DJI Pocket 3 vs GoPro Hero 12: Comparing Features

Summary

In this comparative video review, the DJI Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12 are pitted against each other in terms of video quality, stabilization, low light performance, and other features. The DJI Pocket 3 boasts a mechanical gimbal for superior stability and a larger 1-inch sensor for enhanced video quality, while the GoPro Hero 12 excels with its rugged waterproof design and electronic stabilization. The GoPro offers higher resolution recording up to 5.3K, but the Pocket 3 delivers better low light performance and a closer minimum focus distance. Both cameras support 10-bit color recording, but the Pocket 3 has active tracking and the GoPro features voice controls. Battery life is longer on the Pocket 3, and the GoPro's battery is replaceable. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on personal preferences and intended use.

Takeaways

• 📷 **DJI Pocket 3** comes with a mechanical gimbal for superior stabilization but is more fragile and not waterproof.
• 🌊 **GoPro Hero 12** features HyperSmooth 6.0 electronic stabilization, which is effective without a gimbal and is waterproof up to 10m.
• 🔄 **GoPro's Horizon Lock** allows for a level horizon even when the camera is rotated 360°, unlike the DJI Pocket 3 which has physical limitations.
• 🌒 **Low Light Performance**: DJI Pocket 3 excels with a 1-inch sensor and special video mode for low light, while GoPro 12 struggles with motion blur in low light conditions.
• 📹 **Video Resolution**: GoPro 12 can record up to 5.3K at 60fps, but for HDR, the highest resolution is limited, whereas DJI Pocket 3 tops at 4K.
• 🎥 **Dynamic Range**: GoPro 12 can improve dynamic range with HDR, but DJI Pocket 3 has a naturally higher dynamic range due to its larger sensor.
• 🔎 **Zoom Capability**: DJI Pocket 3 allows 2x zoom at 4K, offering better quality than GoPro 12's 1.4x zoom at 5.3K and 4K.
• 🔐 **Movement Limitations**: DJI Pocket 3's gimbal follows movements slowly, which might not suit point-and-shoot users.
• 🤳 **Vlogging**: DJI Pocket 3 creates a background blur effect, which some may find appealing, while GoPro provides a more in-focus background.
• 🔋 **Battery Life**: DJI Pocket 3 lasts about 2.5 hours for 4K video with an optional battery handle for additional charge, whereas GoPro 12 lasts about 1.5 hours and has a replaceable battery.
• 🎤 **Audio Options**: DJI Pocket 3 is compatible with the DJI Mic 2, while GoPro 12 requires the Media Mod for external mics or can use Bluetooth microphones.

Q & A

What are the main cameras being compared in the video?

The main cameras being compared are the DJI Pocket 3 and the GoPro Hero 12.

What is the key feature of the DJI Pocket 3's camera?

The DJI Pocket 3 features a camera attached to a mechanical gimbal, which helps keep the horizon level straight and provides more stable videos.

What is the advantage of the GoPro Hero 12's stabilization?

The GoPro Hero 12 uses HyperSmooth 6.0, an electronic stabilization that provides gimbal-like stability without a physical gimbal, and it can keep the horizon straight even when the camera is rotated 360°.

What is a limitation of the GoPro Hero 12's stabilization in low light conditions?

In low light conditions, the GoPro Hero 12's electronic stabilization can cause motion blur or a vibration glitch effect, which is not desirable.

How does the GoPro Hero 12's sensor size compare to the DJI Pocket 3's?

The GoPro Hero 12 has a smaller sensor compared to the DJI Pocket 3, which has a larger 1-inch sensor that records higher quality videos.

What is the highest resolution at which the GoPro Hero 12 can record?

The GoPro Hero 12 can record at a high resolution of 5.3K up to 60 frames per second.

What is the maximum resolution for the DJI Pocket 3?

The highest resolution for the DJI Pocket 3 is 4K.

How do the low light performance of the two cameras compare?

The DJI Pocket 3 has a special video mode for low light conditions that lifts shadows and reduces noise, making it superior to the GoPro Hero 12, which does not have a special mode and performs just okay in low light.

What is the maximum zoom capability of the DJI Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12?

The DJI Pocket 3 can zoom up to 2x at 4K, while the GoPro Hero 12 can only zoom up to 1.4x at 5.3K and 4K.

What are the battery life expectations for each camera?

The DJI Pocket 3 lasts for about 2.5 hours using 4K videos, and the GoPro Hero 12 lasts for about 1.5 hours using 4K, which is around 1 hour less compared to the Pocket 3.

Which camera has the better minimum focus distance for close-up shots?

The DJI Pocket 3 has a minimum focus distance of 20 cm, which is better than the GoPro Hero 12's 31 cm.

What additional feature does the DJI Pocket 3 have that the GoPro Hero 12 lacks?

The DJI Pocket 3 has active tracking, which allows the camera to track a person or object selected, a feature the GoPro Hero 12 lacks.