I Regret Buying the DJI Osmo Pocket 3: Here’s Why

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is one of the most talked-about compact cameras for creators. It’s small, stabilized, and packed with features that promise to make content creation effortless. On paper, it looked like the perfect tool. But after using it in real life, I ended up returning mine. Not because it was bad—in fact, it impressed me in many ways. The problem was that it didn’t fit into my actual workflow as someone balancing a full-time job with creating content on the side.

And here’s the surprising part: almost everything I wanted from the Osmo Pocket 3, I already had.

This is the story of why I thought it would be a game changer, what it did well, what frustrated me, and what ultimately replaced it in my setup.

Why I Bought the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

When I first ordered the Pocket 3, I had a very specific vision in mind.

• I wanted it as a B-camera to pair with my Sony a6700.

• I needed it for hard-to-reach angles without setting up extra rigs.

• I expected rock-solid stabilization right out of the box.

• And I hoped for a plug-and-play camera with full manual controls.

Running multiple channels and client accounts means efficiency is everything. Like many creators, I binge-watched reviews. Every trusted voice online made it sound like the missing puzzle piece. It was easy to convince myself: Yes, this is exactly what I need.

And honestly, at first, the Osmo Pocket 3 seemed to live up to the hype.

The Pros: Where the Osmo Pocket 3 Delivered

Stabilization That Feels Like Magic

The standout feature of the Osmo Pocket 3 is stabilization. The footage looked buttery smooth, almost like it was shot on a drone gimbal. This meant I could move freely without worrying about shaky clips or spending hours stabilizing footage in post-production. That’s a huge win for anyone who values efficiency.

A Camera That Fits Anywhere

Portability is another clear strength. Without the tripod grip or battery handle, the Pocket 3 slips easily into a bag or even a pocket. For travel, vlogging, or quick handheld shots, it truly feels convenient.

The Creator Combo Ecosystem

I purchased the Creator Combo, which included the wide-angle lens, mic, and tripod grip. Everything worked seamlessly together, making it feel like a complete ecosystem. The mic in particular was impressive—it connected instantly without the syncing issues I sometimes encounter with my Sony a6700 setup. That reliability is valuable when capturing content on the go.

So far, so good. The Osmo Pocket 3 was ticking all the boxes. But then the cracks started to show.

The Cons: Where the Osmo Pocket 3 Fell Short

Stabilization’s Hidden Limitation

The stabilization was great until I needed to lock both tilt and pan. Suddenly, I found myself holding down the joystick the entire time. This isn’t a deal-breaker on its own, but it added unnecessary effort to what should have been a hands-free experience. In theory, DJI could fix this with a firmware update—but they haven’t, likely because it would make the Pocket too similar to their action camera line.

Portability Meets Fragility

The very thing that made the Osmo so attractive—its compact size—also made it feel fragile. I was constantly worried about dropping it. The included case solved the protection issue but added bulk, which defeated the whole point of a pocket-sized camera. Using a wrist strap helped, but it quickly became inconvenient, especially when switching setups with my Sony.

A Lens Too Wide for Close-Ups

Even without the wide-angle adapter, the in-camera lens was simply too wide for certain shots. I often capture talking heads and product close-ups, and the natural distortion made these clips less than ideal. The lens was great for landscapes and wide perspectives but not flexible enough for everything I needed.

Workflow Chaos

This was the biggest problem. Instead of streamlining my work, the Pocket 3 complicated it. Owning it meant another device, another mic, another grip, another charger, and another memory card format to manage. Switching from SD to microSD added friction I didn’t anticipate. More than once, I sat at a café ready to edit—only to realize I had forgotten the microSD dongle. At that point, the camera wasn’t saving me time; it was costing me time.

The Breaking Point: My iPhone Was Enough

The real twist in this story is that the Osmo Pocket 3 wasn’t competing with my Sony—it was competing with my iPhone 14 Pro.

The iPhone checked all the same boxes:

• Compact and always with me.

• Durable enough to handle daily use (even with a few dents).

• Multiple lenses for flexibility.

• Seamless compatibility with my DJI mic.

And most importantly, it didn’t introduce new friction. No extra memory cards. No extra batteries. No special cases. I could shoot, AirDrop, and edit instantly.

That’s when it clicked: the Osmo Pocket 3 wasn’t solving a problem I actually had.

The Broader Lesson: Gear Should Serve the Workflow

Here’s what I took away from this experience: the Osmo Pocket 3 isn’t a bad camera. Far from it. The real issue was that it didn’t fit my workflow.

For creators, especially those balancing other responsibilities, workflow is everything. If setup takes longer than filming, the tool isn’t helping—it’s slowing us down. Gear should remove friction, not add to it.

Right now, my setup looks like this:

• Sony a6700 for intentional, high-quality shoots.

• iPhone 14 Pro for everyday content and quick edits.

• Ricoh GR III for travel and lightweight setups.

By the way—the Ricoh GR IV is around the corner. I made a post comparing its announced specs with the GR III to see if we’re finally getting the fixes we’ve been asking for.

This combination gives me less overlap, simpler workflows, and more time spent actually creating.

Looking Ahead: Pocket 4 or Action Next?

I’m not closing the door on the Osmo line. If DJI addresses durability, improves workflow, and rethinks lens options, the Pocket 4 could be a very compelling upgrade.

There’s also the DJI Action line to consider. It solves fragility concerns, offers more convenience, and avoids the limitations of automatic tilting and panning. It might end up being the more practical choice for creators who want compact gear without extra fuss.

And of course, with the Ricoh GR IV rumored soon, there’s plenty more to explore in the compact camera space.

Conclusion: Is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Worth It?

For the right person, absolutely. If you value a tiny, stabilized camera and don’t mind juggling accessories, the Pocket 3 could be perfect. But if you’re like me—balancing content creation with a busy life—the friction might outweigh the benefits.

The key isn’t whether the Osmo Pocket 3 is good or bad. The key is whether it fits your workflow.

And in my case, my iPhone ended up being the better fit.

Final Thoughts

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 taught me an important lesson: it’s not always about having the most advanced gear, it’s about having the gear that fits the way we actually work.

So before buying the latest hyped-up camera, ask this: will this tool make my workflow simpler—or more complicated?

Sometimes, the best upgrade is realizing we already have what we need.