To shoot vertical video on the Osmo Pocket 3, rotate the touchscreen to portrait before you press record. By default the camera switches between horizontal and vertical with the screen. To force it, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the orientation option, and choose Portrait (always vertical), Landscape, or Auto-Rotation. Once recording starts, the orientation is locked until you stop.
The three orientation settings
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Auto-Rotation | Follows the screen: upright screen = vertical, sideways = horizontal |
| Portrait | Always records vertical 9:16 |
| Landscape | Always records horizontal 16:9 |
DJI's FAQ says Auto-Rotation is the default. Set Portrait if you shoot mostly for TikTok, Reels or Shorts and don't want the camera to flip formats by accident.
Vertical resolutions
From DJI's Pocket 3 specs, vertical 9:16 video is available at:
- 3K: 1728×3072, up to 60 fps
- 2.7K: 1512×2688, up to 60 fps
- 1080p: 1080×1920, up to 60 fps
There's also a 3K 1:1 square format (3072×3072) if you want to crop to vertical or square later. Slow Motion, Low-Light and Timelapse use other formats, so check the resolution list in each mode.
Why the gimbal turns
When the Pocket 3 switches to portrait, the gimbal turns the camera head to match. That's why the camera moves when you rotate the screen, and why you should keep fingers clear of the head.
Stop the screen turning it off
Rotating the screen counterclockwise can power the camera off. If that's catching you out, swipe down, open Settings > Rotate screen to power off, and choose:
- Now: powers off immediately.
- 2s: asks whether to keep shooting, then powers off.
- Never: rotating doesn't power off.
If you started recording with Screen Rotate & Capture and orientation is set to Portrait, rotating the screen keeps the recording going.
Tips for better vertical clips
- Frame for the app. Keep faces in the upper third; captions and buttons cover the bottom.
- Use Face Tracking (FT, in the control menu) for selfie vlogs, or double-tap a subject for ActiveTrack.
- Pick a gimbal mode: Follow for walking shots, Tilt Locked for steady pans.
- Check audio. The built-in mics work in both orientations; a DJI Mic 2 is better for talking to camera.
- Shoot a test clip and play it back before a long take.
More: Osmo Pocket 3 social media settings and Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal modes.
Won't go vertical?
Usually it's set to Landscape, or you're already recording. Stop, change the setting, rotate and start again. Full fixes: Osmo Pocket 3 vertical not working.
Shop the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
Related guides
- How to shoot a timelapse on the Osmo Pocket 3
- How to shoot D-Log M on the Osmo Pocket 3
- Osmo Pocket 3 low-light and night video: what to expect
- Osmo Pocket 3 vs iPhone 17 Pro: which is better for video?
- Osmo Pocket 3 won't switch to vertical (or screen won't rotate)
- How to insert and format the SD card in a DJI drone (and Osmo Pocket 3)
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