DJI OSMO 360 vs DJI Pocket 3: Two Different Worlds
Both carry the DJI name, but these cameras serve entirely different purposes. Here's how they compare and which one suits your content creation needs.
While both cameras bear the DJI badge, the OSMO 360 and Pocket 3 represent fundamentally different approaches to content creation. Let's explore when each shines.
Different Tools for Different Jobs
DJI OSMO 360
- Purpose: 360° immersive content
- Sensors: Dual 1/1.1" square CMOS, 2.4μm pixels
- Video (Panoramic): 8K up to 50fps; 6K up to 60fps; 4K 100fps
- Single‑Lens: Up to 5K/60; Ultra‑wide up to 4K/120
- Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady (electronic)
- Screen: High‑brightness OLED touchscreen
- Battery endurance: 8K/30 up to 100 min; 6K/24 up to 190 min
- Storage: 128GB built‑in (105GB usable) + microSD
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6.0, USB 3.1
- Price: $549.99 (Standard Combo) / $699.99 (Adventure Combo)
DJI Pocket 3
- Purpose: Traditional cinematic content
- Sensor: Single 1-inch CMOS
- Video: 4K/120fps traditional
- Stabilization: 3-axis mechanical gimbal
- Screen: 2-inch rotatable touchscreen
- Price: $759
Content Creation Philosophy
OSMO 360: Immersive Storytelling
The OSMO 360 captures everything around you, creating immersive experiences that traditional cameras simply cannot match:
- VR Content: Perfect for virtual reality experiences
- Real Estate: Complete property walkthroughs
- Events: Capture the entire atmosphere
- Travel: Share the complete environment
- Education: Immersive learning experiences
Pocket 3: Cinematic Precision
The Pocket 3 focuses on what you choose to see, offering precise control over composition and storytelling:
- YouTube Videos: Professional talking head content
- Product Reviews: Detailed close-ups and demonstrations
- Documentaries: Controlled, narrative-driven content
- Social Media: Polished, traditional video formats
- Interviews: Professional portrait and landscape modes
Quick Specs Table
| Spec | OSMO 360 | Pocket 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capture style | 360° immersive | Traditional gimbal |
| Max panoramic video | 8K up to 50fps | N/A |
| Single‑lens | Up to 5K/60; Ultra‑wide up to 4K/120 | 4K/120 |
| Photo | 120MP 360° | 20MP |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady | 3‑axis mechanical |
| Battery endurance | 8K/30: 100 min; 6K/24: 190 min | — |
| Storage | 128GB built‑in + microSD | microSD |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 6.0, USB 3.1 | — |
| Price (USD) | $549.99/$699.99 | $759 |
User Experience Comparison
Ease of Use
Pocket 3 Wins: Traditional camera interface with familiar controls
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Standard video recording workflow
- Familiar editing in any video software
- Direct upload to social platforms
Creative Possibilities
OSMO 360 Wins: Unique content that stands out
- Impossible shots with traditional cameras
- Future-proof VR content
- Interactive viewing experiences
- Complete scene capture
Technical Capabilities
Image Quality
Different sensor setups for different outputs:
- OSMO 360: Two 1/1.1" sensors enable native 8K 360° with strong low‑light
- Pocket 3: Single 1-inch sensor optimized for traditional cinematography
Stabilization
Different approaches to steady footage:
- OSMO 360: RockSteady 3.0 EIS + HorizonSteady
- Pocket 3: Precision 3-axis gimbal
Post-Production Workflow
Editing Complexity
OSMO 360
- Specialized 360° editing software required
- Learning curve for spherical content
- Export options for different platforms
- VR-specific workflow considerations
Pocket 3
- Standard video editing in any software
- Familiar color grading workflow
- Direct export to social media
- Traditional editing techniques apply
Target Audience
Choose the OSMO 360 if you:
- Create VR or immersive content
- Work in real estate or tourism
- Want to capture complete environments
- Are interested in emerging content formats
- Need unique perspective for marketing
Choose the Pocket 3 if you:
- Create traditional video content
- Need precise framing control
- Focus on storytelling and narrative
- Want maximum ease of use
- Create content for mainstream platforms
Market Positioning
These cameras don't compete—they complement:
- Pocket 3: Refined evolution of traditional handheld cameras
- OSMO 360: Revolutionary new category for immersive content
Final Recommendation
The choice between OSMO 360 and Pocket 3 depends entirely on your content creation goals:
For most content creators, the Pocket 3 offers better value with its proven workflow, ease of use, and broad compatibility with existing platforms and editing software.
For innovators and specialized use cases, the OSMO 360 opens up entirely new creative possibilities that simply aren't possible with traditional cameras.
Bottom line: These aren't competing products—they're tools for different creative visions. The Pocket 3 perfects traditional video, while the OSMO 360 pioneers immersive content creation.