Last year, we reviewed both FIMI Palm and Osmo Pocket gimbals, now it’s time to take a closer look and an in-depth comparison of their 2020 version. While the new DJI Pocket 2 comes with upgraded image sensors, the FiMI Palm 2 with improved battery life.
Both stabilizers have CMOS image sensors, but the FIMI Palm 2 has 12 MP and the Osmo Pocket 2 has 64 MP resolution. In terms of video frame rate, DJI’s gimbal is over Xiaomi’s one. While the Pocket 2 is capable to record 4K videos with up to 60fps, the FIMI Palm with only 30fps. Another difference is that the OP2 features 8X digital zoom, and the FP2 only 3x one.
Besides some facelift, the Palm2’s biggest upgrade is the higher capacity battery and implicitly the extended operation time. By comparison, the DJI Pocket 2 has an 875 mAh battery and about 140 minutes of working time, the FiMI Palm 2 is powered by a 2600 mAh battery which provides more than 300 minutes o continuous recording.
Xiaomi FiMI Palm 2 versus DJI Osmo Pocket 2 comparison table
In the table below I will try to compare the most important specs of both 2020 pocket gimbals. I highlighted with red where the FiMI Palm 2 shines and with blue where DJI Pocket 2 excels.
FiMI Palm 2 | DJI Pocket 2 | |
Size | 132.5×32.5×35.5 | 124.7×38.1×30 mm |
Weight | 145g | 117g |
Number of motors | 3-axis | 3-axis |
Gimbal range | Pan: -240°-+60° Tilt: ±90° Roll: ±45° |
Pan: -250°-+90° Tilt: -180°-+70° Roll: ±90° |
Gimbal modes | Follow, Pitch Lock, FPV, and All Locked | Follow, Tilt Locked, and 7PV |
Display | 1.22″ Touchscreen | 1.3″ Touchscreen |
Image sensor | 1/2.6″ CMOS | 1/1.7″ CMOS |
Resolution | 12MP | 64MP |
Lens FOV | 128° | 93° |
Max resolution | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps |
Max bit-rate | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Digital Zoom | 3x | 8X |
Active tracking | Yes | Yes |
Battery | 2600 mAh | 875 mAh |
Work time | 308 minutes | 140 minutes |
Wireless connectivity | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module |
USB port | Type-C | Type-C |
Tripod mount | Yes | Yes, via a mounting adapter |
Release date | November 2020 | November 2020 |
Price | $199 – Order from BG (33% off) | $349 – Purchase from DJI |
Conclusions
For sure when you are planning to purchase a new camera, the first thing you look for is the resolution and frame rate. The DJI Pocket 2 beats the FIMI Palam in both cases. Unfortunately, the better specs have their price, you will need to pay $150 more for DJI’s gimbal.
Besides image quality, size and weight are a big deciding factor when you are trying to find the ideal gimbal for your needs. The Palm 2 is slightly bigger than the Pocket 2 and also 28 grams heavier (145g vs 117g).
I have both of these gimbal but for cinematic b-roll shots I prefer the DJI Pocket 2. It has a larger sensor and way better image quality
The Fimi Palm 2 is the best way to waste your money, with no service and no warranty!
YouTuber claims that the Fimi Palm 2 is a 300% cheaper gimbal and produce similar video quality as the Osmo Pocket 2!
What do you think which one is better for Vlogging, and recording indoor and outdoor?
Thanks!
Certainly, resolution alone does not define the quality of the picture. Furthermore, the information is not correct. Yes, the sensor is 64 MP; however, the real size of the photos is 16 MP with 2×2 binning (https://forum.dji.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=227092) as the pixels are soo small. A 64 MP picture can be produced but will be only good at reasonable lighting. Consequently, the pixels are smaller than from a 12 MP sensor; thus, a photo from a 12 MP sensor might look better than the 16 MP photo the new Osmo produces. Unfortunately, in several videos, it has been already noticed that the Osmo Pocket 2 produces less sharp images than the original Osmo Pocket which could either mean
1. software optimization is necessary (not yet tuned to the new sensor) or 2.) the sensor is not better than the previous one (hey, we have a high resolution; thus, a better camera does not work, digital photography and digital videography are more complex).
Summary:
We know that the Osmo Pocket 2 has problems, we do not know yet if the Fimi Palm 2 will have problems, as no reviews are available. Indeed, 4K 60 fps is not available, but again videographers choose the equipment that does the job, and if you do not need that frame rate the conclusion is far from being conclusive.
Real Conclusion:
Better specs say nothing if you have not a real site-by-site comparison. Specs are marketing tools, important is the combination of specs, software, and hardware. We have to wait until a real comparison is coming up. For now, there is no reason to purchase an overpriced Osmo Pocket 2 or buy the original version which could be smart.