The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 introduces several hardware refinements that elevate the user experience over the Pocket 3. While both devices share a portable design with a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen and 3-axis gimbal stabilization, the Pocket 4 features a significantly brighter 1000-nit OLED display and a more tactile interface with additional physical buttons for quick zooming. Internally, the Pocket 4 offers a massive leap in convenience with 107GB of built-in storage and faster wireless transfers, ensuring you can keep filming even without a memory card. Furthermore, the newer model boasts an impressive 240-minute battery life—over an hour more than its predecessor—and includes a gimbal auto-lock feature for safer storage.
In terms of visual and audio performance, the Pocket 4 builds upon the already capable 1-inch sensor of the Pocket 3. It introduces a 14-stop dynamic range to better handle difficult lighting and pushes slow-motion capabilities further with 4K recording at 240 fps. The audio system has also been modernized; while both cameras use a three-mic array to cancel wind noise, the Pocket 4 adds 4-channel output and a specialized audio zoom that adjusts the sound focus as you zoom in on a subject. Additionally, the Pocket 4 maintains high-quality "lossless" zoom even when using advanced tracking or color modes, offering a level of versatility the Pocket 3 lacks.
The software and smart features of the Pocket 4 provide a more automated, cinematic experience for creators. Upgraded ActiveTrack 7.0 offers more precise subject locking and the ability to prioritize specific faces, while new gesture controls allow for hands-free recording and tracking. For those looking for a specific "look" without heavy editing, the Pocket 4 includes built-in film tones and beautify settings to enhance skin texture directly in-camera. When combined with exclusive accessories like the new adjustable Fill Light, the Pocket 4 stands out as a significant upgrade for those seeking professional-grade stabilization and polished, high-contrast footage with minimal effort.
Osmo Pocket 4
Pros
Cons
Osmo Pocket 3
Pros
Cons
| Osmo Pocket 4 | Osmo Pocket 3 | |
| | | |
| Price | Starting at $649 CAD | Starting at $579 CAD |
| Image Sensor | 1″ CMOS | 1″ CMOS |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/240fps [1] | 4K/120fps [19] |
| Colour Profile | D-Log [3] | HLG/D-Log M |
| Tracking | ActiveTrack [6] | ActiveTrack [6] |
| Zoom | 2× Lossless Zoom [4] | 2× Lossless Zoom [20] |
| Beauty and Glamour | App Glamour Effects [11] | App Glamour Effects [11] |
| Storage and Transfer | 107GB Built-in Storage | No Built-in Storage
|
The Osmo Pocket series from DJI is a line of handheld cameras that turn even the most basic shutterbug into a master photographer. Until recently, the Osmo Pocket 3 was DJI’s most advanced handheld camera on the market, with a powerful 1-inch CMOS sensor and superior 3-axis gimbal stabilization. Now that the Osmo Pocket 4 is already available for preorder, DJI is taking handheld photography to a whole new level.
To help you decide whether the Osmo Pocket 4 is worth the upgrade, we’ve compiled a detailed exploration of how the newest edition compares to its predecessor.
Physically, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 handheld cameras are almost identical. Both are designed to fit in your hand and your pocket so that you can take them pretty much anywhere in the world. The Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 both have a small camera at the top that rests on a mechanical, 3-axis gimbal. The mechanical stabilization platform and brushless motors provide precise gimbal control, allowing you to record a steady video when you’re on the move.
In the center is a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen, which displays the view of the camera so you can adjust the shot and ensure everything is within frame. This lets you shoot in both landscape and portrait modes for better control. At the bottom of the device, there’s a 5D joystick and a button you can use to recenter the gimbal, flip the camera, and power it on or off.
Both handheld cameras feature an array of three microphones that record omnidirectional stereo sound while eliminating wind noise, providing an immersive audio experience. This integrated microphone system is intelligent enough to identify sound sources, even in noisy environments like a street corner or a concert. The handheld camera also supports USB Audio protocol, which allows you to connect your own external microphones and monitoring earbuds.
Now, for the differences between the two handheld cameras. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has only one button, while the Pocket 4 adds two more buttons that let you switch between 1x/2x/4x zoom and select various preset options. The 2-inch rotatable touchscreen on the Pocket 3 has a brightness of 700 nits, while the Pocket 4 features a 1000-nit OLED display. The Pocket 4 upgrades sound recording with OsmoAudio 4-channel output and audio zoom, which adjusts sound based on zoom level for a more vivid, immersive listening experience.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 also includes a few upgrades that make it more impressive than its predecessor. Whereas the Pocket 3 has no built-in storage, the Pocket 4 offers 107GB, allowing you to shoot without a memory card. It also supports up to 90MB/s wireless transfer and up to 800MB/s wired transfer, making it easy to download the data off the device as soon as you’re finished filming.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has an extended runtime of up to 240 minutes when shooting 1080p/24fps footage, which is more than an hour longer than the Pocket 3's 166-minute runtime. It also features rapid charging, allowing the device to reach 80% in just 18 minutes. This is a slight decrease compared to the Pocket 3, which charges to 80% in 16 minutes, but it’s still rapid enough to allow for an extra three hours of filming with only an 18-minute break in between.
