DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro or Osmo Pocket 3? The Pros & Cons (& which one I chose)

Summary

In this video, the creator compares the DJI Osmo Action 5 and Osmo Pocket 3, ultimately choosing the latter for its narrower field of view and superior stabilization. Despite the Action 5's impressive features like a wide 155° field of view, 4K video at 100 Mbps, and robust waterproofing, the Pocket 3's 92° field of view and 3-axis mechanical gimbal won him over for everyday filming. He also appreciates the Pocket 3's hyperlapse function and subject tracking, though acknowledges its fragility compared to the rugged Action 5 Pro.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The speaker waited to see the specs and features of the Osmo Action 5 before deciding on a new camera.
• 🤔 They were dissatisfied with the performance of the Sony ZV-1 and the original Osmo Pocket, mainly due to stabilization and audio issues.
• 📦 After the release of the Osmo Action 5, the speaker chose to buy the DJI Pocket 3 Creator Combo instead.
• 🔋 The Creator Combo includes an extra battery handle that boosts battery life by 60-70%, and the DJI Mic 2 for wireless audio recording.
• 👁️‍🗨️ The speaker values the DJI Pocket 3's 92-degree field of view, which is more suited for everyday filming compared to the Osmo Action 5's 155-degree wide angle, designed for dynamic action shots.
• 🎮 The 3-axis mechanical gimbal of the Pocket 3 offers superior stabilization without cropping, allowing for more controlled, smooth shots.
• 🎬 The Pocket 3 has a larger 1-inch sensor than the Action 5 and delivers higher bit-rate 4K video (130 Mbps vs. 100 Mbps).
• ⏱️ Features like hyperlapse with preset camera movements and subject tracking are key advantages of the Pocket 3 over the Osmo Action 5.
• ⚠️ Despite its benefits, the Pocket 3 is delicate, not waterproof, and unsuitable for rough or tough outdoor filming, unlike the rugged Action 5.
• 📊 The speaker emphasizes that both cameras are excellent in different ways, and the choice depends on the type of filming (action-focused vs. more controlled settings).

Q & A

What were the main reasons for the speaker to consider a new camera?

The speaker was not satisfied with the Sony ZV1's performance, particularly its microphone and narrow field of view, and the original Osmo Pocket's tiny screen annoyed him.

Why did the speaker choose the Osmo Pocket 3 over the Osmo Action 5?

The speaker chose the Osmo Pocket 3 because it offered a narrower field of view, which is better for everyday filming, and it has a mechanical gimbal for superior stabilization compared to electronic image stabilization.

What additional accessories did the speaker get with the Creator Combo package?

The Creator Combo package included an additional battery handle for extended battery life and the DJI Mic 2 for improved audio recording.

What are the key features of the DJI Mic 2 that the speaker appreciates?

The DJI Mic 2 has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the speaker to clip it on and film without the need for additional cables or receivers.

What is the field of view of the Osmo Pocket 3 and how does it compare to the Osmo Action 5 Pro?

The Osmo Pocket 3 has a 92-degree field of view, which is narrower than the 155° field of view of the Osmo Action 5 Pro, making it more suitable for everyday filming where the speaker wants a more lifelike and natural perspective.

What is the main advantage of the mechanical gimbal on the Osmo Pocket 3?

The mechanical gimbal on the Osmo Pocket 3 offers better stabilization without cropping the picture, unlike electronic image stabilization which may crop the image to stabilize footage.

What are the key specifications of the Osmo Pocket 3's camera?

The Osmo Pocket 3 has a 1/1.7-inch sensor, capable of shooting 4K video at 100 Mbps, with slow-motion capabilities at 120 fps for 4K and 240 fps at 1080p.

What unique feature does the Osmo Pocket 3 have that the Osmo Action series lacks?

The Osmo Pocket 3 has a hyperlapse function that allows for preset camera movement while filming a time lapse, creating sweeping, moving time lapses.

How does the Osmo Pocket 3's subject tracking compare to the Osmo Action 5 Pro's?

The Osmo Pocket 3's gimbal has full free movement, allowing it to track subjects more naturally without cropping the sensor, unlike the Osmo Action 5 Pro which tracks subjects by cropping some of the sensor.

What are the limitations of the Osmo Pocket 3 as mentioned by the speaker?

The Osmo Pocket 3's mechanical gimbal is delicate and not waterproof, windproof, or dustproof, making it unsuitable for rough, tough, or wet conditions.

What is the speaker's final recommendation for viewers based on the video script?

The speaker recommends that viewers be informed by his experience but ultimately choose the camera that best suits their specific filming needs and conditions.

