Is DJI Pocket 2 worth it? We will discuss who I think this camera is for, how it functions as a cinematic camera, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of the camera in this article.
DJI Pocket 2 is the newest pocket-size handheld camera. Compared to the original DJI Osmo Pocket, it has significant improvements that allow you to start shooting immediately, take better selfies, and shoot at any time of day.
For vloggers and content creators who need to capture stabilized video but don’t want to be burdened with a lot of gear, the camera is still incredibly simple to use. Let’s find out more!
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
- 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor
- 20mm (equiv.) F1.8 lens
- 64MP and 16MP photo modes
- Video: 4K/60p, 2.7K/60p, 1080/60p
- 8x zoom (64MP mode), 4x lossless zoom in 1080p or 16MP mode
- Panorama modes in 3×3 and 180°
- 4 microphones with directional audio and sound tracking
- Micro SD slot up to 256 GB
- 140 min. battery life (1080/24p)
- Weight: 117 g
- Dimensions: 124.7×38.1×30 mm
- HDR Video: 2.7K/30p (arriving in a future firmware update)
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stabilized 4K video footage
- Mini Control Stick with zoom capabilities
- Optional Do-It-All handle
- Live streaming capability (requires Do-It-All handle)
- Improved audio quality
- Improved autofocus
- Redesigned control buttons
- Responsive touchscreen controls
Cons
- Image quality drops when zoomed
- Still feels unbalanced when a smartphone is attached
Body and Design
With a Mini Control Stick that slides into the space previously designated for a smartphone connection, the Pocket 2’s exterior design is similar to that of the original but includes other updates. The Pocket has five control buttons instead of just two when using the Mini Control Stick. The button layout has changed, but the overall functionality is the same as the original.
The micro SD card slides into a slot on the left side of the camera, and the power button for the Pocket is located on the right. The record button in the lower left corner can be used to capture still images or video, and the button right next to it makes switching between the two modes simple. By pressing and holding the record button while taking a video, the Pocket 2 now has the ability to pause recording.
Once the Mini Control Stick is in place, you can use the top-right button to toggle between Tilt Lock, FPV, and Follow while also configuring the joystick to Zoom or Tilt. You can adjust the Mini Control Stick settings, choose the recording resolution, browse files, and access Pro Mode using the touchscreen controls. You can also access additional shooting modes like slow-motion, timelapse, pano, and HDR video.
The wrist strap for the Pocket 2 can now be attached to the camera itself rather than just the carrying case. It’s a minor upgrade, but it’s a good one. The DJI Mimo app now works with the Pocket thanks to its detachable base, which you can switch out for a base with a tripod mount or an accessory called the Do-It-All handle ($99), which transforms the Pocket into a live streaming tool. The Do-It-All handle slightly enlarges the overall size, but the advantages of this tool outweigh that extra weight.
The Pocket still comes with accessories to connect to your smartphone without the Do-It-All handle, but doing so necessitates removing your phone case in order to make the connection, and the setup feels unbalanced. Zoom and tilt must also be managed through an app, which is less user-friendly than the brand-new Mini Control Stick. If you want to use your phone as a monitor or the Pocket for live streaming, the Do-It-All handle is really the best option. To use the Pocket live, you must use the Mimo app and the Do-It-All handle.
I used the Pocket most of the time as a stand-alone product. The simplicity and portability of the Pocket are its true selling points; however, if a smartphone is connected while shooting, the process becomes slightly more challenging. However, using the Mimo app to review photos and videos and having the Do-It-All handle attached to the Pocket was very useful.
Video
It was obvious that vloggers who required stabilized footage for their walk-and-talk videos were the target audience when the original Pocket launched last year. However, the original lens had a 25.7mm F2 focal length, which led to shots with a lot of face detail and conditions that called for moderate brightness. The new model is a much better choice for people who need stabilized footage of themselves because it has a wider 20mm F1.8 lens and a bigger sensor.
The Pocket 2 increases the number of mics to four and adds directional audio. These microphones will be able to track whatever is making noise in a scene with the help of a new feature called SoundTrack in a future update. We haven’t reviewed the SoundTrack feature because it wasn’t available when we used the Pocket, but DJI promises that it will be added via a firmware update.
Photo Quality
Still image quality is noticeably improved compared to the original Osmo Pocket, partly due to the larger 1/1.7″ sensor and faster Regular JPEGs have a 16MP maximum, but 64MP files can be obtained when shooting in high-resolution mode with an F1.8 lens. It is possible to record Raw DNG files with a size of about 127.7 MB each by switching the camera into PRO mode. From the 12MP files on the original Pocket, there has been a significant improvement in quality.
The Pocket 2 has an oddity that prevents you from recording Raw and JPEG images simultaneously; you must choose one or the other.
