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In the world of content creation, video is king. There's nothing that can beat it in terms of efficiency, engagement, and overall impact.
This is why the recent development in video gear is such a huge deal. From drones, 3-axis gimbals, and wide-angle lenses, the things that only professionals had access to is now in the hands of the masses. Aside from becoming more affordable, they've also become a lot less cumbersome to bring around.
Part of this movement is the DJI Osmo Pocket - a pocketable handheld gimbal + wide-angle camera contraption. Now, we all know that DJI is a leader when it comes to drones but, can it handle competition in the stabilized handheld camera segment where the Go Pro Hero 7 currently reigns supreme?
Form-factor
Judging by the name itself, the pocketability of this device is one of its key features. It's basically a tiny selfie-stick handle with a built-in camera at the other end. It's incredibly small and can fit inside the pocket of the typical jeans. It’s definitely a good fit for shirt pockets as well.
There's also a carrying sheath that comes in the box when you buy it that protects the camera lens from scratches and the camera from getting snapped off in your pocket or bag.
With this form-factor, you wouldn't have to bring a special bag. It's a truly pocketable piece of camera hardware that produces professional quality content.
Camera
While ordinary 3-axis gimbals used to need third-party cameras such as smartphones or DSLRs, the Osmo Pocket comes with its own. It borrows the same camera system from the bestselling Mavic Air which, in itself, is a great video camera.
Powerful Sensor
It has a 12-megapixel, 1/2.3" CMOS sensor that's capable of shooting 4K at 60FPS. It's non-removable or replaceable though so what you have initially is all you're ever going to get. It's plenty powerful, though. So, the lack of upgradeability shouldn't be a problem.
It's basically the same camera that's on the already well-loved DJI Mavic Air on the end of a tech-laden selfie stick. So, for active videography, you're basically assured of a great shot.
Class-Leading 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization
DJI's drones have been touted by a lot of the most relevant content creators as their go-to drones. They're inexpensive by industry standards but they don't sacrifice quality in any way.
Their 3-axis gimbal technology is part of this. While drone shots are inherently stable, the 3-axis gimbal makes it take even more pleasing moving footage. It's a huge improvement next to EIS because it doesn't need to crop parts of the frame just to get a stabilized video.
The gimbal system used in the pocket is one of the smallest in the market which is an engineering feat on its own.
User Experience
Everything about the Osmo Pocket that has vlogger written all over it. From the screen and mic placement to the tracking capabilities, both software and hardware seem to suggest that the device was designed to capture active self-footage.
Hardware
The backwards-facing 1-inch screen makes it easy to make sure that you're in the frame the whole time you're talking. That's something that not a lot of active cameras can't boast.
With an added touch functionality, these are extremely useful at manually adjusting focus as well. So, whether you're capture something in front of you or just capturing footage of yourself, the screen remains useful.
The screen can even be supplemented by attaching either a lightning or USB-C adapter through a swappable connector. This essentially enlarges the image seen on the 1-inch screen onto either your Apple or Android phone.
Underneath the 1-inch display are two physical buttons. One is for shutter and confirming while the other is for cancelling. The physical record/shutter button is easy to reach from whatever orientation. For vloggers, having something physical to feel instead of a touchscreen button that you can easily get to without even looking is a huge advantage especially in low light situations.
Software
Speaking of low light, because of its excellent stabilization, the Osmo Pocket has a feature called Nightshot. It uses both the gimbal stabilization and the long shutter speed to take extremely detailed low light photos.
The still photo-related feature doesn’t end with low light photography. Because it can mechanically yaw, it can also take excellent panoramic photos.
The 3-axis gimbal is also well-utilized in the built-in videography software features. For example, doing a timelapse on the Osmo Pocket can be enhanced by using the gimbals to steadily and slowly move the camera while filming essentially making a motionlapse. It’s an extremely useful feature for B-Rolls that vloggers love so much.
The most vlogger-magnet feature on the Osmo Pocket is the Active Tracking feature that can follow the subject around almost anywhere. It's something that no other single device can do as of the present moment. Users, then, wouldn't even have to hold the device to their face anymore.
Can it kill Go Pro Hero 7?
The DJI Osmo Pocket can definitely turn users into a one-man content creation machine. Essentially, it’s a vlogger must-have that I’m pretty sure they’ll invest on given that the starting price of $349USD is relatively inexpensive.
Even for non-vloggers, it's also a great device. The 3-axis gimbal stabilization on a 4K video is just a joy to behold. It's also pretty easy to use. The additional smartphone screen extension is also a welcome addition for amateurs and prosumers.
However, the vertical form factor, even if it’s extremely pocketable, can have adverse effects when using it to capture users’ extreme sport escapades makes it a liability. It tends to stick out which, in some cases, can be dangerous both for the athlete and the device.
In conclusion, there’s a special spot in a vlogger’s bag (or pocket) for the DJI Osmo Pocket. It packs a quite the punch for such a small device when it comes to content creation. But, it won't dethrone the Go Pro Hero 7 in the athletic videography department. It's simply too unwieldy in an active setting.
The latest gimbal camera is their smallest yet; so small it can actually fit into your pocket. It can shoot 4K video and it's less noticeable, so you can take pictures and videos in crowded areas without standing out. What do you think?
Do you believe an alternative is worth a try? I think an action camera is something that's nice to have, but not a must buy, at least not for me. I could go for an alternative brand, especially if it's the Kidizoom for my son who'd likely break a GoPro.
Brought myself a GoPro Hero 7 which is amazing for its hypersmooth feature. However I do find their accessories overpriced hence the search for alternatives and came across this. Personally I do find AmazonBasics products offering good value for money albeit they are kind of good enough but not fantastic.