Outlines

00:00

📸 Unboxing the Timo Pocket 3: A Switch from the Osmo Action 5

The speaker discusses their anticipation for the release of the Osmo Action 5, as they were using both the original Osmo Action and Osmo Pocket. However, after evaluating their needs and using a Sony ZV-1, they found the Sony inadequate for their vlogging tasks due to its lack of stabilization and narrow field of view. Dissatisfied with the original Osmo Pocket’s microphone and tiny screen, they ultimately decided to purchase the Timo Pocket 3 instead of the Osmo Action 5. They are now about to unbox the Timo Pocket 3 and explain the reasons for their choice, such as the Creator Combo package, which includes extra accessories like the DJI Mic 2.

05:02

🎥 Creator Combo and DJI Mic 2: Why I Chose the Timo Pocket 3

The speaker unboxes the Timo Pocket 3 Creator Combo, explaining their reasons for choosing this package over the Osmo Action 5. The Creator Combo offers valuable extras such as a battery handle, which extends battery life by 60-70%, and the DJI Mic 2, which pairs via Bluetooth and provides seamless wireless audio recording. The speaker emphasizes their preference for the Mic 2 over the older, wired DJI Mic 1, as it simplifies the recording process by eliminating the need for additional cables and receivers. These practical features led them to favor the Pocket 3 for their filming needs.

10:03

🤔 Why the Osmo Action 5 Isn't for Me: Field of View Considerations

Although the Osmo Action 5 Pro offers numerous impressive features like a wide 155° field of view, 4K video, advanced stabilization, and rugged durability, the speaker explains why these strengths do not suit their filming style. While the Osmo Action 5 is perfect for high-action shots with a wide-angle view that captures dynamic activities, the speaker prefers a narrower field of view for everyday filming, such as vlogs or studio-style clips. They find the Osmo Action’s wide-angle lens too expansive for their needs, preferring the Pocket 3's more manageable 92° field of view, which offers a more natural, realistic image.

🤖 Mechanical Gimbal vs. Electronic Stabilization: Pocket 3's Key Advantage

The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Timo Pocket 3's 3-axis mechanical gimbal for superior stabilization compared to the Osmo Action 5's electronic image stabilization (EIS). They argue that mechanical stabilization offers smoother camera movements without the need for cropping the image, which is often required with EIS. The Pocket 3's joystick control also provides flexibility to manually adjust the gimbal's orientation, making it ideal for both dynamic shots and studio setups. The speaker appreciates the Pocket 3’s ability to control the camera's angle, something the Osmo Action 5 can't replicate with its fixed lens.

🏞️ The Pocket 3's Versatility: From Vlogging to Time Lapse

The speaker highlights other significant features of the Pocket 3 that influenced their choice. The camera's 1-inch sensor delivers high-quality 4K video at 130 Mbps and offers slow-motion capture at 120 frames per second in 4K or 240 frames per second in 1080p. One standout feature is the hyperlapse function, which allows for dynamic time-lapse videos with preset camera movements—a capability missing from the Osmo Action series. Additionally, the Pocket 3's ability to track and follow subjects using its gimbal adds even more value for solo creators who need a mobile, automated camera operator.

⚠️ Downsides of the Pocket 3: Durability Concerns

Despite the advantages of the Pocket 3, the speaker acknowledges its main drawback—its delicate gimbal, which could easily break if dropped. Unlike the rugged Osmo Action 5, the Pocket 3 is not waterproof, dustproof, or windproof, making it unsuitable for harsh conditions or extreme activities. As a result, the speaker plans to keep their original Osmo Action for more demanding shoots, while relying on the Pocket 3 for vlogging, travel videos, and other controlled environments.

🎯 Conclusion: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

In the final paragraph, the speaker reiterates that the video is not intended to declare a definitive 'winner' between the Osmo Action 5 and the Pocket 3. Instead, the goal is to help viewers make informed decisions based on their specific filming needs. While the Osmo Action 5 is ideal for rugged, action-packed environments, the Pocket 3 offers better stabilization and control for vlogs, studio videos, and travel content. The speaker encourages viewers to comment with their own experiences and preferences, fostering a discussion on which camera suits different filming scenarios best.

Keywords

💡Osmo Action 5

The Osmo Action 5 is a newly released action camera that is featured prominently in the video. The creator discusses waiting for its release to evaluate its specifications and features. It is described as a rugged, waterproof camera suited for high-action environments, such as mountain biking or jet skiing, making it ideal for those who need a durable and reliable camera for dynamic activities.