Although we noticed some chromatic aberration when we zoomed in, the RAW files offer a lot of editing flexibility. DJI claims that the Pocket has a 4x lossless zoom and an 8x zoom capability. In our experience, images appear clear when the camera is at its widest angle, but as you zoom in, it becomes more difficult to achieve sharp focus and the quality begins to decline.
Along with 180° panoramas, the Pocket 2 is also capable of taking 3×3 images. In comparison to the 3×3 panorama mode, which takes 9 images and stitches them into a 5×7 image, the 180º panorama takes four photos and creates one long image. The procedure is quick, and the Mimo app is used for all stitching. With 3×3 panoramas, a tripod is useful to reduce camera shake.
Even though the second-generation Pocket captures action a little bit better, you probably don’t want to use this camera to take sports photos. However, it does a good job of seizing and holding the audience’s attention on musicians and wiggly animals.
Thankfully, the second-generation Pocket’s ergonomic button changes prevent accidental switching between shooting modes, which was a problem with the first model.
Warranty
A standard product warranty is included with the DJI Pocket 2. You can choose between a 1-year or 2-year plan for DJI Care Refresh to protect your device from unintentional damage. The 2-year plan offers three replacements in two years, so if an accident happens, you can have your product replaced for a small additional fee. New or nearly new products in terms of performance and dependability are the replacement units. Accidental damage, such as collisions and water damage, is covered by the replacement service. After verifying the product’s eligibility, you can access replacement or repair services at any DJI authorized repair center worldwide with the exclusive International Warranty Service offered by DJI Care Refresh.
DJI Pocket 2 Tips & Tricks
1. Try Using the Motion Timelapse Feature
As a panning timelapse normally requires a complicated setup, this is one of my favorite camera features. Here is where you can find the Motion Timelapse mode, which is kind of hidden.
Swipe the screen to the left, select Timelapse, and then swipe left once more to activate Motion Timelapse. Then pick Motion Timelapse.
2. Understand the Different Timelapse Formats You Can Shoot In
When using the camera’s Timelapse and Motion Timelapse modes, you can now choose between three different video/image formats. It’s beneficial to comprehend these various video/image formats so that you can select the one that is most appropriate for the scenario you are photographing.
Here’s how to change the Timelapse formats because they’re kind of hidden.
Note: the option to change the Make sure Pro Mode is turned on first because only Timelapse recording format is supported.
- Return to the home screen after choosing either the Timelapse or Motion Timelapse mode.
- For the settings, tap Pro in the upper-left corner. The various timelapse formats are displayed in the bottom left-hand corner of the first setting page.
Here are each of the formats and what type of situation they’re good for:
- Video Only: The DJI Pocket 2 will capture the timelapse or motion time-lapse and export it as a finished video in video only format. If you want to capture and share a timelapse quickly without using video editing and photo editing software, this is a good option to go with.
- Video + JPG: In this format, the camera will record the timelapse as a series of JPG images and produce a finished timelapse or motion time-lapse video. This is a good option to pick if you want to use video editing software to create a high-resolution timelapse but don’t require RAW images.
- Video + RAW: The camera will record the timelapse in a series of RAW image files and produce a finished timelapse or motion timelapse video in this format. If you want the most freedom to create a high-resolution timelapse, this is the best option to go with. RAW image files are more detailed than JPG files, making color grading and correction much simpler. You will require both photo editing software and video editing software in order to make a timelapse from RAW image files.
3. Understand the 4 Different Gimbal Modes
You can choose the best gimbal mode for your needs by thoroughly understanding each of the 4 available options.
Using the right button on the DJI Mini Control Stick that comes with the DJI Pocket 2 is the most convenient way to change between the various gimbal modes.
Here are the 4 different shooting modes and what they work best for:
Tilt Lock
Only the Pan axis (X-axis) is free to follow in Tilt Lock mode; the Y-axis is locked, and the roll axis stays level.
For instance, the camera will continue to face forward if you tilt the device left, right, or up, down. This is a good mode to use for shooting forward or backward movement or if you want to shoot in “Flashlight mode”.
FPV
All three axes (pan, tilt, and roll) are free to move in the FPV mode and will do so in lockstep with the camera’s movement. As an illustration, if you pan and roll the camera from left to right, the camera will do the same.
Action shots should be taken in this mode when there is less stability and the camera position is constantly changing.
Follow
With the ActiveTrack feature, this mode is excellent in the majority of situations. The roll axis remains level while the pan and tilt axes are free to move around.
Complete Camera Lock
By holding down the right button on the DJI Pocket 2 Mini Control Stick, you can completely lock the camera.
When the camera is locked completely, it won’t follow the handle’s movements and will stay pointed in the direction you had it pointed when Complete Camera Lock was enabled.
If I’m straight-in panning and want to keep the camera fixed in the same position, I like to use this mode.
