DJI Pocket 2: Impressive Smartphone Shots with a Gimbal

The Pocket 2 is a device that inspires a desire to experience more of the world. I’ve had the opportunity to test it for the past few days, and while it has successfully enhanced the visual appeal of my current situation, its capabilities are naturally limited by the constraints of the present circumstances. This limitation, however, is not attributable to any shortcoming of DJI’s design. A camera’s performance is ultimately dependent on the subject matter it is presented with.

Despite this, I have thoroughly enjoyed using this product, much like I did with its previous iteration, the DJI Osmo Pocket. This week sees the return of the device with a simplified name and a series of enhancements. While none of these improvements represent a radical departure from the original, the initial version was such a remarkably innovative product upon its release approximately two years ago that the company is justified in prioritizing refinement.

This product leverages DJI’s extensive expertise, cultivated through years of experience in drone imaging and gimbal technology. However, unlike the Ronin or Osmo Mobile series, this device functions as a self-contained unit, featuring a compact integrated display and recording directly to a microSD card. As with the original model, the system performs optimally when paired with an Android or iOS smartphone, which serves as a superior preview screen and control interface compared to the device’s built-in display.

The package includes both USB-C and Lightning connectors for compatibility with various devices. It is a stable system, best operated with both hands. While I encountered no difficulties, I hesitate to fully rely on the connector’s durability when using only one hand. Furthermore, optional wireless accessories are available for remote control. I also strongly suggest acquiring a mini tripod, or considering the accessory bundle that includes one. Properly positioning the device for modes requiring extended recording times can be challenging, and I experienced instances where the device toppled over due to wind.

The imaging hardware has undergone improvements across the board. The camera now features a larger sensor (64-megapixels) and a wider lens, resulting in enhanced video and still image quality compared to the previous version. The device offers zoom capabilities up to 8x, although I recommend utilizing the 4x lossless optical zoom to maintain image clarity. (HDR functionality is scheduled for a future update.)

The microphones have also been upgraded, with a total of four on board. Utilizing the optional wind noise reduction feature is highly recommended. For even greater audio quality, the accessory bundle includes a wireless microphone with windscreen, which may be a worthwhile investment depending on your shooting environment and subject matter. The three-axis gimbal effectively stabilizes footage and facilitates smooth movements for a variety of image and video capture tasks. As with the previous version, I found the battery life to be somewhat limited, particularly when the gimbal is simultaneously charging an attached phone.

The shooting modes continue to be a standout feature. I am particularly impressed with the timelapse and hyperlapse modes. Timelapse creates a sped-up video by stabilizing the shot as the gimbal is moved:

Hyperlapse takes this concept further by mechanically panning the gimbal slowly from side to side, creating a sweeping shot over time:

The system also incorporates subject tracking technology from the drone line. By drawing a rectangle around an object on the smartphone display, the gimbal will automatically follow its movements. The tracking proved to be generally accurate, although I encountered some challenges in low-light conditions and when there was significant and erratic movement, such as when attempting to track a runner during a softball game. However, it performs reliably with both people and animals.

The gimbal is also well-suited for creating panoramic images, a task that can be cumbersome on a standard smartphone. It can generate either a standard 180-degree ultra-wide panorama or a highly detailed 3×3 image by stitching together nine individual photos:

The Pocket 2 occupies a unique niche in the market. It is essentially a $349 accessory designed to enhance smartphone photography. It provides a convenient way to capture compelling visuals, but professional photographers will likely prefer shooting with a Ronin and an SLR camera. This leaves the Pocket 2 appealing to enthusiasts who are willing to invest in a device that will impress their friends on social media, and offers a means of achieving drone-like shots without the need for a drone.