BREAKING NEWS:
Watch the first evening video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F80E646wBgA (Christmas Ioannina)
And the second one here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwS9MmKvk2Q (Christmas Sparta)
I shot them in 4K@25 resolution in normal video mode (not in Low Light mode) with automatic settings.
Video from a spring walk in Corfu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXF5vlIhwQg
EDIT: I am giving a 5-star rating for the EPIC service of DJI (after this, I rank it higher than GoPro) and I summarize:
I had a condensation issue inside the lens and I sent it for repair.
Instead of changing the lens and sending it back to me or replacing it with a refurbished one, they replaced it with a brand new one (the standard version), sealed in its box, so now I have two sets of the 4 accessories included in the standard version (see below)!
A big applause also to DHL, which delivered the package from Hungary to Greece in 3 working days, one day before the scheduled date!
I bought the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo (OP3) 2 weeks ago to replace the excellent DJI Osmo Pocket 2 Creator Combo (OP2) in my night videos and the walks I upload on my channel (Traveller Chris Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@TravellerChris
My impressions so far are as follows:
Build/Dimensions/Battery:
-In terms of build quality, it is very high-quality and gives me the impression that it is even more robust than the previous one, while it also has notches on the back for even better grip.
-In terms of dimensions, it is thicker than the OP2, which will be more convenient for those with larger hands.
-The OP2 had a very good battery and I easily got 1 hour of usage in 4K25, but the OP3 takes it a step further and I estimate that it easily lasts 1.5 hours, while it now also has an extra battery that can be connected to the bottom to charge the camera while shooting videos.
CAUTION:
-It is a gimbal with a camera on the edge, not an action camera, and it cannot withstand strong vibrations and does not have waterproofing, so it is not intended for use in extreme sports and in conditions of high humidity.
-Also, if there is something that scares me, it is the rotating screen, but fortunately it can be activated without rotating the screen.
Handling/Connectivity:
-I find its handling very easy and the combination of the larger screen, physical buttons, and joystick make video shooting even easier. For example, now you can move the camera up/down with the joystick and zoom through the screen, or vice versa.
-It can be connected to a mobile phone through the DJI Mimo app (scan the QR code displayed on the OP3 screen) for remote control without the need for any extra accessory (see Do-It-All Handle of the OP2).
Video/Photos/Stabilization:
-1080, 2.7K, and up to 4K@60 from the Video option, up to 4K@120 from the Slow Motion option, ability for Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse from videos, and regular and panoramic photos.
-In low-light videos, the OP3 does an excellent job and cannot be compared to any of DJI's handheld cameras, GoPro, and Insta360 (I will upload samples soon).
-Its photos are very good, especially the panoramic ones, but with a 9MP sensor, it is not its strongest feature.
-Stabilization is done through a gimbal, meaning it is mechanical and not digital, so videos always come out clear and without flicker and artifacts due to software glitches, especially in low light. This difference is even more noticeable in low light videos.
Sound:
The best I have ever heard, especially when connected to the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter, it will take interviews and vlogging to another level.
The DJI Mic 2 Transmitter automatically connects to the OP3 as soon as it is activated, but it also has 8GB of internal memory and can be used as a separate microphone.
Packaging accessories:
-The basic version comes with the protective cap (which has magnetic contacts for 1 lens filter and 1 Wide Angle Lens and a slot for the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter), 1 extension with a 1/4" tripod mount, hand strap, and USB-C to USB-C cable.
-The Creator Combo has all of the above and also includes: a second extension with a 1/4" tripod mount that is also a battery, a mini tripod (better than the OP2, but less discreet), a carrying bag, Wide Angle Lens, and, of course, the DJI Mic 2 Transmitter with magnet and deadcat.
Intended for:
vloggers, journalists, content creators, casual travelers, and generally those who want high-quality video/stabilization/sound at a good price and do not expose the camera to dangerous conditions such as strong vibrations, water, moisture, etc.
Not intended for:
careless users and those passionate about extreme sports. Sorry guys, the device is very sensitive, and you should go for a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action.
Negatives:
-It shuts down due to overheating, which is not related to the build quality, but to the new EU legislation that requires manufacturers to make cameras intended for the EU to shut down earlier (at 48 degrees Celsius). Fortunately, I think I found a solution that I am testing at the moment and seems to work for Osmo Action cameras as well, so if you want to learn more, subscribe to my channel and I will soon upload the relevant video:
https://www.youtube.com/@TravellerChris
-The initial selling price is higher than that of the OP2 for both the basic package and the Creator Combo.
-The battery is once again integrated into the camera, and DJI charges extra for the handle/battery.
-It lost 1 star because in 2 out of 5 tests, it accumulated moisture inside the lens, resulting in blurry video and photos, and shut down due to "overheating" within 12 minutes inside the car and while it was exposed to cold air. At the time of writing these lines, the camera has gone for service to DJI in Europe (Hungary), with the hope that I will have it back in my hands before Christmas to make a Christmas video walk!
Photos 1 and 2:
Screenshot from a 4K@25 video in a rather dark area with automatic settings.
Photo 3:
Nighttime screenshot from a 4K@25 video in a very dark area, with the camera in night mode with automatic settings.
Photo 4:
Screenshot from a 4K@25 video with automatic settings showing moisture on the lens.
Final thoughts:
For now, I am making the final comparisons between OP2 and OP3 before selling the OP2, and I am so thrilled with it that I consider it a worthy replacement for the OP2. It does everything better, and the larger size is truly welcome.
I am considering uploading a presentation video on my channel (if I manage to do it before DJI releases the next OP), so if you want, please subscribe to support me and leave a comment on one of my videos to expedite the creation of the review:
https://www.youtube.com/@TravellerChris