On Amazon Prime Day, I ordered a greatly discounted DJI Osmo Pocket and then immediately returned! Ironically, the week DJI announced the successor to its gimbal camera, the DJI Pocket 2, a week after Prime Day. I’m am grateful for return policies!
I wanted to pick up the Osmo Pocket specifically as a gateway to return to producing videos. I saw this specific style of cameras as an implication on the process of filmmaking as an individual. The highlights of the camera are its gimbal, autofocus, and active tracking. Combined these elements increase the amount of usable footage and simplify the technical workflow. I have access to traditional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, but those have a more involved setup.
As we continue to exist in a Covid-19 world, I’m becoming more proactive in exploring ways to create as an individual.
Why I Returned the Osmo Pocket in Favor of the DJI Pocket 2
When they released the Pocket 2 and showcased the hardware updates, I sent the original back.
In short the Pocket 2:
- Physically slightly bigger
- 1g heavier
- Has a wider and higher aperture lens
- Has a larger sensor
- Creates larger photos
- Has four built-in microphones
- Has a 2x optical zoom!
Design + Build
Like the original Osmo Pocket, the Pocket 2 has a solid design and build for handheld use. I’m most impressed with the design of the plastic cover. It’s simple in design while offering a lot of functionality. It cover keeps the gimbal protected while keep it and its accessories collected together in small package.
What’s in the Box?
| Contents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mini Control Stick | Seems more intuitive to use compared to the original’s wheel controller |
| DJI Pocket 2 Cover | I’m impressed with the design. There are dedicated slots to hold the wide-angle lens converter, phone adaptor, mini tripod mount, and wireless microphone transmitter. |
| DJI Pocket 2 Tripod Mount (1/4″) | I moved this into my accessories bag, but I have a feeling that in a few months this item will be useless. |
| DJI Wrist Strap | I’ve attached this to the Pocket 2 |
| Smartphone Adaptor (USB-C) | I haven’t used this much yet, but I keep available for use in the Cover |
| Power Cable | Standard cable |
| DJI USB Splitter Charging Cable (Type-A to Type-C) | A useful cable to keep in my general tech pouch as I gradually transition all my things to USB-C (One cable to charge them all!) |
| DJI Wireless Microphone Transmitter | The transmitter itself is a bit large, especially if you’re going to use it clipped onto a person’s shirt. However, I’m more interested in using this with a traditional wired microphone (these’s an input at the top) and as a remote shutter (there’s a button that will tell the camera to take a photo or to start/stop filming.) |
| DJI Wireless Microphone Windscreen | This will cut noise and help isolate the speaker’s voice, but it will also make the wireless transmitter look like a small, furry animal that’s chilling in your shirt if you use the transmitter as a lav. |
| Do-It-All Handle | I find this to be the most useful accessory from the Creator Combo and as a result, it’s always kept mounted on the camera. The handle features a 1/4″ tripod mount and an input to connect to a wired microphone or set of headphones. The wireless function pairs instantly with DJI’s Mimo App and lets me remotely control the camera from my phone. I’ve been using this function regularly. The Pocket 2 connects effortlessly and is less of a pain compared to my experience with pairing GoPro cameras to a phone. |
| DJI Pocket 2 Wide-Angle Lens | This accessory is a bit too wide for the subject matter that I’m filming. It currently lives on the cover. I’d imagine this would be useful from filming myself if I were vlogging and recording myself speaking directly into the camera. |
| Micro Tripod | I’m glad that DJI included a Micro Tripod, it mainly serves as feet to put the camera down without turning it off. I’m constantly reminding myself that I can’t just put the camera down like my other cameras because I need to be mindful of the gimbal. What’s nice is that this tripod attaches seamlessly to the cover case. As a result, you’d never find yourself without a sturdy base for the Pocket 2. However, I feel like something slightly bigger, such as the Manfrotto Pixi Tripod, would be much more practical for extensive filming days. |
Closeups of the Various Bases for the DJI Pocket 2
In addition to the Creator Combo, I also picked up DJI’s set of ND filters. They simply attach to the lens with magnets. It should also be noted that you can’t use them in conjunction with the wide-angle lens converter.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Pocket 2 is doing exactly what I wanted it to do: be a simple tool for quarantined at home video production! The audio quality from the microphones located on the camera body is impressive! Same goes for image quality while filming at 2x zoom.
Recently, I’ve been having recording ASMR-esque cooking videos. My friend and I recorded one of us making match cookies. We’re planning on following up with a banana bread one soon.
| What I Liked | What I Didn’t Like |
|---|---|
| Picture Quality | Can’t change the battery |
| Optical Zoom | Built-in screen is tiny and really only useful when you’re filming something directly in front of you |
| Onboard Audio Quality | Internal menu takes a little time to become familiar with |
| Ease of Use | Camera body gets warm after extended use |
| USB-C everything! | |
| Connects to its mobile app quickly and easily |