This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I mounted a DJI Osmo Pocket on a long selfie pole (up to 2.7 m) to get drone-like, higher-angle shots on a family day out at Hitachi Seaside Park. Held overhead, the camera ends up roughly 4 m up by my estimate, which is enough to change how a landscape looks. It’s no replacement for a real drone, but it adds a nice accent shot.
What I tested
- DJI Osmo Pocket (first generation), recording in 4K
- A long selfie pole that extends to 2.7 m, sold for action cameras like GoPro
- A Sony α1 for people and close-ups, mixed into the same edit
What I found
The Pocket suits this better than an action camera. Its gimbal head can still be pointed while the pole is extended, and tracking works, so you aren’t stuck holding the pole at one fixed angle.
The downsides: the pole flexes and sways the longer you extend it, so some shots are unusable. Too many overhead shots get repetitive; a few at key moments work best. I also forgot my ND filter, which made some clips harder to watch.
A long pole flexes, so I keep it away from people’s heads and crowded spots. It may not make drone-like noise, but that doesn’t make it safe. Check the rules of the place you’re filming and keep an eye on people around you.
Who it’s for
- Vloggers and parents who want an occasional wide, elevated shot
- People who don’t own a drone but want a slightly higher viewpoint
- Anyone who already owns a Pocket or a small action camera
It’s not for true aerial footage of a whole park, and it’s not for anyone who can’t tolerate some sway. I don’t recommend putting a phone on it; it reaches high enough that a heavy phone is a risk.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. The first 1:40 is the footage from the park; the gear explanation starts around 1:55.
Limitations
This was shot on one day, late in the kochia season when the hills had turned brown. I couldn’t identify the exact selfie pole I used, so there’s no link for it. In the video description at the time, I recommended the DJI Pocket 2 because it shoots wider.
Products
DJI Osmo Pocket: on Amazon Japan
DJI Pocket 2: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Camera & Desk Setup (42) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.