DJI Osmo Pocket 4: the pocket gimbal camera grows and has new physical controls
DJI
DJI needs no introduction in the world of compact stabilizer cameras: the Osmo Pocket series has built a solid reputation over the years, winning over vloggers, content creators, and professionals seeking cinematic quality without the weight of a complex rig. With the Osmo Pocket 4, the Chinese manufacturer targets not only the casual user wanting stable and easy-to-share clips but also professionals who work with color in post-production and need raw material with wide margins. The path taken is that of high-fidelity imaging in a body that still comfortably fits in your pocket.
Design and Build: Evolution without Revolutions
At first glance, the Osmo Pocket 4 may seem nearly identical to its predecessor: same construction philosophy, same three-axis gimbal with a sensor mounted on top, same tiltable touchscreen display. The dimensions increase slightly (144.2×44.4×33.5 mm compared to the 139.7×42.2×33.5 mm of the Pocket 3) and the weight rises to 190.5 grams from 179, differences that are hardly noticeable during use.
The real novelty on the physical front comes under the display: DJI has added two new dedicated buttons that significantly change the way you interact with the camera. The one on the left is a zoom toggle: a single press switches between 1x and 2x, while two quick presses take you directly to 4x. The second is fully customizable and responds to single, double, or triple presses, configurable from the menu with functions such as quick switching between photo and video, gimbal mode switching, or locking/unlocking the head. This practical approach will be immediately appreciated by those shooting with one hand (the most common setup for vlogging).
The 5D joystick is also new: it is now analog, with a response proportional to the pressure applied. The harder you push, the faster the movement of the gimbal becomes. A central press takes you back to the previous screen, a double-click recenters the gimbal, and a triple-click switches the orientation of the camera between front and rear. This is a physical control that makes a noticeable difference in the field.
The 2.0-inch touchscreen (556×314 pixels, 1000 nits brightness) maintains the automatic rotation capability that changes the framing from 16:9 to 9:16 vertical as soon as you tilt it towards the user, a feature that those recording content for social media will appreciate without reservations.
The Sensor: Same Format, But Something Has Really Changed
On the sensor front, the starting numbers seem the same: 1-inch CMOS, 20mm equivalent lens, f/2.0 aperture, focus from 0.2 meters to infinity. The real difference lies in the internal architecture. DJI has optimized the sensor to better handle highlights, reduce noise in shadows, and lower thermal dispersion, aspects that rarely emerge from technical specifications but are visible in the footage.
The dynamic range increases to 14 stops, available in 4K/60fps and 4K/30fps modes. This value (which previously was absent or limited to HLG mode only) is what opens the doors to true D-Log, not the Medium variant of the Pocket 3. The difference between D-Log M and D-Log is not merely academic: D-Log offers a flatter curve with a wider range, intended for those bringing files into DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere and working on color grading with professional tools. For the basic creator who doesn’t touch the clips in post-production, these improvements still translate into more natural images with less “clipping” in highlights under backlight conditions or during dawn/dusk scenes.
Video encoding occurs in MP4 with HEVC codec, with a maximum bitrate of 180 Mbps. The 10-bit color depth allows for smoother gradients and prevents color banding in tonal transitions. Photos now reach a maximum resolution of about 37 MP (7680×4320 in 16:9 or 6144×6144 in 1:1), thanks to an optimized algorithm that brings a clear improvement over the previous model's 9.4 MP. The RAW format (DNG) is supported, as well as the JPEG+DNG combination.
Shooting Modes: 4K/240fps and Low-Light Mode
One of the most significant technical additions is the 4K/240fps slow motion recording. To put this in perspective, this specification has so far been reserved for very high-end cinema cameras. Activating this mode on the Osmo Pocket 4 requires selecting Slow Motion from the menu and then choosing the 4K/240fps preset. The result is a fluid and detailed slow-motion, suitable for dynamic subjects such as sports, dance, or fast movements. It is worth noting that in this mode, zoom is not available, but starting from this version, subject tracking works even in slow motion — a useful addition that opens interesting scenarios in contexts like sports filming or events.
The low-light video mode has also been optimized: compared to the Pocket 3, DJI claims a two-stop improvement in dynamic range in low-light conditions. In tests in very dimly lit environments, the sensor maintains textures in dark areas and handles abrupt light-shadow transitions without that typical “visual flare” effect that afflicts many compact cameras. The low-light mode supports 4K/24/25/30fps and 1080p at the same framerates. The ISO in this mode goes up to 25600.
Among other shooting modes are Hyperlapse (4K and 1080p at 25/30fps with multipliers from 2x to 30x), Timelapse with configurable intervals from 0.5 seconds to 60 seconds and durations up to infinite, and Motionlapse with support for four programmed positions. The new slow shutter video mode allows for long exposure times (1/12s, 1/10s up to 1/4s) to achieve intentional motion blur effects, useful for artistic nighttime scene captures or flowing crowds.
ActiveTrack 7.0 and Intelligent Tracking Functions
ActiveTrack has always been one of the strengths of the Osmo Pocket series, and in version 7.0 it receives a structural upgrade. The stability of the lock on the subject improves even in the presence of crowds, obstacles, or fast movements. Tracking now works up to 4x zoom, a tangible advantage for anyone wanting a close-up medium shot while keeping the camera farther from the subject. It supports people, vehicles (cars and motorcycles), pets, and generally any object.
