DJI Pocket 2 Review

December 29, 2020 | Tim Coleman | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star

Introduction

The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact camera with a difference - it features a built-in gimbal with 3-axis motorised stabilisation.

It's slip-in-the-pocket-tiny and a mere 117g, yet builds on its predecessor with a larger image sensor, wider lens, more internal microphones, new shooting modes and refined subject tracking and hybrid autofocus.

For £339 / $349 you get the Pocket 2 camera, Cover (hard plastic), USB-C power cable, Mini Control Stick, plus smartphone adaptors (Lightning and USB-C) for a direction connection to your smartphone and control via the DJI Mimo app.

If you can stretch to £469 / $499, you'll get the 'Creator Combo' kit that also includes a wireless microphone, dead cat (mic windshield), wide-angle converter lens, 'do-it-all' handle and a micro tripod.

The Creator Combo kit represents a complete run-and-gun video and audio recording package that will fit into a jacket pocket. If you're less concerned about audio quality, then the standard kit should suffice because the camera's internal microphones are reasonable.

While not cheap (and much pricier than the original OSMO Pocket), the DJI Pocket 2 feels like a decent upgrade, boasting some of the silkiest handheld videos from such a tiny device. It's a dream for v-loggers who don't want to get bogged down by bulky kit, or to simply capture memorable moments.

Ease of Use

DJI Pocket 2

First things first, what's so neat about the DJI Pocket 2? Well, it's so dang small and light, yet packs a bunch of powerful video-making features that simply cannot be matched by smartphones yet.

For its diminutive size and weight, we can't think of a more effective gimbal-stabilised camera. We've walked, we've ran, and all our run-and-gun videos are silky smooth. Check out the video gallery.

The motorised gimbal is much more effective than optical and electronic stabilisation in smartphones and regular cameras, plus it can also be customised to the shooting scenario.

It has two sensitivity settings; fast or slow. Each settings responds to camera movement as the name suggests. By and large we have stuck with slow follow to ensure smoothest possible movement, even for fast action.

DJI Pocket 2

There are three gimbal modes, too; tilt locked (locked to horizontal axis), FPV (free tilt, pan and roll movement) and follow (fixed camera view).

Follow gimbal mode pairs with the improved 'Active Tracking 3.0'. Double tap the subject on the Pocket 2 camera screen and tracking comes to life, while via a smartphone you draw a box around the subject to initialise tracking.

Tracking locks on to your subject with unerring accuracy, keeping them in the centre of the frame as they move about. It will even provide a little extra room in the frame depending on which way the subject is looking; left, right, up, down. The gimbal has a highly intelligent life of its own!

By and large, the revised hybrid autofocus is consistent, too. It's not perfect and doesn't always keep up with the action, but supports active tracking really well. Compared to a smartphone, the active tracking and hybrid AF pairing delivers significantly better results.

DJI Pocket 2

You also get a selection of shooting modes, not all unique to the DJI Pocket 2, but some of the features within these modes are next level.

Scrolling from left to right on the menu, there's hyperlapse, timelapse, slow motion, video, photo, pano, story mode and livestream.

Put all these parts together and you have a highly capable pocket camera. We'll get more in-depth with the shooting modes shortly, but let's take a look around the device first.

We've already mentioned the tiny wand-shaped design. It's a plastic build which is solid in itself, but we wouldn't want to thrash the Pocket 2 around too much or expose it to inclement weather, not least of which because of the exposed micro SD card slot.

DJI Pocket 2

In a third instalment, we'd like to see the card slot enclosed within the body or generous internal memory instead.

The camera and gimbal arm fit snug within the body form factor, so to a degree they are protected from snags, while the gimbal arm seems strong enough. We are thankful for the hard plastic Cover to stow the Pocket 2 away when not in use - it protects those vital parts.

It's more than a cover too, with tripod mount, plus storage slots for the smartphone adaptors, wide angle lens converter and space for the (optional) clip-on mic. For timelapse sequences, we've used the cover to cradle an attached smartphone, too.

There's a universal 1/4 inch tripod mount on the underside of the Pocket 2, plus a sunken USB-C slot through which the camera can be charged.

