GoKawiilI've filmed with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3 all over the world, including up in the frozen Arctic, so I was excited to test out the latest version, the Osmo Pocket 4. The camera doesn't make a lot of changes to what's already a superb vlogging setup, but there are some key upgrades, from better dynamic range to a suite of new filmic color profiles.
I've been using the camera for a few days, and I'm pleased with what I've seen so far. But before I get to the details, I must address the elephant in the room: It won't be officially on sale in the US when it launches. It's a murky situation; while DJI's drones have been banned for sale in the US, the company's other products are subject to FCC regulations that, at the very least, delay their launch.
DJI's Osmo Nano, for example, still isn't sold directly via DJI's online store, but you can pick it up in major retailers like Best Buy and B&H Photo. For the Pocket 4, DJI states it "will not be available in the US market as the application for authorization is still pending." The word "pending" suggests that the situation could change, but as of right now, it might be tough to get hold of for US shoppers. And, even if you do get your hands on one, service and support could prove tricky.
There are two new buttons beneath the display; a digital zoom button that crops in 2x and a custom function button you can program to enable a variety of settings. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
In the UK, the Pocket 4 will start at £445, and a Creator Combo (including an attachable fill light, wireless mic and battery handle) will set you back £549. For reference, those UK prices translate to $604 and $745, respectively.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4: What's new
Physically, you'd struggle to tell the difference between the new model and its predecessor. It's marginally bigger, but it maintains the 2-inch rotating LCD and the camera unit mounted on the gimbal above. The camera has the same 20mm field of view with the same f2 aperture. Beyond that, a lot has changed.
The camera still uses a 1-inch image sensor, but it's a new version that offers up to 14 stops of dynamic range for better results in high-contrast situations. Its resolution maxes out at 4K (like before), but it'll now shoot at up to 240 frames per second for silky smooth slow motion.
There's a variety of new color profiles built in, designed to help you get a cool-looking filmic tone for your clips without having to apply filters or presets in post-production -- just pick a tone and hit record. Or if you take your color grading more seriously, it'll shoot in 10-bit D-Log for greater flexibility than its predecessor offered.
A clip-on fill light is available as part of the Creator Combo. It could be handy for those times when you're trying to record a vlog in darkness. Perhaps when exploring a haunted house. Andrew Lanxon/CNET
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