DJI has just launched the second generation of its popular handheld gimbal camera. While it looks very similar to the original DJI pocket it truly is a step up in everything that matters.
Hardware improvements
At a glance you would be hard pushed to differentiate them, however there is a new red ring around the lens, a newly positioned power button now sits on the side, and the bottom is removable.
The most substantial improvement DJI has made to the Pocket 2 is the enlargement of the sensor, going from a 1/2.3-inch to 1/1.7-inch. This larger sensor allows more light so it performs better in dim situations, as well as bringing more details from the highlights and shadows.
Pocket 2's lens has also improved, going from a 26mm equivalent to a 20mm equivalent and from f/2 to f/1.8. 20mm allows a wider field of view and the faster aperture allowing for more light capture and better depth-of-field.
It can now capture 16MP stills (up from 12MP) which also enables new zooming capabilities. While shooting at 1080p, you now have 4X lossless zoom and 8X zoom when shooting in high resolution mode which captures 64MP stills.
Aside from the camera sensor is a new DJI Matrix Stereo system which fixes one of the biggest complaints about the original DJI Osmo Pocket — the audio. It is equipped with a new four-microphone array that enables a big jump in audio quality which was evident in our testing.
With those four mics Pocket 2 has directional audio and Audio Zoom. Audio Zoom we saw with iPhone 11 Pro and now DJI is bringing its own version to Pocket 2. This directs the audio to focus more on subject being tracked and less on surrounding noise.
Since the bottom can be removed, it opens up a whole new world of mounting accessories. DJI has announced new Micro Tripod, Do-It-All Handle with a tripod base, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, speaker, 3.5mm audio jack, and wireless microphone receiver attachments to fit onto the bottom of the Pocket 2.
The new bottom-mounted accessories aside, DJI is also announcing several other new accessories including a sleek charging case, a wireless microphone set, a waterproof housing, a smaller control wheel, an extension rod, a wide-Engle lens, and a smartphone support system.
Software gets better
While there are quite a few hardware changes, there are also some software changes. The new Hybrid 2.0 Autofocus seemed to focus on moving subjects faster when we compared it side-by-side with our previous-gen Osmo Pocket.
HDR another new addition, and will be available after launch. DJI says that it will be coming in a future update, but as of yet, there is no timetable for that.
“Drop Aware” in the new DJI Pocket 2 takes protective measures such as turning the lens inward to prevent damage. I tested it by dropping it a couple feet and it did react quickly. It tells you on the screen it is being protected and you can resume operating by tapping the display.
Other updated features include “Fast Wake” quickly starting up the camera to get recording and the ability to pause a recording so you don't have to start a new take if you just have to stop for a moment.
Shooting on the DJI Pocket 2
When DJI released the original Osmo Pocket in November 2018 there wasn't anything quite like it. Nearly two years later, there still isn't. Instead of resting on its laurels or continuing to issue minor improvements over software, it is out with this whole new version.
DJI took everything that was amazing about the Osmo Pocket and improved the things that matter, video quality, audio quality, and performance.
Whilst these improvements may not alone be enough reason for your average user to upgrade their own Osmo Pocket to the Pocket 2, but for anyone who has been fence about picking one up, DJI made the decision for you.
I’ve been shooting and testing the new Pocket 2 for about 2 weeks and it has been a blast. It feels just like shooting on the original but our footage is even better. I’ve seen a difference with the autofocus and appreciate the slightly wider POV and faster aperture. It isn't a huge step forward in low light but it is for sure improved.
It is awesome to shoot handheld on the Pocket 2 but it is even cooler to attach it to the side of your iPhone/android device acting as a massive display.
The microphones were also a big step up. Not only am I excited by the updated Pocket 2 hardware but by the new rollout of accessories. This is so incredibly powerful and can transform itself based on how it is needed to be used. With or without your phone, with physical control or the on-screen controls, underwater housing or extension arm, headphone jack or speaker, default lens or wide-angle lens... the list goes on.
The camera is smarter, faster, and better in almost every way. My only gripe is that the on-screen controls can be a little hard to master (just me I think).
Pros
Larger sensor
Faster aperture
Higher resolution
New zoom capabilities
New accessories for the bottom of the modular body
Physical power button
Drop protection, pause, and fast start upgrades.
Incredible 4K 60FPS video
Very smooth gimbal shots
Major microphone upgrades
Tons of new accessories
Cons
With accessories, price goes up very fast
On-screen controls are fiddly
Where to buy
For €373 you get the DJI Pocket 2, the updated Mini Control Stick, and a tripod mount. Then for €511 you get the DJI Pocket 2, Mini Control Stick, tripod mount, wide-angle lens, wireless mic and windscreen, Do-It-All Handle, and a Micro Tripod.
Both new packages available direct from DJI
Prices correct at going to press, please check for current special offers/discounts.