The Osmo Pocket 3 has three main gimbal modes: Follow (the default, for most shots), Tilt Locked (keeps the camera's up-and-down angle fixed) and FPV (the camera turns and rolls with your hand). To change modes, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gimbal mode icon. To lock the gimbal in place, press and hold the joystick.
The three gimbal modes
Follow. The pan and tilt axes follow your hand while the roll axis stays level. DJI recommends it for most situations, including vlogs and selfie videos. Leave it here if you're unsure.
Tilt Locked. Only the pan axis follows; tilt is locked and roll stays level. Use it when you raise and lower the camera, for example going from a low angle to above a crowd, and want the camera to keep looking straight ahead.
FPV. The camera rotates freely and follows the handle, including roll. It feels more like a first-person action camera. Use it for rolling or swooping shots, or when you want the horizon to tilt with your movement.
FPV-⊥. A firmware update in May 2024 added this variant. When the camera powers on or recenters, it stays perpendicular to the touchscreen, which helps you point and shoot quickly.
Gimbal lock, recenter and flip
The 5D joystick does most of the gimbal work:
| Joystick action | What it does |
|---|---|
| Press and hold | Lock the gimbal |
| Press twice | Recenter the gimbal |
| Press three times | Flip the camera to face you, or away |
| Push left or right | Pan the camera |
| Push up or down | Tilt or zoom (depends on the slider setting) |
The on-screen slider can control either zoom or tilt. Tap the zoom icon, or go to Settings > Slider Control, to switch which one the slider handles. The joystick then does the other.
"Gimbal lock" can also mean the Pocket 3's mechanical axis lock, which lets you carry it in a loose pocket or small bag. DJI says not to adjust the axis lock by hand often, since that can make it malfunction. In a backpack, use the protective cover.
Stabilization settings: follow speed
The Pocket 3 has no separate "stabilization strength" setting; its 3-axis gimbal always stabilizes. What you can change is how fast the camera follows your movement:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap the Rotational Speed icon (a walking person).
- Choose a slower speed for smooth, cinematic pans, or faster for quick action.
In Settings > Joystick Speed you also set how fast the joystick moves the gimbal and zoom.
Smart gimbal modes
In Video mode, tap the smart gimbal mode icon in the live view to choose:
- Face Auto-Detect: follows the face nearest the center of the frame.
- Dynamic Framing: keeps your subject at a set spot, such as a rule-of-thirds point.
- SpinShot: rotates the camera 90° or 180° during a shot.
For subject tracking, double-tap a subject on the screen to start ActiveTrack. It isn't available in Panorama, Low-Light, Slow Motion or Timelapse modes. See Pocket 3 face tracking not working if it won't lock on.
Wearable mode and calibration
- Wearable mode (in Settings) rotates the camera to selfie position and locks it for chest or clip mounting. Pair it with the Expansion Adapter. See Osmo Pocket 3 mounts.
- Gimbal Calibration (in Settings) reduces drift. Place the camera on a flat, stable surface and don't hold it during calibration. If the horizon still tilts, see Pocket 3 gimbal not moving.
Pocket 3 or a gimbal for your phone?
If you're choosing between a Pocket 3 and a phone gimbal, the Pocket 3 has its own 1-inch sensor and a built-in gimbal, so it's one small device with no phone to balance. A phone gimbal like the Osmo Mobile 6 costs less and uses the camera you already have. See best gimbal for iPhone, or shop the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
Related guides
- Osmo Pocket 3 "gimbal protection" error: how to fix it
- Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal not moving or not locking
- What is a gimbal camera? The Osmo Pocket 3 explained
- 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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