This is a detailed side-by-side comparison between the hugely anticipated DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and the hugely successful DJI Osmo Pocket 3. The Osmo Pocket 4 was sent out early by DJI for review purposes, and this content has also been sponsored by the D1 Store. However, all opinions expressed throughout are completely independent and have not been influenced by anyone.
Both cameras share some core similarities. They both feature a 1-inch camera sensor, and they are both three-axis gimbals. However, DJI claims the Pocket 4 comes with an improved 1-inch sensor that offers better dynamic range. So the question is, does that improvement actually show up in real-world use?
Table of Contents
What This Comparison Covers
To keep things fair and standardized, both cameras were tested under the same conditions. Here is what was put head-to-head in this comparison.
Both cameras captured footage at 4K 25 frames per second. The two times lossless zoom was used on both camera systems. Photos were captured in the exact same location with the same lighting setup. Super photo mode was used on the Osmo Pocket 4, which carries a higher megapixel count.
Slow motion was tested on both, with the Pocket 4 capable of recording up to 240 frames per second compared to the Pocket 3’s 120 frames per second. ActiveTrack was also compared, specifically ActiveTrack 6 on the Pocket 3 versus ActiveTrack 7 on the Pocket 4. Finally, the built-in microphone systems on both devices were tested to compare audio quality directly from each unit.
Video Quality
When looking at straight-out-of-camera footage with both cameras set to auto mode and the normal color profile, the difference is not dramatic. Both cameras felt very similar when reviewed side by side. The gimbal movement felt smooth and comparable on both units, and the general functionality across menus and controls was very similar across the board.
One thing worth noting is that the Pocket 4 displayed 10-bit in the normal color profile, while the Pocket 3 did not show the same indication. This could matter for those who want more flexibility in post-processing.
With additional dynamic range available on the Pocket 4, there is certainly room to push the footage further in editing. However, straight out of the camera with no adjustments, the difference is not something you would immediately notice.
Photo Quality
With the Osmo Pocket 4 carrying a higher megapixel count and super photo mode, there should be a visible difference in photo quality, particularly when zooming in.
The lossless zoom was tested on both cameras as well to see how each handled detail at two times zoom. Whether the improvement is significant enough to justify an upgrade is something you can judge for yourself based on the samples provided.
Slow Motion
This is one area where the Pocket 4 clearly wins. Going from 120 frames per second on the Pocket 3 to 240 frames per second on the Pocket 4 is a significant jump. If slow motion content is important to your workflow, this is an obvious and meaningful upgrade. The Pocket 4 really trumps the Pocket 3 here, and there is no question about it.
Also Read: DJI Pocket 4 vs Insta360 Luna Ultra
ActiveTrack Performance
Both cameras were tested with ActiveTrack enabled in a basic indoor scenario. In general use, they both performed well and were able to keep up with movement. The Pocket 4 may have had a slight edge in a few examples, but the difference was not dramatic in standard situations.
During a walking test where both cameras were tracking simultaneously, both the Pocket 3 and Pocket 4 lost the subject at the same point, likely due to a locking point in the environment.
However, the Pocket 4 recovered faster and continued following, while the Pocket 3 stopped tracking. That is a small but notable win for the Pocket 4 in terms of ActiveTrack reliability.
Microphone Quality
Both cameras were tested using only their built-in microphone systems, with no external microphone attached. Recorded fairly close to each unit, the audio from both cameras was captured to give a real sense of how they perform in everyday use. Listening to both back to back, the difference is subtle, and you can judge from the video which one sounds better to your ears.
Physical Design
In terms of physical design, the cameras feel very similar to use. The one noticeable difference is that the Pocket 4 is slightly longer than the Pocket 3. The screens on both cameras looked comparable, and there was no major visual or ergonomic change that stood out during testing.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
This is the big question. When looking purely at the specs and the out-of-camera results, this is not a massive generational leap. The Pocket 3 is still a fantastic camera system and remains genuinely impressive even today. It is a hard camera to improve on because of just how well it already performs.
The Pocket 4 does bring improvements, including the new 1-inch sensor with better dynamic range, double the slow motion capability, a higher megapixel count for photos, and ActiveTrack 7. There are also additional features that will be covered in a full in-depth review. But based purely on this side-by-side comparison, the difference is not dramatic enough to be an obvious upgrade for every user.
If you are currently using the Pocket 3, the jump to the Pocket 4 may not feel like a necessity unless slow motion or photo resolution is a priority for you. If you are buying your first Osmo Pocket camera, the Pocket 4 is absolutely the one to go for.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | DJI Osmo Pocket 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1-inch | 1-inch (Improved, new sensor) |
| Video Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Frame Rate (Standard) | 25fps | 25fps |
| Slow Motion | Up to 120fps | Up to 240fps |
| Lossless Zoom | 2x | 2x |
| ActiveTrack | ActiveTrack 6 | ActiveTrack 7 |
| Color Profile (Normal) | Standard | 10-bit |
| Dynamic Range | Standard | Improved |
| Photo Mode | Standard | Super Photo (Higher Megapixels) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Gimbal | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Physical Size | Standard | Slightly Longer |
| Overall Upgrade Value | Excellent standalone camera | Incremental upgrade, strong for new buyers |
Final Thoughts
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is a solid camera, and there is no doubt about that. But in this direct comparison, it does not blow the Pocket 3 out of the water. The slow motion upgrade is real, the sensor improvements are there, and the ActiveTrack recovery was slightly better. But side by side, the two cameras are closer than many people might expect.
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