DJI Pocket 2

Inside is a non-removable 875 mAh battery, providing a claimed 140 minute operating time (for FHD recording). It's a simple equation; tiny device + tiny battery = poor battery life.

We've found battery life varies and can be much less than that quoted operating time, especially with power hungry 4k video recording where you'll struggle for an hour. If your use is heavy, then factor a rapid powerbank in your arsenal for the on-the-go charging.

While the Pocket 2 can be controlled independently, the in-body controls and tiny touchscreen are very limited. All you get is a power button, record button and menu button, plus limited menus via the touchscreen

The mini control stick fixes into the adaptor slot and features a joystick for manual control of gimbal movement or lens zoom, plus another button primarily for adjusting the gimbal mode.

DJI Pocket 2

But no, this camera works best via the (free) DJI Mimo app on your smartphone. You can connect the phone via the smartphone adaptor in place of the mini control stick. (There are USB-C and Lightning adaptors supplied.)

The connection between phone and Pocket 2 camera is a little flimsy and once in place you'll need to hold them together securely, plus the overall in-the-hand balance is thrown way off. Some sort of simple bracket to support the phone underneath could reduce that gravitational strain.

However, paired to a smartphone is still your best bet. You can then enjoy the whole experience via the much larger display of the phone and quicker access to the controls using the app (available for Android and iOS phones).

It is possible to switch the Pocket 2 camera to selfie mode in order to view the display for v-logging and so on. V-logging is where the Pocket 2 shines - that Active Tracking keeps you in the centre of the frame as you move about.

DJI Pocket 2

Functionality varies with each of the shooting modes and we are not entirely sure if it is down to the phone we used - the Google Pixel 5 - or if compatibility ranges between phone brands.

In our pairing, limitations included FHD timelapses only (not 4K), plus slow motion up to 120fps (4x) only - not the 240fps 8x slow motion as listed in the spec.

We know that HDR video isn't available on the Pocket 2 at all yet - that's coming some time in 2021. We hope that it will address some of the image quality drawbacks (more on this later).

The Pocket 2 is downright fun, but it's no gimmick - the shooting modes are supported by sophisticated tech. After all, tech isn't fun if it doesn't work well!

Hyperlapse ramps the action up to 30x real time. Well known for rapid walkthroughs of famous world city beauty spots, hyperlapse has worked best for us set to 10x speed, providing the right balance of speed with discernible detail.

DJI Pocket 2

Practice helps. For example, it is wise to pause for several seconds at key points in a hyper lapse sequence before moving on again, in order for the viewer to observe those details. We really enjoyed this mode during a relaxed stroll taking in the Christmas ambiance of a quaint Surrey village.

In timelapse mode, you'll need a tripod. The motionlapse feature can introduce camera movement during the sequence. You get a movement choice between left to right, right to left, or a custom 'path', with up to four stopping points in any direction.

There are two panorama modes to choose from; a 180° horizontal stitch and a nine frame 3x3 grid stitch.

Overall, the DJI Pocket 2 handles like a dream - it's tiny enough to slip in a pocket, reliable, great for all skill levels, while the shooting modes provide enough play time to outlive the novelty phase.

Image Quality

Excellent handling and features impact the kind of videos and pictures that you can make. But what of image quality in and of itself?

Well, the DJI Pocket 2 uses a 1/1.7 inch sensor that is larger than the 1/2.3 inch one found in the original OSMO Pocket, but it's still a small sensor so don't expect professional results.

That sensor is densely packed with more pixels, 64MP in all, with JPEG and RAW DNG photos by default downsampled via pixel binning to 16MP. However, there is a 64MP photo mode, too, that creates 9216x6912-pixel pictures.

That RAW DNG photo format is available in the 'Pro' mode, where it is also possible to manually select the sensitivity setting, with an ISO 100 to 6400 range.

There's a wider 20mm f/1.8 equivalent lens (it was 26mm in the OSMO Pocket). Sound a little wide? Well, we think it's better and here's why. You'll mainly be using the Pocket 2 to shoot 16:9 aspect ratio videos - meaning corner detail is cropped out when compared to 4:3 aspect.

