GoPro might have failed in the drone market, which is dominated by China’s DJI. But DJI is increasingly making inroads into the market dominated by GoPro. The Chinese company has launched a miniature camera called Osmo Pocket for aspiring videographers, cinematographers, and social media influencers. It’s small enough to fit into your pocket – that’s why the name Osmo Pocket – and can shoot 4K videos. Its closest competitor is GoPro’s Hero 7.
Osmo Pocket to change how you shoot photos and videos
DJI launched the first Osmo camera in 2015, and differentiated it by adding its image-stabilization technologies into hand-held gimbals, allowing you to capture unshaky videos with ease. The original Osmo as well as Osmo Mobile were well received in the market. DJI has launched the newest version just in time for the holiday shopping season.
The Osmo Pocket is not an action camera and lacks several features found on the GoPro Hero 7, such as waterproofing and “HyperSmooth image stabilization. But its extreme portability coupled with impressive camera capabilities and an affordable price tag sets it apart from the crowd. It gets an updated version of the camera found on the DJI Mavic Air.
The Osmo Pocket was unveiled at DJI’s “Because Life is Big” event. It features a three-axis gimbal with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The camera is capable of shooting 4K videos at up to 60fps at 100Mbps. It also takes 12MP photos. DJI claims its battery is good enough to last up to two hours of 4K video recording at 30fps, which is better than GoPro Hero 7’s battery life.
The camera has dual microphones for recording audio. It is only four inches tall including the gimbal, making it DJI’s smallest camera and stabilizer. It weighs just 116g. The company has added a one-inch touchscreen display with a couple of buttons to navigate through settings and frame your shots.
If the one-inch screen is not large enough for you, you can download DJI’s Mimo app on your Android phone or iPhone for a better view. The Mimo app offers a Pro Mode with more control over settings. If you connect the Osmo Pocket with your phone using USB-C or Lightning port, you can also use the phone as a remote monitor.
DJI President Roger Luo said, “DJI Osmo Pocket is here to change the way photos and videos are captured, not just by professionals but by parents, couples, adventurers, travelers and everyone in between.” The camera is loaded with several software features such as the Motionlapse mode, Timelapse mode, panoramas, FaceTrack, and ActiveTrack. The ActiveTrack feature allows the camera to follow a subject while the FaceTrack allows it to identify a human face and lock it in the frame.
DJI has also released some accessories to go with the device such as filters, a charging case, a controller wheel, and a wireless module. Many more accessories are in the pipeline including a waterproof case and an extension rod.
You can pre-order it right now
You can pre-order the Osmo Pocket right now from B&H. It will start shipping on December 15th. The device has been priced at $350, making it more affordable than GoPro Hero 7’s $400. Given the price, portability, and camera capabilities, DJI’s new camera could eat into the sales of Hero 7. It’s not waterproof but DJI will launch a waterproof case for the device soon.
Users will have a hard time attaching it to their helmet or some other equipment to record their adventures. However, the Osmo Pocket will appeal to YouTubers and social media influencers who want an excellent stabilized video camera capable of tracking their faces and following them around.
DJI will continue to sell its older models including the original Osmo and Osmo Mobile 2. You can get the Osmo Mobile 2 for just $139 in the United States.
