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DJI Pocket 2 Camera Review

Tested using Methodology v0.12.1
Reviewed Aug 19, 2021 at 09:55 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 29, 2024 at 09:10 am
DJI Pocket 2 Picture
N/A
Travel Photography
N/A
Landscape Photography
N/A
Sport & Wildlife Photography
N/A
Raw Photo Performance
N/A
Vlogging
N/A
Studio Video
N/A
Action Video

The DJI Pocket 2 is a handheld camera aimed at vloggers, replacing the DJI Osmo Pocket. Like its predecessor, it has a built-in three-axis gimbal that offers exceptional image and video stabilization. It's also lightweight and portable, and it comes with a lot of frame rate options. It can record and playback video at up to 60 fps in 4k and FHD, and it has an added high-speed recording setting in FHD that can record 120 fps and 240 fps video for slow-motion playback. That said, its overall video quality is just okay, and it tends to get quite hot during use, especially when shooting in 4k.

Our Verdict

N/A Travel Photography

The DJI Pocket 2 isn't intended for photography but can take travel snapshots in a pinch. It's incredibly portable, making it easy to take on the go, and it has a very good battery life, though this can vary with real-world conditions. Its built-in gimbal also does an incredible job of smoothing out camera shake. That said, its image quality is just okay, and it has a fixed focal length and aperture, giving you less flexibility to compose different shots.

Pros
  • Exceptional image stabilization.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Not water-resistant.
  • Fixed focal length and aperture.
N/A Landscape Photography

The DJI Pocket 2 isn't intended for landscape photography.

N/A Sport & Wildlife Photography

The DJI Pocket 2 isn't intended for sport and wildlife photography. It lacks any form of continuous shooting or burst photography mode. It also has a fixed focal length, so you can't zoom in on far-away subjects.

N/A Raw Photo Performance

The DJI Pocket 2 can shoot photos in RAW format, but we don't test action cameras for RAW image quality.

N/A Vlogging

The DJI Pocket 2 isn't bad for vlogging. It's incredibly portable and comes with a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal to reduce almost all camera shake when recording 4k or FHD video. You can use its screen for Live View to monitor yourself and ensure you stay in frame, but the screen is quite small. You can also connect your phone to use as a larger screen, but we haven't tested this feature.

Pros
  • Exceptional image stabilization.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Video quality is just okay.
  • Fixed focal length and aperture.
N/A Studio Video

The DJI Pocket 2 is okay for studio video, though it isn't intended for this use. Its overall video quality is alright. It also has an easy-to-use menu with a useful DJI Mimo companion app. Its autofocus system does an excellent job of tracking moving subjects, including an intelligent tracking feature that can automatically follow your subject. Unfortunately, the camera by itself lacks inputs and outputs aside from a USB-C port, although you can buy additional accessories to suit your needs or buy the 'Creator Combo' bundle that includes a 'Do-It-All Handle' with additional ports and wireless connectivity.

Pros
  • Exceptional image stabilization.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Video quality is just okay.
  • Fixed focal length and aperture.
N/A Action Video

The DJI Pocket 2 is good for action video. It has remarkable video stabilization performance thanks to its built-in gimbal, although it makes it harder to mount on a helmet or chest rig for first-person POV action video. It supports 4k video up to 60 fps and FHD video up to 240 fps, but it can only playback 120 fps and 240 fps video in slow-motion. However, it's not water-resistant, although we don't currently test for that. Its overall video quality is also just okay.

Pros
  • Exceptional image stabilization.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Slow motion mode with 120 and 240 fps video capture.
Cons
  • Video quality is just okay.
  • Not water-resistant.
  • N/A Travel Photography
  • N/A Landscape Photography
  • N/A Sport & Wildlife Photography
  • N/A Raw Photo Performance
  • N/A Vlogging
  • N/A Studio Video
  • N/A Action Video
  1. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Added text to the 'Raw Photo Performance' verdict box and updated existing verdict boxes for clarity and accuracy.
  2. Updated Jan 29, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.1.
  3. Updated Mar 22, 2023: Added a link to the DJI Action 2 in the '4k Video Frame Rate' box.
  4. Updated Dec 21, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.12.
  5. Updated Dec 20, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.11.
  6. Updated Oct 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.10.
  7. Updated Sep 02, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.9.
  8. Updated Jun 16, 2022: After comparing the DJI Pocket 2 with the DJI Osmo Pocket, we've updated the Pocket 2's 'Ergonomics and Comfort' score to be more accurate and consistent with its predecessor.
  9. Updated Apr 26, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  10. Updated Oct 05, 2021: Updated 'Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI' field from 'Not advertised' to 'No HDMI'.
  11. Updated Aug 24, 2021: Moved additional information regarding gimbal lock feature to 'Stabilization' boxes for clarity.
  12. Updated Aug 19, 2021: Review published.
  13. Updated Aug 16, 2021: Early access published.
  14. Updated Jul 30, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  15. Updated Jul 28, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  16. Updated Mar 10, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The DJI Pocket 2 comes in two color variants: 'Classic Black' and 'Sunset White'. You can purchase the 'Classic Black' version on its own or as part of the 'Creator Combo', which comes with several additional accessories to help content creators. Meanwhile, the 'Sunset White' variant is only available to purchase as part of the 'Exclusive Combo', which comes with the 'Do-It-All Handle' and 'Sling Strap'. We tested the 'Classic Black' variant, but we expect the other variants to perform similarly overall.