There are a couple of other features that make it easier to create content with the Osmo Pocket 4. The gimbal auto-locks when the Pocket 4 is powered off, making it easy to store when you’re not using it. There is also an option to manually lock it. The Osmo Pocket 4 supports 4K DisplayPort video output and 1080p Wi-Fi livestreaming, so you can broadcast video directly to your social media or business without worrying about stability issues. Lastly, a built-in timecode keeps drift under 1 frame in 8 hours, making it easy to sync multiple cameras in post-production.
The Pocket 3 is equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor for shooting images and recording video, including 4K/120 fps slow-motion. HDR video makes dark scenes darker and bright scenes brighter, unlocking crisper details in both shadow and highlights. The camera separates exposure levels by area, layering frames and making the footage more realistic. 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG colour modes expand dynamic range when recording landscapes, bringing colours to life with spectacular detail. Lastly, you can get a closer look at your subjects with up to 2x lossless zoom and 4x digital zoom.
The Osmo Pocket 4 takes the 1-inch CMOS sensor and f/2.0 aperture and steps things up a notch by adding 14-stop dynamic range, giving you the power to capture rich details even in high-contrast or low-light scenes. You can slow things down even further by recording in 4K at 240 fps, giving you more room to play with slow motion. The Pocket 4 relies on a 10-bit D-Log colour profile to capture more authentic colours, while it features the same 2x lossless zoom and 4x digital zoom as the Pocket 3. However, unlike its predecessor, the Pocket 4 can maintain 2x lossless zoom even in ActiveTrack and D-Log modes, making it much more versatile.
The Osmo Pocket 3 features several different smart modes, including ActiveTrack, Timelapse, and Panorama. ActiveTrack 6.0 boasts a Face Auto-Detect mode that keeps tracked subjects centered in the frame as the camera moves. In Dynamic Framing mode, the composition is enhanced with a built-in golden ratio, giving the camera movement a professional feel while keeping the subject framed in an aesthetically pleasing way. Basic mode lets you track objects by double-tapping the screen, giving you more freedom to choose what you focus on.
Timelapse, Motionlapse, and Hyperlapse modes open up limitless creative potential. Record the clouds moving in the sky or the buzz of the city while the Pocket 3 maintains smooth camera movements along pre-defined angles or up to 4 set points. Electronic Image Stabilization keeps footage stable during Hyperlapse recording, letting you record while on the move. With Pamorama mode, you can record either a 180° or a 3x3 panorama shot in incredible detail.
The Osmo Pocket 3 features several different smart modes, including ActiveTrack, Timelapse, and Panorama. ActiveTrack 6.0 boasts a Face Auto-Detect mode that keeps tracked subjects centered in the frame as the camera moves. In Dynamic Framing mode, the composition is enhanced with a built-in golden ratio, giving the camera movement a professional feel while keeping the subject framed in an aesthetically pleasing way. Basic mode lets you track objects by double-tapping the screen, giving you more freedom to choose what you focus on.
Timelapse, Motionlapse, and Hyperlapse modes open up limitless creative potential. Record the clouds moving in the sky or the buzz of the city while the Pocket 3 maintains smooth camera movements along pre-defined angles or up to 4 set points. Electronic Image Stabilization keeps footage stable during Hyperlapse recording, letting you record while on the move. With Pamorama mode, you can record either a 180° or a 3x3 panorama shot in incredible detail.
Finally, several fun features make post-production more engaging and flexible. Story Mode gives you the tools to create your own masterpiece using preset video and music templates. If you prefer, you can hand over the editing to the DJI Mimo AI Editor, which automatically creates cinematic videos for social media in seconds.
Timelapse, Motionlapse, and Hyperlapse modes open up limitless creative potential. Record the clouds moving in the sky or the buzz of the city while the Pocket 3 maintains smooth camera movements along pre-defined angles or up to 4 set points. Electronic Image Stabilization keeps footage stable during Hyperlapse recording, letting you record while on the move. With Pamorama mode, you can record either a 180° or a 3x3 panorama shot in incredible detail.
Finally, several fun features make post-production more engaging and flexible. Story Mode gives you the tools to create your own masterpiece using preset video and music templates. If you prefer, you can hand over the editing to the DJI Mimo AI Editor, which automatically creates cinematic videos for social media in seconds.
