When it comes to DJI, the company is usually known for drones and accessories for professional filming. But they haven't forgotten about their more casual customers, which is why last October they released the DJI Pocket 2 - a mini camera that's made for travellers.
Unlike professional gimbals that require some skill to use, anyone can use the DJI Pocket 2 to easily record stable videos. All you need to do is press the record button, without needing to adjust the settings! But is this the best camera for casual users? Read on for our DJI Pocket 2 review.
The DJI Pocket 2 isn't that much different from its predecessor, though it does have an unusual shape. Unlike most digital cameras with the width of a credit card, the DJI Pocket 2 is small and long, so you can easily slip it into your pocket. Despite the size, DJI managed to pack batteries, buttons, a small LCD, and three motorised axes to stabilise the camera.
The display is small but good enough to navigate the settings
Looks like Wall-E lol
Here's how the gimbal looks like
The DJI Pocket 2 only has three buttons - the switch, a picture/video mode selector, and a shutter button for taking pictures or recording videos. There is also a tiny touchscreen to check your pictures or videos. It can be hard to see but should be good enough to control and frame your recordings. Of course, you can also sync the device with your smartphone via the DJI Mimo app for a better and larger view.
Like most DJI products, you can use your phone's display as a viewfinder and gain better control over the gimbal's movement. Connectors for USB-C and Lightning are included in the box, so Android or iPhone devices are supported. Moreover, the camera also has four microphones to record audio, though the quality isn't that good.
These small holes are the microphones
You can connect the DJI Pocket 2 to a smartphone
As you can see from our hands-on photos, you may be wondering how such a small device can stabilise your videos. Suffice to say, we were quite impressed because we ran with it while recording and videos remain relatively stable. Usually, this feature is found on professional gimbals, but this cute camera has it too.
One of our writers even tried using it while skating and was impressed by the stabilisation. In that case, you probably won't have any issue using it when riding a bicycle, running, or walking around doing your vlogs. This is definitely a convenient device for frequent travellers who like making videos along the way.
DJI Pocket 2 video test
In terms of video quality, the DJI Pocket 2 can record up to 4K resolution in 60FPS. Moreover, it has a digital zoom of up to 4x that would still be stabilised when recording. However, the quality would have a slight drop when it's zoomed in. If you like recording slow-motion footages, you can also change the recording mode via the device up to 240FPS. That said, it doesn't record any audio in 240FPS.
Even though the DJI Pocket 2 has a small CMOS sensor (1/1.7 inches only), its autofocus system can track fast-moving subjects. In a low light environment, the images won't be too grainy as long as there is enough lighting. The aperture is F/1.8, which is pretty big for a small device. For the record, it can also capture in RAW format for more flexibility in photo editing. Check out our photos below!
Not a bad shot
People can easily mistake for a photo taken from a phone
The dynamic is strong but once the backlight is there, most things turn dark
Colour contrast is acceptable
Indoor shot
Not complete without a food photo!
As long as there is sufficient lighting, the photo quality is fine
One rather intriguing feature is the panoramic mode. Usually, you would need to move with the camera or phone for a panoramic shot. But with the DJI Pocket 2, you just need to stand in place while the device swivels by itself to get the picture.
The battery life is also quite good. If you record in 1080p for an hour, the battery drains by about 50%. But if you turn on the gimbal motion, then you'll only be able to record around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Having said that, we are pretty sure it can last you the whole day if you record several short clips.
So far so good, right? However, there's one problem that we have to point out - it gets hot quickly. Even if you're recording for just 5 minutes, the device starts to get a bit warm, which could affect the battery's durability in the long run. Although it doesn't prevent you from recording, do keep an eye out for possible overheating.
Would you get this for RM1549?
Overall, the DJI DJI Pocket 2 is a highly robust camera device with gimbals for casual users. At the price of RM1549, we think it's reasonable because of its capability of recording 4K footages, good stability, and high portability. Despite the heat issue, some of our friends who are videographers are quite impressed with the product.
Tech specs and features
- Stabilization of 3 axes for motions to the side, tilting and rotating
- CMOS camera sensor (1/1.7 inches with 64MP resolution)
- Aperture F/1.8 with 20mm focal distance, vision angle 93°
- Video recordings up to 4K (3840×2160) 60FPS
- Photographic support 16MP or 64MP
- Measures 124.7 × 38.1 × 30 mm, weighs 117g
- 875mAh Battery
- Supports Mimo DJI apps for control from smartphones
Pros: Stable video records, resolution up to 4K 60fps, affordable price
Cons: Gets hot fast
Conclusion: Suitable for those who want to record high-quality videos on-the-go without much learning curve
So what do you think of the DJI Pocket 2? Keen on getting one? Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more tech gadget reviews at TechNave.com.
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