It’s time to compare DJI Pocket 2 vs GoPro Hero 9, two of the newest drones on the market. The price tag may deter some, but the true value lies in the ability to shoot high-quality videos and take stunning images for creative projects.
DJI Pocket 2 Overview
The DJI Pocket 2 is a foldable smartphone that comes with a 5.5″ touch display, 8 MP front-facing camera, 13 MP rear-facing camera, and 3200
Although the DJI Pocket 2 isn’t perfect, it’s still a great vlogging camera. The Creator Combo package includes a wireless microphone and other essential tools for video production. It also has a larger sensor than its predecessor.
It excels in object tracking, especially for vloggers who walk and talk around spaces. It’s an excellent imaging tool that fits nicely into the workflow of a videographer, vlogger, or other professional.
That said, you can also use it for other types of photography, such as portraiture and product photography. In that role, it outperforms the competition, and it’s great for photographers who don’t want to deal with any computer interaction or don’t have time for it.
Its biggest downside is the price. You can get the same features from some cameras that are cheaper and a lot less feature-laden.
Pros
- The most stable, pocket-friendly camera available
- Perfect for vloggers: Creator Combo
- It is a very useful tracking feature
Cons
- Low light performance is poor
- High-contrast scenes are difficult to deal with
- It can get very hot when you are filming 4K
GoPro Hero 9 Overview
While the GoPro Hero 9 Black action camera is powerful and versatile, it’s still an excellent value for money. However, its predecessor offers more value. Although the Hero 8 Black’s front display and sensor are both functional, they don’t significantly improve over the Hero 8 Black.
Even though a firmware fix may be available, the touchscreen’s inability to respond is still a problem. While no other action matches Hero 9 Black’s skill set, others offer more value.
This year’s model has a very similar form factor but updated software and hardware, making it an attractive option.
Pros
- 5K video delivers more detail
- Vlogging with the front display is easy
- Battery life is improved
- Software innovations
Cons
- Unresponsive touchscreen
- There is little improvement in 4K shooting
- There is no 4K/120p option
- HEVC files require the use of recent editing hardware
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GoPro Hero 9 Vs DJI Pocket 2: The Comparison
Physical Specs and Body Features
When trying to find the perfect camera for you, size and weight are important considerations. This section will show DJI Pocket 2 & GoPro Hero9 Black side by side, along with their respective dimensions.
The DJI Pocket 2’s external dimensions are 124.7×38.1×30 mm and it weighs in at 124.7g (incl. batteries). GoPro Hero9 Black measures 71x55x34 mm (2.8×2.17×1.34”) and is 158g (0.35 lb/ 5.57 oz).
Below is a comparison of the front view sizes for DJI Pocket 2 vs. GoPro Hero9 Black. DJI Pocket 2 is 33mm wider and 25mm shorter than GoPro Hero9 Black, but it is also 91mm longer.
When choosing a camera you will be carrying with you throughout the day, weight is an important consideration. The DJI Pocket 2 is 41g lighter than the GoPro Hero9 Black, a significant advantage for long walks.
Weather Sealing
The Hero9 Black’s weather-sealed body means that you can use it in conditions where dust and water are possible. This camera is more reliable than Pocket 2.
The LCD Screen Size and Other Features
GoPro Hero9 Black’s 2.27-inch LCD screen is slightly larger than DJI Pocket 2’s 1.
Both cameras have fixed screens that don’t flip or tilt in any direction. The GoPro Hero9 Black’s camera app is intuitive, easy to use, and has a lot of useful modes.
You can change the layout of the screen to fit your needs.
While you’ll want to take advantage of all its shooting modes, the one I like most is called Zoom. It lets you focus on a subject and have the camera zoom in for closer shots or zoom out for a wider shot.
Comparing the Sensors of DJI Pocket 2 and GoPro Hero9 Black
DJI Pocket 2 features a 16.0MP1.7 (1/1.7) CMOS sensor. GoPro Hero9 Black, on the other hand, has a 23.0MP 1/2.3 (6.17 x 5.55 mm) CMOS sensor. It also features a GP1 processor.
The sensor of the GoPro Hero9 Black has 7MP more than that of DJI Pocket 2, which is a huge advantage in real-life. Your images can be printed larger or cropped more easily.
However, the Max sensor resolution is only one determinant of the resolution power. The final resolution of the image is affected by factors such as low pass filter, optical elements, pixel size, and sensor technology.
Below is a comparison of the sensor sizes for Hero9 Black and Pocket 2.
As can be seen, DJI Pocket 2’s sensor area is 1.5x larger than GoPro Hero9 Black. Photographers with larger sensors have more control over blurry background and depth of field than those with smaller sensors.
