To use the Osmo Pocket 3, insert a microSD card, rotate the screen clockwise to power it on, and activate it once in the free DJI Mimo app. After that you can shoot without a phone: swipe on the 2-inch touchscreen to change modes and settings, use the joystick to aim and zoom, and press the shutter/record button to record.
Setup and activation
- Insert a microSD card. There's no internal storage. DJI requires a UHS-I Speed Grade 3 card. See Osmo Pocket 3 SD card.
- Charge it with a USB-C PD charger. With DJI's 65W charger it reaches 80% in about 16 minutes.
- Power on by rotating the screen clockwise or pressing the shutter/record button.
- Install DJI Mimo (iOS or Android), turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, tap the device icon and follow the prompts to activate.
- Update firmware if Mimo asks. See Osmo Pocket 3 firmware update.
To power off, rotate the screen counterclockwise or hold the shutter/record button for one second.
The buttons and joystick
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| Shutter/record, press | Take a photo or start/stop recording |
| Shutter/record, hold 1 s | Power off |
| Joystick, press once | Back |
| Joystick, press twice | Recenter the gimbal |
| Joystick, press three times | Flip the camera toward you or away |
| Joystick, push left/right | Pan |
| Joystick, push up/down | Tilt or zoom |
| Joystick, press and hold | Lock the gimbal |
Whether up/down on the joystick zooms or tilts depends on the slider setting. Tap the zoom icon on screen to swap them. More in Pocket 3 zoom.
Touchscreen swipes
- Swipe down: control menu (settings, gimbal mode, follow speed, orientation, brightness, custom modes).
- Swipe up: resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio and timer for the current mode.
- Swipe left: image and audio settings. Tap PRO for manual exposure, white balance, color (Normal, HLG, D-Log M) and audio options.
- Swipe right: playback of your last clip.
- Tap: focus and meter on that spot. Double-tap: start ActiveTrack on a subject.
Shooting modes
Tap the mode icon and swipe to choose: Panorama, Photo, Video, Low-Light, Slow Motion and Timelapse (Hyperlapse, Timelapse, Motionlapse). For everyday clips, Video at 4K/30fps is a good start. Our best Pocket 3 settings go further.
To shoot vertical, rotate the screen to portrait before you hit record; orientation locks once recording starts.
Using the DJI Mimo app
Mimo gives you a live view on your phone, remote start/stop, a virtual joystick, full settings, file downloads, editing and YouTube or RTMP livestreaming. You don't need it for everyday shooting, only for activation, updates and transfers.
Teleprompter and other questions
- Teleprompter: DJI's Pocket 3 manual doesn't list a teleprompter feature. For scripted videos, run a teleprompter app on a phone or tablet placed just behind the camera.
- Manual: the official user manual and quick start guide are on the Pocket 3 downloads page. Mimo's Academy tab also has tutorials.
- Microphones: the Pocket 3 links directly to DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini transmitters. See best mic for the Pocket 3.
Beginner tips
- Leave the gimbal in Follow mode at first. See Pocket 3 gimbal modes.
- Hold the handle low; the top can get warm during long 4K recording.
- Keep your fingers off the three microphones.
- Turn on the grid in Settings to keep horizons straight.
- Store it in the protective cover in a backpack. It isn't waterproof.
Ready to start? Shop the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or the Osmo cameras collection.
Related guides
- Osmo Pocket 3 face tracking (ActiveTrack): how to use it
- 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?)
- Can the Osmo Pocket 3 take photos? Photo quality and settings
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