Model Color Additional Accessories
DJI Pocket 2 Classic Black  
DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo Classic Black Do-It-All Handle, Wireless Microphone Transmitter, Micro Tripod, Wide-Angle Lens
DJI Pocket 2 Exclusive Combo Sunset White Do-It-All Handle and Sling Strap

If you come across a different variant or your DJI Pocket 2 doesn't correspond to our review, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update the review.

You can see our unit's label here.

Compared To Other Cameras

DJI Osmo Action

The DJI Osmo Action and the DJI Pocket 2 are very different cameras. The Osmo Action is a more typical action camera, while the Pocket 2 is a unique camera with a built-in gimbal for stabilized handheld shooting and vlogging. The Pocket 2 has a slightly larger sensor, which gives it better image and video quality, particularly in low light. However, the Osmo Action is more versatile for action video because it's waterproof, and you can mount it onto any number of accessories and objects, like helmets and chest rigs.

DJI Action 2

The DJI Action 2 and the DJI Pocket 2 both have innovative designs, but they're suited to different uses. The Pocket 2 is meant to be used handheld and has a built-in gimbal that allows you to capture incredibly stable footage. Meanwhile, the Action 2 has a very portable, modular design that makes it very easy to mount to drones or action video rigs. Both cameras overheat quickly, but the Action 2 gets a lot hotter. The Action 2 also has a much shorter battery life.

Insta360 GO 2

While they're both pretty niche cameras, the DJI Pocket 2 is better overall than the Insta360 GO 2. The DJI is more capable, with 4k video, a built-in handheld gimbal, and a tracking feature. It also has a better battery life, although it's less portable than the Insta360, and you can't mount it in tight spots for POV footage.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
N/A
Design
Portability
Height
Lock" (Lock cm)
Width
Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth
Lock" (Lock cm)
Volume
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Weight
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

When stored in its case, the camera measures:

  • Height: 13.38 cm
  • Width: 4.56 cm
  • Depth: 2.98 cm
  • Volume: 181.8
  • Weight: 0.154 kg
  • Weight With Lens: 0.154 kg

If you want something even more portable, check out the Insta360 GO 2.

N/A
Design
Build Quality

  • Body is plastic
  • Camera head rotates inward when turned off to protect the lens
  • Gimbal mechanism feels solid and well-designed
  • No input covers
  • Two control buttons offer good physical feedback
  • Comes with a protective cover for the accessory port
  • Comes with a protective case for transporting the camera, though it can't be used while in the case
  • Base accessory includes tripod mount

Design
Body
Body Type
Action Cam
Water Resistance
Locked
Mirrorless
Yes
Rugged
Locked
Hot Shoe
Locked
Customizable Button
Locked
Command Dial
Locked
Tripod Mount
Locked
Lens Mount
Locked
Built-In Flash
Locked
Fastest Shutter Speed
1/Lock s
Design
In The Box

  • DJI Pocket 2 camera
  • Camera base
  • Tripod base
  • Protective case
  • 2x case bumper
  • Stickers
  • Wrist strap
  • Mini Control Stick
  • Universal port cover
  • USB-C adapter
  • Lightning adapter
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • Quick Start guide

N/A
Design
Ergonomics & Comfort
Hand Grip: Small Hand
Locked
Hand Grip: Medium Hand
Locked
Hand Grip: Large Hand
Locked
Hand Grip: Extra-Large Hand
Locked

  • Small, lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
  • Boxy, narrow shape may be awkward to hold for those with larger hands
  • No dedicated handgrip, though the front of its body has a rougher texture that provides a more secure hold
  • Rubberized thumb rest near buttons
  • Only two buttons means that camera operation relies heavily on multi-tap inputs and swipes, so there's a learning curve, but once you get used to it, operation is fairly simple, and switching between modes and settings is relatively quick
  • Small screen can be hard to see and makes it difficult to adjust settings when in 'Pro' mode
  • You can't set the camera down on a flat surface when it's turned on, as it starts vibrating and doesn't feel particularly steady on its base
  • Comes with a 'Mini Control Stick' accessory that lets you manually control the movement of the camera head and zoom

