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My Two-Year Journey with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3: A Compact Powerhouse for Everyday Vlogging

As someone who’s been using the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for nearly two years, I figured it’s high time to share my real-world insights. If you’ve been anywhere near tech reviews or vlogging communities, you’ve probably seen this little gem touted everywhere—and for good reason. It’s incredibly small, highly portable, and packs a surprising punch in terms of capabilities. My partner, Jack, picked it up for me right before a trip a couple of years ago. For him, the big draw was the ability to shoot in 10-bit DLOG, which offers tons of flexibility during color grading. We were upgrading from the Sony ZV1, my previous go-to tiny vlog camera, and this felt like a natural step up. For me, though, the appeal was simpler: its ease of use and compact size made it a no-brainer for on-the-go filming.

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Who Is the Osmo Pocket 3 For?

This camera isn’t for everyone, but it shines in specific scenarios. First off, it’s a dream for shy vloggers. Its diminutive size means it’s discreet—you’re not waving around a massive rig that draws stares or feels intrusive in public. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive, perfect for capturing moments without feeling like you’re shoving a camera in people’s faces.

It’s also ideal for beginner vloggers dipping their toes into filmmaking. If you’re intimidated by full camera systems with interchangeable lenses and complex setups, the Osmo Pocket 3 keeps things straightforward. It lets you practice essential skills like filming, editing, and color grading without overwhelming you. No need for a bag full of gear; it’s all in one tiny package.

Finally, for travel vloggers or anyone constantly on the move, portability is king. Toss it in your purse or pocket, and you’re ready to roll—no extra lenses, no dedicated camera bag required. If convenience and mobility are your priorities, this camera delivers in spades.

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My Go-To Settings and Pro Tips

Over time, I’ve dialed in settings that work best for my style, which leans toward natural, effortless vlogs. I stick to the regular video mode at 4K resolution and 24 frames per second for that cinematic feel. Color-wise, I opt for 10-bit DLOG M to give Jack more room to play in post-production.

Exposure stays on auto—it’s just simpler with this camera, especially when conditions change quickly. But white balance? That’s where I go manual. I usually set it to daylight or 5600K since most of my shooting happens with natural light. Auto white balance can fluctuate wildly, making color correction a nightmare later. If you’re indoors under warm artificial lights with no natural light spilling in, switch it up—trust me, I’ve forgotten and regretted it more times than I can count. Those mixed lighting scenarios end up looking off, and while you can tweak in editing, it’s never ideal.

Low-light performance isn’t this camera’s strong suit, either. Shots can get noisy or washed out, but the dedicated low-light night mode helps if you’re filming after dark. I’ve used it a few times, and it’s worth toggling on for better results.

One cool feature is the seamless switch to vertical mode, perfect for social media snippets. Even if you’re shooting horizontally, you can rotate the frame, hit “continue,” and it’s vertical in seconds. Flip back just as easily—great for creators juggling formats without missing a beat.

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Accessories Worth Considering

The Osmo Pocket 3 has a few add-ons available, like ND filters for bright outdoor shooting or wide-angle lens attachments for broader views. I haven’t tried them myself, so I can’t vouch personally, but the ND filter seems handy for controlling exposure in sunny conditions.

The one accessory I do recommend wholeheartedly is the DJI Mic. It pairs wirelessly with the camera in a flash, and the audio quality upgrade is noticeable, especially for talk-heavy videos. Indoors without it isn’t terrible, but outdoors or in noisy environments? The built-in mic struggles. A quick comparison: with the mic, voices are crisp and clear; without, they can get muddy or drowned out.

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Behind-the-Scenes: How I Use It in Real Life

To give you a sense of its practicality, let’s walk through some everyday scenarios. All behind-the-scenes footage here was captured on a Sony A7S3 by Jack, while the vlog clips came straight from the Osmo Pocket 3.

In the car—where I often film longer talking segments for their quiet privacy—the wide-angle lens shines. It captures plenty of space without feeling cramped, and the built-in stabilization keeps things smooth even while driving. Need B-roll of the road? It’s bump-free and effortless.

Quick controls make it intuitive: Double-click the joystick to center the frame. Triple-click to flip to selfie mode (and back). For zooming, nudge the joystick—it’s limited but useful in a pinch.

Face tracking is another standout; set it once, and the gimbal follows your movements, ideal for walk-and-talk shots. But for static scenes, like framing a meal, I disable it with a single button press and adjust manually using the toggle.

At a spot like Kakao (a favorite eatery), I grabbed walking shots, eating B-roll, and even top-down food views by tilting the gimbal to 90 degrees. You can even make it spin for dynamic effects if that’s your vibe. We rushed to catch a sunset afterward, highlighting how grab-and-go this camera really is.

Putting it all together in a sample vlog: “We’re just heading to Kakao for dinner and maybe a spot to eat while watching surfers—didn’t get much sun today.” Cue music, shots of waves, bites of food, and casual commentary. It’s simple, but the results look polished thanks to the camera’s stability and quality.

Wrapping It Up: Is It Worth It?

I love creating content like this because it feels helpful, even if I’m no expert filmmaker. It’s that sweet spot—entry-level enough for newcomers but insightful for those starting out. If you have questions, drop them in the comments; I’ll do my best to answer.

Overall, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 has been a reliable companion for casual vlogging. It’s not perfect in low light, and it won’t replace a pro setup, but for portability, ease, and quality in a pocket-sized form? It’s hard to beat. If you’re a shy beginner or frequent traveler, give it a shot—you might just find it indispensable. Thanks for reading; catch you in the next one!

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