DJI Pocket 2 Hands On – Larger Sensor, Wider Faster Lens, Better Audio

by Jakub HanOctober 20^th, 2020

DJI has just announced the successor to the DJI Osmo Pocket – the DJI Pocket 2. While retaining the same weight and dimensions, it now features a larger 1/1.7″ sensor and a wider 20mm f/1.8 lens. It offers a new zoom feature, upgraded autofocus, and an improved audio system with four microphones called DJI Matrix Stereo. Featuring a modular design with a removable base plate for attaching accessories, the DJI Pocket 2 is available for preordering now and will be shipping from October 31st on, starting at $349.

It has been almost two years now since DJI launched the original DJI Osmo Pocket – a miniature camera with 3-axis gimbal and 4K60 recording (check here for Nino’s hands-on review). Back then, DJI held a rather large launch event in NYC. Today, the Chinese camera manufacturer announces the new DJI Pocket 2 in accordance to the current situation, virtually. Let’s take a short look at the features and specs of the new DJI Pocket 2.

DJI Pocket 2 – Larger Sensor, Zoom Mode, Better AF

So, what is new apart from dropping “Osmo” from the name? First of all, the new DJI Pocket 2 now has a larger 1/1.7″ image sensor with 16MP resolution (the Osmo Pocket has a 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor). There also is a high-resolution mode that can capture 64MP images. The lens is now wider with 20mm (full-frame focal length equivalent) and an aperture of f/1.8.

The maximum video resolution and frame rate has remained the same – at up to 4K (UHD) 60fps with 100Mbps bitrate. Additionally, HDR video recording has been added. The DJI Pocket 2 also offers up to 8x zoom using the 64-megapixel mode or 4x lossless zoom in 1080p or 16-megapixel mode.

According to DJI, the autofocus has been re-developed and uses a Hybrid 2.0 AF blend of phase and contrast detection to increase its speed and accuracy. The weight of the DJI Pocket 2 is 117g, which is on par with the original Osmo Pocket. It offers up to 140 minutes of battery life.

Improved Audio

DJI states they have completely reworked the audio capture with the new DJI Pocket 2. The so-called DJI Matrix Stereo system consists of four microphones, strategically placed clear of a hand holding the camera. DJI says that Directional Audio enhances sound recording from certain microphones to pick up as much detail as possible.

SoundTrack adjusts the audio, based on where the camera is facing, while Audio Zoom narrows the sound field when zooming the camera in. To further filter out unwanted background sounds, an optional wind noise reduction helps keeping the audio clean in outdoor settings.

Intelligent Features

The DJI Pocket 2 includes new upgrades like Fast Wake to power the camera on instantly, Drop Aware to take preventative measures (not further specified) when it senses the gimbal falling, and Pause Recording to quickly pause video recording during operation. Intelligent pre-programmed modes include:

• Pro Mode: Manual control of camera settings such as ISO, shutter speed, EV, and focus mode
• ActiveTrack 3.0: Select a subject and let DJI Pocket 2 keep it in the frame automatically
• Slow Motion: Capture slow motion with maximum speed and resolution of 8x (240fps) at 1080p
• Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Motionlapse: Hyperlapse automatically integrates Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for added smoothness. Users have the ability to save individual images separately, record in RAW format, and use ActiveTrack 3.0
• Panoramas: 180° Pano captures four photos for landscape images, 3×3 Pano merges nine images for a wide and detailed view
• Livestreaming: Livestream directly to Facebook, YouTube, or RTMP
• Story Mode: Mode for quickly creating and sharing to social media with preset camera movements, color profiles, music, and templates

Accessories and DJI Mimo App

DJI launches a wide variety of accessories, like a sleek charging case, wireless microphone set, waterproof housing, a smaller control wheel, extension rod, a wide-angle lens, a wireless module, and a smartphone support system.

The new modular design lets users remove the bottom portion of the handle and attach several accessories, including a base to attach the Micro Tripod, a Wi-Fi module to connect to the smartphone remotely, and a Do-It-All Handle with a tripod base, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, speaker, 3.5mm audio jack, and wireless microphone receiver.

The Do-It-All handle makes the device a bit larger (and actually more comfortable to hold) and it adds a speaker, and 3.5mm headphone jack. It also includes a receiver for a wireless audio recorder (which also comes in the Creator Combo). It looks like DJI really focused on audio capture with the new Pocket.

Just like the original DJI Osmo Pocket, the new Pocket 2 also utilizes the DJI Mimo app (iOS, Android) with many useful features like Batch Select that enables you to select, delete, or download multiple items at once. A built-in editing tool makes adjusting images and videos simple and ready to share on social media instantly. The new AI Editor automatically previews the footage, selects the highlights, and creates a short video.

Price and Availability

We have gotten used to DJI products being available in stores very early after launch. This time it is not any different. The DJI Pocket 2 is available for preordering now and will be shipped from October 31st 2020 on. There are two options to purchase the camera, while DJI Care Refresh is also available for the new Pocket 2.

For $349 (€360-389 incl. VAT) you can get the DJI Pocket 2 with the Mini Control Stick and tripod mount (1/4”). For $499 (€497-529 incl. VAT) there is the DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo that additionally includes a Wide-Angle Lens, Wireless Microphone + Windscreen, Do-It-All Handle, and Micro Tripod.

What do you think about the new DJI Pocket 2? Do you have experience with the original DJI Osmo Pocket? Let us know in the comment section underneath the article.