DJI Osmo Pocket vs Xiaomi FIMI PALM Review and Comparison

Today, more and more people are engaged in outdoor activities, traveling and simply sharing their experience with others through blogs and YouTube channels. Of course, there is a need for high-quality equipment for recording video, as the requirements for content are growing. And although the quality of smartphone cameras in 2022 is very high, the difference between a narrowly focused device and amateur photography is still too noticeable. And if earlier good equipment had price tags that were unbearable for many novice video bloggers, now competition and a variety of models allow you to choose a pocket camera for any budget. By the way, the size of the devices themselves has significantly decreased, and support for many useful technologies has also become available.

Analyzing the camera market in 2022, it is quite easy to highlight the main favorites - these are DJI Osmo Pocket and Xiaomi Fimi Palm. The device from DJI is older, has a lot of fans and a wide variety of gadgets to improve performance.At the same time, Fimi Palm can be called a novelty that made a splash, providing great features at a lower price. By the way, many say that Xiaomi simply copied the popular DJI novelty and this really seems to be true, but this is hardly a concern for the average user.

The review and comparison of DJI Osmo Pocket and Xiaomi Fimi Palm will allow everyone interested in purchasing a pocket camera to evaluate the main features, advantages and disadvantages of the models, as well as understand the difference between the two devices. And also answer the question of the camera, which company is better for beginners and professionals.

For a quick reference, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the table below - it contains the main characteristics of the cameras, which significantly reduces the time to choose:

Brief comparison

Speaking of DJI Osmo Pocket and Xiaomi Fimi Palm, we can confidently say that both devices are perfect for vloggers and just active people, because they are based on gimbals, which is a miniature copy of professional studio equipment.It should be said right away that they are considered solely as assistants or as an addition to the main arsenal of an advanced director. Compactness and versatility make it possible to use them in conditions with limited space or inability to use professional devices. By the way, these models will definitely be appreciated by travelers - this device will completely pass for the main one, if the main parameter is to minimize the things you need on the road.

If you answer the question - which device is better in 2022 - then despite the popularity of Osmo Pocket, you should pay attention to Fimi Palm. Yes, it is almost completely copied from the brainchild of DJI (with significant modifications) and is as cheap as possible, but this does not prevent it from producing excellent video recording performance, practically not inferior to its counterparts. In defense of the Osmo Pocket, we can say that it is more reliable, which is not surprising, given how many years DJI has been developing cameras for drones and drones.

Video about comparison of two models - DJI Osmo Pocket VS Xiaomi FIMI PALM:

Design

The models have such a similar appearance that it immediately becomes clear who peeped the main design details from whom. In general, the devices are very compact in size (it easily fits in the palm of your hand), so it's hard to believe that they have a full-fledged mechanical three-axis gimbal inside. As for the Osmo Pocket, it was originally an attempt to port the successful quadcopter module for use on the ground. Years of development have done their job - a miniature sensor, equipped with well-optimized software, can surprise not only amateurs, but also advanced users.

As the main material of the camera, high-quality materials are used, including ABS plastic, which has a black matte color. The dimensions of Fimi Palm are as follows: 3.05 × 2.27 × 12.70 cm. That is, the novelty has a length less than modern smartphones, as well as an acceptable width and depth, which allows it to lie comfortably in the hand without the risk of slipping. The weight of the camera is only 120 grams, which is also impressive.

At the top of the device (at the top of the three-axis gimbal) is a 12MP sensor. Thanks to this arrangement, the videos are very smooth. Also below is a small 1.22-inch touchscreen display. The screen resolution is 240×240 pixels, which allows you to view the captured photos and videos directly from the device. By the way, the screen brightness of 600 nits is very pleasing - even in sunny weather, the picture is clearly distinguishable.

Just below the screen is an LED indicator that shows the battery level. Next to it is a microphone jack. All camera control is carried out using the power button, video recording button and joystick (five positions). It is worth noting that the device has a Type-C charging port on the bottom. There is a 6.35mm (quarter inch) tripod hole on the back. On the right is an additional microphone with noise reduction, as well as a slot for a memory card. For those who need really high-quality sound, there is a 3.5 mm microphone jack.

As for Osmo Pocket, it has a similar arrangement of all elements. The only significant difference is the slightly smaller 1.08-inch screen, which, despite a slight reduction, looks tiny (however, this does not affect convenience too much - a matter of habit).But what you should pay attention to is the square proportions of the screen. The fact is that during the preview part of the picture will be cut off, and switching to the “more correct” mode will reduce the already small image. Another disadvantage is the lack of a port for an additional microphone (the built-in one does not particularly shine and is the usual “average”).

Also, many cite as a plus DJI less weight of the device. However, this statement can hardly be called serious, because the difference in weight is only 4 grams (120g versus 116g).

Software and features

It's probably best to start again with the Fimi Palm, as it has a 12MP sensor with a 128-degree field of view. Also, this "baby" can shoot video in 4K up to 30 fps. There is also panning in the range of -240/+60 degrees. Tilt angle is +-90 degrees, rotation angle is +-45 degrees.

The DJI model also has a 12 megapixel sensor (it is also used in the company's smartphones and drones). The viewing angle is 80 degrees, shooting 4K video at a frame rate of 60 fps is supported. Pan range -230 / +50 degrees, tilt -95 / + 50, and roll + -45 degrees.

The bitrate of the models is the same - up to 100 Mbps. In terms of video quality, DJI is ahead of its competitor at 60 fps, while the Fimi Palm wins back with a larger viewing angle. However, a large viewing angle can cause a “fisheye” effect, that is, some interference in the image, which requires more skill from the operator (however, there are no problems in automatic mode, and professional mode itself implies that the user has certain skills). In general, the camera should be selected in accordance with personal priorities.