💡Timo Pocket 3

The Timo Pocket 3 is the camera that the video creator ultimately chooses over the Osmo Action 5. The Pocket 3 is selected for its superior features for everyday filming, such as a mechanical gimbal for better stabilization, a narrower 92-degree field of view, and a 1-inch sensor. The creator emphasizes its use for vlogging, studio filming, and outdoor activities like hiking, as it offers better control and stabilization for these scenarios.

💡Field of View (FOV)

Field of view (FOV) refers to the extent of the observable world that is seen through the camera at any given moment. In the video, the creator compares the Osmo Action 5’s wide 155-degree FOV, which is ideal for capturing fast-paced, action-packed scenes, with the Pocket 3’s narrower 92-degree FOV, which is better suited for everyday filming where a focused, more personal frame is preferred.

💡Mechanical Gimbal

A mechanical gimbal is a stabilization device that physically adjusts the camera to keep it steady and prevent unwanted movements. The Timo Pocket 3 features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, which the creator prefers over the electronic image stabilization found in the Osmo Action 5. This gimbal allows for smoother video without cropping the image and offers more control over camera angles.

💡Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is a digital technique used to reduce blurring in videos by cropping the image slightly to compensate for motion. The creator explains that while the Osmo Action 5 uses EIS effectively for stabilizing fast-moving shots, it can result in image cropping, which makes it less desirable for his everyday filming needs compared to the Pocket 3's mechanical gimbal.

💡Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is another camera mentioned in the video that the creator had been using but found unsuitable for his needs at a Consumer Electronics Show. He criticizes its narrow field of view and lack of stabilization, which led him to seek an alternative camera with better features for vlogging and filming in a variety of settings.

💡DJI Mic 2

The DJI Mic 2 is a wireless microphone system that pairs with the Pocket 3, enhancing the creator's filming experience by providing better audio quality without the need for cables or external receivers. The video highlights the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity in the DJI Mic 2, which the creator prefers over the older DJI Mic 1.

💡Hyperlapse

Hyperlapse is a time-lapse photography technique where the camera moves slowly through space while capturing images over an extended period. The Timo Pocket 3 offers this feature, allowing users to create dynamic, sweeping motion in time-lapse videos. The creator appreciates this feature for adding cinematic quality to his outdoor footage, something the Osmo Action 5 lacks due to its fixed lens.

💡Subject Tracking

Subject tracking refers to a camera’s ability to automatically follow a subject’s movements within the frame. The Timo Pocket 3 offers advanced subject tracking through its mechanical gimbal, allowing for free movement and more dynamic filming. The Osmo Action 5 also has subject tracking, but it uses digital cropping, making it more limited. The creator values this feature for filming himself while moving in outdoor settings.

💡Ruggedness

Ruggedness refers to the durability of the camera in harsh conditions, such as extreme weather, water, and physical impact. The Osmo Action 5 is praised for its rugged build, making it dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof—perfect for extreme sports and high-action filming. However, the creator notes that the Timo Pocket 3 is less rugged and more delicate, which makes it better suited for controlled environments and everyday use.

Highlights

The reviewer was initially interested in the Osmo Action 5 due to its specs and features.

The Sony ZV1 was found unsuitable for the reviewer's needs at the Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin.

The reviewer chose the Osmo Pocket 3 over the Osmo Action 5 after its release.

The Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo includes an additional battery handle and the DJI Mic 2.

The DJI Mic 2's Bluetooth capability was a deciding factor for the reviewer.

The reviewer prefers a camera with a narrower field of view for everyday filming.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro offers a wide 155° field of view, ideal for action shots.

The Pocket 3 has a 92-degree field of view, which is more suitable for the reviewer's needs.

The Pocket 3's 1-inch sensor is larger than the Action 5 Pro's 1/1.3-inch sensor.

The Pocket 3 offers a higher bit rate of 130 megabits per second for 4K video.

The Pocket 3 features a mechanical gimbal, which the reviewer prefers over electronic stabilization.

The Pocket 3's gimbal allows for more control and natural stable video.

The Pocket 3 includes a hyperlapse function for dynamic time-lapse videos.

The Pocket 3 has subject tracking capabilities, providing the feel of having a personal cameraman.

The reviewer acknowledges the Pocket 3's gimbal as delicate and not suitable for rough conditions.

The reviewer intends to keep the original Osmo Action for tough filming scenarios.

The reviewer emphasizes that neither camera is inherently better, but each suits different filming needs.

The reviewer hopes the video helps viewers make an informed decision on which camera to choose.

