DJI Pocket 3 has earned a reputation for its outstanding consumer offerings, transforming the field of photography with its innovative drone and handheld camera devices.
We were starting to give up hope of seeing a successor to the DJI Pocket 2, but a leaked image from a reliable source shows the Pocket 3 in the wild and features a new LCD screen.
Although it is most famous for its consumer drones, the company also makes handheld cameras and gimbals. Pocket Series is an example of that. The inaugural Pocket was unveiled in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success. DJI followed it up with the Pocket 2, released in the fall of 2020.
The DJI Pocket 3, the latest addition to DJI’s impressive range of products, is a compact and portable camera that boasts high-quality imaging and advanced features, making it the perfect tool for capturing stunning footage.
There has yet to be an official communication about the release date. As seen with previous DJI product launches, the official release date usually becomes public knowledge only a few weeks before the actual release.
Stay tuned for the most up-to-date information and leaks on the upcoming DJI Pocket 3, as we continuously update this page until the official release.
DJI Pocket 3 Release Date?
While there’s no official announcement yet, industry rumors suggest that the DJI Pocket 3 will launch in the latter half of 2023, keeping with DJI’s trend of releasing new products during the fall.
It’s possible that the release date has been pushed back or that the DJI Pocket 3 has been canceled altogether. We’ll have to wait for an official announcement from DJI to know for sure.
The DJI Pocket 3 is expected to build on the success of its predecessor, the DJI Pocket 2, with upgraded features and functionality. The Pocket 3 is rumored to feature a larger sensor than the Pocket 2, allowing it to capture more detail and produce higher-quality images. This development could make the Pocket 3 a strong contender for professional-grade cameras.
Inspire Three was supposed to be released in March 2023, but it was released two months later, in May 2023. If we assume that DJI 2023 is two months behind the product’s planned release schedule, we can expect the new DJI Pocket 3 to be released in October 2023.
FIMI Palm 2 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Camera
- Enhanced 1/2-inch CMOS sensor for noise reduction.
- 4X higher dynamic range with upgraded technology.
- High-precision 3-axis gimbal to eliminate jitters.
- 128-degree distortion-free lens for improved detail.
- 2600mAh battery providing 160-minute life.
- Advanced audio processor for better high-frequency recording.
DJI Osmo Action 3 Waterproof Action Camera
- 4K HDR video enables vivid, detailed recording.
- HorizonSteady technology ensures smooth footage on all terrains.
- Easy vertical mounting due to a quick-release design.
- Waterproof up to 16 meters, suitable for underwater exploration.
- Features dual touchscreens with a hydrophobic coating.
- The standard combo includes extras like a protective frame & adapter mount.
Feiyu Pocket 2 in 1 Handheld Gimbal Camera
- Made from aluminum alloy, it is lightweight but robust.
- 8.51-megapixel and 1/2.5-inch Sony Sensor shoots 4K/60FPS video at 120MBPS.
- New 6-axis hybrid anti-shake technology
- Connect Feiyu Pocket and smartphone via WIFI smoothly.
- It includes a smartphone mount and + a mini tripod.
Problems with DJI Pocket 2
First of all, I love the Pocket 2. After the original Osmo Pocket, it was probably the 2nd device on the market to mount a great camera to shoot 4K at 60fps on a small, mechanically stable gimbal.
However, I will admit several issues with the Pocket 2 software. The Mimo app is slow and clunky, and the 1/1.7″ camera lens wasn’t perfect for low-light night photography.
It could be an excellent handheld camera in 2020 but not in 2023. In 2023, DJI has improved the camera sensors in their consumer drone series, and an upgrade for the Pocket series appears to be on the horizon.
Do we expect DJI Pocket 3 space?
DJI Pocket 3 Compact Design
The DJI Pocket 2 was already a compact and portable device, but the Pocket 3 is rumored to be sleeker and more streamlined. It is expected to have a similar design to its predecessor but with a few key improvements.
The Pocket 3 will have a more durable build and better grip, making it easier to hold and use for extended periods. Additionally, it’s rumored to be slightly smaller and lighter than the Pocket 2, making it a more portable option for on-the-go filming.
Updated Camera
The Pocket came with 2 1/1.7″, which isn’t bad, but it didn’t perform well in low light.To achieve a satisfactory image, it was necessary to increase the ISO setting to 6000. With the Pocket 3, the possibility of an upgraded lens, perhaps including a 1-inch sensor like we observed on the Mavic Air 2, becomes a viable option. If we get a raw shooting codec or even a PROres codec, that would be great. If the colors are bumped up to 10 bits, it will allow shooting real HDR video.
For some reason, DJI marketed the Pocket 2 as capable of shooting HDR, but when you analyze the footage metadata, you only see 8-bit color. Real HDR has at least a 10-bit color depth.
Portrait mode Shooting
DJI knows the need to tap into this market and they have introduced a suitable portrait mode in the DJI Mini 3 Pro. It would be great to see a True Portrait mode implemented in the Pocket 3, where the camera automatically rotates 90 degrees to record vertical videos and photos.
Fast wireless/WiFi
The Mimo app that comes with the Pocket 2 is extremely slow and sluggish. The link takes forever and is generally considered a broken app among users. With the Pocket 3, we see a refreshed app, a faster wireless connection, and a built-in WiFi or Bluetooth connection to deliver live video to your smartphone.
Imagine using your Pocket 3 as a webcam with ActiveTrack during your next Zoom call. While you can do most of this with a do-it-all glove, it’s an extra accessory you have to buy that isn’t for everyone.
Mic jack and speaker
A mic jack that can connect a third-party mic would be an excellent addition to the Pocket 3. This will give us better audio recording capabilities and control.
A set of internal playback speakers would also be an excellent addition. Accommodating a good-quality speaker inside can be a challenge.
Removable battery
Modular design is always better. They allow you to remove and replace defective parts, and batteries are notorious for deteriorating over time.
It lasts 1-2 hours, depending on your usage, and then you must charge it again.
A replaceable battery will be beneficial for a long time uninterrupted recording. It would be nice to see a removable battery on the Pocket 3 that can be swapped between recordings.
Advanced cooling system
Pocket 2 will heat up when used at high FPS for extended periods because it has no heatsink or air vents to cool it down. Thanks to its compact design, the fast processor generates much heat and has nowhere to dissipate it.
In Pocket 3, we see a faster CPU and more heat coming out, so a better thermal management or cooling system is needed.
Otherwise, users will have sweaty palms, which could be a better user experience.
Last Thought
Overall, the DJI Pocket 3 is shaping up to be an impressive and highly-anticipated gadget for those who love to capture high-quality footage on the go. With its advanced camera specs, sleek design, and advanced features, it could be a game-changer in handheld cameras.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements from DJI on the release of Pocket 3, and get ready to take your content creation to the next level.