The DJI Pocket 2 is a great camera put on a miniature gimble that is mechanically stabilized. The result is perfectly stable HDR videos and sharp pictures in any light condition.
If you are a traveler or an amateur content creator that loves watersports, you might be wondering if you can use the DJI Pocket 2 in water. Is DJI Pocket 2 waterproof? Let’s find out.
The DJI Pocket 2 is not waterproof. You cannot immerse it in water without frying the delicate electronics. However, there is an official add-on waterproof casing that makes it usable underwater.
Let’s discuss things in more detail so that you can use your DJI Pocket 2 underwater safely (or make a better buying decision if you are on the edge)
Is DJI Pocket 2 waterproof?
The DJI Pocket 2 is not waterproof at all. Forget waterproof, it’s not even water-resistant. That means, even if it gets a splash of water on it, you will risk water damage.
This might seem like a bummer because as a do-it-all camera that is meant to be used for everything, it can’t really handle a few drops of water. The reason is its gimble design.
To make electronics like your iPhone waterproof, you have to seal every opening. It is done by running a thin rubber seal between the two joining surfaces.
When it comes to electronic devices where two surfaces move constantly, the rubber seal technique doesn’t really work. That’s why drones are not waterproof and so is your DJI Pocket 3 gimble camera.
The DJI Pocket 3 is stabilized on 3 axis gimble that moves constantly to keep the picture frame stable. It is not easy to make the moving surfaces waterproof or even water-resistant.
I am not saying it’s impossible but at a modest price range of $349, it’s not very profitable for DJI to do. They don’t even make the $2,000+ Mavic 3 waterproof let alone a mid-range product like the Pocket 2.
But, all hopes are not lost. Because DJI has an add-on to offer that will make the Pocket 2 waterproof. It’s the DJI Pocket 2 waterproof case.
DJI pocket 2 waterproof case
Although it is expensive to make the moving gimble waterproof, it’s quite cheap to design a bottle-shaped casing where you can put your Pocket 2 and close the lid.
That is what the DJI Pocket 2 waterproof case does. It’s an official add-on from the DJI to make the product usable underwater (hello scuba divers!!)
With the waterproof casing on, you can take your Pocket 2 for a dive up to 60 meters without risking any water damage.
Although I would have preferred a camera-gimble setup that was waterproof by design, this casing is the next best thing that you can use to get the job done.
We might see a waterproof design in the upcoming DJI Pocket 3. So, fingers crossed.
With the waterproof casing for DJI Pocket 2, there are a few shortcomings that you have to keep in mind.
- You cannot adjust the camera once you put it inside the casing.
- You have to use an anti-fog strip inside the casing to absorb any condensation. This strip is disposable and will last a few uses only.
- You have to make sure the casing lid has no dirt or sand on it before closing. Otherwise, you will risk water penetration.
- The audio recording is not very great when the gimble is put inside the casing.
If you don’t want the DJI official casing, you can also find a lot of other 3rd party casings on Amazon and Walmart. I have linked one below (check the Walmart button)
- Waterproof at up to 60 meters of depth.
- Capture high-quality under-water images that are glare and distortion-free
- The shutter/record Button and two mounting brackets on the outer surface improve the shooting experience
- In the box: DJI Pocket 2 Waterproof Case x 1, Anti-fog Insert x 3, Osmo Pocket Compatibility Pad x 1
- Compatible with DJI Pocket 2 and Osmo Pocket
Check out the video below to see how the casing should be correctly used to avoid any water damage to your tiny gimble camera.
Summary
I hope you find this short article helpful. If you are making up your mind to buy the DJI Pocket 2, I would say go for it. It’s a great little camera with a sensitive gimble that you can take anywhere in your pocket.
Although it’s not waterproof, you can use the official waterproofing case to make it usable underwater without making any big compromise.
If you are still not convinced, here are a few DJI Pocket 2 alternatives that you can check out before making up your mind.
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