DJI Pocket 3 the iPhone and Microphones

This article concludes that if you are interested in this device, you should purchase the Osomo Pocket Creator Combo and consider the DJI Mic Mini kit.

A quick overview of what comes with the Pocket 3, and using basic features

Using My iPhone and Adding a Miniature Microphone?

The iPhone has an excellent video system, which I used exclusively until I purchased a Pocket 3. I have avoided using my cameras because of their size, complexity, and flexibility. However, the sound quality on an iPhone is an issue; solving this would mean purchasing a microphone system. After researching the Hollyland, Rode, and DJI miniature mics and the sound quality and simplicity of the kits, it would appear that the DJI system is likely the best solution.

The DJI system is wholly contained within the charging case. The DJI sound quality seems better balanced than the Rode system, emphasizing the lower tones, and the Hollywood mics seem to have too much treble. (DJI Mic Mini vs Rode Wireless Micro vs Hollyland Lark M2: COMPLETE Mini Mic Showdown)

There is an added benefit to the DJI system as it is entirely compatible with the Pocket 3 system should you decide to abandon using an iPhone. If you do purchase the Pocket 3 the Creators Kit only comes with one larger microphone. So you will still find the DJI Mic Mini Kit very useful.

DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)
$239.00 CAD

The smaller DJI microphone system does not independently store your recording on the microphone, like the one that comes with the Creator Combo, nor does it have an external microphone port. However, it does have an extended range, is much smaller and has a more miniature transmitter. It is also more straightforward to synchronize with a camera or phone.

Black Magic App

The Blackmagic Camera app can connect DJI microphones to iPhones and Google phones without a transmitter. This allows people who do not want to buy DJI’s microphone kit to purchase a microphone independently and record directly to a smartphone. The app provides a more professional interface for adjusting frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO. It also allows users to connect directly to DaVinci Resolve.

The Case for the Pocket 3

The iPhone has a smaller sensor than the one-inch sensor in the Pocket 3 so the image quality of the Pocket 3 should be considerably better. It is also an easy upgrade to the Pocket 3 video camera if you have already bought the mini mics. The Pocket 3 is a very lightweight portable system. It’s main advantage is the one-inch sensor and the gimbal system; the image quality is more than enough for internet videos. However, most late-model cameras will perform better in low light and deal with dynamic range more effectively, with 4/3, APSC or full frame sensors. Reviewers suggest that at 800 ISO, the Pocket 3 will have very unpleasant noises, which is not the case with late-model cameras. The gimbal is a game changer as it provides smoother video than an iPhone or a camera. The second big difference is that the Pocket 3 camera can be set to track the subject automatically.

Which Pocket 3 Kit is Best

The Pocket 3 comes with five different purchase options. The two most popular options are in the two images below. The first is the cheapest option, but does not include wireless microphones. If you purchase this option, you will eventually have to buy the wireless mini microphones (this would be the same as another option they have called the Vlog Combo). I recommend starting with the Osomo Pocket Creator Combo, as this will provide you with the most accessories and a remote microphone. This is the best value for your money and is just over a $100 CDN difference from the cheapest option. You can see what is in this kit in the second image. This kit includes a remote mic, a tripod mounting clip-on, an extended battery with tripod mount, a mini tripod, a mic muff, a field case that doubles as a mic handle, and a wide-angle lens. This all comes in what appears to be a waterproof case that holds all this equipment.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3. $719 CAD
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo

$929.00 CAD

DJO Mimo App

DJI produces an app for the iPhone that allows you to view the Pocket 3 as it is recording. The app can also download the videos, edit them on the phone, and share them. It can also upload a live broadcast to YouTube or Facebook. It also allows you to control the gimbal movements and view the recording on a larger screen, providing a histogram and other information. The editor in the application has a suite of tools with templates, filters, music, and watermarks.

Warranty

Keep in mind that, like Apple, DJI offers an extended warranty that covers screen damage, water damage, cracking or deformation, and natural wear. They have either a one-year or two-year warranty. So, before you purchase, you may review or research the benefits to see if they are something you want.

A quick overview of the operation

References