The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 went viral for its vlogging capabilities and unusual gimbal-focused design – but thanks to FCC restrictions, the new DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and Osmo Pocket 4P won’t be arriving in the US from DJI’s official list of authorized resellers.
However, not only is the earlier DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is still available in the US – it's also more affordable than before, as the Creator Combo drops to a new lowest-ever price and the camera-only bundle sits just above the lowest-ever price.
In December, the Federal Communications Commission added DJI to the “Covered List” that prevents the manufacturer from getting the necessary approval to sell in the US.
That means that both the newly launched Pocket 4 and Pocket 4P aren’t available through official channels in the US – though a handful of sellers that aren’t on DJI’s list of authorized resellers do list the Osmo Pocket 4.
While the popular Osmo Pocket 4 and 4P have been caught in the crossfire of the US’ foreign drone security concerns, despite its inability to fly, the Pocket 3 is readily available in the US.
That means the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is readily available – and thanks to the launch of the new model, the price on the 2023 gimbal camera has dropped. The Creator Combo – which bundles the camera with the $235 DJI Mic 2 – has never been lower at $499.
The camera-only without the mic sits at $399 – just a little higher than the lowest-ever price of $379.
While those in the US can’t find the newest version from authorized resellers, the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 series both still share the same size one-inch sensor. The latest version adds more dynamic range, faster 240 fps frame rates, 37MP still photos, along with improved battery life and tracking.
But while the Pocket 4 has several improvements, the Pocket 3 still carries the key features that have given the series its viral success. The one-inch sensor boosts low-light performance over action cameras and compact cameras with the more typical smaller sensors, and the built-in gimbal powers rock-steady video and tracking without the bulk and complexity of a separate gimbal.
At $399, I’m tempted to add one to my collection for shooting social videos when I don’t want to bring along a tripod. That price is all the more tempting considering that, in the peak of the Pocket 3’s popularity, the camera was going for $799. Now, the latest discount puts the camera only at half that, and the Creator Combo with a mic at the lowest price that I’ve seen yet.
You may also like
Browse the best vlogging cameras or the best compact cameras.
