In this article, I will document the upcoming DJI Pocket 3 release date, specifications, leaked pictures, etc. Last updated: August 28, 2023.
DJI is known for its excellent consumer products that have revolutionized the world of photography with its drones and handheld camera devices.
Although it is mainly known for its consumer drones, it also makes handheld cameras and gimbals.
The Pocket series is an example of that. The original Pocket was released in 2018 and was a huge hit. DJI followed that up with Pocket 2, released in the fall of 2020.
It’s been two years, and users wonder about the DJI Pocket 3 release date.
According to recent industry insider leaks, the DJI Pocket 3 was scheduled to be released in April 2023, but instead, DJI gave that release slot to the Inspire 3 release.
And we didn’t get the new DJI Pocket 3.
However, rumors are that it is in the final stages of development and can be released in the next release slot in the fall of 2023.
There is no official communication about the release date yet. As we have seen with past DJI products, the official release date is revealed just a few weeks before release.
Let’s look at all the leaked information we have about the new DJI Pocket 3. I will update this page with the latest news and leaks until we have the official.
DJI Pocket 3 release date – leaked
A well-known DJI insider and pilot, @DealsDrone, posted what appears to be a leaked document that shows the upcoming DJI products in 2023.
According to the document, Pocket 3 was set to be released in the 4th month of 2023, i-e, April 2023, but as discussed above, that slot was given to the new Inspire 3.
The Inspire 3 was scheduled to be released in March 2023, but it got released in May 2023 with 2 months delay.
If we assume that DJI is two months behind the planned release schedule for the 2023 products, we can expect the new DJI Pocket 3 to be released in October 2023.
The document also shows other major product releases in 2023, including an upgraded DJI Air 3 that supposedly got delayed as well.
DealsDrone is a famous and trustworthy DJI insider who has been accurately predicting DJI timelines.
A similar timeline document was leaked in 2022 last year and has predicted the 2022 DJI product releases with high accuracy.
According to the 2022 document, the DJI Mini 3 was to come in April 2022. It came a few days late in early May 2022. Similarly, RS3 and RSC3 gimbals were predicted to arrive in June 2022, and as predicted, they arrived on June 15th, 2022.
With his previous track record of predicting DJI release dates accurately, we can assume that the 2023 schedule will also be mostly on point, with some delays.
If you can’t wait for the Pocket 3 to hit the market and want to get your hands on something equally good, below are your top options.
FIMI Palm 2 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Camera
- Enhanced 1/2-inch CMOS sensor for noise reduction.
- 4X higher dynamic range with upgraded technology.
- High-precision 3-axis gimbal to eliminate jitters.
- 128-degree distortion-free lens for improved detail.
- 2600mAh battery providing 160-minute life.
- Advanced audio processor for better high-frequency recording.
Feiyu Pocket 2 in 1 Handheld Gimbal Camera
- Made from aluminum alloy, lightweight but robust.
- 8.51-megapixel and 1/2.5-inch Sony Sensor shoots 4K/60FPS video at 120MBPS.
- New 6-axis hybrid anti-shake technology
- Connect Feiyu Pocket and smartphone via WIFI smoothly.
- Includs smartphone mount + mini tripod
DJI Osmo Action 3 Waterproof Action Camera
- 4K HDR video enables vivid, detailed recording.
- HorizonSteady technology ensures smooth footage on all terrains.
- Easy vertical mounting due to a quick-release design.
- Waterproof up to 16 meters, suitable for underwater exploration.
- Features dual touchscreens with hydrophobic coating.
- Standard combo includes extras like a protective frame & adapter mount.
GoPro HERO11 Black - Waterproof Action Camera
- Revolutionary Processor: faster, smoother, better
- High-Res Photos plus Videos + High Frame Rate
- Unbelievable Image Quality
- HyperSmooth 5.0
- Fast, Reliable Connectivity
Problems with DJI Pocket 2
First of all, I love Pocket 2. After the original Osmo Pocket, it was probably the 2nd device on the market with a great camera mounted on a small mechanically stabilized gimbal to shoot 4K at 60fps.
I still use my Pocket 2, and I don’t think I will give it up for a GoPro Hero or any other action camera.
The pocket-sized mechanical gimbal is the game-changer that cannot be rivaled even with sophisticated software like HyperSmooth used by GoPro.
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dji-pocket-2-camera.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
However, I will admit that Pocket 2 has several problems with the software. The Mimo app is slow and glitchy, and the 1/1.7″ camera lens was not very good for low-light night photography.
Perhaps this was a good handheld camera in 2020, but not in 2023.
DJI has already upgraded its camera sensors in its consumer drone lines, and the Pocket series is also due for an upgrade. 2023 seems to be the year.
Although the Pocket 3 was initially expected in late 2022, it didn’t happen due to jam-packed product release schedules.
