The DJI Pocket 2 is the second version of the handheld compact camera that quickly became one of the favorite cameras for vloggers, travelers and videographers who want to capture that moment fast, easy and in a great quality. What made this camera revolutionary was that it has a built-in three-axis gimbal that offers exceptional video stabilization. This is my DJI Pocket 2 review, the ultimate compact camera that combines a camera with a gimbal at the same time.
The fact that the camera is so small gives one big pro and one con at the same time. It is super portable, you can bring it with you anywhere and you can start record footage or take photos at a glimpse of an eye, however the size of the sensor, even that it has 64MP creates a question if the footage can be that good. And by using this camera I realized that this con doesn’t exist, as the footage from this camera is simply not as expected…it is great!
The DJI Pocket 2 comes with a lot of frame rate options. It can record and playback video at up to 60 fps in 4k and FHD, and it has an added high-speed recording setting in FHD that can record 120 fps and 240 fps video for slow-motion playback. You also get the option to shoot in the usual DJI flat cinematic D-Cinelike profile which gives you a bigger room to color grade your footage and use a better dynamic range. It also has the option to shoot in pro mode where you can control the exposure settings manually. Pro controls are also fully accessible from the Pocket 2, so you can tinker with the shutter speed, EV, focus mode and ISO of 100 to 6400, even though the app when using with your smartphone via the connector makes for a better experience. And this is where the ND filters will get in handy on bright sunny days when you want to shoot with the 180 degrees shutter rules. Something also new in the pocket 2 is the ability to adjust the follow focus speed and pause recordings, making this even more of a creator’s one man team dream.
Compared to its predecessor it has a much larger 1/1.7-inch sensor, which makes the camera shoot better in low light and bigger sensors mean better performance. The 64MP sensor, bumped up from 12MP on the DJI Osmo Pocket.
The latest Pocket comes with a 93-degree field of view (FOV), versus the 80 degrees of the first pocket. Wider framing means more reliable vlogging and landscapes in footage.
In the DJI Pocket 2 you will find HDR video, a wider ISO range, improved audio capture, slow-motion capture at Full HD and plenty of different accessories to choose from. Keep in mind here that due to the size of the sensor you will see better results from the original pocket but not great, making me wonder and can’t wait to see what will happen in a future upgrade with a 1 inch sensor.
DJI introduces the Creator Combo, with an external wireless mic complete with windshield, an ultra-wide-angle lens, tripod legs, the Do-It-All Handle – which sports a mic-in jack for third-party audio options as well as a holster. Keep in mind here that the included wireless microphone has a mic jack, so you also get options for wireless audio.
The upgrades though didn’t stop here. It features a very nicely built object tracking system that gives you the ability to bring a whole team to your set capturing, and tracking you using ActiveTrack and autofocus while you move in the scene.
There are three main modes: Follow (camera remains horizontal), Tilt locked (up/down rotation disabled), and FPV mode (full range of movement). The differences aren’t immediately obvious, so I recommend you to take your time and do some practice work before you go out and capture that moments.
The non-removable battery of 875mAh in the DJI Pocket 2 is small. You can expect it to record for around two hours at Full HD and an hour at 4K and you can charge it while recording. Keep in mind here that if you record continuously for a long period of time in 4K it can get hot and eventually shut down.
The Pocket 2 takes a microSD card and if you are planning to shoot at full resolution, you probably should get a card with at least 128GB or 256GB which is supported. DJI suggests UHS-I speeds.
Even though the pocket 2 continues to be one of the best compact camera options in the market today, in my personal experience this is for videos. And with that being said it doesn’t mean that it will stop it from capturing good 16MP stills, however if you own a smartphone after 2020 I believe that the photos from the smartphone with the largest screen and the ease of use are a better option.
The audio from the Pocket 2 is as good as you need, with improved quality and remember that with the extension at the bottom if you want better audio you have the option to connect your wired or wireless microphone.
If you need a pocket vlogging camera, you want to upgrade from the original Osmo Pocket or you are a one person filming crew then the DJI Pocket 2 is the camera for you. It is still a camera I recommend for those who are starting a youtube channel and want an all in one solution on a budget, especially now with the addition of the microphone options you can have and the ActiveTrack. If you shoot a lot in low light or looking the best portable camera for stills then the pocket 2 might not be for you.
You can get the DJI Pocket 2 in two options. There’s a basic bundle, costing $349 / £339 / AU$599, which includes the Mini Control Stick and 1/4-inch tripod mount. Then there’s also a DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo, available for $499 / £469 / AU$799, which includes the basic bundle’s accessories plus a Do-It-All Handle, Micro Tripod, Wide-Angle Lens, Windscreen (dead cat/wind guard) and a Wireless Microphone.
