DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Announced October 25, 2023

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88

PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.

Reviewer Consensus

Strong

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a versatile, pocket-sized gimbal camera that excels at solo content creation by combining a large 1-inch sensor with effective mechanical stabilization. Although it lacks weather sealing and requires a protective case for its delicate design, it remains a highly convenient tool for capturing high-quality video in a variety of environments.

Weighted from 42 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Compact, portable design with effective 3-axis mechanical stabilization
  • High-quality 4K video performance from a large 1-inch sensor
  • Intuitive rotating touchscreen for quick portrait and landscape switching
  • Advanced subject tracking and face detection capabilities
  • Seamless wireless microphone integration and long battery life

Cons

  • Lacks weather sealing and requires careful handling due to its delicate build
  • Expensive pricing with mandatory app activation and account login
  • Fixed lens limits focal length flexibility and portrait options
  • No built-in storage and finicky memory card access
  • Occasional overheating and focus breathing issues during extended use
  • Launch price $519 (USD)
  • Sensor 9.4MP 1-inch CMOS
  • Video 4K 60p
  • Stabilization None


What the Reviewers Say

All 42 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • PetaPixel 9/10

    If you are a solo creator looking for a great solution in an image-stabilized do-anything,-go-anywhere package, then DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the right choice.

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  • Dustin Abbott

    I think the DJI has done something pretty impressive here in giving us not necessarily an action camera, but really a content creation camera that doesn't have a whole lot of compromises built into it.

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  • PCMag

    Ultimately, the Pocket 3 wins our Editors' Choice award for vloggers in the market for a fixed-lens model because it does little wrong and comes in at a far more affordable price than the premium, full-frame Sony ZV-E1.

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  • Videomaker

    [T]he DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a worthy camera for creators who need a powerful, versatile camera that offers both high-quality imagery and professional features in a compact form factor.

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  • Engadget

    With improvements in image quality, tracking and other areas, DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 is more versatile than ever.

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  • DIY Photography

    This is an amazing piece of kit and no wonder why every YouTuber has one. However, I would also recommend it for everyone wanting a hassle free way to document their life, family and travels.

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  • XDA 9/10

    The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is in my opinion a game-changer. A device that makes quality solo content creation much easier than before.

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  • Camera Jabber

    The DJI OSMO Pocket 3 represents a significant leap forward in its core function as a pocket-sized video recorder, evolving into a powerful tool for videographers and content creators.

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  • Pocket-lint

    The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact all-in-one content production machine and I think it's one of the best tools an aspiring YouTuber could have at their disposal. It's a shame that it's so much more expensive than previous generations, but the results outweigh that cost.

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  • B&H

    It definitely has some drawbacks, but what it does do perfectly is fit that gap in the market for both beginners and professionals.

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  • DroneXL

    The DJI Pocket 3 easily became my favorite camera of 2024. It has fantastic image quality, great stabilization, and excellent audio options, but what made this my favorite camera actually didn’t have to do with any of those.

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  • Philip Bloom

    I really love this little thing; it's such a well thought through camera with a terrific image, great for so many things, and especially for my cats, which of course now includes little Archie.

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  • Sidney Diongzon

    There's a lot of great things to love about the camera, and there's a couple of quirks that I'm not a big fan of, like the 1/4-20 mount on the bottom of the base of the camera itself, like that should be there, like I don't know why it's not there.

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  • Think Media

    Personally, if the prices are fairly close, I would still lean towards the Pocket 3, mostly because you're getting the official DJI product.

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  • Wifi Hifi Magazine

    It’s a great option for filming footage at parties, events, trade shows, even for social media. When it comes to serious social media content creators, this camera would be an absolute dream.

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  • Dexerto

    The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is still the elite in terms of making video content creation as easy as possible. Its quick-to-start nature and openness to other devices outside of the DJI ecosystem make this an instant recommendation.

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  • Park Cameras

    Undoubtedly, the third-generation Osmo Pocket 3 stands out as DJI's most advanced gimbal camera to date. With a larger sensor, lower ISO, plus a host of enhanced and new features, it excels in low-light scenarios.

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  • Toms Jurjaks

    Other than that, I think this little thing is an absolute rockstar for beginners as well as for professionals. It covers both worlds.

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  • TLDR Filmmaker

    [T]he DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has been very annoying to use when I want to shoot fully manual with it, but it's also been so much fun to use because I'm able to get some really nice looking images fairly quickly without bringing an entire Pelican case worth of equipment.

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  • JayRegular

    If the cons do not deter you from buying the Pocket 3, there is no doubt in my mind this is the best purchase decision you will make this year.

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  • cybernews.com

    If you're looking for a compact camera that can produce polished videos without the size and complexity of a mirrorless setup, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is an easy recommendation.

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  • Build Your Moxie

    I've had the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for about 4 months now. I brought it with me to Boston, then to Japan, then to the Caribbean, then back to Japan, and let me tell you that this camera is amazing.

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  • Vic Barry

    The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is probably the most versatile camera right now at the price point that you can buy. The image quality is second to none.

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  • Camera Zone

    If you want a compact camera that feels serious, but doesn't slow you down, the Pocket 3 nails it. It's the kind of tool that quietly earns its place in your pocket and stays there.

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Specifications

General

Announcement date October 25, 2023
Launch MSRP $519
Medium Digital
Lens mount Fixed lens
Body type Gimbal

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 9.4MP
Sensor format 1-inch
Sensor technology CMOS
Sensor dimensions 1-inch
Native ISO range 50-6400
Expanded ISO range 50-16000
Aspect ratio options 16:9, 1:1, 9:16

Still Capture

RAW formats DNG
Other still formats JPEG, DNG

Angle of View

Field of view 180°

Autofocus

Subject recognition Human

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Electronic
Shutter speed range 1/8000 to 1 sec
Exposure compensation +/- 3 EV in 1/3 steps

Display & Viewfinder

Rear LCD size 2-inch
Rear LCD resolution 0.314M dots
Rear LCD articulation Fully articulating

Video

Max video resolution 4K
Max frame rate at max resolution 60p
Max frame rate at 4K 60p
Codecs H.264
Bit depth and chroma 10-bit 4:2:0
Max bitrate 130Mbps
Gamma / log profiles HLG, D-Log M
Active cooling No
Audio recording AAC
Built-in ND filter No

Storage

Card slots 1
Card types microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC

Stabilization

In-body stabilization (IBIS) No

Connectivity

USB USB-C
HDMI output None
Wi-Fi Yes
Bluetooth Bluetooth LE
3.5mm mic input No
3.5mm headphone output No
Flash sync terminal No

Power

Battery Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Pack
CIPA video recording time Approx. 166 min
USB power delivery Yes

Body

Weight (body only) 179g
Dimensions 139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5 mm (5.50 x 1.66 x 1.32 in)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 179g
Weather sealing None
Tripod thread None