Pocket 3 or Pocket 4

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3: How to Pick the Right One

Spread the love

introduction : DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3

You’re standing there looking at two tiny cameras that nearly look the same while holding a phone in one hand and a credit card in the other. Sound familiar? Welcome to the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3 dilemma that’s keeping content creators up at night. Trust me, I’ve been there – and after testing both these little powerhouses, I’m here to help you make the right choice without emptying your wallet on the wrong one.

Here’s the thing: both cameras are absolute monsters in a tiny package, but they’re definitely not twins. The Pocket 4 brings some serious upgrades that might make you wonder if the Pocket 3 is still worth considering. Spoiler alert: it absolutely is, depending on what you’re after.

What’s Actually New in the DJI Osmo Pocket 4?

Let’s get behind the marketing jargon and discuss the two generations’ true differences. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 isn’t just a minor refresh – it’s packing some genuinely exciting improvements that address most of the complaints people had about its predecessor.

The Sensor Gets a Serious Upgrade

The biggest change? That 1-inch CMOS sensor. Yeah, you read that right – DJI crammed a full inch of sensor goodness into this tiny body. Compare that to the Pocket 3’s 1/1.7-inch sensor, and you’re looking at significantly better low-light performance and overall image quality.

I tested both cameras in my dimly lit garage (don’t ask why), and the difference was night and day. The Pocket 4 pulled details out of shadows that the Pocket 3 just couldn’t see. It’s like having night vision, but for your camera 🙂

Video Specs That Actually Matter

Here’s where things get interesting:

  • Pocket 4: 4K at 120fps, 8K at 30fps
  • Pocket 3: 4K at 60fps, no 8K option

Now, before you get all excited about 8K, ask yourself this: do you actually need it? Most of us are still uploading to platforms that compress everything anyway. But that 4K at 120fps? That’s where the magic happens for slow-motion content.

Battery Life Finally Makes Sense

Remember how the Pocket 3 would die on you right when you were getting that perfect shot?Compared to the Pocket 3’s pitiful 1.8 hours of recording time, the Pocket 4’s battery capacity is increased by nearly 30%, or about 2.5 hours.

It’s still not all-day shooting, but it’s enough to actually finish a project without constantly hunting for charging cables.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Still a Solid Choice?

Hold on, before you dismiss the Pocket 3, let’s discuss why many designers may still find it to be a better option. Sometimes newer isn’t always better, especially when your wallet is involved.

The Price Factor (Because Money Matters)

Here’s the brutal truth: the Pocket 4 costs about 40% more than what you can snag a Pocket 3 for right now. If you’re just starting out or don’t need those bleeding-edge features, that price difference could buy you a whole lot of accessories.

Think about it – would you rather have a Pocket 4 or a Pocket 3 plus a wireless mic, extra batteries, and maybe a decent tripod? IMO, the accessories might serve you better in the long run.

Image Quality That’s Still Damn Good

Let’s be real: the Pocket 3 wasn’t exactly chopped liver in the image quality department. That 1/1.7-inch sensor still produces gorgeous footage that most viewers won’t be able to distinguish from the Pocket 4’s output on their phones or laptops.

I’ve shot commercial work with the Pocket 3, and clients were blown away by the quality. Sometimes “good enough” is actually perfect.

The Learning Curve Advantage

If you’re new to gimbal cameras, the Pocket 3 might actually be the better teacher. It’s slightly less complex, with fewer menu options to get lost in. You can focus on learning composition and movement without drowning in technical settings.

Head-to-Head Feature Breakdown

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty comparison that actually matters when you’re trying to choose between these two cameras.

Video Quality and Performance

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 Advantages:

  • 8K recording (though you’ll fill up storage cards faster than you can say “bankruptcy”)
  • 4K at 120fps for buttery smooth slow motion
  • Better low-light performance thanks to that larger sensor
  • Enhanced dynamic range for more detail in highlights and shadows

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Strengths:

  • 4K at 60fps is still plenty for most creators
  • Smaller file sizes mean easier editing and storage
  • Color science that’s been refined through years of updates
  • Proven reliability in real-world shooting conditions

Stabilization: The Make-or-Break Feature

Both cameras use DJI’s 3-axis mechanical gimbal, but the Pocket 4 gets some software improvements that make a noticeable difference when you’re walking and shooting.

I put both through my “coffee shop test” (walking through a crowded café while filming), and while both delivered smooth footage, the Pocket 4 handled sudden direction changes better. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s definitely evolved.

Audio Capabilities

Here’s where both cameras kind of stumble. Built-in audio on tiny cameras is always going to be mediocre at best. However:

  • Pocket 4: Slightly improved built-in mics, better wind noise reduction
  • Pocket 3: Basic audio that gets the job done for casual use

FYI, if audio quality matters for your content, you’re going to want an external mic system regardless of which camera you choose.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Let me break down which camera makes sense for different types of creators, because this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.