A very important plus of Xiaomi is the presence of built-in Wi-Fi, as well as Bluetooth modules. This allows you to make deep settings for the device by connecting to a smartphone through a special application. For example, you can use the Story mode, which allows you to edit video files directly on your smartphone (apply effects, make transitions, add audio files, and much more). These functions are also available in Osmo Pocket, however, for this you will have to use additional accessories.

Shooting and more about the capabilities of the sensors

FIMI has four preset shooting modes, including Tracking, Full Lock, FPV and Pitch Lock. Of the interesting, a function stands out that can recognize a person’s face and track it while constantly holding it in the frame (relevant when moving). The camera also has the following options:

• Slow motion;
• Photo (JPG formats);
• Hyperlapse (accelerated video shooting with stabilization);
• HDR
• AE / AW (professional shooting involves working with the brightness of colors);
• Panorama;
• Night mode;
• Approximation (three and eight-fold);
• Slow motion.

Added to the advantages of the camera is excellent stabilization (better than the competitor) and an excellent viewing angle. However, when it comes to night shooting, the initiative shifts abruptly to DJI, so this must be taken into account when buying.

DJI modes:

• Photography (JPG & RAW formats);
• Video resolution 4K (with a frame rate of 24 to 60 fps) and Full HD (up to 120 fps);
• Slow motion (big crop!);
• Timelapse (moving the lens from point A to point B);
• Panorama.

The lens has f / 2.0 aperture, which is not very good, but this decision is dictated by the desire to reduce the device as much as possible.Interestingly, the camera supports gesture control. However, in practice, this is only convenient in automatic mode, when deepening into the settings, you should use a smartphone (but in the latest updates it is possible to correct the professional mode without a phone), since there are really a lot of settings and they significantly change the operation of the device. For example, when recording video in a flat D-Cine profile in manual mode (with control of shutter speed and ISO sensitivity), the separation of interface elements will become difficult, because it is easy to get confused in gestures due to the small screen.

A separate feature of Osmo Pocket is the port to which adapters from the kit (USB-C/Lightning) are connected. This is how you can connect the phone to the camera, although the fixation is not very tight and the main advantage of the camera is lost - compactness. By the way, one of the positive aspects is a huge number of accessories that significantly expand the capabilities of the camera, as well as the ability to mount it in the GoPro system. But there are also downsides - DJI is not shy about putting quite high price tags on their accessories, although third-party manufacturers are adjacent to quite competitive alternatives.

autonomy

The battery life for any mobile gadget is perhaps the main parameter, because they are bought specifically to work in conditions where recharging is impossible. However, today this problem is completely solved at the expense of power banks, however, a good built-in battery will never be superfluous. It is worth noting here that both participants in the review demonstrate good battery life on a single charge, well ahead of their competitors.

Xiaomi understands the needs of customers well, and therefore took a ready-made solution and simply made it better.As a result, Fimi Palm received a 1000 mAh battery. According to the developers (which, in general, corresponds to reality), one charge is enough for shooting in Full HD (30 fps) mode for up to 4 hours. When you turn on 4K mode, the time is reduced to 1.5 hours, which is very good considering the size of the device.

Osmo Pocket is slightly inferior in terms of battery life, having a built-in 875 mAh battery. The time of one full cycle is just over 2 hours (actually about 130 minutes) when recording video in 4K.

As can be seen from the review, everything is in order with the autonomy of both cameras, but the owners still advise you to always carry a power bank with you to avoid unpleasant situations.

Summing up

One of the most popular questions about these cameras is, is it worth buying at all or is it just money thrown away? The owners of these devices unanimously say that it is worth it, and any model will do for a start, because they are initially better than any smartphone. In addition, such a device allows for a certain perspective - it can always be improved with additional accessories or used as an additional tool for professional shooting.

Speaking about which camera is better, you need to decide on priorities - excellent stabilization, wireless modules and a wide viewing angle, or a high frame rate and good results when shooting at night. However, for beginners, the Fimi Palm will still be preferable, at least due to its lower cost, and the camera's characteristics are very attractive.

So, Fimi Palm:

• Miniature;
• Wide viewing angle (128°);
• Shooting 4K video;
• The presence of a physical joystick for control;
• Touch screen with preview;
• 1000 mAh battery (up to 4 hours of operation);
• Support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi without additional modules;
• Tripod connector (quarter inch);
• Good tilt angles;
• Weight (120 grams);
• Many modes and flexible settings;
• Additional microphone with noise reduction;
• Ergonomic body - fits easily and is fixed in the hand;
• Excellent video stabilization;
• Attractive cost;
• Ease of automatic mode.

• No Lightning connector;
• Content is only saved in jpg format;
• No support for 4K 60 fps;
• Not very good at night.

And finally Osmo Pocket:

• Shooting 4K video at 60 fps;
• Touch screen, preview option;
• Good autonomy;
• Compactness;
• Good tilt angles;
• Support for JPG & RAW formats;
• Weight (116 grams);
• A huge number of settings (however, a beginner can easily get confused in them);
• Ease of use;
• Reliability;
• Lots of third-party accessories;
• Good stabilization;
• Work with content directly in the application;
• Night shooting;
• Automatic mode is very simple;
• There are USB-C and Lightning connectors.

• Price;
• Lack of built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules;
• No physical joystick (and touch gesture controls aren't great in pro mode)
• The main microphone is of average quality;
• "Squareness" of the screen and its dimensions.

Conclusion: Both cameras show excellent results in their price range and have a lot of fans, so there is no need to doubt their quality. In addition, the devices are very small in size, have good autonomy and can easily cope with a variety of tasks, and therefore these accessories can be used even with professional equipment.When choosing, you should rather focus on your own needs, because the cameras are largely similar and differ only in some key points.