To track a subject on the Osmo Pocket 3, switch to Photo or Video mode and double-tap the subject on the touchscreen. The gimbal locks on with ActiveTrack 6.0 and keeps them centered; press the joystick or tap the screen to stop. For selfies, turn on FT (Selfie) so the camera finds and follows your face whenever it faces you, or use Face Auto-Detect in the smart gimbal modes.
Four ways the Pocket 3 tracks
| Feature | How to start | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveTrack | Double-tap the subject (or drag a box in DJI Mimo) | People, pets, objects you pick |
| FT (Selfie) | Control menu, turn on FT (Selfie) | Talking to camera |
| Face Auto-Detect | Video mode, smart gimbal icon | Solo vlogs: follows the face nearest the center |
| Dynamic Framing | Video mode, smart gimbal icon | Keeping a subject on a third or golden-ratio line |
ActiveTrack
In Photo or Video mode, double-tap the subject. A frame appears and the gimbal follows them. DJI says the tracked subject stays centered however you hold or move the camera. To stop, tap outside the frame or press the joystick once. In DJI Mimo, drag a box around the subject on the live view and tap the X to stop.
FT (Selfie)
Swipe down for the control menu and turn on FT (Selfie). Whenever you rotate the camera to face you, it recognizes your face and tracks it. This is the setting most vloggers want.
Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing
In Video mode, tap the smart gimbal icon:
- Face Auto-Detect: the camera follows the face closest to the center of the view.
- Dynamic Framing: use the joystick to pick where the subject sits (rule of thirds or golden ratio), then press the joystick to track them at that spot.
- SpinShot lives here too, but tracking is off while it's on.
When tracking won't work
DJI lists these exceptions:
- Low-Light, Panorama, Slow Motion (1080p 8x and 4K 4x), Timelapse and Motionlapse modes
- SpinShot enabled
- Med-Tele (the 2x view), per DJI's release notes
If it's not working, check the mode first. Full troubleshooting in Pocket 3 face tracking not working.
Tips for smooth tracking
- Use Follow mode for walking shots. In FPV mode the camera moves freely with your hand.
- Adjust Rotational Speed (the walking person icon in the control menu) for faster or calmer follow.
- Give it light. Faces in strong backlight or near darkness are harder to hold.
- Keep the subject large enough in frame and avoid hats or sunglasses that hide the face.
- Don't touch the joystick while tracking; it cancels.
- Update firmware in DJI Mimo; DJI has tuned tracking in several releases.
Tracking while streaming
DJI's May 2024 firmware added ActiveTrack in webcam mode, so you can be followed during a call or stream. See use a DJI Osmo as a webcam.
Want more control over the gimbal? See Pocket 3 gimbal modes. Shop the Osmo Pocket 3, or read is the Pocket 3 worth it.
Related guides
- Osmo Pocket 3 face tracking not working: fixes
- How to use the Osmo Pocket 3: beginner's guide and tips
- How to use the Osmo Pocket 3 or Action 5 Pro as a webcam
- Best microphone for the Osmo Pocket 3 (DJI Mic 2 setup)
- Best Osmo Pocket 3 accessories worth buying
- Best SD card for the Osmo Pocket 3 (and does it need one?)
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