DJI Pocket 2 vs Pocket 3: The Upgrade We Waited Years For
The Pocket 3 delivers an epic upgrade over Pocket 2 with a larger sensor, bigger screen, and better battery life. Here's why it's worth every penny.
| Spec | DJI Osmo Pocket 2 | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 1.08 inches LCD
Resolution: 217×217
Brightness: 500 cd/㎡ | 2.0 inches OLED
Resolution: 314×556
Brightness: 700 cd/㎡ |
| Microphones | 4 | 3 |
| Weight | 117 g | 179 g |
| Dimensions | 124.7×38.1×30 mm (L×W×H) | 139.7×42.2×33.5 mm (L×W×H) |
| Sensor | 1/1.7-inch CMOS | 1-inch CMOS |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.0 |
| ISO Range | 100-6400 (Photo/Video) | 50-6400 (Photo/Video)
50-16000 (Low-Light Video)
50-6400 (Slow Motion) |
| FOV | 93° (20 mm Lens) | 93° (20 mm Lens) |
| Photo Resolution | 4:3, 9216 × 6912 (64 MP) | 16:9, 3840 × 2160 (9 MP)
1:1, 3072 × 3072 (9 MP) |
| Video Resolution | 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @24/25/30/50/60fps
2.7K: 2688×1512 @24/25/30/50/60fps
1080p: 1920×1080 @24/25/30/50/60fps
Slow Motion: 1080p/120fps, 1080p/240fps
Modes: Single Shot, Panorama, Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, HDR Video | 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @24/25/30/48/50/60fps
2.7K: 2688×1512 @24/25/30/48/50/60fps
1080p: 1920×1080 @24/25/30/48/50/60fps
Slow Motion: 4K/120fps, 2.7K/120fps, 1080p/120fps, 1080p/240fps
Modes: Video, Slow Motion, Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, Low-Light |
| Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps | 130 Mbps |
| Video Codec | H.264 | H.264/H.265 |
| Log Profile | Normal: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264)
D-Cinelike: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264) | Normal: 8-bit 4:2:0 (H.264), 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265)
HLG/D-Log M: 10-bit 4:2:0 (H.265) |
| Video Format | MP4 (H.264) | MP4 (H.264/H.265) |
| Audio Recording | 48 kHz 16-bit; AAC | 48 kHz 16-bit; AAC |
| Stabilization | 3-axis mechanical gimbal | 3-axis mechanical gimbal
Controllable Range:
Pan: -235° to 58°; Tilt: -120° to 70°; Roll: -45° to 45° |
| Waterproof | Not waterproof | Not waterproof |
| Battery | Capacity: 875 mAh; Energy: 6.738 Wh; Voltage: 7.7 V | Capacity: 1300 mAh; Energy: 10.01 Wh; Voltage: 7.7 V |
| Operating Time | 140 mins (1080p/24fps) | 166 mins (1080p/24fps) |
| Charge Time | 73 mins to 100% | 16 mins to 80%; 32 mins to 100% |
| Storage | External microSD up to 256 GB | External microSD up to 1 TB |
| Wi‑Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) |
| Bluetooth | — | BLE 5.2, BR/EDR |
| Ports | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| App Support | DJI Mimo | DJI Mimo |
The Upgrade That Changed Everything
Okay, let me be honest right from the start: as a DJI fan who's been following the Osmo Pocket series since day one, the jump from Pocket 2 to Pocket 3 is the most exciting upgrade I've witnessed in years. I'm not exaggerating. This isn't just an incremental spec bump—it's a fundamental reimagining of what a pocket-sized gimbal camera can be.
When DJI announced the Pocket 3, I went in with cautious optimism. The Pocket 2 was good, but it had real limitations that frustrated both casual users and serious creators. Would DJI actually address these core issues, or would we get another "safe" upgrade?
The answer? They absolutely nailed it. The Pocket 3 isn't just better than the Pocket 2—it's in a completely different league.
The Screen: From Frustrating to Fantastic
Let's start with the most obvious change: the screen. The Pocket 2's 1.08-inch LCD was, to put it mildly, a problem. At 217×217 resolution, trying to frame your shots or review footage felt like squinting through a keyhole. You could technically see what you were filming, but the experience was cramped and unintuitive.
The Pocket 3? It sports a gorgeous 2-inch OLED display with 314×556 resolution and 700 nits of brightness. But here's what makes it truly revolutionary: the screen rotates. Horizontal for traditional filming, vertical for social media content. No adapters, no awkward workarounds—just flip it and shoot.
This single change transformed how people use the camera. Suddenly, you can actually see your composition clearly. You can confidently review your footage on location. You can shoot Instagram Stories and TikTok videos without feeling like you're fighting against the hardware.
Sensor Size: The Image Quality Leap
Here's where things get really interesting. The Pocket 2 used a 1/1.7-inch sensor—respectable for its time, but it showed its limitations in challenging lighting. Low-light footage was noisy. Dynamic range felt constrained. Professional creators often found themselves wishing for just a bit more image quality.
The Pocket 3 jumps to a 1-inch sensor. For context, that's the same sensor size you'd find in high-end compact cameras costing significantly more. The difference in image quality is immediately noticeable:
- Better low-light performance: The larger sensor captures more light, producing cleaner footage in dim conditions
- Improved dynamic range: You get more detail in both shadows and highlights
- Professional color science: 10-bit D-Log M and HLG support for serious color grading work
I've talked to professional production teams who've actually started using the Pocket 3 for establishing shots and B-roll in their commercial work. That simply wasn't happening with the Pocket 2. The image quality jump is that significant.