Design
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type
Locked
Advertised Coverage
N/A
Advertised Resolution
N/A
Advertised Magnification
N/A
N/A
Design
Screen
Screen Articulation Type
Locked
Screen Max Brightness
Lock cd/m²
Advertised Resolution
N/A
Size
Lock" (Lock cm)
Touchscreen
Locked
N/A
Design
Menu System
Guide Mode
Locked
App Name
Locked

  • You can access various configuration menus by swiping on the screen in different directons
  • For example, swiping down gives you access to the settings menu, while swiping up gives you access to the shooting settings
  • Dedicated menus for general settings, video and image configuration options, and gimbal movement, as well as a 'Pro' menu that allows you to adjust file formats, shutter speed, ISO, audio recording volume, and white balance
  • Your smartphone can be used as an external screen after downloading the camera's companion app and using the included smartphone adapter, which makes it easier to sort through the many sub-menus, though we don't currently test for this
  • Limited guide mode to explain some of the more advanced features, as well as a tutorial for the different gimbal modes

N/A
Design
Built-In Lens
Maximum Aperture
Locked
Max Aperture (Full-Frame Equivalent)
f/Lock
Minimum Focal Length
Lock mm
Maximum Focal Length
Lock mm
Max Focal Length (Full-Frame Equivalent)
Lock mm
Optical Image Stabilization
Locked
Luminance
Lock%
Light Falloff
Lock%
Design
Sensor
Sensor Type
Locked
Advertised Effective Pixels
Lock MP
Sensor Size
1/1.7-inch
Processor
Locked
Extended ISO Minimum
N/A
Native ISO Minimum (Base ISO)
Lock
Native ISO Maximum
Lock
Tested Firmware
Locked
N/A
Design
Battery
Battery Type
Locked
USB Charging
Locked
Power Delivery While Recording
Locked
Advertised Battery Life In Photo
N/A
Tested Battery Life In Video
Lock min

Note: The camera splits long recordings into sequential clips of 6 minutes and 48 seconds. Note also that it gets very hot with prolonged use, especially when recording in 4k.

Photo General
N/A
Photo General
Photo Shooting Speed
Low Speed Continuous
N/A
High Speed Continuous
N/A
Silent Shooting Continuous
N/A
Raw Buffer Size
Lock Photos
JPEG Buffer Size
Lock Photos
Buffer Empty Time
Lock s
N/A
Photo General
Photo AF-C Tracking
Autofocus Tracking Shots N/A
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
N/A
Usable Focus Hit Rate
N/A
N/A
Photo General
Photo AF-C Center Point
Autofocus Center Point Shots N/A
Perfect Focus Hit Rate
N/A
Usable Focus Hit Rate
N/A
N/A
Photo General
Photo Image Stabilization
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 Stabilization Slideshow Sample
Minimum Shutter Speed Achieved
1/Lock s
In-Body Image Stabilization
Locked

Note: We had to deviate from our usual methodology for this test because of the camera's fixed focal length and aperture, so the results may not be comparable with other cameras we've tested.

Photo Image Quality
N/A
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range At Base ISO
N/A
Dynamic Range At 1/500s Exposure Time
N/A
Dynamic Range At 1/2000s Exposure Time
N/A
Dynamic Range At 1/4000s Exposure Time
N/A
N/A
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Sharpness
Vertical Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
N/A
Horizontal Edge MTF50 At Base ISO
N/A
N/A
Photo Image Quality
Photo RAW Noise
SNR 18% At 1/8 Exposure Time (125 ms)
N/A
SNR 18% At 1/30 Exposure Time (33 ms)
N/A
SNR 18% At 1/125 Exposure Time (8 ms)
N/A
SNR 18% At 1/500 Exposure Time (2 ms)
N/A
Pictures Sample Gallery
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Skate Park Picture
JPEG Skate Park Picture Download
RAW Skate Park Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Polish Church Picture
JPEG Polish Church Picture Download
RAW Polish Church Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Studio Picture
JPEG Studio Picture Download
RAW Studio Picture Download
Pictures Sample Gallery
The Stairway Picture
JPEG Stairway Picture Download
RAW Stairway Picture Download
Video General
Video General
Video Features
Full HD Video
Locked
4k Video
Locked
6k Video
Locked
Clean HDMI Output
Locked
Advertised Max Chroma Sampling Over HDMI
Locked
Advertised Max Bit Depth Over HDMI
N/A
Log Picture Profile
Locked
Recording Light
Locked

Note: The camera has three gimbal modes that each make use of the three-axis stabilization to different effect:

  • FPV: All three axes follow the handle, giving you less stabilization but more freedom to rotate, tilt, and angle the camera.
  • Follow: Locks the 'Roll' axis to create an always-level horizon.
  • Tilt lock: Locks the 'Roll' and 'Tilt' axes, leaving the 'Pan' axis to follow the handle, so the horizon and angle both stay level, preventing the camera head from tilting up or down.

