Just as rumors were circulating that DJI would update its best-selling Osmo Pocket camera product line in March, competitor Insta360 appears to be preparing a "modular" trump card. According to newly revealed patents, Insta360 is developing a pocket gimbal camera with a detachable lens and wireless shooting capabilities, attempting to directly challenge the DJI Pocket 4 with greater flexibility in use.
Insta360's new patent: a Lego-like "transforming" gimbal.
According toForeign media reportsInsta360 has applied for a utility model patent for a "handheld gimbal platform". Unlike the traditional unibody DJI Pocket series, the core concept of this new device is "modularization".
The patent description indicates that the device is assembled from four core components using a snap-fit method, including a photosensitive imaging module, a control module (including a screen and buttons), a power module, and a connectivity module. Its biggest highlight is:
• Wireless Separate Shooting:The lens module can be detached from the gimbal handle and supports wireless independent shooting, which is somewhat similar to the design logic of the Insta360 GO series. However, it combines the stability of the gimbal to achieve multi-scene coverage of "attached as a gimbal and detached as an action camera".
• Interchangeable lens design:Users can change the lens components according to their needs. The patent also mentions that a double fisheye lens can be installed to shoot VR/360° panoramic content, or a 1-inch sensor lens can be switched to obtain high dynamic range 4K cinematic-grade images.
The design concept of this new phone is rumored to be similar to its own camera lens.Insta360 Link seriesIt features a gimbal head design, but through modularization, it is given wireless connectivity and diverse shooting capabilities.
DJI Pocket 4 Rumors: Standard and Pro Versions Running Simultaneously
Facing fierce competition, DJI is well-prepared for the upcoming Osmo Pocket 4 series, expected to launch in March. According to the YouTube channel Photorabz, DJI may adopt a dual-product strategy with both a "standard version" and a "Pro version."
• Osmo Pocket 4 Pro:It is rumored to adopt a dual-lens design and is expected to be equipped with a 1/1.1-inch image sensor derived from the Osmo Action 6. Although the size does not exceed 1 inch, the key point is that it supports "variable aperture" technology, which will greatly improve adaptability and depth-of-field control under different lighting conditions.
• Osmo Pocket 4 Standard Edition:It is expected to use the same 1-inch CMOS sensor (approximately 940 million pixels) as its predecessor. Although there may not be a significant leap in image quality, it is rumored that its battery life will surpass that of its predecessor, solving the pain point for users who shoot frequently.
Analysis of viewpoints
After establishing itself in the panoramic camera field in recent years, Insta360's latest update, the Insta360 X5, has attempted to simulate the camera movement effect of a three-axis stabilizer through software algorithms and the free-movement selfie stick accessory, directly taking a share of the Pocket series' market.
The "modular gimbal camera" whose patent has now been revealed is clearly Insta360's second offensive against DJI. If the patent comes true, this "wireless separation" design will completely solve the problem of "limited framing angle" in traditional pocket gimbal cameras (for example, the handle is too long to fit into a small space).
In contrast, if the DJI Pocket 4 Pro truly incorporates a "variable aperture," it will build a moat in terms of "professional image quality."
However, the battle for vlog cameras in 2026 will clearly still see considerable competition, especially considering that Dreame is also preparing to launch a product under the Leaptic brand.Action camera called CubeIt is expected that more brands will join the competition in the future.
