It’s been nearly two years since DJI released the original Osmo Pocket. Honestly, the little gimbal is one of the most delightful products from a company that makes a lot of them. As — at best — an amateur smartphone photographer, I enjoyed my time with the product and am pretty psyched to get a little hands-on time with the sequel.
The new product streamlines the name a bit, dropping the “Osmo” to become, simply, the DJI Pocket 2. Like its predecessor, it works as both a standalone camera, or a smartphone accessory, using a handset and a large display to preview shots in real time. The three-axis gimbal can record 4K video at 60 frames a second. HDR video is now on board, as is a 8x hybrid zoom (or 4x optical). A four-mic system has been added to improve sound recording.
As ever with DJI, the software is a big piece. I was really impressed with the way the company was able to bring some of its drones’ more advanced shooting modes to the product, allowing for polished, cinematic shots on a pocket-sized device. The new version has a half-dozen or so different modes. Per DJI:
- Pro Mode: Control advanced camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, EV, and focus mode.
- ActiveTrack 3.0: Select a subject and let DJI Pocket 2 keep it in the frame automatically.
- Slow Motion: Capture the fast-moving world in slow motion with a max speed and resolution of 8x at 1080p.
- Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Motionlapse: Speed up the world around you with the varying effects of three different time-lapse operations. Hyperlapse automatically integrates Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for added smoothness. Users have the ability to save individual images separately, record in RAW format, and use ActiveTrack 3.0.
- Panoramas:
- 180° Pano: Captures four photos for sweeping landscape images.
- 3×3 Pano: Merges nine images for a wide and detailed view.
- Livestreaming: Livestream directly to Facebook, YouTube, or RTMP.
- Story Mode: Preset camera movements, color profiles, and music make it easier to choose a template, record the moment, and share to social media instantly
The hardware’s been redesigned a bit this time out, with a removable baseplate for attaching a bunch of new accessories, including an additional microphone, charging case and wireless housing. There’s a wireless module as well, which lets it connect to a smartphone without having to plug it in directly.
Image Credits: DJI
It’s a pricey little deal, as far as mobile gimbals go, owing to all of the hardware on board. It retains the original’s $349 starting price, which includes a control stick and tripod mount. The $499 Creator Combo adds a wide-angle lens, wireless mic with windscreen and a mini tripod. Both are available through DJI’s site starting November 1.