DJI Pocket 4 Signals Production Start and Design Shifts
Industry chatter is heating up around DJI’s next-generation Pocket 4 handheld camera. According to TheNewCamera’s leaks, the Pocket 4 has moved into mass production, with prototype images revealing a redesigned chassis that could mark a notable shift from the Pocket 3. The advances are focused on weight reduction, a taller yet slimmer frame, and the addition of two new control buttons that fans hope will enhance zoom and handling for on-the-go filmmakers.
What the Leaks Show: A Lighter, Taller Body
Compared side-by-side with the Pocket 3, the Pocket 4 is said to weigh roughly 116 g without accessories — about 35% lighter than the Pocket 3’s 179 g. That kind of weight savings could be a meaningful upgrade for long shooting sessions, travel, or wearing the camera on a stabilizer or wearable rig. The design appears taller but slimmer overall, which may improve grip and balance when users operate the camera with one hand or mount it on a small tripod or gimbal.
Two New Buttons: Potentially Better Zoom and Control
The leaked chassis includes two additional physical controls. While exact functions remain unconfirmed, industry watchers speculate these could expand zoom control, focus pulling, or quick-access exposure settings. If DJI implements a more tactile zoom control, it could reduce the need to frequently fumble with a touchscreen, especially in windy or fast-moving shooting scenarios. In combination with the pocketable form factor and a 2-inch rotatable screen—the same display size reportedly retained from the Pocket 3—creators may enjoy quicker, more intuitive access to essential settings.
Retaining the Core: The 2-Inch Rotatable Screen
One of the Pocket line’s enduring appeals has been the compact, tilting screen that lets shooters frame shots from unusual angles. The leaks indicate the Pocket 4 will preserve the 2-inch rotatable panel, continuing to offer flexible composition for vlogging, social posts, and on-the-go documentaries. The retention of this display suggests DJI is prioritizing familiar usability, even as it refines the camera’s chassis and controls to meet evolving user needs.
Zoom Performance and Imaging Improvements Worth Watching
Zoom capability remains a focal point for the Pocket 4’s anticipated upgrades. The addition of new controls could enable smoother, more precise zoom adjustments, potentially supported by improved firmware or sensor performance. While the cameras’ imaging pipeline isn’t fully detailed in the leaks, enthusiasts will be watching for enhancements in stabilization, color science, and low-light performance that typically accompany a next-generation Pocket device.
Launch Timeline: Expect an Announcement Soon
Promotional frames from a Barcelona shoot were cited as evidence that DJI is actively preparing for a formal reveal of the Pocket 4 within the next two to three months. If confirmed, this timeline would align with DJI’s pattern of staggered product reveals, where initial production signals precede official announcements by a short window. As always, timing could shift based on mass production capacity, supply chain factors, and final firmware testing.
What This Means for Creators
For creators, the potential combination of a lighter body, added controls, and retained display could translate into more comfortable handheld shooting and faster on-device adjustments. The Pocket 4’s continued emphasis on portability makes it a strong option for travelers, independent filmmakers, and social media producers who require quick setup, reliable stabilization, and an approachable control scheme. If DJI can balance the improvements with affordable pricing, the Pocket 4 could extend DJI’s edge in the compact camera segment.
What to Watch For Next
Keep an eye on official DJI communications and upcoming hands-on previews for confirmation of the new chassis details, button mappings, and performance tests. Real-world reviews after the launch will be essential to gauge whether the weight reduction and control enhancements translate into meaningful gains in everyday shooting. Until then, the rumor mill points to a compelling evolution of DJI’s pocket-friendly cinema solution.