But 2023 is wide open for the new pocket 3 gimble camera to hit the market.
This aligns with and confirms the leaked roadmap. So we might see a new Pocket 3 in the fall most probably in October 2023.
What should we expect in DJI Pocket 3?
All the features mentioned below are speculations and are based on my years of following DJI product development. We don’t have any official releases or unofficial leaks yet.
Updated Camera
The Pocket 2 came with 1/1.7″, which is not bad, but it didn’t perform well in low light. You had to push it to 6000 ISO to get a decent picture.
DJI tried compensating for this with a software hack (High Quality mode), but that just denoised the pixels and drained more battery. It was just a more brushed output.
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/23.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
With Pocket 3, we might get a bigger lens, maybe the 1″ sensor we saw in Mavic Air 2. This might add considerable bulk to the gimbal and the overall design, but it would be worth the trade-off with portability.
Some people expect the new Cine camera we saw in Mavic 3, but I think that will be an overstretch both size-wise and budget-wise.
If we also get a raw shooting codec or even PROres codec, that would be awesome. If the colors are bumped up to 10 bits, that will allow shooting real HDR videos.
For some reason, DJI marketed the Pocket 2 as capable of shooting HDR, but when you analyze the footage metadata, you will only see 8-bit colors. Real HDR has at least a 10-bit color depth.
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/24-1024x569.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
An improved dynamic range of 13-14 stops would also allow better color grading. Again, all these are just wishlists for now but are based on educated guessing.
Portrait mode Shooting
Portrait videos on social media are all the rage these days. They all use portrait-recorded videos, from TikTok to Youtube shorts and IG stories.
DJI knows the need to tap this market, and they introduced a proper portrait mode in DJI Mini 3 Pro.
It would be great to see a true portrait mode implemented in the Pocket 3 where the camera automatically rotates 90 degrees to record vertical videos and photos.
Removable Battery
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/21.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
Modular designs are always good. They allow you to remove and replace faulty parts, and batteries are notorious for degrading over time.
The Pocket 2 came with a fixed battery that cannot be swapped out between recordings like we usually do with our drones.
It lasts 1-2 hours, depending on your use, and then you have to put it back on charge.
A swappable battery would have been very helpful for a long period of uninterrupted recording.
It would be nice to see a removable battery in Pocket 3 that can be swapped between recordings.
Fast Wireless / WiFi
The Mimo app that accompanies the Pocket 2 is notoriously buggy and slow. The connection takes forever and is generally considered a broken app among users.
It also hasn’t been updated in ages, and DJI seems to ignore it.
With the Pocket 3, we might see a refreshed app, a fast wireless connection, and maybe a built-in WiFi or Bluetooth connection with the capability to live feed videos to your smartphone.
The current live stream capability on Pocket 2 is quite impractical, to be honest, and a better software solution that can integrate seamlessly with other devices natively will be great.
Imagine using your Pocket 3 as a webcam with ActiveTrack during your next Zoom call.
Although you can do most of these with the Do-It-All Handle, it’s an additional accessory you must buy, which is inconvenient for everyone.
Mic Jack & Speakers
A mic jack that can connect to a third-party mic would be a good addition to the Pocket 3. It will give us better audio recording capability and control.
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
Again, you can have a mic jack if you buy an additional accessory, but I hope they do it natively in the Pocket 3.
A set of internal playback speakers would be a nice addition as well. It might be a challenge to accommodate a good-quality speaker inside.
Waterproof Design
The Pocket 2 is not waterproof, and any device with moving parts, such as the gimbal, is very hard to waterproof. But I hope they find a way to do it in Pocket 3.
One of the reasons most people prefer going with an Action camera like GoPro Hero 9 or even DJI’s Osmo Action they do it for their inherent waterproofing.
![DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]](https://flythatdrone.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/3-768x1024.jpg "DJI Pocket 3 Release Date & Specs [2023 LEAKED]")
They can use them underwater but can’t carry the Pocket 2 underwater. Not without an additional waterproofing case.
If they figured out a way to make the Pocket 3 waterproof, a new market segment – people who enjoy watersports – would be attracted to the product.
Technically, it is difficult but not impossible.
Better cooling system
The Pocket 2 will heat up when used at high FPS for a prolonged time. That is because it has no heatsink or air vents to cool it down.
Thanks to its compact design, the fast processor produces a lot of heat and has nowhere to dissipate it.
In Pocket 3, we might see an even faster CPU and more heat coming out, so a better heat management system or cooling system is necessary.
Otherwise, the users will end up with sweaty palms, which is not a very good user experience.
If you think DJI should include more features to make the Pocket 3 the best in the market, please mention them in the comments section below.
Pocket 3 alternatives for now
Till you are waiting for the new Pocket 3, here are a few alternatives (apart from Pocket 2) that you can consider buying for your outdoor experience.
