When it comes to portable, high-quality gimbal cameras, the DJI Pocket 2 and FeiyuPocket 3 are two of the top contenders. But how do they compare, and which one is thebest choice for your needs? In this article, we will dive deep into the specifications andfeatures of both products, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The DJI Pocket 2 features a sleek and compact design, weighing just 117 grams andmeasuring 124.7 x 38.1 x 30 mm. The body is made of durable, high-quality materialsthat can withstand daily use. It sports a 1.08-inch touchscreen for easy navigation andcontrol.
The Feiyu Pocket 3, on the other hand, is slightly heavier at 159 grams (for two piecestotal) and maintains a compact form factor at 132 x 40 x 32 mm. The body features arugged, all-metal design of aluminum alloy that enhances durability. It comes with a 1.3-inch touchscreen for easy control and a built-in tripod for added versatility.
Camera Performance
The DJI Pocket 2 boasts a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 64MP photosand 4K video at up to 60fps. Its 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth and stablefootage in various shooting conditions. The Pocket 2 also offers an 8x slow motion,enabling you to get more thorough with your subjects without compromising quality.
Feiyu Pocket 3 features a 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 12MPfor photos and supports 4K video recording at 60fps. Its 3-axis gimbal stabilizationgives the same smooth footage, while the 4x digital zoom provides flexibility in framingyour shots.
Audio Capabilities
The DJI Pocket 2 is equipped with four microphones that provide 360-degree audiorecording, ensuring clear and immersive sound. The Pocket 2 offers 3 different audiooptions for when you want a different type of immersion for sound recording.Additionally, the Pocket 2 supports external microphones via the 3.5mm audio jack orUSB-C port for even better audio quality.
The Feiyu Pocket 3 features a 3-mic array with noise reduction technology, deliveringhigh-quality audio recording. It also supports external microphones via USB plug-ins.allowing you to capture even better sound quality for your videos. However, there havebeen concerns about audio quality and early testers have suggested getting additionalmicrophone work done to improve the overall audio quality.
Battery Life and Charging
The DJI Pocket 2 offers up to 140 minutes of battery life and charges completely in 73minutes.
Feiyu Pocket 3 falls a bit short in terms of battery life, offering 60 minutes of continuousshooting in mounted mode and 116 when in handle mode. It also takes a little longer tofully charge at 90 minutes.
Additional Features and Accessories
The DJI Pocket 2 offers a range of accessories to enhance your shooting experience.Included in the DJI Pocket 2 Creator Combo is a wireless microphone, a wide-anglelens, a waterproof case for underwater footage, a charging case, an extension rod andmore. Additionally, the Pocket 2 is compatible with the DJI Mimo app for remotecontrol and advanced editing options.
Feiyu Pocket 3 also offers a variety of accessories and unique features. The Pocket 3'sbuilt-in AI tracking technology allows for smooth and accurate subject tracking. It iscompatible with the Feiyu Cam app for remote control, live streaming, and advancedediting options. Among the available accessories, the Feiyu Pocket 3 Extension Rodstands out, adding versatility to your shooting setup.
Price Comparison
The DJI Pocket 2 is priced at $349 USD for the standalone unit, while the CreatorCombo, including additional accessories, is available for $499. This makes it anaffordable option for those looking for a high-quality gimbal camera with all the bellsand whistles.
The Feiyu Pocket 3 is available for $219 USD on Kickstarter, or $299 for the gimbal andremote handle. The Kick-starter page’s current offerings are limited to these two optionsor multiples of these two, so no additional features are available for purchase currently.
Connectivity Options
The DJI Pocket 2 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easilyconnect the gimbal camera to your smartphone or other devices. With the DJI Mimoapp, you can control the camera, edit your footage, and even live stream youradventures to social media platforms with ease.
Feiyu Pocket 3 also comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring thatyou can pair your gimbal camera with your smartphone or other compatible devices.The Feiyu Cam app allows for remote control, editing, and live streaming capabilities,providing a well-rounded user experience.
Panorama and Timelapse Features
The DJI Pocket 2 offers a variety of creative shooting modes, such as panorama andtimelapse. The 3x3, 180-degree panorama mode stitches nine individual imagestogether, creating an impressive wide-angle photo. Additionally, the Pocket 2 supportsmotion-lapse, hyper-lapse, and standard timelapse modes, allowing you to capture thepassage of time in a visually appealing manner from multiple angles - not just from leftto right.
Feiyu Pocket 3 also provides several creative shooting modes, including an advancedpanorama mode that can capture 180 degrees in a 3x3 image, just like DJI. The Pocket 3supports timelapse but does not indicate any other slow-motion capabilities at this time.
Focus and Exposure Controls
The DJI Pocket 2 offers intuitive controls for focus and exposure, ensuring that you cancapture high-quality footage in various lighting conditions. With a simple tap on thetouch screen, you can lock focus and exposure, allowing you to maintain consistentimage quality throughout your shots.
The Feiyu Pocket 3 also provides user-friendly controls for focus and exposure, but withthe added benefit of manual settings. This means you can fine-tune your focus andexposure settings according to your shooting environment, providing more control overthe final output.
Compatibility with Third-Party Accessories
The DJI Pocket 2 features a universal mount, which means it is compatible with a widerange of third-party accessories. This allows you to expand your creative options evenfurther, customizing your shooting setup to suit your specific needs.
Feiyu Pocket 3 also supports third-party accessories, thanks to its versatile mountingoptions. For both products you’ll be able to adapt your setup according to your shootingrequirements, making the most out of the available accessories in the market.
Ease of Firmware Updates
DJI ensures that the Pocket 2 stays up-to-date with the latest features and performanceimprovements through regular firmware updates. These updates can be easily installedvia the DJI Mimo app, so your device remains at the cutting edge of gimbal cameratechnology.
Feiyu Pocket 3 also receives regular firmware updates to improve performance and addnew features. The updates can be installed via the Feiyu Cam app, making the processstraightforward and hassle-free.
Conclusion
When choosing between the DJI Pocket 2 and Feiyu Pocket 3, it ultimately comes downto your preferences and specific requirements. The DJI Pocket 2 offers a sleek designand stunning image quality, as well as a treasure trove of additional add-ons andfeatures the Feiyu seems to be lacking at this point, but at an additional $130 USD.Alternatively, the Feiyu Pocket 3 provides a nice, solid product with features like AItracking and near-matching capabilities (minus the battery life and audio).
Comparing the two products, while reasonable, isn’t entirely fair as they’re in twodifferent classes in a multitude of ways. The DJI, pound-for-pound, is a better product,and its price indicates exactly that. The Feiyu Pocket 3 is an excellent device for its cost,but where it really shines are in areas the DJI is already matching its capabilities. It’sreally just a matter of how much you want to spend on your gimbal.