We Tried the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P in Malta: A Dynamic Range Monster in Your Pocket
After its world debut under the spotlight of the Cannes Film Festival in May, we finally got our hands on the new DJI Osmo Pocket 4P last week, taking it into the field for an in-depth test in Malta.
This time, however, the letter "P" in the name is not just a marketing choice: it heralds a true professional breakthrough. To see if the bold promises made beforehand matched reality, we packed DJI's new gem in our backpack and flew to Malta, a land where harsh light and sharp contrasts provide the ideal testing ground for any photographic sensor.
The Numbers Behind the Breakthrough: 17 Stops of Dynamic Range
There's no point in beating around the bush; the technical feature that has thrilled enthusiasts and professionals alike is the dynamic range figure. DJI claims a whopping 17 stops of dynamic range for the Osmo Pocket 4P. This is an incredible value, usually reserved for high-end cinematic cameras.
How it was possible to achieve such a milestone in such a compact body is tied to a deep redesign of the optical and sensor components. Although the dimensions remain optimized for handheld use, DJI has implemented a native triple stage gain conversion system. This allows for simultaneous sampling of both highlights and deep shadows without introducing the classic digital noise that plagued previous models in the most critical situations. The leap forward from the already excellent Pocket 3 is evident from the very first workflows in post-production.
On-Site in Malta: Mastering Mediterranean Light
Malta, with its golden limestone fortifications reflecting the midday sun and its narrow, perpetually shadowy alleys, is a paradise (or a nightmare) for any video operator. Walking through the streets of Valletta and the "silent city", we tested the Osmo Pocket 4P in extreme contrast situations, simultaneously framing portions of open sky and dark porticoes. We leave it to you to evaluate the clips below.
Ergonomics and Intelligence: The "P" That Makes the Difference
It's not just the sensor that has convinced us. The user experience of the Osmo Pocket 4P has been refined in every aspect to meet the needs of video professionals. The three-axis mechanical stabilization mechanism is even more responsive, capable of compensating for abrupt movements even during fast walking on the uneven pavement of the Mdina citadel. The focusing system has seen the introduction of new predictive tracking aided by artificial intelligence, which never loses the subject even if they turn their back or are momentarily obstructed by an obstacle.
Preliminary Conclusions
Let's say that with 17 real stops of dynamic range and extremely mature color management, DJI's new Osmo stops being just the perfect tool for creators to become a true pocket main camera or a versatile secondary camera to integrate into complex video productions.
The market launch will be at the end of July, where all the technical specifications will be unveiled. We imagine that the price will certainly not be popular, but for those seeking the highest image quality in the smallest possible space, the Pocket 4P will have few rivals on the market.