FIMI Palm 2 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Camera
- Enhanced 1/2-inch CMOS sensor for noise reduction.
- 4X higher dynamic range with upgraded technology.
- High-precision 3-axis gimbal to eliminate jitters.
- 128-degree distortion-free lens for improved detail.
- 2600mAh battery providing 160-minute life.
- Advanced audio processor for better high-frequency recording.
Feiyu Pocket 2 in 1 Handheld Gimbal Camera
- Made from aluminum alloy, lightweight but robust.
- 8.51-megapixel and 1/2.5-inch Sony Sensor shoots 4K/60FPS video at 120MBPS.
- New 6-axis hybrid anti-shake technology
- Connect Feiyu Pocket and smartphone via WIFI smoothly.
- Includs smartphone mount + mini tripod
DJI Osmo Action 3 Waterproof Action Camera
- 4K HDR video enables vivid, detailed recording.
- HorizonSteady technology ensures smooth footage on all terrains.
- Easy vertical mounting due to a quick-release design.
- Waterproof up to 16 meters, suitable for underwater exploration.
- Features dual touchscreens with hydrophobic coating.
- Standard combo includes extras like a protective frame & adapter mount.
GoPro HERO11 Black - Waterproof Action Camera
- Revolutionary Processor: faster, smoother, better
- High-Res Photos plus Videos + High Frame Rate
- Unbelievable Image Quality
- HyperSmooth 5.0
- Fast, Reliable Connectivity
Throughout this whole article discussing the Pocket 2 sensor size you don’t even have the right dimensions.
It’s 1/1.7″ not 1/1.17″. Big difference.
The sensor on the Pocket 2 is basically it’s strongest feature over all these other action came, especially the other stabilised ones.
1″ one would be great next time but idk if we’ll get that
Need to have a slightly larger overall device. 1200mah would be nice, and the 1/1.3″ 50mp 1.22um sensor with a good F1.7 aperture. That would make me ecstatic, my Pocket 2 is solid in good lighting, the mistake they made was using a 64mp sensor that was 1/1.7″ when they should have gone with a 1/1.5″ 48mp giving us 12mp binned at 2.0um instead of 16mp 1.4um that 0.6um is basically 1.5 stops of light.
Hi Ahmed, I have planned a trip to Japan in mid of June. Do you think Pocket 3 will be released by June ? or should I buy Pocket 2 in stead ?
Thank you.
Two big things on my wishlist, 1: the 1″ sensor as you discussed and 2: a larger screen so we can see better what we are shooting. Can you mention that to someone and make sure it’s on the upgrade list? I can put it in a bigger pocket if needed. I’m good with that.
nice write up! I’ve been waiting quite a while for the release of the P3. Been waiting since not long after the P2, since the P2 wasn’t much of an upgrade from the P1. I have a compact ZV-1, and an Osmo Mobile handheld for my iPhone — just couldn’t justify a Pocket purchase since it’s video quality doesn’t beat out the ZV-1; however, the Pocket is the superior vlogging camera for a lot of situations, and simply less physically-burdening to use. I’m not super into walking around with the ZV-1, with a gimbal it’s even clunkier and attention-grabbing, and I personally use it more as a static indoors camera; coincidentally with using a phone/gimbal, I feel there’s something tacky and lame about using your phone — it might be fine in your backyard filming your kids or something, but out places, it makes users look like vulnerable tourists, it’s similar in that it’s top heavy and you can’t be as aware of your surroundings, plus you can’t see yourself while using the front camera for selfie video… Also, you have to put these items together to use them. Simply more work, and more cumbersome.
The tiny pocket 1 + 2 are an in-between between HQ videography and inconpicuousness; they are superior for ease-of-use vlogging. Minimal attention is required of the user when holding it and you simply can be more alert of your surroundings. On the other hand, I’d fall and break an ankle to save my ZV-1/gimbal setup.
That said, the Pocket 3 will probably be the last of it’s kind — or perhaps the Pocket 4. There are plenty of digital stabilization examples out there in the marketplace that are comparable to motorized gimbals, and in the future, gimbals will add unnecessary weight, cost, and battery life in comparison to digital stabilization.
I hope we can expect it this month, that would be a nice surprise since the majority of the speculation since April/May is putting the date to be later in Q3 or Q4 2023.
You don’t mention anything about the issues with microSD card errors that arose with the pocket 2? The DJI forum covers this but no solve or discussions on how DJI is solving this feature/ issue
Any further updates on the pocket 3? Please ask them to put a bigger screen on it as well – thx
Hi Ahmed, this year we have planned several trips, so I wanted to buy a Pocket 2. Now I have read your article. Is it still worth buying a Pocket 2 now in your opinion or should I wait for the Pocket 3 ?
-thx a lot
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