The unique DJI Pocket and Pocket 2 inevitably face some sensor snobbery. They use small sensors that don’t compete with the finest vlogging cameras for picture high quality. The Pocket 3 makes use of a 1-inch sensor the identical dimension as these discovered in lots of Canon and Sony compact vlogging cameras, however with 3-axis gimbal stabilization these cameras don’t even come near matching
So let’s do a deep dive into the specs to see how the Pocket 3 and Pocket 2 differ, and whether or not the newer mannequin does sufficient to make it a achieved deal.
DJI Pocket 3 vs Pocket 2
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1. Sensor
The Pocket 2 produces good video high quality if the sunshine is nice, however the Pocket 3’s 1-inch sensor is a giant step up in low mild efficiency and dynamic vary. (Picture credit score: DJI)
• DJI Pocket 3: 1-inch CMOS, 9.4MP stills, Full Pixel PDAFDJI Pocket 2: 1/1.7-inch CMOS, 16/64MP stills, Hybrid AF
The largest technical distinction between these two cameras is the sensor dimension. The 1/1.7-inch sensor within the Pocket 2 is an honest dimension for this class of digital camera, however solely somewhat bigger than the sensors in typical smartphones and motion cameras. The 1-inch sensor within the Pocket 3 is a big step up, providing higher dynamic vary, decrease noise and the potential for a extra cinematic look.
Each cameras have the identical 20MP equal sensors and angle of view, however the bigger sensor within the Pocket 3 means an extended focal size lens and fewer depth of area (although there’s nonetheless rather a lot). It does have a brand new Full Pixel PDAF autofocus system, although, in comparison with the less complicated Hybrid AF within the Pocket 2.
Curiously, the place the Pocket 2 can seize 16/64MP stills, the Pocket 3 is rather more sensible at 9.4MP. You wouldn’t actually use both digital camera for stills pictures, and the decision of the Pocket 2 does trace on the small-sensor optimism of smartphone advertising and marketing. You shouldn’t anticipate an excessive amount of.
2. Display screen
The rotating 2-inch display screen of the Osmo Pocket 3 is less complicated to see and use and rapidly switches to vertical social video seize. (Picture credit score: Future)
• DJI Pocket 3: 2-inch rotating, 700 nits• DJI Pocket 2: 1-inch fastened, 500 nits
The opposite massive design change within the Pocket 3 is its a lot bigger display screen. This does handle a weak point within the Pocket 2 – its 1-inch display screen is simply too small to see what you’re filming clearly if you happen to don’t have the digital camera proper as much as your face. It additionally makes menu navigation fiddly.
The two-inch rotating display screen on the Pocket 3 is a big step ahead. Not solely is it a lot simpler to see what you’re filming and alter the digital camera settings, it’s additionally brighter – 700 nits vs 500 nits – so it must be somewhat simpler to see in vibrant mild too.
3. Video
The Osmo Pocket 3 provides 4K 120p gradual movement functionality and 10-bit log recording. (Picture credit score: Future)
• DJI Pocket 3: 4K as much as 120p, 120p slo-mo, 10-bit D-Log M/HLG, timecode, webcam, reside streaming, portrait mode (3K 60p), product showcase• DJI Pocket 2: 4K as much as 60p, 240p slo-mo, 2.7K HDR with crop
The Pocket 3’s rotating display screen is not only a novelty, as a result of this helps a significant new development in social content material – vertical video. Whenever you flip the display screen into its vertical place, nonetheless, it does change the video decision, which drops to 3K 60p most. Is that an issue? Effectively, for channels that use vertical video, that’s in all probability greater than sufficient.
There are another substantial variations in video seize between the Pocket 3 and Pocket 2. Each can shoot 4K at as much as 60p however the Pocket 3 provides a 4K 120p gradual movement mode. However, at 1080 decision, the Pocket 2 can shoot even slower at 240p.
Different variations are much less apparent however maybe extra vital for critical or professional filmmakers. The Pocket 2 does supply an HDR mode with a crop and diminished decision, however the Pocket 3 goes approach additional with 10-bit seize and 10-bit D-Log M and HLG modes, all at full decision.
