The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the latest in DJI’s line of pocket-sized gimbal cameras, and it finally brings a 1-inch CMOS sensor to the category. With 4K/120fps recording, excellent low-light performance, and DJI’s class-leading ActiveTrack 6.0, the Pocket 3 is marketed as the “take-anywhere” alternative to bulky mirrorless setups. In this DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review 2025, I put it through real travel shoots, night vlogging, and action-style B-roll to see if it really deserves a spot in my kit.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, up to 4K/120fps
- Screen: 2-inch rotatable OLED touchscreen
- Stabilisation: 3-axis mechanical gimbal
- Focus: Full-pixel fast focusing, face detection
- Battery: 1300 mAh, ~116 mins at 4K/60fps, USB-C fast charging
- Weight: 179 g
- Price: ~$519 (standard kit)
Build and Design
The Pocket 3 is still tiny — about the size of a candy bar — but the rotating 2-inch OLED makes it far easier to frame shots compared to the older Pocket 2’s small fixed screen. The gimbal head is compact, yet the 179 g body feels solid in hand. I also liked the slightly textured grip which keeps it steady during one-handed filming. USB-C charging and fast wireless transfer via DJI Mimo make it simple to keep workflows quick.
Video Quality and Low-Light
The real leap is the 1-inch sensor. Compared with the Pocket 2’s smaller sensor, the Pocket 3 produces cleaner images at ISO 3200–6400, with far less noise. I shot handheld city night reels and was surprised by how cinematic they looked straight out of camera. Dynamic range is improved too, especially in harsh daylight. Add in D-Log M and 10-bit color, and this little gimbal punches well above its size class.
Stabilisation
The mechanical 3-axis gimbal remains unmatched for this form factor. Running shots, walking up stairs, or handheld pans all looked buttery smooth. Compared with GoPro’s HyperSmooth, the Pocket 3’s stabilisation feels more “optical” and less digital. I tested stair climbs and walking vlogs side by side with my Insta360 Flow 2 + phone, and the Pocket 3’s footage looked steadier, especially at night when digital stabilisation suffers.
ActiveTrack 6.0 and Shooting Modes
DJI’s ActiveTrack 6.0 makes self-shooting simple. I set it to follow me while I skated through a plaza, and it smoothly re-framed even when I ducked briefly behind obstacles. Gesture control for start/stop recording and subject selection also worked well. Other modes like Motionlapse, SpinShot, and Panorama add creative variety without extra gear.
Battery Life
The 1300 mAh battery gave me about two hours at 4K/60 in mixed shooting. That’s better endurance than I expected from such a small device. The Pocket 3 supports fast charging: around 80% in ~16 minutes with a PD charger, which was enough to get me through a long evening of shooting. Optional accessories like the battery handle extend life further for travel vloggers.
Limitations
- No official waterproofing — you’ll need DJI’s waterproof housing for water sports
- Audio quality from the built-in mics is good but not amazing (the wireless mic kit is a smart upgrade)
- The field of view is narrower than a GoPro at ultra-wide, though sharper in detail
Pros
- 1-inch sensor delivers outstanding low-light and dynamic range
- 4K/120fps + 10-bit D-Log M for pro workflows
- Gimbal stabilisation smoother than EIS rivals
- Compact and truly pocketable at 179 g
- Rotating 2-inch OLED makes vlogging practical
Cons
- No built-in waterproofing
- Audio is average without external mic kit
- Not as ultra-wide as an action cam
Rating
4.7 / 5
Final Verdict
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the best pocket gimbal camera you can buy in 2025. The combination of a 1-inch sensor, true gimbal stabilisation and 10-bit recording makes it a serious tool in a body small enough for jeans pockets. For travel, vlogging, and creative B-roll, it beats any smartphone gimbal setup I’ve tested. If you need waterproofing for extreme sports, stick with a GoPro, but if you want cinematic footage from something you’ll actually carry everywhere, the Pocket 3 is unbeatable.
Official Product Page: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Check out the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on Amazon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 waterproof?
No. It’s not waterproof by itself; you’ll need DJI’s waterproof case for water sports.
Does the Pocket 3 work well at night?
Yes. The new 1-inch sensor significantly improves low-light footage with less noise and better detail.
How long does the battery last?
About 116 minutes at 4K/60fps; optional battery handle extends this further.
Can I vlog with the Pocket 3?
Absolutely. The 2-inch rotatable OLED makes framing easy, and ActiveTrack 6.0 keeps you in the shot.
What accessories are recommended?
The wireless mic kit for better audio and the battery handle for longer shooting sessions.
