DJI Pocket 3 Firmware Update – HUGE New Features

DJI released new firmware for the DJI Pocket 3, adding some impressive capabilities. I’m eager to test it and demonstrate what this camera can do, as it’s become my absolute favorite for filming. Its ease of use and fun factor are unmatched. But first, let’s get to our destination.

Delayed Video Plans and Key Features

I’ve been meaning to make this video for a couple of days since the update dropped a while ago. The standout feature they’ve introduced is exciting, though it comes with a caveat I’ll reveal shortly. One major addition is the ability to use the Pocket 3 as a webcam or for live streaming in D-Log M. This offers more dynamic range and greater control over the look. I don’t typically use it this way, but it’s a handy option if you do. The feature I’m most thrilled about, however, requires a quick trip over here to show you.

Exploring the New 40 mm Mode

The highlight I’m eager to try is the new 40 mm mode. It lets you zoom in with a crop that promises better image quality. What’s coolest is that you can still zoom further. My big questions were: How does it stack up against the regular 2x zoom? And can you zoom beyond 40 mm to something like an 80 mm field of view? Right now, you’re seeing the standard field of view. Switching to 40 mm tightens the focal length significantly.

It looks pretty neat. The downside? It doesn’t support ActiveTrack, so I can’t track myself moving around. You’re locked into the shot you frame. But how does it compare to a 2x crop on the regular camera? Here’s a side-by-side with two Pocket 3s—yes, I own two, thanks to an unfortunate incident. On one side, you’ve got the 2x crop using the joystick; on the other, the new 40 mm mode.

Medium Telephoto Mode Comparison

DJI calls it “Medium Telephoto” mode. How do they look? I’m curious: Does the background change when I get close to the camera? It’s hard to tell on these tiny screens, but with Medium Telephoto mode, you can zoom even further. So, on one side, it’s a 2x crop; on the other, it’s 40 mm mode with an additional 2x crop, still in 4K. I don’t fully grasp how DJI pulls this off, but how does it look? And up close, what about the details and out-of-focus background?

For reference, the normal field of view is 20 mm. I need to wrap this up—the tide’s coming in, and I’ll get wet soon. But check out the zoom range difference. It’s incredible how far you can now zoom on the Pocket 3 with decent quality. Cropping in 400% like this loses sharpness, but the new mode holds up better. If you’re enjoying this, consider subscribing. I test gear in Alaska’s harshest conditions and share tips and tutorials.

Quality Insights and Limitations

I’m not sure how DJI does it, but it’s impressive. There’s some quality loss—side by side, the 2x in regular 4K mode might edge out the 40 mm mode slightly. Yet, getting an extra 2x on top of Medium Telephoto mode to reach what feels like 80 mm is wild. It starts to degrade, but for a 4x crop, it’s still decent. Well done, DJI!

A couple of limitations: As mentioned, ActiveTrack doesn’t work in this mode, so no dynamic movement tracking. Depth-wise, it doesn’t mimic a true 40 mm or 80 mm lens on a full-frame camera with shallow depth of field—it’s a bit different but still looks good. Also, it’s restricted to normal mode; D-Log M and HLG aren’t options here.

Focus Breathing Compensation

DJI also added focus breathing compensation. Normally, focusing on something close shifts the frame’s edges noticeably. With this feature, the change is far less pronounced—likely a slight crop, but much subtler than before. It’s not perfect, but for such a tiny camera, it’s a shock they’ve packed this in. It’s not on par with a big mirrorless camera like a Sony or Canon, but it’s a huge improvement. Compare the two: one camera shifts a lot, the other barely does. It’s a small but nice touch.

Wrapping Up and What’s Next

Watch my next video for 18 months of near-daily Pocket 3 use, what killed my original one, and more. Got questions? Drop them in the comments or join my live stream, most Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. Alaska time, 8:00 p.m. Eastern. See you in the next one. Cheers!