DJI Osmo Pocket 2 Review – Is It Still Worth Buying?

If you’ve ever packed a bulky camera and then left it at home because it wasn’t worth the hassle, I feel you. A few months ago, I fell into the same trap: I wanted something tiny, stabilized, and ready to grab for hikes, quick vlogs, or a weekend trip. The DJI Osmo Pocket 2 sounded perfect on paper, but here’s what I actually learned from real users (Reddit folks), hands-on tests, and the product lineage that followed it.

In this long-form guide I’ll walk you through what the Pocket 2 actually does well, where it struggles, how it stacks up against the newer Pocket 3 and smartphones, and which accessories you’ll want if you pick one up. I’ll keep it honest and conversational, like a friend who’s done the testing, so you don’t have to.

Overview

From Reddit conversations and user reports: the Pocket 2 still holds up as a capable daylight camera, especially if you’re on a budget or need an ultra-compact device. That said, it’s largely outshone by the newer DJI Osmo Pocket 3, whose larger 1-inch sensor noticeably improves low-light performance and overall image quality.

Several users also warned of a practical snag: activating and operating a Pocket 2 can be tricky if the DJI Mimo app isn’t available in your phone’s app store, which has required some buyers to install the app via an APK for Android in recent years, something to check before you buy.

View on Amazon:
Affiliate note: Some links on this page may be affiliate links (I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you). If you want direct product pages or help picking accessories, tell me your budget and I’ll narrow it down.

Products

DJI Osmo Pocket 2

View on Amazon

The Pocket 2 is a tiny gimbal camera built for on-the-go video creators. It’s ideal when you want stabilized footage from a device that fits in a jeans pocket and doesn’t scream “I’m filming.” Many Reddit users bought it to replace bulkier rigs for travel and casual vlogging.

Key features & specs :

• Tiny form factor, super portable and discreet.
• 4K video capability (great for social and casual viewing).
• Excellent mechanical stabilization (gimbal keeps footage steady while you move).
• 64MP photo mode marketed, but photo quality limited by smaller sensor and processing.
• Small built-in screen, useful but borderline for framing; most users pair with the DJI Mimo app for a larger view.
• Overheating at high-res long recordings reported by users.

Pros

• Phenomenal stabilization for walking/tour footage.
• Extremely pocketable, you’ll actually carry it.
• Good daylight video quality for casual viewers.

Cons

• Not great in low light, noisy video and limited dynamic range.
• Tiny screen makes framing awkward unless you use the phone app.
• App/activation hassles reported by some buyers (check compatibility).

Summary: If you want a travel-first camera for smooth B-roll, the Pocket 2 is a strong pick, but don’t buy it expecting DSLR-level photos or flawless night performance.

Love capturing smooth footage but not sure which is better, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or the Action 5 Pro? I’ve tested both and shared my insights in my hands-on comparison guide!

Quick Picks

• Best overall for travel vlogging: DJI Osmo Pocket 3, if budget allows, the bigger sensor and screen make it the more future-proof choice.
• Budget / pocketable pick: DJI Osmo Pocket 2, if you find a used or discounted kit and mostly shoot daytime walking/tour clips.
• Best for action / outdoors: GoPro Hero series, rugged and waterproof out of the box.
• Best for photos-first: Upgrade your smartphone or buy a cheap used mirrorless/DSLR and a nifty prime lens.

Why people love the Osmo Pocket 2 and why others don’t

The Pocket 2 is brilliant at one thing, stabilized, pocketable video. If your main goal is smooth walking shots, travel clips, or effortless vlogging without lugging a rig, the Pocket 2 delivers. Users praised its tiny size, discreet profile, and the way it transforms shaky phone footage into buttery-smooth video.

But the Reddit community, and many reviewers, agree that the Pocket 2 is not a photo-first device. Even with marketing talking up a “64MP” mode, the camera’s relatively small sensor limits low-light performance and dynamic range. In plain terms: phone photos (especially modern iPhones) often look better because of stronger computational processing and larger sensor designs. That mismatch shows up particularly at night or when you try to blow up the image on a big screen.

FAQs

1. Can the Pocket 2 replace my iPhone for photos?
No, not reliably. For daytime video it’s excellent; for still photos, modern phones often produce better results thanks to computational photography and larger, better-processed sensors.

2. Is the Pocket 2 waterproof?
No, not without housing. For swimming or heavy-weather use a GoPro or a proper waterproof case is the safer bet.

3. Will I need the DJI Mimo app?
Yes, many features, activation, and a live preview require the Mimo app. Check whether the app is available for your device; some buyers have had to use APK installs on Android. Always verify app availability before buying.

4. Does the Pocket 2 overheat when recording?
Users report overheating during extended 4K recording sessions or in warm conditions. Shorter takes and cooling breaks help.

5. Is it worth buying used?
If you can get a full kit (with handle + expansion) at a good price and you mainly shoot daytime video, yes, but check activation and app compatibility first.

Final Summary

Here’s the bottom line: Buy the Pocket 2 if you want ultra-portable, stabilized video on a budget, and you mostly shoot in good light. It’s a joy to carry and makes everyday vlogging effortless. But if you want better low-light, more flexible photography, or a smoother modern activation/experience, the Pocket 3 or an upgraded smartphone will serve you better long-term. Check the app situation before you buy and factor in accessories (Do-It-All handle, ND filters, better tripod), they’ll change your experience more than any single spec on paper.