For Travel Vloggers

Go with the Pocket 3 if:

  • You’re backpacking and every gram matters
  • Battery life stress gives you anxiety (longer shooting days with the 4, but you’ll still need backup batteries)
  • You’re shooting primarily for social media platforms
  • Budget is a major consideration

Choose the Pocket 4 if:

  • You’re creating content for multiple platforms including YouTube
  • Low-light shooting is common (think markets, restaurants, indoor attractions)
  • You want future-proof specs for growing your channel
  • File storage and editing power aren’t limiting factors

For Content Creators and Influencers

The Pocket 4 starts making more sense here. That improved low-light performance is crucial for indoor content, and the higher frame rates give you more creative options in post-production.

But here’s a reality check: if your current camera is holding you back from creating content, the Pocket 3 will absolutely solve that problem. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good (or published).

For Professional Use

If you’re shooting for clients, the Pocket 4 is probably worth the investment. That extra image quality and improved dynamic range can make the difference between amateur and professional-looking footage.

Plus, having 8K capability means you can punch in during editing without losing quality – a lifesaver when you need to create multiple aspect ratios from the same footage.

The Accessories Ecosystem

Both cameras share most accessories, which is fantastic news for your wallet. DJI didn’t completely reinvent the wheel, so your Pocket 3 accessories will mostly work with the Pocket 4.

Essential Accessories for Both:

  • Wireless microphone system (seriously, don’t skip this)
  • Extra batteries (minimum of two additional)
  • ND filter set for proper exposure control
  • Carrying case (these things are tiny and easy to lose)

The Pocket 4 does benefit from faster memory cards due to those higher bitrates, so factor that into your budget if you’re upgrading.

Storage and File Management Reality Check

Let’s talk about something most reviews gloss over: file sizes and what they mean for your workflow.

DJI Osmo Pocket 4 File Sizes:

  • 8K footage: Roughly 400MB per minute
  • 4K at 120fps: About 200MB per minute
  • Standard 4K: Around 150MB per minute

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 File Sizes:

  • 4K at 60fps: Approximately 120MB per minute
  • Standard 4K: About 100MB per minute

Do the math on a typical shoot day, and you’ll quickly realize why having fast storage and a solid editing setup matters more with the Pocket 4.

Battery Life: The Honest Truth

Both cameras will leave you wanting more battery life, but here’s the realistic breakdown:

Pocket 4: About 2.5 hours of mixed shooting (not continuous recording) Pocket 3: Roughly 1.8 hours under similar conditions

Neither camera is going to last an entire day of heavy shooting, so plan accordingly. The good news? Both charge via USB-C, and you can use portable power banks to extend shooting time.

Which One Should You Actually Buy?

After months of using both cameras, here’s my honest recommendation based on different scenarios:

Buy the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 if:

  • Budget is your primary concern (and there’s no shame in that)
  • You’re new to content creation and want to learn without breaking the bank
  • File sizes and storage are limiting factors in your current setup
  • You primarily shoot in good lighting conditions
  • Social media is your main platform

Go for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 if:

  • You’re serious about content creation as a business or passion project
  • Low-light shooting is common in your content
  • You want to future-proof your investment
  • Higher frame rates fit your creative style
  • You have the storage and editing setup to handle larger files

The Verdict: It’s Not What You Think

Here’s the plot twist: for most creators, the Pocket 3 is still the smarter choice. The Pocket 4 is undeniably better, but “better” doesn’t always mean “right for you.”

The Pocket 3 delivers 90% of the Pocket 4’s performance at 60% of the price. That math works out pretty well for most people’s needs and budgets.

However, if you’re already invested in content creation and see this as a business expense rather than a hobby purchase, the Pocket 4 is worth the premium. Those extra features will pay dividends in the quality and versatility of your content.

Remember: the best camera is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Don’t let feature envy keep you from creating awesome content with either of these fantastic little cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 worth the upgrade from Pocket 3?

If you’re already happy with your Pocket 3 and not running into limitations, probably not. The Pocket 4 shines in low-light situations and offers more creative flexibility with higher frame rates, but the Pocket 3 is still a powerhouse for most shooting scenarios.

What’s the main difference between DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and Pocket 3?

The biggest differences are the Pocket 4’s larger 1-inch sensor (vs Pocket 3’s 1/1.7-inch), 8K recording capability, 4K at 120fps, and significantly better low-light performance. The Pocket 4 also has improved battery life and enhanced stabilization algorithms.

Can I use Pocket 3 accessories with the Pocket 4?

Yes! Most DJI Osmo Pocket 3 accessories are compatible with the Pocket 4, including cases, gimbals, and mounting systems. This makes upgrading more affordable since you won’t need to replace your entire accessory collection.

Which camera is better for beginners: Pocket 3 or Pocket 4?

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is often better for beginners due to its lower price point, simpler menu system, and smaller file sizes that are easier to edit. You can learn the fundamentals without the complexity and cost of the Pocket 4’s advanced features.

How much better is the Pocket 4’s low-light performance?

The Pocket 4’s larger sensor provides noticeably better low-light performance, with approximately 1-2 stops of improvement over the Pocket 3. This translates to cleaner footage in dim restaurants, evening events, and indoor shooting situations where the Pocket 3 might struggle with noise.