If, like me, you're one of the millions who bought a DJI Osmo Pocket gimbal camera – or you're thinking about it – checking out the accessories is a good idea.
A good line of accessories can make or break a pocket gimbal camera's long-term usefulness, so it's already a good start that sales have been high; that means there are millions of reasons out there to offer accessories!
This guide covers both the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Osmo Pocket 4, as the devices have a lot in common. The connection at the base with a USB-C port and clips is the same, as is the magnetic lens attachment (except for the 4P, which boasts an extra lens and thus needs different covers). Where there are crucial differences, I've noted them.
The other reason you might be looking for accessories is that there are a lot of bargains around, especially for the older Pocket 3 model. As I've said elsewhere, of the Pocket 3 vs Pocket 4, the available bargain bundles often leave you wondering what accessories you need – or don't.
That's why I compiled my list of core accessories for these cameras and picked out the most useful ones, and why.
Best accessories for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4: Microphones
In essence there are two approaches to wireless microphones out there, depending on your budget and needs, and the Osmo Pocket cameras are equipped to make both work. All things being equal, the most convenient is normally going to be the winner.
DJI's Mic Mini 2 system includes a receiver (RX) that plugs into a USB-C socket on a phone, but if you only want the wireless mic (TX) for your Osmo Pocket you don't even need the RX: Osmo Pocket cameras have a built-in receiver (RX) for DJI's own microphone system.
That means you can record from the 11g TX (microphone with transmitter) straight onto video as you go, with no need for editing. Light and convenient to carry, too, as you can just keep the tiny mic with the camera.
Where you do need more quality and backup recording for editing emergencies, the DJI Mic Mini 2S or DJI Mic 3 series are steps up the range. They can both record 32-bit float (the audio equivalent of a RAW file) directly onto the microphone so, if anything goes wrong, you have rescue room.
If you just get one mic, when you need to charge it, it drops onto a magnetic adapter that plugs into a USB-C port – for the 2S this is also how you download files. All you need to do is not lose it.
There are pricier bundles with charging cases and connectors for a full range of cameras it can charge in the case, too. That gives you more flexibility with the microphone if you sometimes prefer to use it with your phone camera.
You can see my full review of the Mic Mini 2 and Mic Mini 2S.
Best accessories for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4: Battery Handle
The Osmo Pocket's battery handle is hot-swappable and – crucially, for the big-handed like me – improves the camera's ergonomics by extending the handle. There is one for each camera series, but they are cross-compatible (up to a point).
At best, shooting at 4K 60fps, you'll see under 2 hours without the battery handle – and realistically less, as the battery does slightly drain all the time. Add the battery and you should see that surpass 3 hours (officially it's 116 to 186 minutes, a 62% improvement).
It also adds a tripod thread at the base, rather than a USB-C port, which is handy in a lot of scenarios. Otherwise, you need to attach the shorter cube-like base that is shipped with the standard Pocket just to be able to attach a tripod.
In other words, you have an accessory a bit like this already, so why not get the bigger one that'll grant you longer shooting time?
For me the answer is easy. The benefit of this depends entirely on whether you're able to top up the charge as you go – if you already carry a big power pack, this might be unnecessary. As I said, though, the longer grip can make the device feel.
Incidentally, the Pocket 3 battery handle has 950mAh and the Pocket 4 battery has a little more oomph with 1,080mAh. My first instinct might be to opt for the cheapest on the day, but getting the correct one for your camera's generation also means the battery charge level can be detected by the device – and other features that rely on subtleties of the USB (fast transfer, microphone pass-through) can be affected.
See the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Battery Handle details at the DJI store.
Best accessories for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4: Lens Filters
DJI's simple set of three filters attaches magnetically and is compatible with both the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 cameras, so there is little to complain about.
They help you achieve a cinematic look with a slower shutter speed on a bright day, even if you let the camera itself handle the settings in auto mode.
Brands like Neewer offer an even more extensive range – including bundles with lens adapters for wide-angle and tele, but we haven't had the opportunity to review it yet at DCW. If you just need a simple set of the core options, however, then DJI's own offering is ideal.
DJI's hard-shell plastic with high-quality foam also feels thoroughly convincing, a great balance between low weight (retaining the portability the device is known for) and a good level of protection.
Best accessories for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4: Tripod base
What makes DJI's own-brand tripod base appealing is that it color-matches the camera, it's solidly built and it manages to be very lightweight and yet sturdy at the same time.
It is not solid plastic, but the molding of each fold-out leg is an ABS-style plastic with a pattern of triangular beams for structural strength – and each has a rubber foot, so you can place the tripod on a flat surface like a glass table without worry of it slipping.
The hinges, too, have a nice feel to them. When I open and close them they stay exactly where I leave them, which just feels premium (in so far as any product in this category can).
Remember, by the way, you need to attach either the Battery Handle or standard Handle extension as these have the 1/4-inch thread needed.
Oh, and this is included in some of DJI's bundles, like the Creator Combo, so make sure you're not getting it already!
Best accessories for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and Pocket 4: Fill light
There are times when a little extra light is a good thing. While this isn't the equivalent of professional studio lighting, it is a handy addition that can overcome a difficult shadow or add some sparkle in the subject's eye.
Weighing just 16g and offering a trio of brightness settings (12, 25, or 40lux) and color temperature options (warm, neutral or cool), this is ideal. It also takes very little space and, because it mounts to the gimbal, it turns with the camera lens(es).
I tested the fill light when I reviewed the camera, and I found myself making use of it and enjoying how easy it was to pop on and off. The buttons make it easy to cycle through the settings, and there are neither too few or too many. Since it fits in the camera bag, it's hard to argue with this design (and it's nice that I can use it on both the 4 and 4P)
Compatibility
As I mentioned, the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 series (made up of the Pocket 4 and Pocket 4P) share a lot of common elements and specs.
All the lower attachments – handles and grips – that work with the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 will work with the other – but the software might not always recognize it.
DJI did improve the battery handle between generations, for example, but the Pocket 3 might have trouble working out the power remaining on a Pocket 4 handle.
Where things differ is at the top. Both the 4 and 4P, but not the 3, have a set of pogo pins on the side of the gimbal where the fill light accessory can be mounted, and perhaps others to come. These aren't compatible with the 3 because it doesn't have this connector.
The other difference is the magnetic lens mounts. These are the same between the 3 and 4, but (perhaps obviously) not the 4 and 4P, which have different camera setups.
