What these handheld gimbal cameras are and who they are for
A handheld gimbal camera is a compact, all-in-one video device that combines a small camera, a three-axis motorized stabilizer, and a built-in screen to give creators smooth, professional-looking footage without bulky gear. Insta360’s Luna Ultra and DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4 follow this formula, targeting vloggers, YouTubers, travelers, and mobile filmmakers who want higher-quality, steadier video than most phones provide. Both are designed as walk‑around tools: pull them from a pocket, power on, and start recording stabilized clips for social platforms or long-form content. The Osmo Pocket line has long been a go-to content creator camera, while the Luna Ultra is Insta360’s bold first dedicated entry in this category, positioned as a more advanced 8K pocket camera with dual Leica-branded lenses and pro-style shooting modes.
Design, handling, and the detachable Luna Ultra display
Both the Luna Ultra and Osmo Pocket 4 share a similar stick-style body topped by a three-axis mechanical gimbal, making them easy to hold with one hand and ideal as a travel or daily content creator camera. The key design difference is the Luna Ultra’s detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen, which clips off to become a remote monitor and controller with Bluetooth control from a distance. For solo vloggers who often place the camera on a tripod, fence, or tree branch and then move into the frame, this detachable display is a major usability win. It allows quick framing checks and recording control without relying on a phone app. The Osmo Pocket 4 also has a 2-inch OLED screen, but it is fixed in place, so remote operation depends on pairing with DJI’s mobile app instead of an integrated hardware solution.
Image quality, 8K capture, and telephoto flexibility
The Luna Ultra is built around a 1‑inch main sensor capable of 8K capture, backed by dual Leica-branded lenses that provide both a standard and a telephoto field of view. This makes it one of the first serious 8K pocket camera options for creators who want extra resolution for reframing in post or pulling stills. Its telephoto capability sets it apart from earlier pocket cameras that relied on a single wide lens, giving more flexibility for talking-head shots or distant details. In default color modes, the Luna Ultra’s footage can appear high in contrast, with highlights and shadows pushed hard, which may feel closer to a midrange phone aesthetic. However, switching to the iLog flat profile and grading with LUTs in an editor produces more controlled, professional results that better exploit the 1‑inch sensor’s dynamic range.
Stabilization, workflow, and app experience
Both the Insta360 Luna Ultra and DJI Osmo Pocket 4 use three-axis mechanical stabilization, delivering smooth walking shots and reliable horizon control that outperforms typical phone-only electronic stabilization. In real-world use, this makes either camera well suited to travel vlogs, walking tours, and quick “piece to camera” clips where shake would otherwise distract viewers. The Luna Ultra’s detachable screen speeds up remote control: unclip, wait a few seconds for Bluetooth to connect, and adjust framing or settings. With earlier DJI models, creators often depended on the DJI Mimo app, which adds connection steps every time remote control is needed. On the flip side, Insta360’s companion app can feel cluttered with social and store elements that get in the way of straightforward shooting, so many users may prefer relying on the hardware controls and detachable display for most shooting scenarios.
Price, availability, and which handheld gimbal camera to choose
Insta360 has positioned the Luna Ultra as a premium content creator camera. The standard kit is listed at USD 770 (approx. RM3,550), with a Creator Bundle at USD 970 (approx. RM4,470) that adds a battery grip and wireless microphone. According to CNET, the Osmo Pocket 4 starts at £445, which converts to about USD 597 (approx. RM2,750), making DJI’s option more affordable on paper. However, DJI has stated that the Pocket 4 “will not be available in the US market as the application for authorization is still pending,” while major retailers already list the Luna Ultra as “coming soon.” If you want dual lenses, 8K recording, a 1‑inch sensor, and a detachable display for flexible solo shooting, the Luna Ultra review perspective clearly favors Insta360’s new camera over its more limited, single-lens rival.
