DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Small Camera, Big Surprises!

I originally bought the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for a very specific purpose: recording my talking-head video for my Data Science Capstone Project presentation. I wanted something compact, easy to set up and capable of producing good-quality video without too much fuss.

But soon after buying it, the Pocket 3 became my favourite go-to video camera for almost everything!

Its biggest strength is convenience. No complicated setup, no heavy equipment. Just pick it up, switch it on and start recording. The built-in gimbal produces beautifully smooth footage, even when walking, and the video quality from its one-inch sensor is surprisingly impressive.

The wide-angle lens has turned out to be particularly useful for recording stationary events, group activities and even my skits and drama rehearsals. I can simply place the camera in a suitable position, record the entire performance and review it later. No need for someone to stand behind the camera throughout the session!

Another pleasant surprise is the built-in microphone. I wasn’t expecting much from such a small device, but the audio quality is remarkably good. For casual recordings, presentations and rehearsals in relatively quiet environments, I rarely feel the need for an external microphone.

I also appreciate the rotating touchscreen, quick startup and intelligent face tracking. These little conveniences make recording much easier, especially when I’m both the person behind and in front of the camera.

A few catches

Of course, the Pocket 3 isn’t perfect. The fixed wide-angle lens is great for general recording but offers limited flexibility when you need to zoom in on distant subjects. Digital zoom is available, but it cannot replace a proper optical zoom.

The small screen can make precise framing a little tricky, and the exposed mechanical gimbal needs careful handling. It is certainly not a rugged action camera, particularly around water, rain or dust.

Battery life is reasonable, although longer recording sessions may require an external power source. And while the built-in microphone is excellent for its size, noisy environments can still be challenging.

So, would I recommend it?

Absolutely! What started as a camera for a single academic presentation has become one of my most frequently used gadgets. Whether it’s recording a quick video, capturing a family event or reviewing a drama rehearsal, the Pocket 3 makes the entire process wonderfully simple.

It won’t replace my Sony Alpha 1 II for serious photography or situations requiring different lenses. But when it comes to everyday video recording, I often find myself reaching for the Pocket 3 first.

My verdict: I bought it for one presentation. It found a hundred other reasons to stay in my pocket!