DJI on New Pocket Camera Rivals: "The Ultimate Test Isn't Price, It's Experience"
DJI launched its Osmo Pocket 4P, a dual-main-camera pocket camera, on the evening of June 15th, with a starting price of 3,799 yuan(~$547). The release comes as the market for compact gimbal cameras is poised for a significant shake-up with the entry of major smartphone manufacturers.
In response to the launch, DJI Product Manager Shu Xiu explained the unique "4P" naming. He stated that the team wanted to avoid the conventional "PRO" suffix common in the smartphone and automotive industries, opting instead for a single letter to convey a minimalist philosophy. Shu emphasized that the evolution of the Pocket series has never been about chasing a single metric; instead, it focuses on simultaneous, multi-dimensional advancements to ensure each generation offers a comprehensive upgrade.
This new release is set against a backdrop of impending competition. According to multiple reports, smartphone giants OPPO and vivo are expected to launch their own handheld gimbal camera products in the fourth quarter. Vivo has confirmed an internal project for a vlog camera slated for late 2025, while OPPO's new product is reportedly codenamed "Fuyao."
Addressing the entry of smartphone makers into the pocket camera space, Shu Xiu asserted that DJI's core advantage is not any single specification but its "long-term accumulated system capability." He acknowledged that China's robust consumer electronics supply chain allows different manufacturers to adopt various product strategies and positioning.
However, Shu believes the ultimate competition in this product category will not be decided by price alone. He argued that the deciding factors will be a more stable handheld shooting experience, the convenience of instant power-on-and-shoot functionality, better audio recording, a complete accessory ecosystem, and an imaging experience tailored for video creation. "In the long run, users will always return to the product experience itself," he concluded.
Leaked details suggest the new competitors are aiming high on hardware. The devices from OPPO and vivo are rumored to feature massive 200MP 1/1.12" sensors, potential co-branding with imaging veterans like Hasselblad or Zeiss, and flagship-level chips for seamless ecosystem integration. Meanwhile, Honor is also reportedly developing a "Robot Phone" with a built-in foldable gimbal arm and a 200MP sensor, possibly in partnership with Arri.
In conclusion, as the pocket camera market prepares for an influx of high-spec contenders, DJI is doubling down on its philosophy of integrated experience over isolated features. The company is betting that its deep expertise in stabilization, usability, and a creator-focused ecosystem will be the key differentiators, winning over users who value a polished overall product more than a battle of specifications or price points.
