The new compact steadicam closely competes with the Pocket 3 but enhances almost every aspect of it. DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4, unlike previous models, wasn’t launched in the US, a trend following some DJI drones missing this market too. For buyers in the US, there’s minimal difference from the Pocket 3 barring some improvements. Yet, for other regions, the Pocket 4 offers enhancements from camera sensor to controls, presenting a notable progression from the previous generation.
Side-by-side with 2023’s Pocket 3, differences are subtle. The Pocket 4 is slightly larger and heavier but retains similar features like a rotatable screen, a control stick, and a record button. New to this model are two buttons under the screen, offering zoom control shortcuts and custom actions, though options are somewhat limited.
Camera upgrades include enhanced sensor dynamic range, slow motion, low-light performance, and built-in film simulations. Battery life and internal storage have seen significant improvements, making the Pocket 4 a more capable and user-friendly device, though visually similar to its predecessor.
The sensor, still a 1-inch type like before, now offers a higher resolution—37 megapixels compared to the previous 9.4. Video remains 4K, but the extra pixels support 4x zoom without losing resolution, unlike the Pocket 3’s 2x capability. However, portrait recording reduces resolution to 3K.
With increased stops of dynamic range and improved low-light performance, video quality excels in various lighting. Even in dim conditions, the Pocket 4 performs well, retaining usable video quality.
While stabilization improvements are minor, the Pocket 4 maintains excellent performance with effective subject tracking. It’s suitable for vlogging but less so for action shots, with shaky footage during brisk movement.
Slow motion allows 4K recording at 240fps, double the previous model’s capability, although only in landscape mode. While slo-mo results in slight quality drops, the output remains comparable to regular shooting.
Film simulations add shooting flexibility, and the Creator Combo bundle enhances versatility with tripod and microphone attachments. The internal microphones are adequate, though wireless options offer superior audio quality.
Introducing internal storage with 107GB, the Pocket 4 reduces the necessity for microSD cards. After significant use, it still retains ample storage and battery, with DJI indicating 240 minutes of 1080p recording possible on a single charge.
Though not yet available in the US, the Pocket 4 offers three bundles in other regions. The Essential Combo, Standard Combo, and Creator Combo range in accessories from basic to advanced.
Though mainly evolutionary, the Pocket 4 sees upgrades across the board, affirming its position as the best yet. Existing Pocket 3 users outside the US aren’t missing groundbreaking features, but new buyers or those with older models will find a solid option in the Pocket 4.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge