The original DJI Osmo Pocket was released just over two years ago this month, so it’s fitting that it’s replacement, the DJI Pocket 2, should be released on a similar timeline.
Our daily review of FCC filings doesn’t just confirm that a DJI Pocket 2 is coming, but reveals some of the first to be released accessories include a new ‘Do-It-All Handle’ and a Wireless Microphone Transmitter…possibly destined to be part of an enhanced bundle.
The original Osmo Pocket had a lot of great features and accessories, but there were also practical omissions that should have been address before the Osmo Pocket left DJI’s warehouses. One example is the USB-C connectivity: great for fast data transfer and charging, but when used with the Wireless Module it meant you lost the ability to plug a microphone into the Osmo Pocket.
Same goes for the Osmo Pocket Extension Rod. This extendible grip for the Osmo Pocket looked good in theory but it’s awkward design meant you had to basically tape the wireless adapter to the Pocket to prevent it from falling off while in use and then attach an external microphone to the cold shoe adapter on the Extension Rod.
DJI’s marketing department aimed the Osmo Pocket at Youtubers other social media influencers. And the invite-only crowd at Good Morning America studios in Time Square included New York based influencers ranging from Erik Conover to Sam Scheffer. The climax of the event was when DJI gave all attendees an Osmo Pocket in order to leverage the reach of these social influencers.
Seeing 50 established Youtubers getting their hands on the Osmo Pocket for the first time was a lot of fun, and a testament to how easy the Osmo Pocket is to use.
When we flew out of Toronto for the event we had already been using the Osmo Pocket for a few weeks. DJI sent one to us to put it through it’s paces and to test out a beta version of the Mimo app. Fun fact: the original beta software that we tested had both a 4x and 8x slo-motion modes. 8x slo-mo didn’t end up in the final version of the software, but check out our video and review of it here. In case you didn’t know, 8x slo-mo in the Osmo Pocket was the equivalent of 200 fps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo-7AcXzBbk
The launch event actually preceeded the actual release date by just over 2 weeks…giving all of these creators a chance to start uploading Osmo Pocket videos to their channels to generate content ahead of availability. Very smart of DJI to leverage on the social reach of these content creators.
From there the Osmo Pocket was quickly adopted by vacationers and soccer-moms. And I still see many people using them today. Even at CES2020 in Las Vegas earlier this year, we saw lots of media, attendees and influencers sporting Osmo Pockets to capture the convention.
What to expect
The new DJI Pocket 2 is going to be very familiar to anyone who owns the original Pocket. But we expect a slightly larger body to accomodate improved based on the original’s shortcomings, and to accomodate a slightly larger screen.
DJI has advanced it’s suite of 3-axis cameras significantly since 2018 with the release of the Mavic 2 Series, Mavic Mini and Mavic Air 2. Expect an upgraded mechanical gimbal camera that borrows from the camera on these other devices.
Related: Mavic Mini Fly More Combo $100 off during Amazon Prime Day
And like the next-gen drones we’ve seen from DJI, that could include on-board storage, which has been a fan favorite with owners of the newer Mavic 2 Series, Mavic Air and Mavic Air 2 drones.
DJI first employed voice-control technology in the Osmo Action in 2019, and we fully expect the DJI Pocket 2 to include some variant of voice activated controls.
Wireless accessories
DJI is planning to release two wireless devices with the Pocket 2: the Do-It-All Handle and the Wireless Microphone Transmitter. You should expect to see the Osmo Tripod Base integrated into the Pocket 2 accessory suite, as this inexpensive piece of folding plastic has found a solid home with the Osmo Mobile 3, OM4 and now likely with the Pocket 2.
One frustration with the original Osmo Pocket was that configuration of the USB-C and Wireless Module meant that you couldn’t use the USB-C connector on the wireless module to connect a microphone. You could only charge. As much as we love wireless connectivity, it would still be nice to have an audio-in to connect a small microphone like the Rode VideoMicro.
We’re hopeful that the configuration of these add-on devices allows them to be used together, rather than having the use of one render use of the other difficult or impossible.
$349 Price Tag?
The new DJI Pocket 2 should retail close to the original Pocket’s price point, but our trusted DJI sources haven’t yet shared the final price.
Release Date
The latest rumors point to an October 20th release date for the DJI Pocket 2, which will make for an extremely busy month for DJI because they are also releasing two new versions of the Ronin handheld camera grip as well as a new Mavic Mini 2 drone.
Related: New DJI ‘Camera Drone’ is a Mavic Mini 2
The original Osmo Pocket has already been knocked down in price to $299 (from the original $369) at B&H Photo and Adorama. Price drops like this is one of the leading indicators that a product release is imminent. DJI hasn’t reduced the price at the store.dji.com
Although the current state of the world means there aren’t any buzz-worthy launch events that we can go to in perons, we’ll still be looking very forward to the new DJI Pocket 2 and sharing all our detailed review of it with you.
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Are you pumped for the release of the NEW ‘DJI Pocket 2’? Let us know in the comments what you think in the comments below!
