It's a hard case that works a LOT better than the OEM case in protecting the gimbal of the camera.
It protects more than just the gimbal, though. It also protects the display screen (keeps it from rotating and protects it from scratches/impacts).
I've been using it for close to a year, traveling locally and internationally with it.
I decided to buy it because there were times when I was traveling with the camera, using the OEM case, I'd open the camera bag and find that the gimbal had been pushed out of it's storage position. When it's out of it's storage position, the camera lense can be scratched.
It absolutely locks down the camera's essential moving parts and protects the glass parts.
I received the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on Thursday (3/21). Initial thoughts are below.
I was surprised at the small size of the box! The camera is also smaller than I expected.
The camera's battery had a a 45% charge, so I got to immediately activate it, which was pretty easy - I hear it's easier to set up if you've an iPhone or iPad.
Now, since I'd not been able to purchase Amazon's insurance (the transaction borked but the transaction for the Pocket 3 went through), and the DJI activation process was asking me if I wanted to purchase DJI Care Refresh (which is a protection program), I bought 2 years of that, which is $55. Now I don't have to worry about the camera being damaged. Note that although the unit is covered by insurance, to replace the camera, the owenr would still need to pay $35. As well, I get four replacement instances, if need be.
I was also worried about the battery eventually depleting, but that is covered by DJI Care Refresh, as well.
I bought a 30W charger a few days before I received the Pocket 3. It works well and the Pocket 3 Fast-charged to 100% in like 25 minutes. As much as this camera costs, you'd think they'd include a charger -- maybe they think that folks will already have chargers (30W isn't really commonplace for chargers, though).
The camera easily mounts on a tripod, as it includes a tripod extension that attaches to the bottom of the camera. I've been using it with a desk tripod.
I recorded some test videos, using the camera as a standalone camera. I also recorded test footage using it as a webcam (using Photo Booth and QuickTime). I recorded 1080p footage and the results were astonishing.
I used the following video to get the camera's settings to a baseline state (for me):
I now have the camera configured to use 1440p/60fps as the default video resolution and speed. I recorded some test footage and the result is absolutely astounding! I was able to use face tracking and even used object tracking (I was presenting a firearm and had the camera track it while I handled it). I later posted that footage to YouTube, after editing it with DaVinci Resolve and rendering it (it took a bit for me to determine how to render it in 1440p - I had to render it a second time before I had it correctly configured).
I also have installed LightCut (which is editing software that is published by a company that DJI is partnered with) on both my Macbook Air and my iPhone. I will take a look at the MBA editor tomorrow to see if it'll be worthwhile in using. I do not care to use it on my iPhone, though - I can't imagine editing videos using a smartphone.
The camera isn't waterproof and it's gimbal is probably easily damaged, so my next purchase is probably going to be a case (there's nothing I can do about it not being waterproof, though).
The next following purchase will probably be the Mic 2 transmitter, although the test footage seems to indicate that the mics on the camera are adequate (for me). Or, maybe I should purchase the extra battery handle. Maybe I'll just flip a coin to determine which to get.
I have a lane at the range reserved tomorrow. For now, I'll keep using the GoPro but I might take the Pocket 3 and set it up on my left side on the range table, just to see what type of footage it'll capture.
I'll post updates on my experiences.
UPDATE (8/13/2024):
I've been using the OP3 to capture video footage for my YouTube channel and the captured footage is astounding in quality. What's really cool is that I can set it on my desk and then lock the focus on a particular object - if the object moves (for example, a dog), the camera lens follows. If I have something in my hands and I'm moving my hands around, the camera will follow. Even when using it as a desk camera, capturing my face, if I lock my head as a focus and move my head, the camera will shift slightly to ensure my head is center-frame.
The camera feels fragile but that's why I have DJI Care. I'm considering a 3rd party protective shell, as the gimbal sometimes moves when the OEM shell is mounted onto the camera.
The camera bag/case is too small, in my opinion. I'm looking for a bigger case.
I have used it once while taking a scenic walk around my neighborhood and was shocked at the resulting footage (was daylight with no clouds; in the spring). That's the only time I've used it outdoors but I think I should use it more when outside.
I posted here about trying to decide on a good vlogging camera.
