DJI Pocket 3 Firmware Update – Exciting New Features
DJI has rolled out a significant firmware update for the DJI Pocket 3, boasting a range of exciting functionalities. I’m looking forward to testing these features and showcasing the capabilities of this remarkable compact camera that has become my top choice for film-making due to its user-friendliness and fun factor. Let’s dive into what’s new!
Delayed Video Plans and Key Features
I’ve intended to create a video highlighting these updates for a few days since the new firmware was made available. One of the most notable features is the ability to utilize the Pocket 3 as a webcam or for live streaming in D-Log M format, enhancing dynamic range and providing greater aesthetic control. While I don’t typically employ my camera in this manner, it’s a useful feature for those who do. However, there’s one exciting feature I’ll showcase shortly, requiring a location change.
Discovering the New 40 mm Mode
The highlight of this update is undoubtedly the new 40 mm mode, which allows for a closer zoom with enhanced image quality. An intriguing aspect is the ability to zoom beyond 40 mm to achieve an even wider view. Currently, you are observing the standard field of view; switching to 40 mm significantly alters the focal length.
However, a drawback of this mode is its lack of ActiveTrack support, which means you cannot track subjects dynamically; you must maintain your framing.
Medium Telephoto Mode Comparison
DJI refers to this as “Medium Telephoto” mode. I’m intrigued to find out how it looks, especially regarding background changes as I approach the subject. Although the displays are small, you can achieve even greater zoom capabilities with Medium Telephoto mode. I’ll be demonstrating both a regular 2x crop on one Pocket 3 and the new 40 mm mode on the other.
Quality Insights and Limitations
While I’m not entirely sure how DJI has accomplished this, the results are impressive. Side-by-side comparisons indicate a slight edge in quality with the 2x crop in regular 4K mode over the 40 mm mode. Nevertheless, adding another 2x zoom to the Medium Telephoto mode to reach what feels like an 80 mm perspective is astonishing; although some degradation occurs, it still holds up well for a 4x crop.
A couple of important points to note: ActiveTrack features are disabled in this mode, which limits movement tracking. Additionally, it does not replicate the appearance of a true 40 mm or 80 mm lens from a full-frame camera, particularly in depth-of-field effects, but it still looks good.
Focus Breathing Compensation
Another feature introduced is focus breathing compensation. Usually, changing focus on nearby objects significantly alters the frame, but with this new function, such shifts are less noticeable, thanks to a subtle crop. While it’s not as effective as larger camera systems from brands like Sony or Canon, it’s a remarkable upgrade for a tiny camera.
Conclusion and What’s Next
Stay tuned for my upcoming video that reviews 18 months of nearly daily use of the Pocket 3, including what went wrong with my original device. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or catch me during my live stream, which occurs most Wednesdays at 4:00 PM Alaska time, 8:00 PM Eastern. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next update!
