RTINGS

If you'd prefer a pocketable camera that you can use handheld, check out the DJI Pocket 2. It isn't waterproof like the GoPro HERO10 Black and comes with fewer frame rate options, but it's aimed at vloggers and has a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal, which provides exceptional stabilization for handheld use. It's incredibly portable, so you can easily take it with you on the go. While it can't record 5k video, it can record 4k and FHD video at up to 60 fps and includes a slow-mo feature in FHD that captures 120 fps or 240 fps video for slow-motion playback. Video quality is okay and looks surprisingly good in low light, but the real standout feature of this camera is its stabilization and tracking performance. You can lock each gimbal axis in different ways to achieve different stabilization effects. The camera also has an active tracking feature that can lock onto a subject and automatically follow them, which comes in handy when vlogging or shooting moving subjects. That said, the camera can get very hot during use, especially when recording in 4k.

Get the GoPro if you want an affordable vlogging camera with unbeatable portability, but if the built-in gimbal sounds helpful to you, the DJI is a great alternative.

If you want an action video camera that you can use handheld instead of mounting it to an object or helmet, consider the DJI Pocket 2. It doesn't have as many resolution and frame rate options as the GoPro HERO10 Black since it only records 1080p and 4k video, and it isn't waterproof. However, it has a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal, meaning you can shoot stabilized handheld footage. The gimbal has three different lock modes that let you adjust how the camera behaves as you tilt, pan, or roll the handle. Its autofocus system also does a fantastic job keeping moving subjects in focus. It includes an active tracking feature that can lock onto a subject and track them automatically. While it has fewer frame rate options, it can still record 1080p and 4k video at up to 60 fps and even includes a 'Slow-Mo' mode in 1080p that can capture footage at higher frame rates for slow-motion playback. That said, the camera can get very hot with extended use, especially when shooting in 4k.

Get the GoPro if you want a portable action camera with more frame rate options. If you want a camera meant for handheld use, the DJI is a solid alternative.

If you'd prefer a portable action video camera that you can use handheld, check out the DJI Pocket 2. Unlike the GoPro HERO10 Black, it doesn't record 5k video, and it isn't waterproof, but it has a built-in gimbal that makes it remarkably easy to shoot stabilized handheld footage. Its gimbal uses three-axis stabilization, and it has three different gimbal lock modes, meaning you can have all axes unlocked, have one axis locked to maintain a level horizon, or have two axes locked to keep the horizon level and prevent the camera head from tilting. Its autofocus is highly effective at keeping moving subjects in focus, and it also has an active tracking feature that locks onto a particular subject and automatically tracks their movement. Its overall video quality is only okay, though it has a fairly good low-light capability. That said, it doesn't offer as many frame rate options, as it can only record 4k and 1080p video at up to 60fps, though it does have a slow-mo mode in 1080p that can capture footage at 120 or 240 fps for slow-motion playback.

Get the GoPro if you want an action camera with more frame rate and resolution options. If you want to shoot stabilized handheld footage, the DJI is a neat alternative.

The DJI Pocket 2 is the best camera that we've tested for handheld sports video. This unique little camera features a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal that makes for exceptionally smooth handheld video. You can also set it to lock one or more of its axes to prevent the camera from tilting or keep a level horizon even while moving the gimbal around. It feels very well-constructed, and its small size makes it easy to take wherever you go.

On top of its stabilization, the camera also has a fantastic autofocus system, which includes an active tracking feature that can lock onto a specific subject and follow them automatically with the camera. While it doesn't have as many frame rates as a GoPro, it can still record 4k and 1080p video at up to 60 fps, and it has a 'Slow-Mo' video mode that captures 1080p footage at higher frame rates for slow-motion playback. Its video quality is fair, and because of its slightly larger sensor, it also performs better in low light than most action cameras.

Although this camera doesn't have a recording time limit, it tends to overheat when used for longer periods, especially during 4k video recording. Its screen is also very small, though you can connect your phone through the DJI Mimo app and use that as a screen if you want. Overall, if you're looking for a handheld camera for sports, this is a great option because of its built-in gimbal, autofocus performance, and frame rate options.

