Are you looking for a DJI Pocket 2 or DJI Osmo Pocket alternative? You are in the right place. Let's discover which is the best gimbal camera for travelers, bloggers, and YouTubers.
Both the DJI Osmo Pocket and the DJI Pocket 2 are very cool cameras; however, some travelers and bloggers consider it overpriced.I've compared the best DJI Pocket 2 and DJI Osmo Pocket alternatives on the market in this buyer guide. I mainly focused on cameras that are cheaper than DJI models but at the same time offer similar quality. Some of the cameras on this list even outperform DJI Pocket 2 and DJI Osmo Pocket with some more advanced functionalities.
At the end of the article, I also propose an excellent and cheap gimbal that you can use with your smartphone to make a perfect Osmo Pocket alternative for beginner bloggers and anyone who likes to shoot videos.
Steadicams are now firmly at the height of their popularity. Owners of these compact devices shoot stunning videos both in everyday life and when traveling. The main advantage of these cameras is a gimbal. The three-axis stabilizer provides flawless picture quality and eliminates the need to purchase additional accessories. There are a lot of manufacturers of such cameras on the market today. The constant competition between them led to the situation where we are faced with a difficult choice: Which camera is better? Does the most expensive camera mean the best? Which camera should I choose?
The answer to this question is easy to find if you understand your needs well. First, write down on a piece of paper what situations you want to use the camera in and what functionality is the most important for you.
As you read through the article, you will be able to choose the model that is right for you.
Today, I will compare the best devices that excel in quality, performance, and affordability, making a perfect DJI Osmo pocket alternative.
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First of all, let's have a closer look at DJI Osmo Pocket and DJI Pocket 2.
DJI Osmo Pocket vs DJI Pocket 2
DJI Osmo Pocket
The DJI Osmo Pocket is an earlier DJI invention. Its quality and performance has been already proven by thousands of satisfied users. It has received almost 3,000 of positive reviews on Amazon. The DJI Osmo Pocket is an ultra-compact camera that measures 121.9x36.9x28.6 mm and weighs only 116 grams. It features an equally tiny stabilizer that provides three-axis image stabilization.
The camera is based on a 12MP 1/2.3" sensor and 80° optics with an f/2.0 aperture.
It can record 4K video at 60 fps, and the camera's built-in battery lasts for 140 minutes of shooting. It takes 73 minutes to charge it from 0% to 100%.
You can connect the camera to an iPhone or Android smartphone. The downside is that this can only be done through a wired USB-C or Lightning interface, and there are no wireless connection options.
In addition, owners of DJI Osmo Pocket can use a range of accessories such as a charging case, a selfie stick, a waterproof case, a 3.5mm adapter for connecting an external monitor, and a set of filters and mounts.
The Osmo Pocket fits in your hand and your jacket pocket, so it's easy to take with you anytime, anywhere.
Pros:
• Captures 4K videos at 60 fps
• Great battery life
• Touch screen and content preview
• Light weight and compact size
• Supports jpg and raw format
• User-friendly
• You can connect it to many accessories
• Good stabilization
• You can use it for night photography and video
• USB-C and Lightning connectors
Cons:
• Lack of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Not a very good microphone
• Expensive
Click here to check the current price of the DJI Osmo Pocket. #ad
DJI Pocket 2
DJI Pocket 2 is the second generation of the DJI Osmo Pocket tri-axis camera. DJI has improved the first Osmo Pocket model and added several new features.
The DJI Pocket 2 boasts an improved sensor with effective pixels 64 MP versus the effective pixels of 12 MP of the previous model. The new camera also features a new lens FOV of 93° f/1.8, which is brighter than the DJI Osmo Pocket FOV of 80° f/2.0.
One of the main differences between the DJI Pocket 2 and the DJI Osmo Pocket is the ability to shoot HDR video.
This remarkable device has gained incredible popularity and has been nicknamed the "Best Camera for Bloggers."
Click here to view the current price of the DJI Pocket 2. #ad
Pros:
• This camera produces high-quality images
• DJI Matrix Stereo
• AI Editor
• Improved ActiveTrack 3.0
• Small size and weight
• Superior sensor
• High brightness
• Wide viewing angle
• The camera records video in 4K quality at 60 frames per second
• 4 built-in microphones
Cons:
• High price
• Weak autofocus when shooting in motion
• Accidental activation of the shift key
• It's hard to read the display in sunlight
Now, let's discover some of the best alternatives to DJI Osmo Pocket and Pocket 2.
