DJI Pocket 4 Long Term Review

I’ve been using the DJI Pocket 4 since launch. I’ve travelled extensively with it, filmed numerous YouTube episodes, and am now in a position to share my thoughts on this increasingly popular camera.

Scope

I purchased this camera myself and have no relationship with DJI, so this review is 100% unbiased. I use the camera to document my travels and make YouTube vlogs, with standard video recording being the feature I use most. This review won’t cover every feature the camera offers; I’ll only discuss the ones I’ve used as part of my workflow.

Pocket 4 vs Pocket 3

Let’s address the most obvious question first: if you already have the Pocket 3, do you need to upgrade to the Pocket 4? The short answer is no. Unless you specifically want D-Log instead of D-Log M for slightly more dynamic range, there isn’t much reason to upgrade. Equally, if you want the latest tracking algorithms, the Pocket 4 can offer that. Unless you do extensive colour grading or rely on tracking features for the bulk of your work, the upgrade isn’t worth it. The rest of the camera is largely identical to the Pocket 3.

Build and Handling

Externally, the Pocket 4 is almost identical to the older model. It’s still made from the same hard-wearing plastic, and while it can pick up surface scratches, it feels very solid in the hand. The most noticeable change is the addition of two new buttons. One controls the zoom, which we’ll cover later, while the other is a custom button. The custom button can be programmed to perform several different tasks, from activating specific recording modes to locking the gimbal.  Initially, I didn’t think much of these buttons, but as time went on, I found myself using them more and more.

Another change is the joystick. The new version is physically larger and offers more precise control. I’m neutral on this change. While it allows for finer control over the gimbal, it’s also very sensitive, meaning you need to pay close attention when using it. In most situations, when I need to move the gimbal, I need to move it quickly, so I haven’t taken much advantage of that extra precision.

My biggest criticism of this camera still stands: it’s fragile. Drop it once and it’s toast. This isn’t a camera for people who want to throw it into a bag without worrying about it or hand it to their children to run around with. As with the previous model, there is no weather sealing whatsoever, although at least the SD card slot now has a cover.

Performance

The Pocket 4 feels much the same as the older model. It’s responsive most of the time, offers great battery life, and has been reliable so far. One area where I noticed a significant improvement is data transfer speed when using a Thunderbolt cable. Thanks to the addition of internal storage, files transfer at lightning speed, and the difference is very noticeable. The tracking modes also seem a little stickier, but the Pocket 3 was already excellent in this regard. It’s more of a refinement than a major leap, but that’s still a good thing.

The microphones are still just as great as before, and while strong wind can still ruin the audio, in most cases the built in mic does an amazing job.

Image Quality

This is what most people will be upgrading for. You now have access to the full D-Log profile instead of the more basic D-Log M profile used by the Pocket 3 and the Action line of cameras. The full D-Log profile offers greater dynamic range and much more flexibility when colour grading. You also get a new and improved 1-inch sensor, which enables what DJI describes as “lossless” digital zoom. This is what the new zoom button is for. In theory, you should now have a completely lossless 2x zoom. While the quality is excellent and perfectly usable, I can’t agree that it’s entirely lossless. There is a definite reduction in quality, however small. That said, it still looks amazing, and I use the feature all the time.

Once colour-graded, the footage looks outstanding. While it isn’t on the same level as footage from a traditional mirrorless camera, it has certainly closed the gap a little. You can’t compare it with a smartphone either, as the Pocket 4 is way ahead.

Annoyances

The same minor annoyances I had with the Pocket 3 also apply here. The gimbal can drift from time to time, and there can sometimes be a delay between flipping the screen and the camera turning on. You also still get annoying notifications that take up half of the display. If you’re in a car, plane, or train, the gimbal can occasionally have a mind of its own. Some of the older camera’s annoyances have been addressed, however, including less reliable face tracking and limited exposure control.

Summary

Overall, this is a great camera for a niche audience. It’s very much aimed at people who take video seriously and create online content, whether for fun or for work.

The Pocket 4 has all the features a content creator might need and, in the right hands, can produce outstanding videos. However, as impressive as it is, the camera remains very fragile. That rules it out for many scenarios in my case, including certain types of travel and handing it to children.

I like this camera, and I’ll continue using it for my specific purpose of making YouTube videos. However, for most people, I would recommend the Action 6 instead.

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