DJI Challenges Insta360 with Osmo Pocket 4P, Featuring Dual-Camera Setup and Smart Follow 8.0
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A Strategic Shift Toward Versatile Optics
DJI has officially unveiled the Osmo Pocket 4P, a handheld imaging device that signals a departure from the single-lens philosophy of its predecessors. Launched on Tuesday, the 4P enters a crowded market of pocket-sized creators’ tools, arriving as a direct response to the recently released Insta360 Luna Ultra. While previous iterations focused on perfecting the single wide-angle view, the Pocket 4P introduces a dual-camera architecture designed to give vloggers more compositional flexibility without the need for digital cropping.
The hardware is anchored by a 1-inch wide-angle primary sensor—a staple for those demanding low-light performance and high dynamic range—now paired with a dedicated mid-telephoto camera. This addition solves a long-standing pain point for handheld gimbal users: the inability to get closer to a subject without physically moving the device, which often disrupts the stabilization or creates awkward framing in tight spaces.
Supporting this optics upgrade is a refined three-axis mechanical gimbal, which DJI claims has been tuned for faster response times and smoother transitions between the two lenses. The inclusion of D-Log 2 recording ensures that the device remains a viable tool for professional color graders, offering a wider latitude for post-production than the standard profiles found in entry-level action cams.
Intelligence and Integration
Beyond the glass, the Pocket 4P leans heavily into AI-assisted cinematography. The standout feature is Smart Follow 8.0, an evolution of DJI’s subject tracking. While earlier versions sometimes struggled with rapid movements or partial occlusions, the 8.0 iteration is designed for more aggressive tracking, promising to keep creators in frame even during complex movement patterns. This is coupled with new AI-assisted shooting modes that automate common cinematic pans and tilts, effectively acting as a virtual camera operator for solo creators.
To handle the increased data throughput from the dual-sensor setup, DJI has integrated expanded internal storage, reducing the immediate reliance on microSD cards for short-form content bursts. The device is available in a minimalist Black and Pearl White finish, maintaining the understated aesthetic that has made the Pocket series popular for discreet street filming.
Pricing and Bundle Ecosystem
The Osmo Pocket 4P is launching with a tiered pricing structure aimed at different levels of production needs. The standard bundle is priced at CNY 3,799 (approximately $520 / Rs. 53,200), which includes the camera body, a flash attachment, a threaded grip, and a carrying case. For those looking for a full-scale production rig, the Vlog Kit is priced at CNY 4,299 (approximately $590 / Rs. 60,200).
The Vlog Kit is particularly notable for its inclusion of the DJI Mic Mini 2 transmitter, addressing the common issue of poor onboard audio in wind-heavy environments. The kit also bundles a fill light module, a remote control, and a mini tripod, positioning the 4P as a complete “studio-in-a-pocket” solution.
Currently, the device is only available for pre-order through official channels and authorized retailers within China. DJI has not yet released a global rollout timeline or localized pricing for North American or European markets, though historically, such launches follow within a few weeks of the domestic release.