The Best DJI Pocket 2 & DJI Osmo Pocket Alternatives:
1. DJI OM 4 OR a Combo That Includes DJI OM 4 + DJI Sling Pouch + Grip Tripod + Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone & Android
The DJI OM 4 is a fold stabilizer designed to complement your smartphone, allowing you to start recording right without any difficulty.
With its attractive, super conservative, and simple-to-use features, the OM 4 is the ultimate solution for sharing your reality.
DJI OM 4 COMBO has 80% of 5-star reviews on Amazon, while DJO OM 4 alone has received over 4,000 of positive reviews from customers.
Pros:
• With the help of Active Track 3.0, adults, children, and pets can be recognized easily with high accuracy, and through a joystick, you can also adjust your image alignment.
• The DJI OM 4 is a solid and inexpensive three-axis gimbal with excellent battery life.
• "Hitchcock Effect," a creative zoom shot that provides a Hollywood feel with minimal effort. Advanced programming and algorithms know what to do. All you have to do is tap and walk.
• If you want to be in multiple spots at the same time. The CloneMe feature provides an epic panorama from multiple images, paused so you can go to the next frame and strike the pose.
Cons:
• Some of DJI OM 4 most exciting features may not work on your phone. For Android and iOS apps, it offers inconsistent performance.
• Clamp with volume rockers on some phones doesn't play well.
• Battery can't be replaced or removed.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
For those who want to purchase a gimbal with a low budget and excellent battery life, DJI OM 4 is the right choice.
For those who want to put an external (wide angle) lens on, DJI OM 4 is not the perfect choice. Also, it is not compatible with iPhone 12 Pro Max. Keep in mind that ff the battery gets damaged, it cannot be removed or replaced.
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews about DJI OM 4 Combo. #ad
Click here to view DJI OM 4 Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer #ad
2. Xiaomi FIMI 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with 4K Smart Camera
Pros:
• FIMI PALM has a physical joystick to control.
• Video Resolution: 4KUHD: 3840*2160 30/25p.
• With the touch screen, it offers the ability to preview.
• 1000 mAh battery (up to 4 hours of operation).
• Without providing additional modules, it supports Bluetooth and wi-fi.
• Connector for a tripod (a quarter of an inch).
• For reducing noise, it provides an additional microphone.
• Due to its ergonomic body, it is easy to lay down and fix in hand.
Cons:
• No Lightning connector.
• No support for 4K 60 FPS.
• Not too good in the dark.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
If you like to shoot videos during traveling, then FIMI PALM camera is the right choice and a must-have for your trips. It has excellent battery life as well as an ergonomic body and additional modules.
If you like to shoot videos at night or in the dark, or at 4K 60 FPS, then FIMI palm is not the right choice.
Click here to view Xiaomi FIMI 3 Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with 4K Smart Camera #ad
3. Xiaomi FIMI Palm 2 Gimbal Camera - UPGRADED VERSION with 308 Mins Work Time, Noise-canceling MIC and Upgraded Sensor
Pros:
• A longer battery life. This camera is equipped with a 2600mAh battery, meaning that you can shoot videos for at least 308 minutes and even longer.
• Noise-canceling microphone is an excellent advantage if you shoot a video in noisy places and on the street.
• With the upgraded sensor, you can shoot better quality videos with clear and bright colors.
• 4K UHD Ultra Wide Angle Lens.
• You can connect your PALM 2 wirelessly to a smartphone via built-in WiFi.
• You can fully control the camera, preview videos, and even edit on the app.
• The gimbal is just perfect! It’s Micro 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal with the third-generation LOS stabilization algorithm that guarantees you will shoot professional-looking videos.
• If you want to shoot cinematic Timelapse Video, this camera will make it super easy for you.
• A Smart Tracking system automatically recognizes a face that means that it focuses very quickly.
• Built-in Story Mode helps you to select different built-in shooting modes. Shooting professional videos has never been so easy.
Cons:
I didn't find any. It's an amazing gimbal camera and especially for this price.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
FIMI is one of the best DJI Osmo pocket alternatives. It performs as well as DJI pocket and at a fraction of DJI pocket cost.
