I remember when I first tested a DJI Osmo Pocket camera. The idea was unusual, but now it's a camera type the world can't get enough of, and other manufacturers are racing to catch up to the standard set by DJI – especially by the Osmo Action 3, the edition which really seemed to take off.
Part action camera, part vlogging tool, this device brings everything DJI has learned about keeping video stable even in shaky drones and puts it into anyone's hand – almost like a tiny film rig. With the arrival of the Osmo Pocket 4, DJI hasn’t reinvented the formula, but it has refined it in ways that matter.
So how does the new model stack up against the already excellent Pocket 3? That camera took some big leaps (new image sensor size, big rotating touchscreen). This time there are serious questions – from asking is the (inevitably cheaper) Pocket 3 now better value, through to should you upgrade?
Comparison table
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Pocket 3 | Pocket 4 |
Sensor | 1-inch CMOS | 1-inch CMOS |
Video (max) | 4K 120fps | 4K 240fps |
Color | 10-bit HDR | 10-bit D-Log |
Screen | 2-inch touchscreen | 2-inch touchscreen |
Stills resolution | 9MP | 37MP |
Storage | MicroSD | MicroSD + |
Subject tracking | ActiveTrack 6 | ActiveTrack 7 |
Battery Life (approx) | 120 mins | 140 mins |
Build and handling
Pocket 4
Under the screen for the Pocket 4 a couple of new buttons are found.
Pocket 3
The original the original screen only has a logo under it.
There is very little to tell the two devices apart. Both are simple and easy to use and can be extended at the base with a handle or a battery handle depending on your need. Rotating the screen acts as a switch, though it can also be asked to remain on in portrait mode for social-media creators.
The additional physical buttons do make for easier usability because there is less need to navigate the touchscreen menus which, in turn, have been slightly refined. A minor win for ergonomics – especially people who make regular use of the digital zoom – but no reason to buy a new device if you have a Pocket 3.
Video
If you're out shooting video during the day you will not see a huge distinction between the two cameras. They both comfortably capture 4K60 with good-looking color and even offer good slow motion, though only 120fps on the Pocket 3. It has to be said 240fps is more impressive, and I enjoyed trying this out.
For those more into the subtleties of color and editing, the option of a flat 10-bit D-Log HDR color profile, as well the HLG the Pocket 3 was limited to. Assorted filmic tones in the app is a definite improvement.
The difference in the actual quality in low light isn't all that much, as the sensor is the same, but DJI has managed to eek out 14-stops of dynamic range rather than 12.7-stops in the newer model.
Stills
Pocket 4 sample
Pocket 3 sample
The Pocket 4 can shoot significantly higher resolution images, at 37 megapixels (and correspondingly bigger panoramic images by automatically turning the gimbal and stitching shots).
In both cases (and in video) the camera handles lower light well thanks to the combination of a larger image sensor than some action cameras, and image processing algorithms.
In no case is the Pocket 4 going to be your main 'stills' camera, but if you have nothing else it'll leave you slightly happier than the Pocket 3. Both leave you a RAW file to tweak though.
Features
Atop all the other accessories, the Pocket 4 has the option of a fill light.
Battery handle is the longer accessory, and the tripod goes below that.
The arrival of a generous amount of internal storage does make the Pocket 4 camera easily grab-and-go, but it's not the only thing Vloggers will appreciate. Many will also notice the power for on-board handling of beauty modes and the slight but noticeable improvements to the subject tracking.
Microphone connectivity exists on both models, so it's easy to connect one of DJI's bluetooth mics – and while the Pocket 4 can theoretically record more channels so gets a slight win, the working process will likely be the same.
The Pocket 4 does boast the option of a clip-on fill light which rotates with the camera, however, which is handy for a lot more scenarios than you might imagine (especially if you want sparkling eyes in your vlogs).
Battery life
Although the battery life is a little better on the Pocket 4, both cameras can shoot around two hours or more (in 1080P), so it doesn't feel like a massive leap to add an extra 20 minutes, especially since the camera can also be charged to 80% in that time and it is easy to swap the battery handle for high users.
Overall verdict
Pocket 4
Pocket 3
My advice is this. If you can get hold of it, the best advice is to get the Pocket 4 for the built-in memory, better slow-mo, and processing capability (hey, we'll all need beauty tools someday).
Yes, the Pocket 3 was the revolutionary device in this category, while the Pocket 4 is a refinement, but who wouldn't want refinements if they could have them?
However those refinements are very definitely non-essential – especially if you already have a Pocket 3 because, lets face it, you'll also already have a memory card! If, for any reason, you can't get the Pocket 4, then a Pocket 3 and a good memory card or two can will not seriously hold you back as a creative tool.