Overall, we've needed the wider aspect way more often than we have wished for a more telephoto optic. You can zoom in up to 8x using the digital zoom, but image quality is reduced at any zoom setting.

Really, the Pocket 2 is about video. Here you have 4K video recording up to 60fps, with a greater-than-normal frames-per-second range; 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60fps, you've got them all.

Slow motion videos appear to be in FHD only, but now up to 240fps (8x) - although via a phone we seemed stuck on 4x. Seriously though, those slow motion videos are like butter. Sadly, the image quality pales in comparison to 4K recording.

Photo and video image quality is so so. This is clearly a small-sensor camera. Dynamic range is visibly limited, with clipped highlights a regular experience.

In Pro mode, you can avoid clipped highlights somewhat by darkening the image using exposure compensation. However, a darker image introduces another problem - noise.

To avoid noise, you need good light and a bright exposure. Low light image quality suffers. If you're shooting in any scenarios other than bright outdoors or at least white cloud, then noise is an issue.

Comparison shots at all ISO settings in a controlled and well lit environment demonstrate that image quality is consistent up to ISO 400, but after this shadow and mid-tone detail progressively become more mushy as you crank up the ISO. JPEG noise reduction isn't great - we'd shoot in RAW DNG format whenever possible. Really, this is a fair weather device.

HDR video is listed in the spec but is not available until a firmware upgrade lands some time in 2021. According to the DJI website it will not be for 4K, only 2.7K or FHD. Given our experience here, we can't wait for HDR video to arrive - it could boost image quality significantly.

We like the Cine-D colour profile for video. It flattens colours a little although it does not necessarily help with dynamic range. The standard colour profile is fine, too.

The image itself produced by the wide angle 20mm lens isn't the sharpest, either. We can be pretty sure that the 15mm wide angle lens converter included in the Creative Combo kit is softer still, though we have not used it.

For photos, auto ISO selects a shutter speed to maximise image quality over one that is suitable for action. We had plenty of pictures with unwanted blurred movement because the auto ISO shutter speed was too slow.

To freeze action for photos, you'll need to switch to manual mode and select shutter speed manually. It's a bit of a convoluted process, but at least it's possible!

Overall, you can get similar if not better image quality from a decent smartphone - certainly once you factor smartphone image processing such as HDR effects.

All image quality shortcomings in the Pocket 2 are countered by its effective motorised gimbal, excellent active tracking and sophisticatedly fun shooting modes.

For example, we've enjoyed the pano modes. One mode takes nine photos, one after the other in a 3x3 grid and then merges the images into one wide angle scene.

You'll need to keep the phone as steady as possible during a pano capture. We had a few attempts where detail is misaligned between those stitched frames. Still, with a steady hand, clean results are possible.

Most smartphones offer a timelapse mode now, but none provide added camera movement during capture - that's because their cameras are fixed. With the Pocket 2, you get those three movement choices by selecting motionlapse.

The manual 'path' option provides up to four stopping points of lateral movement. For example, you can pan from left to right, move at a diagonal, switch direction and so on.

This 'path' feature is particularly useful for scenarios like following the flow of moving traffic. Should you opt for the auto panning option, you set the composition to its finishing point and the camera automatically shifts back to a starting point when the sequence starts. Handy.

Whether it's a flat pan or manual path, introducing motionlapse during a timelapse sequence really does lift it over fixed angle offerings.

Simply put, you can create videos with the DJI Pocket 2 that are simply not possible with other devices like smartphones, unless you start investing in dedicated gimbals like the, ahem, DJI OM 4.

Noise

JPEG RAW

ISO 100 (100% Crop)

ISO 100 (100% Crop)

iso100.jpg iso100.jpg

ISO 200 (100% Crop)

ISO 200 (100% Crop)

iso200.jpg iso200raw.jpg

ISO 400 (100% Crop)

ISO 400 (100% Crop)

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ISO 800 (100% Crop)

ISO 800 (100% Crop)

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ISO 1600 (100% Crop)

ISO 1600 (100% Crop)

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ISO 3200 (100% Crop)

ISO 3200 (100% Crop)

iso3200.jpg iso3200raw.jpg

ISO 6400 (100% Crop)

ISO 6400 (100% Crop)

iso6400.jpg iso6400raw.jpg

Focal Length

iso100.jpg

1x Zoom

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2x Zoom

Pano Mode

iso100.jpg

Off

iso100.jpg

3x3 On

Sample Images

This is a selection of sample images from the DJI Pocket 2 camera, which were all taken using the 16 megapixel JPE setting. The thumbnails below link to the full-sized versions, which have not been altered in any way.

