Big discount on a small 4K vlogging rig
DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3, a popular all-in-one vlogging camera, has dropped to about $506 in a rare Black Friday deal, roughly 37% off its usual price. The pocket-sized device combines a gimbal-stabilized camera, flip-out touchscreen and built-in microphone array in a single unit, aimed at solo creators who don’t want to juggle separate lenses and rigs. Engadget notes that the Osmo Pocket 3 has rarely seen such deep discounts since launch, making this sale notable for YouTubers and TikTokers on a budget. The promotion comes as content platforms continue to reward short-form vertical video, where compact, stabilized cameras can give creators an edge over smartphone footage.

Under the hood, the Osmo Pocket 3 uses a large sensor and 4K recording to deliver cleaner low-light video than older pocket gimbals. Its fully integrated three-axis stabilizer smooths out walking shots and quick pans without extra accessories. The camera can rotate quickly between horizontal and vertical orientations, a feature that matters for creators who need to shoot both YouTube-friendly 16:9 and smartphone-ready 9:16 clips in the same session. Combined with face-tracking autofocus and a touch interface that makes it easy to switch modes, the device is designed to be usable one-handed, even for beginners.

The camera also has built-in stereo microphones and support for wireless audio accessories, a key point for vloggers who record in noisy city streets or crowded venues. While many smartphones now offer impressive video quality, audio is often their weakest link; a compact, stabilized camera with cleaner sound can reduce the need for fixes in the edit. For travel vloggers, the Osmo Pocket 3’s small footprint and USB-C charging make it easier to carry than a full mirrorless body with lenses and gimbal. At the new price, it undercuts many larger entry-level camera kits, especially once gimbal and microphone costs are factored in.

Why this deal matters beyond Black Friday
The sharp price cut highlights how competitive the creator hardware market has become. Smartphone makers are pushing better camera stacks each year, and accessory brands are rolling out modular gimbals, microphones and lights at lower price points. For DJI, discounting the Osmo Pocket 3 around peak shopping season is one way to keep the product in front of aspiring creators who might otherwise default to incremental phone upgrades. A lower price can also tempt existing users of older Osmo models to consider an upgrade.

For creators just starting out, the sale could change the calculus on where to invest limited gear money. Instead of stretching for a bigger camera system and compromising on stability or audio, a discounted Osmo Pocket 3 offers an all-in-one route into 4K production. That may be especially appealing for travel, food and street creators in crowded cities, where a small, non-intimidating device draws less attention and is easier to carry on public transport. The camera’s ability to double as a webcam or streaming device with the right setup also adds value for those who want to go live on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

At the same time, buyers still need to weigh limitations. The sensor, while larger than older pocket devices, will not match the low-light performance or background blur of high-end mirrorless cameras with fast lenses. The fixed lens means creators cannot change focal length without digital zoom or external adapters, and battery life will still be a constraint for all-day shoots. Yet for many, especially those upgrading from shaky phone footage, the jump in stability, control and audio quality will be far more noticeable than incremental sensor improvements.

As Black Friday and Cyber Week deals roll on, the Osmo Pocket 3 discount is likely to be closely watched by both hobbyists and semi-pro creators. Whether it signals a permanent price shift or a short-term push to clear inventory remains to be seen. For now, it’s one of the clearest examples of how tightening budgets and a crowded content landscape are forcing hardware makers to sharpen their offers to win the attention of the next generation of storytellers.