Transcripts

so like many of you I was waiting to see

what the osmo action 5 brought to the

table specifically its specs and

features uh good reason for that really

I've been making use of the original

osmo action and the original osmo pocket

as well but when I was up at the eepa

Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin the

other month it soon became pretty

apparent that the Sony ZB 1 that I was

using for a lot of my walking around and

interviewing was absolutely not suitable

for the job that I wanted to put it to

basically and the osmo pocket has never

impressed me with its uh with its

microphone and to be honest tiny little

screen kind of annoyed me and I wanted

to see what the osmo action 5 brought to

the table before I made my decision I

made my decision and I bought this the

Timo pocket 3 so going to unpack it now

and go through my reasons why I chose

this over the osmo action 5

[Music]

so there you go this is what you get in

the box and you can see the box that I

went for is the creator combo reason for

that quite straightforward you get a

couple of extras that floated my boat uh

an additional battery handle that's

going to give you an extra 60 70%

battery life and also you get this this

is the DJI mik 2 uh now you'll have seen

me using DJI mics uh quite often on my

videos but unfortunately that is the

original DJI Mike 1 doesn't have

Bluetooth the only way that was going to

work is if I actually Peg the receiver

which is currently in the camera that is

filming this now you have to get the

little receiver and plug it in and

frankly didn't want that DJI Mike 2

Bluetooth will pair straight up to this

so I can clip it on film and make output

to my heart's content without having to

mess around with additional cables

receivers or whatever so that's the

simple reason why I went for the Creator

combo anyway what I'm going to do now

get things charged up and start playing

around with this update the firmware and

all the rest of it then I'm going to get

into why I actually chose the osmo

pocket 3 over the brand new action

5 right so as I said I waited until the

osmo action 5 Pro was released and then

I chose this the osmo pocket 3 why well

look to be clear this is not a

competition it's not about which is

better than the other there are so many

people are going to be buying the new

osmo action 5 Pro this week who for them

will absolutely be the perfect camera

for their specific needs uh take a look

at my good friend Mike over at drone

Supremacy he made this blistering

opening sequence on his review of the

action 5 Pro I mean come on look at him

swimming biking jet skiing mountain

biking scrambling chucking It On Any

number of fpv drones the osmo action 5

Pro absolutely the perfect camera for

these sorts of Clips where you want

super tough waterproof action cam that's

good in any number of conditions and it

is clearly an incredible bit of Kit the

oso action 5 Pro does come with a decent

1 over 1.3 in sensor it's going to

provide brilliant 4K video 100 megabits

per second bit rate it's got rock steady

3 electronic image stabilization to

steady out the video despite the camera

being thrown around uh slowmo 4K up to

120 frames per second and even that a

super slowmo 240 frames per second at

1080 resolution uh Steel images also

very impressive as well pumping out 40

megapixel Stills in JPEG and RAW

massively improved performance in dim

and night situations as well all this

housed in a rugged uh bump proof

dustproof waterproof housing with even

its own uh water depth display and some

really great peripheral features like uh

connectivity to the DJI mik 2 for decent

sound uh what else you got 4H hour

battery life uh Wi-Fi 6 for uh faster

file transfer and even 47 gigs of

internal storage so what is not to like

about all of that well for me it

actually boiled down to just one simple

thing or two to be honest first and

foremost is the field of view of the two

cameras when I was in the uh Berlin

Consumer Electronics Show the other week

I was massively disappointed with the

results from the Sony zv1 that I was

using that's uh I had it handheld But

Not only was it hopelessly unstabilized

the field of view was too narrow to get

what I wanted in shot now flip over to

the osmo action 5 Pro and you have got

this massively wide field of view 155°

and this is how you get the huge

all-encompassing view that seems to

magnify the sense of speed and movement

in action cam videos and this is why

they're so good for this sort of filming

because you get a hugely Dynamic sense

of action but for me for everyday

filming where you aren't necessarily

trying to capture all the world around

you but you actually just want to focus

on you or someone you're talking to then

you need a camera that has got a

narrower field of view but not too

narrow you're going to crop their heads

off so for me you want the subject to

look real and lifelike and crucially the

right size and that leads us to

somewhere like the pocket 3 it's got a

92 degree field of view take a look at

these two clips one with the pocket 3

and the other I filmed with the original

osmo action despite the narrow field of

view I still find the osmo action way

too wide angle the type of video I would

ordinarily be filming when it's Dynamic

fast paace action then yeah of course I

want that action cam style super wide

angle shot but despite me being away in

the camper van and always climbing

mountains and that sort of stuff action

Clips are not the most common type of

filming that I do it's this it's talking

in the studio or Outdoors talking to the