It’s an amazing device that you can use for up to 5 hours on a single charge. If you choose it as your travel camera, you won’t be disappointed as you can basically use it for the whole day of shooting. In case you need to shoot for a longer time, just take with you a power bank, as you can charge this camera with a USB cable.
Apart from timelapse, it also does fantastic panoramic photos and hyperlapse.
If you like to take selfies, FIMI Palm 2 will be your best friend. Just press the button that rotates the camera 180°, so you can easily switch to the selfie format.
FIMI Palm 2 has an audio jack, so you can connect an external microphone or tripod if you want. The camera also has Wi-Fi support, so you can immediately watch the video you made on your smartphone.
In addition, this camera can also store photos in RAW format so that you can edit your photos with professional software later.
All in all, this is a genius camera for travelers as well as bloggers and YouTubers.
I think for the price, it's an excellent buy that will please you in your travels and your blogging work. Don't wait, grab it now.
4. Removu K1
Removu K1 has almost the same features as the Osmo Plus and even has high frame rate recording. The K1 shoots at 4K UHD at 30fps but can shoot up to 120 fps in Full HD and 240fps in 720p. Removu K1 has a rating of 3.7 on Amazon.
Pros:
• Removu K1 has simple UI and built in 1.5" screen.
• No external monitor needed for Removu K1
• 2-4 hour battery life
• You can record upto 4 hour (1080P) recording on a single card
• Support iOS app for control of gimbal remotely
Cons:
• Wi-fi range is very limited 30-40' max.
• Not a touch screen.
• Digital zooming of Removu K1 significantly reduces IQ.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
Removu K1 is the right choice for casual vloggers and those who don't understand complex UI as it has a simple and straightforward UI.
It is also the right choice for those who want to use a gimbal remotely.
It is not suitable for commercial use or anything where getting shots/clips in one take is a priority. It is also not a good choice for wi-fi users as it has a very limited range of 30-40' max.
Click here to check the price and to read more reviews about Removu K1. #ad
5. FeiyuTech Summon+
Pros:
• The Summon+ improved its wi-fi stability to allow for a more steady connection.
• The Summon+ brings in an additional microphone to ensure dynamic, detailed, and distinctive audio.
• The Summon+ has a bright LED light on its front, which provides sufficient light for filming in the dark.
• It provides unlimited intelligent controls through FY Cam App.
• You can record any surprising moments immediately by using a fast responsive shutter button.
Cons:
• Battery is not too good; also it is difficult to find a replacement.
• You cannot take Summon+ underwater, and you cannot take it out in the rain.
• It is not the cheapest action camera.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
Summon+ is an ideal choice for those who film at night as it has a LED light on its front.
You can record surprising moments and control the recording through the FY Cam App. Also, it provides wi-fi stability features. So Summon+ is a good choice for those who want the features mentioned above.
Summon+ is not the best choice for those who are used to longer battery life. Summon+ is not cheap, and you cannot use it underwater or in the rain.
6. Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer with Grip Tripod
Zhiyun Smooth 4 is the cheapest DJI Osmo Pocket alternative on my list.
Pros:
• Smooth 4 is designed with a trigger button on its backslider on its control panel.
• If you want to take close-up shots, you can zoom in or out by pressing the FN switch button.
• Smooth 4 can respond to every movement without delay and any difficulty. With this gimbal, you should not worry about losing any shots.
• Smooth 4 can track objects easily, not limited to human faces, with much higher precision. It produces smooth photos and also tracks objects.
• Smooth 4 can run consecutively for 12 hours smoothly. It has two-way charging for a longer time.
Cons:
• It is less ergonomic due to its flatter shape.
• It's not simple to use it immediately after you purchased it as you must watch tutorials and read the user manual.
• Smooth 4 is incompatible with iPhone XS Max and is unable to balance it.
• Android phone users are not too happy with this gimbal as most of them do not fit in it.
Who should buy it and who should avoid it?
Who is this gimbal good for? Anyone who wants to use their phone to make smooth movies. For making professional-looking videos or if you're going to consolidate your videos while filming family moments, this gimbal is the right choice.
With its extremely affordable price, it performs as good as the more expensive models, and it will help you master your pro-video filming skills.
Who is this gimbal not good for? Anyone with an iPhone XS Max. Due to its flatter shape, it is less ergonomic. Many android phones with large screens do not fit in this gimbal.
Click here to check the price of Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. #ad