The new “Subject Lock” mode allows for manually selecting a face among those detected: identified faces are highlighted in yellow (if in focus) or gray (if just detected), and a tap is all it takes to lock focus on the desired one. The “Registered Subject Priority” function goes even further: by previously registering a person’s face, the camera will automatically prioritize that subject in group scenes.
“Dynamic Framing” is another tracking mode that uses traditional compositional rules — golden spiral or rule of thirds — to position the subject in a aesthetically coherent way during movement. We also have gesture control activated from the menu: the “open palm” gesture starts or stops ActiveTrack, and the “V” gesture with the fingers takes a photo or starts/stops video recording. A feature designed for those who want to film solo without having to touch the camera.
Audio: Four Channels and Spatial Audio
On the audio front, the Osmo Pocket 4 is equipped with an array of three built-in microphones. It supports connection to DJI Mic transmitters (compatible Mic 2, Mic Mini, and Mic 3) via the OsmoAudio ecosystem, opening the possibility for four-channel recording: two from the external microphone and two from the built-in array. Software like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro directly recognize the four separate channels, streamlining the editing phase.
A new feature is Audio Zoom: sound capture adapts to video zoom (increasing zoom amplifies directional sounds toward the framed subject). Audio output is at 48 kHz 16-bit in AAC format, while the new spatial audio function allows for capturing 3D ambient sound, designed for playback on headphones.
Storage, Autonomy, and Additional Features
One of the practically most useful additions is the 107 GB internal memory: there’s no need to remember to insert a microSD card (still supported up to 1 TB), and you can start filming right away. The switch from USB 2.0 to USB 3.1 brings wired transfer speeds up to 800 MB/s (a jump from five to ten times compared to the previous model). Wi-Fi 6 allows for wireless transfers up to 90 MB/s. The supported file system is exFAT.
The battery is 1545 mAh with a declared duration of up to 240 minutes. Fast charging takes the battery from 0 to 80% in just 18 minutes; a full charge takes about 32 minutes. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection rounds out the connectivity features.
Osmo Pocket 4 introduces six film tones integrated directly into the camera: CC Film (cool tones inspired by Fujifilm), NC Film (classic negative style), Pastel (fresh and transparent hues), Warm Tone (saturated and warm colors), Movie (cinematic with depth), and Retro (nostalgic atmosphere). Unlike the Pocket 3, which only offered the glamour effect via app, here the film tones can be applied directly in-camera before and during shooting.
The integrated beauty filters allow for adjusting skin smoothness, brightness, and skin tone temperature, with application occurring directly in-camera without subsequent processing. The maximum photographic resolution increases from 9.4 MP to about 37 MP thanks to an optimized algorithm.
The magnetic fill light (included in the Creator Combo, optional as a separate accessory) attaches to the gimbal and moves in sync with it during shoots. Three brightness levels (12 lux, 25 lux, 40 lux measured at 0.6 meters) and three color temperatures (Warm 2800K, Neutral 4000K, Cool 5500K) make it a useful tool for vlogging in dimly lit environments, though with the power limits of such a compact accessory — don’t expect to light scenes more than two meters away.
Prices and Available Configurations
The Osmo Pocket 4 is available in three bundles with differentiated prices and contents designed to cover different needs.
| Combo | Prices | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Combo | 479 € | - Osmo Pocket 4- USB-C to USB-C PD cable (USB 3.1)- 1/4" threaded handle- Portable carrying caseStandard Combo |
To consider: the hard full-body case is not included in the Standard or Essential bundles and is only available as a separate accessory. Those who own the Pocket 3 will find that the case for the previous version is not compatible with the new body, an aspect to keep in mind. The gimbal clamp adequately protects the mechanical head, but for those used to the hard case, an additional purchase will be necessary. The additional battery with grip is available separately, as well as magnetic ND filters, expansion adapters, and wide-angle lenses for those wanting to build a custom kit.
Use Scenarios and Conclusions
The Osmo Pocket 4 adapts to a wide range of situations. For vlogging on the move (indoors or outdoors), the three-axis stabilization and automatic tracking allow for smooth shooting even at a brisk pace. In low-light environments such as churches, wedding venues, or interiors with limited artificial light, the 14 stops of dynamic range and D-Log make a significant difference for those working with the material in post. For those filming sports (from running to cycling to contact sports), the combination of 4K/240fps with subject tracking opens up possibilities previously impossible in this format. Creators producing content for social media like Instagram and TikTok benefit from the native 9:16 orientation, gesture tracking, and integrated film tones for a quicker workflow. Those using the camera as a B-roll companion in more structured productions especially appreciate the compactness, sensor quality, and color management with D-Log.
The Osmo Pocket 4 is a substantial update over the previous version, even if not revolutionary in form. The combination of new features (optimized sensor, 10-bit D-Log, 14 stops of dynamic range, 4K/240fps slow motion, active tracking even in slow motion, 107 GB built-in, USB 3.1, and new physical controls) creates a product with a significantly superior profile for advanced camera users. For the basic user, the benefits are still there, although less evident in daily use.
Some areas for improvement remain: focus peaking, absent even in this version, would have been a valuable feature for studio work and controlled environments; the hard full-body case is not included in most bundles; and the additional weight compared to the Pocket 3, although minimal, should be considered in setups with multiple accessories.
Overall, the Osmo Pocket 4 remains the most comprehensive and capable choice in its category: a gimbal camera that does things that just a few years ago required much larger and more expensive professional equipment.