camera about whatever drone or whatever

uh new Gadget I'm testing or flying and

in this sort of clip I want a decent

angle of view not so close and not so

wide angle that you can't see anything

behind me because it's being made so

small now I said a couple of reasons for

choosing the pocket 3 the other main

reason for me is this the three AIS

mechanical gimbal uh housing the camera

and for me mechanical gimbal is always

going to win uh for stabilization over

electronic image stabilization starters

I think it will uh even out the camera

movements far better but also you won't

end up with any cropping of the picture

which is what happens when Eis uh has to

work in order to trim the edges it

processes the pictures to make things

more steady again don't get me wrong

osmo action 5 Pro absolutely outstanding

at this job uh look at the promo video

with the mountain bike going through the

woods but what I love about the pocket

three is the ability to actually control

where the gimbal is pointing it up and

down with the uh four-way micro joystick

as well giving you far more control and

a far more natural stable video I want

to be able to take the pocket away in

the camper van and use it as my main

recording camera of making videos of me

talking as well as capturing videos on

Hikes and pretty much anything else I'm

doing let's not forget what else is

going on inside this gimbal as well

you've got uh behind the lens pocket 3

has got a brilliant huge 1in sensor

bigger than the action 5 pros I said

that was 1 over 1.3 inch sensor camera

wise the pocket 3 is still going to pump

out the same 4K video but at 130

megabits per second slightly higher bit

rate uh it's got the same 120 frames per

second slowmo 4K and 240 frames per

second at 1080 resolution so all the

same there and another key feature that

I really do love and do make good use of

is the hyperlapse function that lets you

preset camera movement whilst filming a

time lapse to generate the sweeping

moving time lapses it's a function that

is missing on the action series of

cameras as of course the lens is fixed

and the camera cannot move and of course

another key feature of the pocket 3 is

the ability to track you and follow you

around like having your very own

cameraman now most of my videos that I

make are shot on my own few friends to

be honest have got the patience to uh be

with me when I'm setting it all up one

of the downsides of that of course is

that you end up with a very static shot

and it means that if I'm trying to move

around and actually play with the Drone

behind me I have to stay in view rather

than the camera panning around now I

know that the osmo action 5 pro has

introduced a degree of subject tracking

but it achieves that by cropping some of

the sensor and just moving the sensitive

that the bit where the recording is made

around the sensor so it's very very

limited here as you can see the gimbal

has got full free movement I can Crouch

down I can do something on the floor

stand up again and keep moving all the

way around and it will just keep on

following it but look once it's clear

the pocket 3 we'll do the job very well

for most of the time for me there's

definitely a few downsides to it as well

biggest problem is probably going to be

this very gimbal that I love so much

it's delicate if I drop it this gimbal

is almost certainly going to break

straight away uh it's not waterproof

windproof dust proof or anything else

proof to be honest uh really this is a

portable tiny Studio camera that takes

brilliantly stabilized video Perfect

field of view brilliant nighttime

performance and amazing hyperlapses and

subject track but fundamentally if I'm

doing something rough tough or wet then

it is not going to be any good is it

which is why I'm going to be keeping my

original osmo action as well ready to

capture footage uh when the pocket 3

just isn't going to be suitable so look

again I really want to be clear I am not

trying to make this video to be an

in-depth review on either camera and

neither am I trying to imply that one

camera is an overall winner or better

than the other what I am trying to do is

explain why I was in the market for a

new outdoor camera and why when I found

out the specs and features of the new

osmo action 5 Pro I decided that despite

its impressive array of features still

wasn't the camera that I wanted to use

for most of my everyday filming outdoors

and that's why I went with a pocket 3

but I really hope is that after watching

this video you won't necessarily be

swayed by my choice but in fact you'll

simply be better informed to to work out

which model will actually be the best

one for you and the type of video that

you're going to be filming as I see it

whichever camera you go for it's going

to produce brilliant results but

depending on what and where you're

filming then it may become clear whether

or not you want to steer towards the

rugged action 5 Pro or the more delicate

but I don't know in some respects more

sophisticated uh pocket 3 anyway look as

Z this has helped you give me a little

thumbs up help the video along more

importantly though please do drop

comments below let me know uh what

critical fact I may have overlooked uh

from either of the two cameras but also

let me know uh maybe why a particular

camera wouldn't work for you this is how

we get more points of view and gain a

wider understanding of how people differ

in their use of these things and that's

why I why I love reading through all the

comments either way look I hope this has

helped you until next time have fun

happy fly