miniature gimbal cam to offer better video quality, a larger sensor, wider lens, 4K/60fps, and HDR color. Subject tracking and photo quality have improved, too, bringing “cinema-quality” recording options to, quite literally, your pocket.
There’s also a new four-microphone array with Matrix Stereo, capturing mock surround sound, so the audio is better, too. In fact, it’s this and some other very clever audio features that might just be the standout of this new lifestyle action cam. Listen, er, read on…
Lemme see it in action
Above is their promo reel, followed by this demo reel showing more real-world examples:
The key difference between this and a digitally stabilized camera like the GoPro HERO9, which uses oversampling (recording more footage around the subject than will be used) is that it uses a 3-axis motorized gimbal to stabilize the footage.
That allows DJI to do automatic subject tracking, which is a fun trick if you’re trying to capture a moving subject while also moving yourself. Or, capture yourself riding (parkouring, twerking, whatever) around while the camera is stationary.
DJI Pocket 2 features & video specs
Key tech specs for the new DJI Pocket 2 gimbal action cam are:
- 1/1.7″ (0.589″) CMOS 64MP sensor
- f/1.8 with 93º FOV (20mm equivalent)
- Video recording:
4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps - Slow motion:
4K60 (2x)
1080p120 (4x)
1080p240 (8x) - Still photos:
64MP still images w/ 8x zoom
4x lossless zoom at 16MP/1080p - 3-Axis stabilized gimbal
- Touchscreen + button controls
- 100 Mbps bitrate w/ MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) encoding
- Up to 140 minutes per charge, 73 minute recharge time
- Retail price: $349
It’s worth pointing out that this image sensor is up from the Osmo Pocket’s 1/2.3″ (0.435″) sensor. And, this price puts it directly inline with the latest GoPro and is the same price as the DJI Osmo Pocket this unit replaces. Speaking of…
What’s the difference between OSMO Pocket and Pocket 2?
The new Pocket 2 has major improvements over the original Osmo Pocket, both to the camera hardware and the software that makes it all work. The camera has a wider field of view and better resolution for both video and photos. The focus is faster, using both phase- and contrast-detection, helping it track subjects better and faster, too. It’ll also create movies from your clips and add music, giving you AI-formulated highlight reels to share on social at the press of a button.
There’s also PRO mode that lets you customize and control White Balance, ISO and Exposure, plus enabling and disabling advanced audio recording features.
The microphone array supports stereo recording (we’ll get there) and other modes that help focus the audio on the intended source(s).
Lastly, it’s only 1g heavier about 2-3mm larger in every direction. So, basically the same size.
DJI Pocket 2 accessories
Thanks to a modular lower handle, there are new, more and better attachments and accessories that make it a more complete video or vlogging solution. Those include:
- Wireless lav mic for clear dialogue audio capture
- Waterproof housing for underwater video
- Smaller control wheel
- Wireless remote
- Wide angle lens attachment
- Extension handle
- Mini tripod
…plus a Do-It-All Handle with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, speaker, 3.5mm audio jack (for listening or for wired microphones), a wireless microphone receiver and a 1/4″-20 tripod mount.
Get the DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo with the Mini Control Stick, tripod mount (1/4”), Wide-Angle Lens, Wireless Microphone + Windscreen, Do-It-All Handle, and Micro Tripod for package price of $499 USD
What about the MIMO app?
It’s still here, and it gives you a bigger screen and more control during filming. it also gives you HD live view, and the ability to edit your videos after shooting. For the pros, there are over-exposure alerts and histograms, too.
When you’re done filming, it gives you quicker access to all the files and photos, letting you manage the content directly from the app without having to remove the SD card from the camera.
About that sound
While we’ve come to expect great video from modern action cams, but the DJI Pocket 2 addresses the other aspect of great video – the audio!
Using four microphones on the handle -one on each side- it picks up 360º of sound during recording and tracks it relative to the camera. So, it knows when the audio is coming from the subject, and when it’s coming from off-screen. This allows for some great stereo audio that borders on proper surround sound.
There’s also an Audio Zoom mode that narrows and amplifies the subject’s audio as you zoom in on them. Or, use Pro controls to select Directional Audio and choose from Front, Front + Rear, or All.
Sound good? Preorder at the link below, the DJI Pocket 2 starts shipping November 1, 2020.
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