Video Capabilities: Ready for Any Scenario
The Pocket 2 maxed out at 4K 60fps, which was fine for most situations. But the Pocket 3 takes it further with 4K at 120fps. That means you can shoot buttery-smooth slow-motion footage at full 4K resolution—perfect for capturing those cinematic moments that make your content stand out.
Beyond the frame rates, the Pocket 3 offers professional codecs:
- 10-bit H.265 recording in both D-Log M and HLG
- 130 Mbps bitrate for high-quality footage
- Multiple shooting modes including slow motion, timelapse, and hyperlapse
The Pocket 2's 8-bit H.264 footage was good, but it left limited room for color grading. The Pocket 3 gives you the flexibility that professional work demands.
Battery Life: Shoot All Day
Battery life was another pain point with the Pocket 2. Its 875mAh battery lasted about 140 minutes in ideal conditions—which sounds okay until you're actually out shooting and realize how quickly that time disappears.
The Pocket 3 bumps that up to a 1300mAh battery, delivering 166 minutes of recording time at 1080p/24fps. But here's the kicker: it supports fast charging. With DJI's 65W charger:
- 16 minutes to 80%
- 32 minutes to 100%
Compare that to the Pocket 2's 73-minute charge time, and you can see how DJI addressed a real pain point. Need to top up during lunch? Pop it on the charger and you're good to go.
And if you're planning an all-day shoot? The Creator Combo includes a battery handle that extends your recording time even further. Professional creators who use the Pocket 3 tell me they rarely worry about battery anymore.
Outdoor Daytime
Indoor Daytime
Night/Low Light
Stabilization
A Thumb-Sized Camera That Rivals Your iPhone
Here's something that still blows my mind: the Pocket 3 produces footage that genuinely competes with the iPhone 15 Pro Max—a device that costs $1,200. Use the sample comparator above to see for yourself.
Yes, a camera that fits in your pocket, with a mechanical gimbal for silky-smooth stabilization, now delivers image quality that rivals the best smartphone on the market. That's the power of a 1-inch sensor combined with DJI's imaging expertise.
Audio: The Often-Overlooked Upgrade
The Pocket 2 had four microphones, which sounds impressive until you realize they didn't always deliver clean audio in windy or noisy environments. The Pocket 3 reduces the count to three mics but enhances the audio processing algorithms significantly.
The result? Clearer dialogue, better wind noise reduction, and more accurate stereo imaging. Plus, the Pocket 3 supports DJI Mic 2 seamlessly through accessories, giving you professional wireless audio when you need it.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Both cameras are beautifully designed, but the Pocket 3 feels more refined. At 179g versus the Pocket 2's 117g, it's heavier—but that extra weight comes from the larger sensor, bigger screen, and improved battery. It still slips easily into a pocket or small bag.
The controls are more intuitive on the Pocket 3, thanks to that bigger screen. Touchscreen navigation that felt cramped on the Pocket 2 now feels natural and responsive.
The Price Difference: Is It Worth It?
The Pocket 2 launched at $279. The Pocket 3 costs $799 for the Creator Combo—a significant jump. But here's my take: you're not just paying for incremental improvements; you're getting a fundamentally better camera.
Choose the Pocket 3 if:
- You want professional-level image quality in a pocket-sized form factor
- You shoot content for social media and need that rotating screen
- Low-light performance matters for your work
- You plan to color grade your footage
- You're a professional creator who needs reliable performance
The Pocket 2 might still work if:
- You're on a tight budget and can find one used
- You only shoot in good lighting conditions
- You're okay with the small screen and limited features
- You're testing whether gimbal cameras work for you
Honestly? Unless budget is a serious constraint, I'd recommend saving up for the Pocket 3. The quality-of-life improvements alone—that screen, that battery, that image quality—make the investment worthwhile.
The Ecosystem Advantage
One more thing: DJI has built an incredible accessory ecosystem around the Pocket 3. Wireless microphones, ND filters, wide-angle lenses, waterproof cases—the list goes on. The Pocket 2's accessory support was more limited.
Professional creators love this because you can expand the camera's capabilities as your needs grow. Start with the basic setup, add accessories when specific projects demand them.
Final Verdict: An Epic Upgrade
I started this article by calling the Pocket 3 an epic upgrade, and I stand by that. DJI didn't just improve specs—they addressed every major pain point from the Pocket 2:
✅ Screen too small? Now it's 2 inches and rotates
✅ Sensor too small? Upgraded to 1-inch
✅ Image quality issues? Now rivals $1,200 smartphones
✅ Battery life concerns? Longer runtime plus fast charging
✅ Limited features? Professional codecs and shooting modes
This is the upgrade we waited years for. If you own a Pocket 2 and you're serious about content creation, the Pocket 3 is worth every penny. If you're new to gimbal cameras, start with the Pocket 3—it's the clear choice.
The Pocket 3 represents DJI at their best: taking an already good product and elevating it to something truly exceptional. It's not perfect—no camera is—but it's the best pocket-sized gimbal camera you can buy today.
Trust me on this one. As a DJI fan who's tested every Osmo product they've released, the Pocket 3 is the real deal.
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