When it comes to finding the ideal travel and vlogging camera, it can be challenging to pick the right one. With a plethora of options on the market, each promising unique features, how do you decide which one is the best for your needs?

Enter the DJI Osmo Pocket 3—a camera that brings powerful features in a compact form factor, designed for travelers and content creators alike. With a new sensor, built-in gimbal stabilization, and the ability to shoot 4K at 120fps slow-motion, this camera offers a lot in a pocket-sized device.

But with so many great travel cameras already available, does the Osmo Pocket 3 truly stand out? Let’s take a closer look to see if it’s worth adding to your gear collection in 2025.

Design and Features

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the third generation in the Osmo Pocket line, and it brings several improvements over its predecessors.

Size and Weight

At 179g, the Osmo Pocket 3 is slightly bulkier than the previous models but remains incredibly compact and portable. It fits easily into a pocket or sling bag, making it perfect for travelers who want to keep their gear light. Despite the minor increase in weight, it’s still incredibly travel-friendly.

Joystick

One of the major design changes is the new integrated joystick. Unlike previous models that used a removable joystick, this version features a larger, more ergonomic joystick built directly into the handle. It offers better control over the gimbal, and its adjustable sensitivity makes tasks like video zooms and slow pans much smoother.

Fast-Charging Battery

The Osmo Pocket 3 comes with a larger 1300mAh battery that delivers up to 2 hours of shooting time. Additionally, it can charge up to 80% in just 15 minutes, ensuring you’re ready to keep shooting in no time. If you opt for the Creator Combo package, you’ll also receive an extended battery handle, which not only boosts battery life but also provides a more comfortable grip, especially for users with larger hands.

Screen

One of the biggest upgrades in the Osmo Pocket 3 is the 2-inch rotating AMOLED screen. Unlike its predecessors, which only had a small horizontal-only display, this new screen offers greater flexibility and is much brighter and more colorful. The increased resolution means you’ll get a much clearer view of your footage, making it easier to ensure your shots are exactly what you want.

Lens

While the lens remains largely the same, the aperture has shifted from f/1.8 to f/2.0. For most users, this change won’t be very noticeable, but it does affect the depth of field, making the background a little less blurry. Although the fixed aperture is a minor drawback, it doesn’t severely limit the camera’s ability to capture beautiful footage.

Video and Photography Capabilities

The Osmo Pocket 3 offers significant upgrades in video capabilities compared to its predecessors. You can shoot 4K video at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps, and even 4K slow-motion at up to 120fps. The large 1-inch sensor enhances low-light performance, ensuring you get bright, dynamic footage even in challenging lighting conditions.

The camera’s full-pixel autofocus (AF) makes it faster and more accurate than previous models, and face tracking has been improved as well, making it perfect for solo travelers and vloggers. However, a downside is that face tracking doesn’t work with 4K videos at 60fps, which can be a dealbreaker for those looking for high-quality video and tracking features simultaneously.

When it comes to audio, the built-in omnidirectional microphones offer decent sound quality for casual recording, but if you’re recording in noisy environments, an external microphone (which comes with the Creator Combo) would be a better option.

For photography, however, the Osmo Pocket 3 falls short. While it can still capture decent shots, its 9.4MP camera lags behind its predecessor, the Osmo Pocket 2, which had a 64MP camera. If you’re primarily interested in photography, this might be a limiting factor.

Accessories

While the Osmo Pocket 3 is sold on its own, we highly recommend opting for the Creator Combo. This package includes a microphone with a windscreen, an extra battery handle, and a compact tripod. While it costs a bit more, purchasing the combo means you won’t have to buy these accessories separately later, saving you money in the long run.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact, easy to carry
• Built-in stabilization with gimbal
• Larger, brighter AMOLED screen
• Adjustable joystick for better control
• Fast autofocus and improved face tracking
• Good built-in microphones
• Excellent video quality (4K at 120fps)

Cons:

• Fixed aperture (no manual control)
• Only digital zoom
• Face tracking unavailable in high-resolution video
• Photography performance lags behind earlier models

Should You Buy the Osmo Pocket 3?

If you’re looking for an ultra-portable camera for travel, vlogging, or action shots, the Osmo Pocket 3 is an excellent choice. It’s compact, easy to use, and packs in impressive video capabilities, making it an ideal travel companion. The addition of the built-in gimbal and stabilizer means you don’t need extra gear to get smooth footage, which is a big plus.

However, at nearly double the price of the Osmo Pocket 2, it’s important to consider whether the extra cost is worth it, especially if you don’t need the advanced video features. The Osmo Pocket 2 still holds up well in terms of video quality, and it performs better in the photography department.

For those new to the Osmo series or looking to upgrade, the Osmo Pocket 3 is a fantastic option, but if you already own a previous model, it may be worth waiting for a price drop or considering renting it before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

DJI has definitely improved on the Osmo Pocket with this new version, adding essential features like a better screen, improved autofocus, and enhanced stabilization. It’s a great option for vloggers and travelers who want a pocket-sized camera that delivers high-quality results. However, for those mainly interested in photography, the drop in camera quality might be a dealbreaker. Regardless, the Osmo Pocket 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact, versatile camera to take on their adventures.