DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs iPhone 15 Pro
May 20, 2024As a content creator, the choice of camera can greatly impact the quality of your work. With so many options available in the market, it can be confusing to decide which one to invest in.In this blog post, we will be comparing two popular cameras, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the iPhone 15 Pro, to help you make an informed decision.
First, let's talk about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It has a 1 inch 9.4 MP sensor and can shoot in 4K up to 120, can shoot in 10 bit D-log and weighs 6.3 ounces. It comes with a fixed 20mm lens with a set aperture of f2.0 and has an amazing built-in gimbal that produces super smooth footage. The OP3 is a very popular camera, and it's consistently back-ordered or out of stock at BH Photo. However, some people are concerned that it's too delicate and one drop could break the gimbal arm. That’s probably why DJI includes a little wrist strap.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 48 MP sensor that can shoot in 4K up to 60, can shoot in ProRes Log, and weighs 6.60 ounces. It comes with fixed lenses with multiple focal lengths, has mind-blowing stabilization, and has a flashlight and a GPS. The iPhone 15 Pro was released in September 2023 starting at $999 US.
The OP3 was released in October of 2023 starting at $519 US, which means you can almost buy two Osmo Pocket 3's for the price of one iPhone 15. However, the OP3 does not come with internal memory storage or an SD card, so you'll have to tack on an extra $20-$50 depending on the SD card you go with if you want to shoot with the OP3 right out of the box.
In terms of real-world usability, both cameras offer excellent image quality. However, the OP3's sensor is better when it comes to night/low light shots. If you're a video creator who wants the highest image quality, then the OP3 is an excellent choice.
However, if you're a beginner who wants your image to look the best that it can be straight out of the box, then the iPhone 15 Pro might be a better option. It's important to note that the iPhone 15 Pro does come with internal storage, but if you plan on shooting in low light environments, your iPhone image will fall apart.
The 15 Pro is a lot better than previous iPhones, but still, once you throw the footage onto the big screen, you'll see how noisy those shadows are.
USABILITY
I've owned the iPhone 15 Pro since its release and the Osmo Pocket 1 since 2019, which made it easy for me to pick up the OP3 when it was released. I shot in every single mode, dug through the settings, and tried out all different exposure experiments. Based on my experience, I believe both cameras can be used for different applications, depending on what you're doing.
If you shoot in public, you may prefer the OP3 over the iPhone because it won't attract as much attention. Also, if you're a horizontal shooter, the OP3 is easier to hold than the 15 Pro sideways. Additionally, the OP3 allows you to use actual buttons and joysticks, while the iPhone only has a touch glass display, which can get muddy quickly.
When it comes to control, the OP3 allows you to manually expose, which gives you more control over your exposure compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which only has auto exposure unless you download a third-party app. I did use the Black Magic Camera app for the iPhone 15 Pro to get better exposure controls, but I also used the Mimo app with the OP3 in some instances.
Although both cameras don't have the best exposure tools on the screen, having more control over the exposure will result in better-looking videos. The Memo app can also help you edit your videos and get more control over your exposure.
When it comes to handling, the OP3 has a setting that automatically starts recording once you open it up, which is great for people who are in fast-paced environments.
Additionally, the OP3 has five preset options that allow you to quickly toggle your settings for different lighting environments, giving you more flexibility than the iPhone 15 Pro.
However, the iPhone has some advantages over the OP3, such as better exposure tools and the ability to edit videos using the iMovie app. The iPhone is weather-sealed, making it a better option in wet environments.
In terms of software updates, the iPhone is more straight-forward, and you can update it by tapping a couple of prompts. However, with the OP3, you have to connect it to an app or a computer to download the firmware update, making it more inconvenient.
IMAGE QUALITY
Image quality is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to choosing a camera for content creation. While the main camera lens on the iPhone 15 Pro produces the highest image quality, zooming with both cameras causes a decrease in image quality. The Osmo Pocket does a digital zoom, while the iPhone switches to cameras with fewer megapixels, making the zoom function on both cameras less appealing. However, I believe that the zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro is better overall.
When comparing the OP3 and the iPhone 15 Pro based on their sensor size, color accuracy, and zoom capabilities. One of the most significant advantages of the Osmo Pocket 3 is its 1-inch sensor, which allows for more dynamic range, better color, and better low-light performance.
I found that the Osmo Pocket's 1 inch sensor provides more dynamic range, better color, and better low light performance than the iPhone. The OP3 allows for manual white balance control, which drastically improves image quality compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which does not have any type of white balance control unless you download a third-party app.
In terms of color accuracy, I've tested both cameras in different environments and situations, and found that the Osmo Pocket 3 outperforms the iPhone in most cases. I believe that's because of the 1-inch sensor that the Osmo Pocket houses, which can gather more information, resulting in more realistic-looking colors. However, both cameras produce great image quality, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Finally, let's talk about stabilization. Both cameras have excellent stabilization capabilities, but the Osmo Pocket 3's built-in gimbal produces super smooth footage, making it an excellent option for content creators who need steady shots. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro's stabilization is also impressive, but it relies on software rather than hardware.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Osmo Pocket 3 is simply amazing, and if it had been available when I first started, it would have been my top choice. The image quality is unparalleled, and it would have been a fantastic way to start my filmmaking journey.
While the gimbal on the OP3 produces super smooth footage all the time, I wish it could be unlocked to offer a handheld look as an option. Hopefully, future versions will include this feature.
I haven't done much shooting with HLG on the OP3 because not everyone has HLG monitors. However, I learned the hard way a few years back that if someone is watching ALG footage on an SD monitor, all the HLG footage will look overexposed.
Although the OP3 is less expensive than the iPhone 15 Pro, I believe it's a better value for the money. I would recommend the OP2 for those who can't afford the OP3. The DJI Osmo Pocket series of cameras are perfect for beginners or those who need a good B cam.
When it comes to the normal color profile department, I can say with confidence that the OP3 outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro. The gimbal stabilization is much better with its mechanical stabilization, which works flawlessly without requiring any camera settings adjustments.
I'm impressed with how easy it is to shoot with the OP3. The image quality is fantastic, and it's encouraged me to shoot more. On the other hand, my phone mostly just sits in my pocket ready to capture a memory.
If you're wondering whether you should invest in a dedicated content creator camera or spend the extra money on a camera that can text and call people, I would strongly encourage you to invest in a dedicated camera and pick up a smartphone. The OP3's image quality, active track function, and audio capabilities make it the perfect choice for those who are out in the field filming and need to talk to the camera.
In conclusion, the OP3 is an excellent camera that fills a specific niche in the market. You could always get both the OP3 and iPhone 15 Pro, as they have completely different uses. If you're planning on doing anything more than capturing memory type videos, then I highly recommend the Osmo Pocket 3. Once you get this camera, you'll be hooked and want to keep shooting with it!
I hope you've found my experience with the Osmo Pocket 3 helpful! If you're interested in picking up an OP3, I've linked some of my favorite OP3 gear below for your convenience. These are products that I personally use and recommend to get the most out of your OP3. Happy filming, Peace!
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal - https://geni.us/UVCN
Purchase the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - https://geni.us/x5M19zf
Purchase the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo - https://geni.us/ioBVo
These SD cards will work for your OP3
64 GB SD Card - https://geni.us/g2BE3M
128 GB Sd Card - https://geni.us/gpjD
256 GB Card - https://geni.us/W6dEjSZ