Boot Up to Filming Time
You see something unique, but your camera isn’t live? The Hero 9 won’t let you capture it if it’s moving away. The Pocket 2’s one-second transition into 4k filming and then back to boot is unbeatable.
The Pocket 2 is an excellent battery-saver, as it can be powered down between shots and then power up almost immediately.
Screens
This category was much closer to the time this article was written. The Pocket 2 was tiny, but it still worked. Hero 9 had all kinds of responsiveness problems.
All hail the firmware update! Although not perfect, the GoPro’s screens can now be used again. It has front and back screens. The front screen is also larger than DJI’s single screen.
Rough Action
As if you needed any more. It is not advisable to bounce around a physical gimbal. The GoPro is ruggeder, waterproof, and has better mounting options for bikes and cars. Anybody who claims otherwise is riding without a helmet.
Native Audio Pickup
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many mics you have. This is not the case.
Superior sound quality right out of the box and an intelligent four-microphone setup that allows you to capture audio in many creative ways.
Battery Life
This is the most crucial and the least satisfying category in the battle between DJI Pocket 2 and GoPro Hero 9. This should be a significant point, but it turned out that neither camera met the brief.
The DJI Pocket 2’s battery has a longer average life and takes a shorter time to recharge fully, but it is not swappable. Although the GoPro’s battery life is more straightforward, you can still swap it. Both are not the best.
Stabilized Video Quality
DJI is the master of stability, much like GoPro is synonymous with rugged use. Is that the same for the new generation of hardware?
There are no surprises in the contest between DJI Pocket 2 and the GoPro Hero 9. GoPro has the freedom to tweak their software as they wish, and their most recent firmware update did address some shadow issues.
The gimbal has 4k and 60 FPS stabilization. No artifacts. No shadow flickers.
Unstabilized Video Quality
This was the one that was up for grabs until GoPro introduced their 5k mode. Although it only offers 30 FPS, the difference in resolution between 4k and 5k is very palatable. You don’t need stability or high FPS. If that’s the case, you can choose that stunning higher resolution every single day.
Image Quality
Both cameras offer almost identical still image quality. Both cameras do not support RAW, and images are saved in JPEG. DJI Pocket 2 has a 64MP 1/1.7 inch Sensor, while GoPro Hero uses a 20MP resolution. These two sensors produce great results outdoors and in well-lit areas. There are very few differences.
You will have to put the camera in manual mode and pay attention to the exposure and white balance to get better photos.
Water Resistance
The GoPro Hero 9 wins in terms of water resistance. The GoPro Hero9 Black is the best waterproof camera for travel. The integrated touchscreen and dual-axis gimbal make it a versatile filmmaking tool, while other cameras unmatch its wide dynamic range of photography in this price range.
It can even be submerged in water. The DJI Pocket 2 can’t live without a case.
If you intend to use your DJI Pocket 2 in water or rain, you must purchase special housing. Third-party housing is not allowed due to the unique design and limitations of DJI Pocket 2. The GoPro 9 can’t go below 10m (33ft). You will need underwater housing if you want to dive.
A Tale of DJI Osmo Pocket 2 Vs GoPro Hero 9
It was the best time… not really. It’s not necessary to continue Dickens’ famous opening sentence. For anyone who has to make this difficult decision. We think of the phrase “spoiled for choice”.
Two worthy contenders entered the ring, and they strutted their stuff. There was no knockout punch. Each camera is unique and has its strengths. This one will be judged.
Dear reader, that’s you. In this tale, you are the judge about two lifestyles: urban exploration meets action sports, and a trip to rural areas completes a trip down the waterfall.
The contest between DJI Pocket 2 and GoPro Hero 9 has enough room for everyone to be covered. Both can be used as casual, everyday vlogging cameras. You can use both to stream with the proper setup.
After all this, you can bring one or both to a casual event or party and post the highlights (or lack thereof) on YouTube. These are great for business stuff, such as explainer videos that you can make at your desk.
You can do ‘everyday stuff’ with any available options, no matter what one you choose.
Consider which lifestyle best embodies your goals and dreams. If you are a videographer of nocturnal wildlife, you might desire one feature. You should consider Hero 9.
You might find yourself jumping into trains and planes all the time, so the Pocket 2’s instant portability is your ideal.
Our little story should teach you one thing: Any choice you make will likely be a good one. These are two beautiful pieces.
Conclusion
Which is better? The DJI Pocket 2 or GoPro Hero 9? It all depends on your needs. The GoPro is the better choice if you want to take action shots but don’t mind more bulk. The DJI Pocket 2 is a better option if you are looking for something smaller and easier to transport.
The DJI Pocket 2 is also more versatile with a longer flight time, better battery life, and stronger light. DreamCheeky hopes you found this article useful and let us know what you think. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below. We will try to respond as soon as possible.