The Pocket 4 adds some fun extras that expand the handheld camera’s capabilities even further. ActiveTrack 7.0 is even more powerful, capable of tracking subjects even at 4x zoom. It includes tracking modes such as Spotlight Follow and Dynamic Framing, while intelligent autofocus keeps subjects sharp. Like the Basic mode on the Pocket 3, you can toggle “Subject Lock Tracking” to easily lock onto and track your subject, even switching between subjects by tapping the detection box on the screen. “Registered Subject Priority” prioritizes a pre-registered subject, letting you seamlessly switch focus as the footage moves.
The Osmo Pocket 4 also features the popular Gesture Control, which lets you adjust the camera without touching the device. If you show your palm, you can toggle ActiveTrack to get it to focus directly on you. If you make a peace sign, then you can trigger it to take photos or start/stop recording.
The Pocket 4 adds some fun extras that expand the handheld camera’s capabilities even further. ActiveTrack 7.0 is even more powerful, capable of tracking subjects even at 4x zoom. It includes tracking modes such as Spotlight Follow and Dynamic Framing, while intelligent autofocus keeps subjects sharp. Like the Basic mode on the Pocket 3, you can toggle “Subject Lock Tracking” to easily lock onto and track your subject, even switching between subjects by tapping the detection box on the screen. “Registered Subject Priority” prioritizes a pre-registered subject, letting you seamlessly switch focus as the footage moves.
The Osmo Pocket 4 also features the popular Gesture Control, which lets you adjust the camera without touching the device. If you show your palm, you can toggle ActiveTrack to get it to focus directly on you. If you make a peace sign, then you can trigger it to take photos or start/stop recording.
Like the Pocket 3, the Pocket 4 enables Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, and Panorama shots. However, it also supports slow-shutter shooting in Video mode, allowing you to manually adjust the shutter speed to create motion blur. This provides a unique, cinematic effect that captures movement trails and the movement of time in a really fun way. The gimbal can rotate 180° in SpinShot mode, allowing you to capture smooth, single-handed shots. Instead of manually switching between Landscape and Portrait modes, the Pocket 4 will automatically and intelligently rotate the screen orientation for optimal framing.
The Osmo Pocket 4 also features the popular Gesture Control, which lets you adjust the camera without touching the device. If you show your palm, you can toggle ActiveTrack to get it to focus directly on you. If you make a peace sign, then you can trigger it to take photos or start/stop recording.
Like the Pocket 3, the Pocket 4 enables Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, and Panorama shots. However, it also supports slow-shutter shooting in Video mode, allowing you to manually adjust the shutter speed to create motion blur. This provides a unique, cinematic effect that captures movement trails and the movement of time in a really fun way. The gimbal can rotate 180° in SpinShot mode, allowing you to capture smooth, single-handed shots. Instead of manually switching between Landscape and Portrait modes, the Pocket 4 will automatically and intelligently rotate the screen orientation for optimal framing.
Post-production offers much more than the basic Glamour Effects in the DJI Mimo app. With the Pocket 4, you can choose from various film tones to turn your video into a jazzed-up scene reminiscent of classic film styles. The in-camera Beautify setting fine-tunes the smoothness, brightness, and tone of the subject’s skin, giving you a clean, natural look in both selfies and group shots.
Accessories unlock even more creative potential, from external microphones to lighting filters. Nearly all Pocket 3 accessories work with the Pocket 4, with only a few minor exceptions.
The DJI Mic 3 boosts audio recording with intelligent noise canceling, intelligent audio balancing, and a convenient clip-on transmitter.
The Lavalier Mic is a convenient, concealable microphone that’s perfect for recording interviews, vlogs, or livestreams.
The Mini Tripod makes it easy to set up the Pocket 3 or Pocket 4 on the ground while you get into position for filming.
The Battery Handle attaches to the Pocket 3 or Pocket 4 to add a few extra hours of runtime.
The Black Mist Filter helps reduce sharpness and control highlight flares, while also removing blemishes and other skin imperfections. Because it’s magnetic, it clamps right onto the lens for easy attachment and removal.
The ND Filters Set also applies magnetically, allowing you to apply ND16, ND64, and ND256 filters to adjust light levels as needed.
This magnetic accessory increases the field of view to 108°, opening up the frame even wider for landscape and group shots.
This accessory is exclusive to the DJI Osmo Pocket 4. The compact Fill Light offers 3-level brightness and temperature adjustment, delivering natural lighting whenever you need it.
The Osmo Pocket 4 definitely has enough bells and whistles to help it stand apart from the Pocket 3. Some of its most notable improvements are 14-stop dynamic range, improvements to ActiveTrack and intelligent focusing, and ultra-slow-motion video. If you aren’t a pro at photo editing and you want a simple way to make your footage smoother and more cinematic, the inclusion of Film Tones and the Beautify setting makes it a breeze to capture life’s joyful moments in style.
For a handheld camera, the Osmo Pocket 4 is pretty spectacular. Compared to the Pocket 3, it is a decent upgrade. Compared to your average smartphone camera, it’s like night and day. Give it a go and see for yourself how the Pocket 4 handheld camera can unlock your creative potential.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.