Note: to release the complete camera lock mode just press the right button on the Once more, Mini Control Stick.
4. Use Pro Mode Even If You’re Not a “Pro”
You can access crucial settings like exposure, white balance, and autofocus much more quickly by turning on Pro Mode. So it’s wise to enable Pro Mode so you can access these other settings even if you don’t intend to shoot entirely manually.
Sliding down on the menu will activate Pro Mode. Next, swipe the menu to the right. To activate Pro Mode, click the Pro button.
5. to Get the Best Quality, Don’t Use Battery Saver Mode
The camera shoots at a lower bit rate when you use battery saver mode as opposed to high-quality mode.
After testing, I discovered that the bit rate in High-Quality Mode was around 100 Mbps as opposed to an amount of 80 Mbps in Battery Saver Mode.
If you’re only producing informal content, this won’t be a big deal. However, it’s preferable to use High-Quality Mode if you’re making a video for professional use or want to color grade and correct your footage in post.
If you’re just shooting casual content, this won’t be a big deal. However, it’s preferable to use High-Quality Mode if you’re producing video for business purposes or wish to color grade and correct your footage in post.
6. Choose the Right Follow Speed for What You’re Filming
Fast Follow and Slow Follow are the two different follow speeds offered by the camera. If your subject is moving quickly, Fast Follow is the better option; if you want more cinematic movements, choose Slow Follow.
Swipe up on the screen to access the menu and adjust the follow speed of the camera. The icon in the bottom left is for adjusting follow speed.
7. to Get the Best Quality Photos, Shoot in 64 Megapixel Resolution
In reality, there are two different photo resolutions from which to select when shooting in either JPEG or RAW format. The two resolutions are High-Pixel (16 megapixels) and Ultra High-Pixel (64 megapixels).
Use the Ultra High-Pixel 64 megapixel setting for the clearest, most detailed images possible. Shooting in RAW format will also give you more editing control over the image file if you intend to edit your photos in photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop.
In order to switch between photo resolutions, first make sure that photo mode is selected. Next, swipe downward on the screen. The fourth choice from the left is for the photo resolution.
Once more, make sure you’re in photo mode before switching between JPEG and RAW format. Once the settings have appeared, tap the Pro button in the top left corner. You’ll find the picture format selection setting on the first setting page, in the bottom left-hand corner.
8. You Can Charge and Use the Camera at the Same Time
The DJI Pocket 2 has the advantage of simultaneously allowing you to use the camera and charge it using a USB C cable.
This enables you to use an external battery pack to extend the battery life while shooting because the battery life isn’t the best and it doesn’t have interchangeable batteries.
9. Use D-Cinelike Color Profile for Increased Dynamic Range
Use the D-Cinelike color profile if you intend to color correct and grade your footage. Since D-Cinelike is a flatter picture profile, you’ll have more dynamic range and editing options for the video in post-production.
Here is a frame from my short cinematic film that will demonstrate how the D-Cinelike footage appeared both before and after color grading and correction.
Make sure Pro Mode is turned on before changing your color profile. Tap the Pro button in the top left corner of Video Mode to access the settings. The color profile settings can be found in the bottom left corner. To switch between D-Cinelike and Normal, tap this setting.
10. Turn the Camera on Its Side for Vertical Mode
Turning the camera on its side will allow you to capture vertical videos in portrait orientation for social media.
You May Also Like: DJI Mini 2 Reviews
FAQs
How is DJI Pocket 2 Battery Life?
Up to 140 minutes can be gotten out of the DJI Pocket 2’s battery.
How Long Does It Take to Charge DJI Pocket 2?
Under ideal testing conditions, the battery life can last up to 140 minutes. A full charge requires 73 minutes at 7.7 V
What Devices Can Be Connected to DJI Pocket 2?
Smartphones can be linked to the DJI Pocket 2 using a Lightning or USB-C smartphone adapter, the Do-It-All Handle, the Osmo Pocket Wireless Module, and other methods.
Is DJI Pocket 2 Waterproof?
The DJI Pocket 2 is not waterproof, but you can purchase a DJI Pocket 2 Waterproof Case to use the gadget at depths of up to 60 m! If you enjoy water sports or are a vlogger who doesn’t mind riding a few waves, this is an excellent accessory to use to help you get stunning footage.
Conclusion
Overall, the DJI Pocket 2 is a worthwhile purchase. It’s small in size, gimbal-stabilized, and has amazing video features. However, what “worth it” means to you will depend on what you’re looking to do with the camera.
We genuinely believe it’s worth the extra money, even though the Do-It-All handle is an accessory that must be purchased separately. It works well, makes it simple to use your smartphone for monitoring, reviewing, and downloading footage while you’re on the go, and lets you use Pocket as a tool for live streams—something that will only become more typical as major in-person events are put on hold.
Read Next: DJI Mini SE Review