You can also unlock all three axes by double-tapping on a particular subject to follow that subject automatically. When you press and hold the function button, the camera will lock its gimbal position. Finally, there's an additional 'Motion Lapse' setting within the 'Time Lapse' mode, in which the camera can follow a pre-set motion path while shooting a time-lapse video.

The camera can also record video in 2.7k resolution.

Video General
Audio
Audio Test Sample
GET INSIDER ACCESS to hear audio samples
Audio Recording
Locked
Microphone Level Display
Locked
Video General
Video File Format And Compression
MP4 H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Locked
MP4 H.265 / HEVC
Locked
MOV H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Locked
MOV H.265 / HEVC
Locked
AVCHD H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Locked
All-I Compression
Locked
4k Video
N/A
4k Video
4k Video Frame Rate
240 fps In 4k
Locked
120 fps In 4k
Locked
60 fps In 4k
Locked
30 fps In 4k
Locked
24 fps In 4k
Locked
4k Crop At Max Available fps
Lock x

If you want a camera that can record 4k at 120 fps, consider the DJI Action 2.

N/A
4k Video
4k Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In 4k
Lock Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In 4k
Lock Mbps
Chroma Sampling In 4k
Locked
Bit Depth In 4k
Lock Bit
Record Time Limit In 4k
N/A
Overheat Recording Interruptions in 4k
Lock
N/A
4k Video
4k Video Autofocus Performance
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 4k Object Tracking Video Sample
Object Tracking In 4k
0.0
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 4k Face Tracking Video Sample
Face Tracking In 4k
0.0
Face Detection In 4k
Locked
Eye Detection In 4k
Locked

Note: We had to deviate from our usual methodology for this test, so the results may not be comparable with other cameras we've tested. Note also that face tracking is not available when shooting in 4k at 60 fps.

The DJI Pocket 2 has an active tracking feature that lets it lock onto a subject and track them automatically. You can see that in action here.

N/A
4k Video
4k Video Quality
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 4k Sample Low Light Video Sample
Low Light Capability In 4k
0.0
Test Scene Extract In 4k
0.0
N/A
4k Video
4k Video Rolling Shutter Effect
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 Rolling Shutter Video in 4k Sample
4k Rolling Shutter
Lock°
Full HD Video
N/A
Full HD Video
FHD Video Frame Rate
240 fps In FHD
Locked
120 fps In FHD
Locked
60 fps In FHD
Locked
30 fps In FHD
Locked
24 fps In FHD
Locked
FHD Crop At Max Available fps
Lock x

Note: 120 fps and 240 fps are only available in the camera's 'Slow-Mo' video mode. This mode only allows for playback in slow motion at 30 fps. This camera also has an HDR video mode, which gives you the option to shoot at either 24 fps or 30 fps. However, it incurs 1.74x crop.

N/A
Full HD Video
FHD Video Internal Recording
Bitrate Maximum In FHD
Lock Mbps
Bitrate Minimum In FHD
Lock Mbps
Chroma Sampling In FHD
Locked
Bit Depth In FHD
Lock Bit
Record Time Limit in FHD
N/A
N/A
Full HD Video
FHD Video Autofocus Performance
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 Object Tracking Video Sample
Object Tracking In FHD
0.0
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 FHD Face Tracking Video Sample
Face Tracking In FHD
0.0
Face Detection In FHD
Locked
Eye Detection In FHD
Locked

Note: We had to deviate from our usual methodology for this test, so the results may not be comparable with other cameras we've tested.

The DJI Pocket 2 has an active tracking feature that lets it lock onto a subject and track them automatically. You can see that in action here.

N/A
Full HD Video
FHD Video Quality
- SAMPLE -
Get Insider Access for videos & test results
DJI Pocket 2 FHD Sample Low Light Video Sample
Low Light Capability In FHD
0.0
Test Scene Extract In FHD
0.0

Note: We had to deviate from our usual methodology for this test, so the results may not be comparable with other cameras we've tested.

N/A
Full HD Video
FHD Video Rolling Shutter Effect
- SAMPLE -
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DJI Pocket 2 Rolling Shutter Video in FHD Sample
FHD Rolling Shutter
Lock°
Storage And Connectivity
Storage And Connectivity
Storage
Card 1 Slot
Locked
Card 2 Slot
Locked
N/A
Storage And Connectivity
Inputs / Outputs
USB
Locked
HDMI
Locked
Headphones
Locked
Microphone
Locked
Wi-Fi
Locked
Bluetooth
Locked

You can see the USB-C port here.