I went ahead and purchased the Pocket 3. I bought the base kit, but I also purchased a 30W charger for this camera, as well as 2 years of Asurion insurance.
As I begin to use the camera, I'll purchase what I feel I'd need for me to collect my normal video footage. I don't necessarily need a desk tripod, as I already have two of them, plus an actual floor tripod. If I find I need extra battery life, I'll buy the battery pack. I may need extra things such as a travel case or BT microphone, but I'll buy those later.
I already have microSD cards, as well.
I've been trying to decide this for approximately 6-8 months. The Pocket 3 is just more versatile than everything I was already considering. GoPro doesn't have anything like it and there are things I hate about GoPro. The Insta cams just aren't on the same level as the Pocket 3, either. If I find I'm having issues, I can lean on the Asurion insurance like I did when I had trouble with the Akaso (I should've never even considered that camera).
I'll post my experiences with the Pocket 3 as I use it!
UPDATE (3/20/2024):I ordered the Pocket 3 on the 10th of March. It is now late night on the 20th of March. Amazon has been showing the past 10 days that it would be delivered between 19 and 21 March, with no other notification, which is odd. Only today did it say that it was shipped. I'm not sure if they (Amazon) got a large shipment of equipment from DJI, or, maybe the unit shipped from China to the DJI factory? Also, I'd wanted but couldn't afford the Creator kit. The difference between the Creator kit and the basic kit is $150, price-wise, but the Creator has like seven (7) extra accessories and the total price for those accessories when bought separately is approximately $327! I was going to return my basic kit and purchase the Creator kit but shipping is a long wait and I've heard it's gotten worse since I've ordered...folks are complaining of a 30 day wait through Best Buy, Amazon, and even DJI. This could be due to folks thinking that DJI will be banned from selling some hardware (drones). So, I guess I'll keep the basic kit and separately buy the more important pieces of hardware (Mic 2 transmitter, wide angle lens, and battery handle).
I want to purchase a vlogging camera but I've also being doint quite a bit of desktop recording (I've a Youtube channel and I upload those recordings).
By the way, Obsbot is pronounced "Obs Bot". There's some guy that published a Youtube review that called it "Oh Bee Ess Bot" throughout a 20 min review...it was annoying AF.
Neither of them are cheap and all three of them are Chinese brands. Of the two brands, DJI is the more well-known, by far.
The Obsbot cameras utilize AI (primarily for on-camera gesture commands, which they are generally good at executing).
The Pocket 3 has a 3-axis (pan/tilt/roll) gimbal. DJI also has a good ecosystem of accessories.
The Obsbot cameras have 2-axis gimbal cameras. The two cameras are not action cameras, although the Tail Air can be used outdoors. Both cameras can be controlled by remote contols, which is an extra cost for each - $50 for the Tiny 2's remote and $80 for the Tail Air's remote. Both cameras support resolution as high as 4K @ 30 FPS. Both use digital zoom (4X), but the Pocket 3 uses 10X digital zoom.
The Tail Air can be used in a standalone fashion, is portable and can be used wirelessly...it can be used in the woods or park or on a busy sidewalk. It can be used while being carried. It also has image stabilization. The Tail Air also has the option of USB-C to Ethernet connectivity. It has 2.5 hour battery time. I also asked a reviewer how long this camera takes to charge the battery after it's been depleted, and he said his experience has been approximately 90 minutes.
The Tiny 2, on the other hand, is pretty much dedicated for desktop use, as it is corded. I do not believe it has image stabilization (it's made for use on a desk).
The Tail Air will accept microSD cards and has a rechargeable battery. It also has several microphones built into it's casing, but can also be tethered to an external wired microphone. This camera can also be manipulated via smartphone app.
I've been asking questions on the Amazon product pages for all three cameras and of the two companies, only DJI has replied back.
I've been trying to get Obsbot to engage me but they have not answered on Amazon (for both Tiny 2 and Tail Air questions on each of the product pages) and on Reddit. That is concerning. If they are quiet now, they're going to be hard to reach if I have a problem or need to return an item or have it fixed. A workaround for that would be to purchase 3rd party insurance through Amazon (via Asurion).
