DJI has pulled the covers off a new version of the brand’s popular handheld gimbal and the Pocket 2 really does aim to take your content to the next level. While the design remains familiar and retains the lightweight dimensions, tipping the scales at just 117g, there’s some impressive improvements on offer.
First up is that larger sensor, with the Pocket 2 offering a 1/1.7-inch version over the original model’s 1/2.3″ chip. This new sensor enables creatives to shoot 16-megapixel JPEG and RAW files (compared to 12-MP on the original), but if you need even more resolution then the Pocket 2 has you covered with a high-resolution mode that can create 64-megapixel files.
Of course, the DJI’s Pocket series is better known for producing impressively stabilised video and there’s improvements in this area too thanks to the improved 20mm f/1.8 lens which aims to improve the quality of the 4K footage (topping out at while a maximum video resolution of 4K/60fps at 100Mbps) that videographers are able to capture using the Pocket 2.
What’s more, the Pocket 2 is versatile, enabling up to 8x zoom using the 64-megapixel mode or 4x lossless zoom in 1080p or 16-megapixel mode so users can get up close to their subjects. The Pocket 2 has also gained an HDR video feature, which should help deliver vivid colours in your footage and the Pocket 2 can capture 8x slow motion at 1080p.
DJI has tweaked the AF performance for the Pocket 2 by introducing Hybrid 2.0 AF – a blend of phase and contrast detection but there’s also been improvements to audio too thanks to DJI’s Matrix Stereo technology, which the brand explains is; ‘a new and improved audio system, provides crisp and clear sound recording, while pre-programmed shooting modes allow anyone to create visually appealing content with just a few taps.’
Shooting for extended periods shouldn’t be a problem as the 3-axis gimbal offers 140 minutes of operation on a single charge and if power does run low then you can recharge using a powerbank via the USB-C port.
Creative features built into the Pocket 2 include a Pro Mode for advanced control over exposure settings, ActiveTrack 3.0 to lock onto a subject and a number of timelapse, hyperlapse and motionlapse features. Available now, the DJI Pocket 2’s price-tag starts from $349/£339 and DJI also announced the release of a number of accessories such as a mini control stick, tripod mount and wide-angle lens.