Sample RAW Images

The DJI Pocket 2 enables users to capture RAW and JPEG format files. We've provided some DJI RAW (DNG) samples for you to download (thumbnail images shown below are not 100% representative).

Sample Movies & Video

This is a sample movie at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample movie with stabilisation on at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample movie with subject tracking on at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample hyperlapse movie at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample timelapse movie at the quality setting of 1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample movie with stabilisation off at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 60 frames per second.

This is a sample movie with stabilisation on at the quality setting of 3840x2160 pixels at 60 frames per second.

This is a sample slow-motion movie with stabilisation off at the quality setting of 1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second.

This is a sample slow-motion movie with stabilisation on at the quality setting of 1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second.

Product Images

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Conclusion

There is no doubt that the DJI Pocket 2 is a powerful camera, able to make silky smooth videos with excellent sound. And it's all from something that can slip into your pocket. 'Small and mighty' seems apt.

It also offers a range of shooting modes that go beyond most other alternatives. Timelapse boasts motionlapse while stabilised slow motion videos look all the better. And each reliable mode is a doddle to use.

The Pocket 2 isn't perfect. Image quality in and of itself isn't the best, mainly seen through regular highlight clipping and noise in low contrast light.

Battery life is modest, too, while the device can get hot during charging and with power hungry modes like 4K video recording.

If you're connecting a smartphone via the adaptor, the balance is off and the connection a little fragile. In time, we wouldn't be surprised if the adaptor breaks or loses its reliable connection. Still, this setup, that hard plastic Cover can cradle the phone.

There has also been a price hike in this second iteration - it's 50% more than the OSMO Pocket. We think all of the many improvements merit the higher cost.

However, you've also got the option of the DJI OM 4 smartphone gimbal at a third of the price. Because if stabilised video is your main concern, why not simply use a small gimbal?

Is the DJI Pocket 2 worth the extra money over pairing the OM 4 gimbal with your existing smartphone? Well it's much smaller, its functionality less restricted, plus once you start investing in the Creative Combo kit it feels like a full, no-fuss package.

In its own right, the DJI Pocket 2 is a highly capable pocket camera for video makers on the move or working solo. For its size, it's in a class of its own.

4 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4.5
Features 5
Ease-of-use 4.5
Image quality 3.5
Value for money 4

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the DJI Pocket 2.

Panasonic Lumix G100

Hot on the heels of the Sony ZV-1 comes another camera aimed directly at vloggers and Youtubers in the shape of the Panasonic Lumix G100. This time it's a mirrorless interchangeable lens model, rather than a compact with a fixed lens. The tiny Lumix G100 also has a lot to offer stills photographers too - find out if it can make the grade in our in-depth review...

Sony RX100 VI

The new Sony RX100 VI is the most technologically capable compact camera on the market, but is it the right travel-zoom camera for you? Find out by reading our detailed Sony RX100 VI review...

Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is a new compact camera that's been built from the ground up for vlogging, with a vari-angle screen, fast auto-focusing, three-capsule direction microphone, and a wealth of vlogger-friendly shooting modes. Is this the ultimate camera for aspiring YouTube creators? Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review to find out...

Review Roundup

Reviews of the DJI Pocket 2 from around the web.

dpreview.com »

The DJI Pocket 2 is a second-generation all-in-one camera with a built-in three-axis stabilizer. A follow up to the Osmo Pocket, the camera remains roughly the same size as the original but features a larger sensor, a wider lens, an improved autofocus system, more microphones, and the ability to shoot higher-quality photos and videos.
Read the full review »

digitalcameraworld.com »