Between the two Obsbot products, the Tail Air is almost $200 more than the Tiny 2. Does it offer $200 more in capability? Yes. Is it on par with the Osmo Pocket 3? I've seen two good reviews that demonstrate that it's not quite on par with the Pocket 3, and the Pocket 3 isn't much more than the Tail Air.
One thing that I'm concerned about with the Pocket 3 and the Tail Air is the battery life. Batteries have finite longevity. As they age, their charge retainment lessens. DJI has a battery replacement plan for the Pocket 3 (they charge you but it's not expensive to replace a worn battery). The Pocket 3 also can be tethered when the battery is worn to the point that it will no longer hold a charge. You can also use it while it's charging. The Tail Air, as far as I'm aware, does not have a battery replacement plan, which is bad, because that device is $500 and you lose some capability if the battery stops holding a charge or if the charge capacity lessens. If the battery stops charging, I'm assuming it can still be used as a corded device. I'm unaware if you can still use the device when it's charging but the assumption is, yes.
The one thing that the Pocket might be incapable of is using it as a streaming camera as a desktop/studio device.
I'm obviously leaning toward the Pocket 3, but I'm still conducting research.
UPDATE (3/10/2024): I was crafting this post at maybe 2 AM. It is now 8:25 PM (same day). I went ahead and purchased the Pocket 3. I bought the base kit, but I also purchased a 30W charger for this camera, as well as 2 years of Asurion insurance. As I begin to use the camera, I'll purchase what I feel I'd need for me to collect my normal video footage. I don't necessarily need a desk tripod, as I already have two of them, plus an actual floor tripod. If I find I need extra battery life, I'll buy the battery pack. I may need extra things such as a travel case or BT microphone, but I'll buy those later. I already have microSD cards, as well. I've been trying to decide this for approximately 6-8 months. The Pocket 3 is just more versatile than everything I was already considering. GoPro doesn't have anything like it and there are things I hate about GoPro. The Insta cams just aren't on the same level as the Pocket 3, either. If I find I'm having issues, I can lean on the Asurion insurance like I did when I had trouble with the Akaso (I should've never even considered that camera). I'll post my experiences with the Pocket 3 as I use it!
I bought an Akaso Brave 7 LE in December of 2021. I was trying to buy an action camera to replace my aging GoPro Hero 4 Silver. It came with a huge accessory pack with many clips and fittings. I bought an extra battery for it. It had some features that my Hero 4 didn't have. It's smartphone app was actually pretty nice. I could also use it as an web cam. It also had a tripod mount on the bottom of it. It's UI was nice. Also, it had two displays, one in front and one in back.
I ended up being somewhat disappointed with it because the video footage wasn't as crisp as my old ass Hero 4! Audio wasn't all that great, either. I stopped using it for a while.
Maybe a month ago, I began to use it again. I sorted out the video footage issue. The main issue was that when indoors, the captured video footage was grainy. When in somewhat dark settings, the grainy footage was even worse, but I found out that I the Brave has light settings that I can control manually. I tried the various settings and found that the footage was actually pretty decent!
Not long after, I was changing the battery and the battery door on the camera cracked. A day later, the cracked portion detached completely. This was devastating since the door couldn't close properly - the battery would move around in it's compartment.
Luckily, I'd bought a 3-year warranty with Asurion (I bought both through Amazon). I submitted a claim and they approved it. They wanted me to send the camera back to them. I sent them the camera (and the detached piece of battery compartment door). As soon as I sent it, they reimbursed me.
I've never had anything fail that I'd bought Asurion insurance for, until now. I'm very glad I bought it.
So, I took the funds they returned to me and, after some researching, bought a refurbished GoPro Hero 10 Black that comes with an extra battery. I bought it through Amazon. I bought 2 years of Asurion insurance for it. What's cool is that I can buy additional insurance on a refurbished product.
I'd looked at the Hero 11 and 12, but those were beyond my budget. I looked at the Mini but it has a non-removable battery (that's something I don't want). I also looked at the DJI Osmo Action 4 but that was even more expensive than the Hero 12 (it's competition).
I really just want a camera to replace my aged Hero 4. I can still use the Hero 4 but I can retire it from being my primary camera.
The Hero 10 won't be delivered until Dec 21, though, but I don't mind.
In the next year or two, I can get the either the Hero 12, the Action 4, or even the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (a great gimbal camera).
