DJI Challenges Insta360 with the Osmo Pocket 4P: A Dual-Camera Leap for Vlogging
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DJI pivots to a dual-lens strategy with the Osmo Pocket 4P
DJI has officially unveiled the Osmo Pocket 4P, a significant architectural departure from its previous pocket-sized offerings. While the Osmo series has long been defined by its singular, gimbal-stabilized lens, the 4P introduces a dual-camera system designed to bridge the gap between casual vlogging and professional cinematography. The move comes as a direct response to the diversifying handheld market, specifically targeting the momentum gained by the recently released Insta360 Luna Ultra.
The centerpiece of the 4P is its hybrid sensor array. DJI has paired a 1-inch wide-angle primary sensor—critical for maintaining low-light performance and dynamic range—with a dedicated mid-telephoto camera. This secondary lens allows creators to switch focal lengths without sacrificing the mechanical stability of the 3-axis gimbal, a feature that previously required cumbersome digital cropping or external lenses. By integrating a telephoto option, DJI is acknowledging a shift in content trends toward more intimate, compressed compositions that wide-angle lenses typically struggle to capture.
Tracking intelligence and color science
Beyond the hardware, the Pocket 4P debuts Smart Follow 8.0. While previous iterations focused on basic subject centering, the 8.0 version leverages improved AI-assisted shooting modes to predict movement and adjust the gimbal’s trajectory more fluidly. This is paired with D-Log 2 recording, providing a wider color gamut and more latitude in post-production, making the device more attractive to editors who need to match the footage with larger cinema cameras.
The device also addresses a common pain point for creators by including expanded built-in storage, reducing the immediate reliance on high-speed microSD cards for short-form clips, though the latter remains available for long-form recording.
Pricing and bundle tiers
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P enters the market with two primary configurations. The standard bundle is priced at CNY 3,799 (approximately $525/Rs. 53,200), which includes the camera body, a flash attachment, a threaded grip, and a carrying case. For those looking for a full production setup, DJI is offering a dedicated Vlog Kit for CNY 4,299 (approximately $595/Rs. 60,200). This expanded kit is notably more comprehensive, bundling the new DJI Mic Mini 2 transmitter and a dedicated fill light module, signaling DJI’s intent to keep the entire audio-visual ecosystem under one roof.
Availability and Market Positioning
Currently, the Pocket 4P is available for pre-order in China in both Black and Pearl White. While DJI has not yet released a global pricing schedule or a Western launch date, the technical specifications suggest a device aimed at a professional tier of influencers who find the Osmo Pocket 3’s single-lens versatility limiting. By adding a second lens, DJI isn’t just updating a product; it’s changing the utility of the pocket-gimbal form factor from a “convenience tool” to a legitimate B-roll camera.