4. Audio
The Pocket 3 now helps two exterior wi-fi DJI mics. (Picture credit score: DJI)
• DJI Pocket 3: 3-mic array, can connect with 2 DJI Mic 2 wi-fi mics• DJI Pocket 2: 4-mic array, can connect with single DJI wi-fi mic
It’s swings and roundabouts on the audio entrance. The Pocket 2 has a four-mic array whereas the Pocket 3 drops to a few inside mics – however the Pocket 3 does help two wi-fi DJI mics whereas the Pocket 2 helps just one. This implies the Pocket 3 could possibly be a lot better for interviews or joint presenting.
5. Monitoring
The Pocket 3 has ActiveTrack 6.0 tech and a few new movement results. (Picture credit score: DJI)
• DJI Pocket 3: ActiveTrack 6.0, Dynamic Framing, SpinShot• DJI Pocket 2: ActiveTrack 3.0
The Pocket 2’s monitoring capabilities are already fairly stellar. That is what gimbal cameras can try this common hybrid cameras can’t – they will pan the digital camera to comply with topics transferring across the body. The place the Pocket 2 options DJI’s ActiveTrack 3.0 tech, it’s developed to ActiveTrack 6.0 within the Pocket 3, so whereas the newer digital camera can comply with topics across the scene in the identical approach, it’s acquired different intelligent methods like Dynamic Framing and a SpinShot impact.
6. Energy
The Pocket 3 has a much bigger battery, higher battery life and far sooner charging. (Picture credit score: Future)
• DJI Pocket 3: 1300mAh as much as 166 min runtime, 26 min longer than earlier than, 3x sooner charging, 80% fast-charge in 16 minutes• DJI Pocket 2: 875mAh, as much as 140 min runtime
The Pocket 2 has a fairly small battery that may energy it for as much as 140 minutes of filming. The Pocket 3 has a a lot bigger battery, and whereas a number of the further capability is taken up by the larger display screen and additional processing punch, it nonetheless lasts 26 minutes longer on a single cost.
In all probability extra vital than this, although, is the Pocket 3’s 3x sooner charging fee. Certainly, it will probably soak up an 80% cost in simply 16 minutes, which implies you possibly can realistically high it up between shoots when taking a break or transferring to a brand new location, for instance.
7. Dimension and weight
The Pocket 2 is smaller and lighter than the Pocket 3, however each cameras are completely pocketable. (Picture credit score: @OsitaLV)
• DJI Pocket 3: 139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5mm, 179g• DJI Pocket 2: 124.7 x 38.1 x 30mm, 117g
The Pocket 3 is visibly bigger than the Pocket 2, which could appear a drawback, but it surely’s actually not that clear minimize. The Pocket 3 is heavier too, however nonetheless solely weights 179g, and each cameras are genuinely pocket-sized and intensely moveable. If something, the Pocket 2 is probably too small – it’s simpler to deal with with its non-compulsory grip extension, so many customers may discover the bigger dimension of the Pocket 3 is definitely preferable.
8. Value
The DJI Pocket 2 is now little greater than half the worth of the Pocket 3 and nonetheless a really highly effective and succesful digital camera in its personal proper. (Picture credit score: DJI)
• DJI Pocket 3: $519 / £489• DJI Pocket 2: $279 / £279
There’s a appreciable distinction in value between the Pocket 3 and the Pocket 2, and what makes the choice tougher is that the Pocket 2 continues to be an excellent gimbal digital camera in its personal proper. The Pocket 3 might be virtually twice the worth of the Pocket 2, so whereas its display screen and its video capabilities are definitely superior, you would wish to contemplate whether or not the Pocket 2 is already ok.
When evaluating pricing, do be aware that the Pocket 2 is usually solely discovered within the Creator Combo equipment – which comes with extra equipment, together with a wi-fi microphone and desk tripod. The Pocket 3 can be accessible in the same Creator Combo equipment.
Conclusions
(Picture credit score: DJI/Digital Digicam World)
That is the dilemma for anybody selecting between the DJI Pocket 3 and Pocket 2. The Pocket 3 brings enhancements in video high quality which you’ll not want along with skilled 10-bit seize and Log choices which are extra attention-grabbing to critical filmmakers than informal content material creators. It may simply be that the Pocket 2 is already ok in your wants.
Having stated that, the Pocket 2’s solely actual benefit is value. The Pocket 3 is healthier in nearly each different approach, each operationally and when it comes to the standard of its outcomes. Our recommendation is, if you happen to can afford it, get it.