The DJI Pocket 2 is a portable handheld camera with a built-in gimbal, making it a great choice for handheld action video and vlogging. The gimbal is stabilized across three axes, and you can set it in a few different configurations, for instance, to lock the horizon or prevent the camera from tilting and rolling. All in all, it does an exceptional job of smoothing out camera shake.

In addition to its stabilization, the camera also has an excellent autofocus feature for video. There's an active tracking mode that can lock onto a specific subject and automatically follow them without having to move the camera. It can record 4k and 1080p video at up to 60 fps for smooth action video, and it has a 'Slow-Mo' video mode as well, which captures 1080p video at 120 or 240 fps for slow-motion playback. Its overall video quality is also pretty good relative to most action cameras, thanks to its slightly larger 1/1.7-inch sensor.

That said, it tends to overheat when recording continuously for longer periods. Though it doesn't shut down or stop recording, it does get quite hot while in use, particularly when recording in 4k. Thankfully, there's no recording time limit, either, so you're only limited by battery life, which is decent for video. All in all, this is a great portable camera for those who want to shoot stabilized handheld video without carrying a lot of extra gear.

The DJI Pocket 2 is the best GoPro alternative that we've tested with a handheld design. This portable camera has a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal that makes it incredibly easy to shoot steady handheld footage. You can choose between three different stabilization options that lock the camera along with one or more of its axes to different effects, like keeping a level horizon or preventing the camera from tilting back and forth.

The camera has an amazing autofocus system that includes an active tracking feature, which locks onto a particular subject so the camera can automatically follow their movement. While its video quality isn't particularly impressive, it looks better than many GoPro alternatives, especially in low light, due to its slightly larger sensor. It can shoot in 4k and 1080p up to 60 fps, and it includes a 'Slow-Mo' mode that captures 1080p footage at 120 fps or 240 fps for slow-motion playback.

That said, this camera also tends to overheat after prolonged use, and it gets hot when shooting 4k video. It also lacks any waterproofing, making it less suited to filming water sports or shooting in adverse weather conditions. Its screen is also very small, although you can use your smartphone as a screen by using the DJI Mimo app if you need. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras we've tested, thanks to its unique design and vlogging features.

TechGearLab

DJI has come to be known as one of the leading brands in consumer and professional drones, cameras, and accessories around the world. The DJI Pocket 2 takes some of their best advancements in the technology they've developed over the years and packed it into a device that most definitely fits in your pocket. Our favorite feature of the Pocket 2 is that you can shoot with it standalone, or you can physically link it to your phone to use your phone as a larger screen or change settings. The quality of shots this model produces is ridiculous &mdash; it shoots 4K video and up to 64MP photos even when it is not attached to your phone. Some people may really enjoy the fact that it shoots to a memory card, allowing you to get footage straight from the device to your computer. Though some may prefer to edit using phone software, inserting the memory card directly into your computer allows you to make your edits using professional-grade editing programs. 
We really couldn't find much to complain about while testing the DJI Pocket 2. However, our team agreed that while using it without your phone attached, the screen is really small compared to a smartphone. Also, if you decide to go with the Pocket 2, be prepared to spend a substantially higher dollar amount than other gimbals—but remember you're paying for a camera as well. Although there are many accessories available for this model, they are all sold separately. Drawbacks aside, if you want a standalone camera with all of the stabilization of a gimbal that also mounts to your phone, this is the one.  

The DJI Pocket 2 is unlike any other cameras on this list. It has a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal, and the whole thing can fit in your back pocket. That alone makes this a worthy addition to the slew of vlogging cameras on the market these days. While the video quality isn't much better than what you might be able to pull off with a smartphone, the unique functionality of this camera makes it a great vlogging tool for those who want to capture buttery smooth handheld footage.

Aside from its gimbal, it also has a 1/1.7-inch sensor that gives it better low-light performance than most cameras of its size, and it can shoot at up to 60 fps in 4k, with a slow-motion capture mode in 1080p. On top of that, there's an 'Active Track' feature that can automatically follow a subject as they move around, though it can be a little buggy. If you need smooth tracking, the original DJI Osmo Pocket is reportedly more reliable for that. However, the Pocket 2's larger sensor and quality-of-life improvements make it a better all-around choice for those who need a stabilized handheld pocket camera.