If you want a best-in-class tool when it comes to combining stable video and pocketable size, nothing else trumps the DJI Pocket 2. As part of the Creator Combo, external audio and the ultra-wide lens are excellent additions, and it’s basically a pocket studio. Noise handling is probably the Pocket 2’s weakest area, and it struggles with highlights, though in most well-lit environments, the convenience, versatility, and stabilization it offers can’t be overstated.
Read the full review »

pocket-lint.com »

Pocket 2 takes what was great about the first Osmo Pocket, and makes it better by offering 4K footage up to 60fps. With ActiveTrack, mechanical stabilisation and a design that will easily slip into your pocket, it'll quickly become a must-have for any videographer's camera bag.
Read the full review »

Specifications

General

  • Name

  • DJI Pocket 2
  • Dimensions

  • 124.7×38.1×30 mm
  • Weight

  • 117 g

Gimbal

  • Stabilization

  • 3-axis
  • Controllable Range

  • Pan: -230° to +70°
    Tilt: -100° to +50°
    Roll: ±45°
  • Mechanical Range

  • Pan: -250° to +90°
    Tilt: -180° to +70°
    Roll: ±90°
  • Max Controllable Speed

  • 120°/s
  • Angular Vibration Range

  • ±0.005°

Camera

  • Sensor

  • 1/1.7” CMOS
    Effective pixels: 64 MP
  • Lens

  • FOV 93° f/1.8
    Format equivalent: 20 mm
  • ISO Range

  • Photo: 100-6400 (16 MP), 100-3200 (64 MP)
    Video: 100-6400
    Slow Motion: 100-3200
  • Electronic Shutter Speed

  • 8-1/8000 s
  • Max Image Size

  • 9216×6912 pixels
  • Still Photography Modes

  • Single Shot: 16 MP, 64 MP
    Countdown: 3, 5, 7 s
    Panorama: 3×3, 180°
  • Video Resolution

  • 4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
    2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
    FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
  • HDR Video Resolution

  • 2.7K: 2720×1530 @ 24/25/30fps
    FHD: 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30fps
  • Video Modes

  • Video
    HDR Video
    Timelapse
    Motionlapse
    Hyperlapse
  • Motionlapse

  • Left to Right
    Right to Left
    Custom motion (max 4 points)
  • Slow Motion

  • 1080p/120fps (for 4x)
    1080p/240fps (for 8x)
  • Max Video Bitrate

  • 100 Mbps
  • Supported File Formats

  • FAT32 (≤32 GB)/exFAT (>32 GB)
  • Photo Formats

  • JPEG/DNG
  • Video Formats

  • MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)
  • Supported SD Cards

  • Max 256 GB SDHC/SDXC UHS-I Speed Grade 1 or UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSD
    The following microSD cards are recommended:
    Samsung EVO Plus 32GB UHS-I Speed Grade 1 microSDHC,
    Samsung Pro 64GB UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSDXC,
    Samsung Pro Endurance 64GB UHS-I Speed Grade 1 microSDXC,
    Samsung Evo Plus 64GB UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSDXC,
    SanDisk Extreme 16/32GB UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSDHC,
    SanDisk Extreme Plus 128GB V30 A1 UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSDXC,
    SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB V30 A1 UHS-I Speed Grade 3 microSDXC,
    Lexar 633X 32GB UHS-I Speed Grade 1 microSDHC,
    Lexar 633X 32GB UHS-I Speed Grade 1 microSDHC.
  • Audio Output

  • 48 kHz, AAC

Battery

  • Type

  • LiPo
  • Capacity

  • 875 mAh
  • Energy

  • 6.738 Wh
  • Voltage

  • 7.7 V
  • Charging Voltage Limit

  • 8.8 V
  • Input Voltage

  • 5 V/2 A or 5 V/1 A
  • Charging Environment Temperature

  • 5° to 60° C (41° to 140° F)
  • Operating Temperature

  • 0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)
  • Operating Time

  • 140 minutes
    (Tested in a laboratory environment while recording 1080p/24fps video and should be used for reference only)
  • Charging Time

  • 73 minutes (when using a 5V/2A USB adapter)

App

  • Name

  • DJI Mimo
  • Required Operating System

  • iOS 11.0 or later
    Android 7.0 or later
  • Live View Quality

  • 4K/60fps: 480p
    Story Mode: 1080p
    Other Modes: 720p

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