DJI Osmo Pocket 4 review: a powerhouse vlogging tool with a premium price tag

At a glance:

• The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 introduces a new 1-inch sensor, improved framerates, and extended battery life.
• New hardware features include a dedicated customizable zoom button and 107GB of internal storage.
• The device retails for $605, marking a price increase over its predecessor.

A refined standard for mobile videography

For years, DJI's gimbal-stabilized "stick" cameras have become the ubiquitous choice for tech reporters, influencers, and vloggers at global trade shows. The previous iteration, the Osmo Pocket 3, set a high bar with its intuitive interface, sharp autofocus, and the ability to pivot between vertical and horizontal recording without significant quality loss. Now, two years later, the Osmo Pocket 4 arrives to solidify that dominance.

According to analysis by James Trew, the Pocket 4 is currently the device to beat in its category. It maintains the ease of use that defined the series, making it equally viable for simple talk-to-camera vlogging as it is for high-production, cinematic sequences. By refining the core mechanics of the gimbal and sensor, DJI has created a tool that feels like a natural evolution rather than a radical departure.

Hardware upgrades and internal specifications

The most significant leap in the Osmo Pocket 4 is the integration of a new 1-inch sensor. This larger sensor allows for better light gathering and improved dynamic range, which, paired with enhanced framerate capture, results in smoother and more professional-looking footage. To support these power-hungry upgrades, DJI has also included an extended battery to ensure longer shooting windows in the field.

Beyond the optics, the physical interface has seen a strategic update. A new dedicated zoom button has been added, offering deep customization; users can assign up to three different controls to this single button via single, double, and triple clicks. Furthermore, the device comes equipped with 107GB of internal storage, removing the immediate necessity for external microSD cards for most users.

Trade-offs and the cost of performance

Despite the technical gains, the Osmo Pocket 4 is not without its drawbacks. The most immediate hurdle for many consumers will be the price, which sits at $605. This premium positioning reflects the hardware upgrades but may alienate casual users who found the previous generation more accessible.

From a functional standpoint, there are still gaps in the feature set that professional videographers might find limiting. Specifically, the device lacks optical zoom, relying instead on digital cropping which can degrade image quality. Additionally, the lack of official dust and water protection means users must exercise caution during ambitious outdoor shoots or in inclement weather, as the device is not ruggedized for extreme environments.