A stabilized camera that fits in your pocket? There isn't another camera like the DJI Pocket 2, a pocket-sized camera with a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal. While it doesn't compare to the larger sensor options above in video quality and low-light capability, this unique all-in-one camera can be a powerful tool in any content creator's belt. The gimbal makes it incredibly easy to shoot super smooth handheld footage, and it has a slow-motion capture mode that lets you shoot at up to 240 fps in 1080p.

The camera also has an 'Active Track' feature that automatically follows a person or object, which you can use to get creative when shooting products or action footage, though it can sometimes be unreliable. If you need smooth tracking, the original DJI Osmo Pocket is a little more reliable in that respect, but it doesn't have as many frame rate options and worse low-light capability due to its smaller sensor. It's still a good deal, especially if you buy one secondhand, but the upgrades on the Pocket 2 make it a great choice for those who want a pocket camera that can shoot stabilized handheld video.

You're better off looking at cameras without interchangeable lenses if you want something on the cheap end. The DJI Pocket 2 is unique even among those, as it comes with a built-in gimbal, so you get a super portable pocket-sized camera with best-in-class stabilization. It's a great option if you want something lightweight but still prefer to get right in the action, as you can keep up with your subjects and still produce smooth footage. On top of that, it has an active tracking feature that can automatically follow a subject as they move around.

It records 4k video at up to 60 fps and includes a dedicated slow-motion mode in 1080p for super slow-mo shots. On top of that, it has an unlimited recording time limit and solid battery life. Because it's a small-sensor camera, you won't get amazing video quality compared to the higher-end options above. However, if the thought of an all-in-one camera and gimbal kit sounds appealing, this is one of the best cameras for sports you can get.

Calling the DJI Pocket 2 an 'action camera' might be debatable, but this pocket camera stands out for its built-in gimbal, which lets you shoot buttery smooth handheld footage of action or sports. The gimbal works incredibly well and can stabilize the camera across three axes, which you can configure a few different ways&mdash;for instance, to lock the horizon or prevent the camera from tilting and rolling.

Aside from its stabilization, the camera has an active tracking mode that can lock onto a specific subject and automatically follow them. You don't get as many frame rate options as you do with the GoPro HERO10 Black, for one, but the camera's 1/1.7-inch sensor gives it a leg up on most action cameras for video quality and low-light performance. Overall, this is a great portable camera for those who want to shoot stabilized handheld video without carrying a lot of extra gear.

While it isn't quite an action camera in the same sense as our other picks, the DJI Pocket 2 is a fantastic GoPro alternative for vloggers or content creators who prefer to shoot action footage handheld. This little pocket camera has a unique built-in gimbal that stabilizes the camera along three axes, letting you easily capture incredibly smooth handheld video. You get a few different configuration options, too, so you can choose to lock the horizon or prevent the camera from tilting back and forth.

Like the DJI Osmo Action, the build quality is excellent. The camera also has an active tracking feature that can lock onto a specific subject and automatically follow their movement. On top of that, it can shoot 4k up to 60 fps and includes a slow-motion capture mode in 1080p. Plus, it uses a larger sensor than most action cams, resulting in higher-quality video, especially in low light, making this a great vlogging and action video tool for those who prefer to shoot handheld.

DJI has come to be known as one of the leading brands in consumer and professional drones, cameras, and accessories around the world. The DJI Pocket 2 takes some of the best advancements in the technology they've developed over the years and packed it into a pocket-sized device. Our favorite feature of the Pocket 2 is that you can shoot with it standalone, or you can physically link it to your phone to use your phone as a larger screen or change settings. The quality of shots this model produces is ridiculous &mdash; it shoots 4K video and up to 64MP photos even when it is not attached to your phone. Some people may really enjoy the fact that it shoots to a memory card, allowing you to get footage straight from the device to your computer. Though some may prefer to edit using phone software, inserting the memory card directly into your computer allows you to make your edits using professional-grade editing programs. 
We really couldn't find much to complain about while testing the DJI Pocket 2. However, our team agreed that while using it without your phone attached, the screen is really small compared to a smartphone. Also, be prepared to spend a substantially higher dollar amount for the Pocket 2 than other gimbals—but remember you're paying for a camera as well. Although there are many accessories available for this model, they are all sold separately. Drawbacks aside, if you want a standalone camera with all of the stabilization of a gimbal that also mounts to your phone, this is the one.  

Portable Camera Comparison