I had never bothered to find out what a mirrorless camera is all about but now it seems that this is the path that camera manufacturers have chosen to follow. It would be ideal for beginner photographers to stick with the DSLRs and probably upgrade with time.
Dashboard cameras are one of the quiet sub-categories of modern cameras. It's not like we are expecting accidents to happen, but a "dash cam" can save us from unnecessary disputes when the time calls. Do you plan on installing a camera on your car?
Mirrorless cameras have always been up to snuff with DSLRs when it comes to versatility ever since it was launched. The interchangeable lens in the body of a point and shoot is one of the value propositions that launched that whole new category in the first place.
Recently, however, mirrorless cameras have started to become equal to or even superior in some respects compared to the DSLRs as well. From autofocus speed and image stabilization, the mirrorless shooters have become just as adept as DSLRs. In some respect such as video quality, weight, and shooting speeds, mirrorless cameras had already overtaken their chunkier counterparts.
But not all mirrorless cameras are made equal. And since some of them cost a huge chunk of change, it may be wise to do some research before pulling the trigger on one of these little cameras. Whether you're a professional looking to bump up your operation with a mirrorless or a casual photographer searching for the perfect travel camera, it's important to know what features to look out for. To help you through this gargantuan task of looking for a mirrorless to invest in, we have compiled this list of the 5 best mirrorless cameras for every type of photographer.
For the Beginner and Casual Photographer ($580 USD)
These photographers don't need much in terms of raw processing power but do need a lot in terms of versatility and ease of use. For this type of photographer, a Lumix GX800 might be the best bet. It’s capable, lightweight, and inexpensive; exactly the mix of characteristics that anyone would want in an entry-level model.
It’s a proficient shooter in all situations and can definitely hold its own on a head to head with other more expensive cameras when it comes to pure photography. It has the same 16MP Live MOS sensor that is also found in the more expensive Lumix GX80. Image quality, therefore, should be more or less the same. It’s also capable of the 4K video capture at 30FPS. To make things more interesting, Panasonic also put in a 4K photo mode that lets you grab still 8MP images from your 4K video footages.
The continuous shooting speed, however, tops out at a measly 5FPS. So, for action shots, you may still be left wanting.
Its low price point for a mirrorless camera shows most perhaps when shooting in low-light. Ramping up the sensitivity to ISO 3,200 already shows some smudginess; anything above that and you’re going to have to deal with a lot of noise. But that’s par for the course when it comes to entry-level machines.
Its versatility in both photo and video capture is what makes this an excellent camera for beginners. No matter what type of shooting condition that users find themselves in, this shooter can definitely hold its own.
For the Enthusiast ($900 USD)
Sure, beginner cameras like the Panasonic GX800 have a lot to offer. But when you’ve been bitten by the shutterbug, there’s no escaping that need and yearning for something better. For these people, we have the Fujifilm X-T20.
This camera can easily achieve 8FPS continuous shooting with autofocus on its manual shutter. It's more than just a one trick pony. What makes it truly outstanding is how all of its components come together as a whole. The 24MP sensor combined with an OLED EVF is especially wonderful to work with. All of this is wrapped in a beautifully crafted body with an almost perfectly symmetrical weight distribution which makes for an excellent handling experience.
For the Prosumers ($1,500 USD)
Vlogger
The advent of YouTube and other massive video sharing platforms gave rise to vloggers who make money off sharing their videos to the masses. In this category, while they’re technically professionals earning money from their footage, they’re still the average camera consumers. For these people, the Olympus O-MD E-M1 MkII would already do an excellent job.
The camera highly capable at 4K with 30FPS on regular shooting modes and 24FPS in Cinema 4K. The flip-capable LCD screen for perfect selfie framing and the weatherproofing will also get vloggers to love this excellent shooter.
Stills
The advent of the DSLR created a ripple for digital photography even for the non-professional market. Today, there’s a tidal wave of camera aficionados who are willing to spend top dollars just to be able to shoot like the pros. For this crowd, the Panasonic Lumix G9 offers plenty of professional-grade features to keep them happy.
It offers modes with effective resolutions from 40MP to 80MP. It also has excellent 4K and 6K photo shooting modes. It can capture up to 12FPS in continuous shooting mode. These features make this an excellent stills-focused shooter that can definitely hold its own when compared to professional-grade DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
It also offers 6.5 stops of compensation to counteract camera shake when shooting stills or movies with its 5-axis Dual I.S II image stabilizer. This essentially eliminates camera shake for both modes which can make a regular camera consumer definitely stand out from the crowd.
For the Consummate Professional ($4,500 USD)
There can only be one king of the mirrorless camera hill and that honor goes solely to the Sony Alpha 9. It’s the best full-frame mirrorless camera out there that’s complete with all the bells and whistles.
Its main feature is that it uses a stacked-sensor which helps in achieving the class-leading 20 FPS continuous shooting speed all with full autofocus with its electronic shutter. The quality of the stills it produces out of a fast-moving subject is incredible and it does so without any of the rolling shutter effects. This kind of speed can truly keep even professional sports photographers happy.
Its only downside is that it doesn’t have the largest resolution out there. The 24-megapixels isn’t going to cut it for some professionals. But for most professionals working in wedding, sport, or various other action-oriented industries, then this one definitely gives you a lot to think about.
There are a lot of smartphones with excellent cameras that are being designed every other time and most people are heavily reliant on the smartphone camera. I would still purchase a camera for this purpose, even though my smartphone camera still suits me.