By Mercy Kashmir
May 4, 2025
Beloved Vlogging Camera Hits Turbulence as Prices Climb 54% in Two Months
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, once heralded as the ultimate accessible tool for content creators, has become the latest casualty in the ongoing US-China trade tensions. The pocket-sized vlogging camera that revolutionized on-the-go video capture has seen its price skyrocket from $519 to $800 in the American market—a staggering 54% increase in just two months that has left creators scrambling.
From Market Darling to Luxury Item
Since its October 2023 launch, the Osmo Pocket 3 quickly established itself as the go-to vlogging camera for content creators worldwide. With its 1-inch CMOS sensor, three-axis gimbal stabilization, and rotatable touchscreen, the device offered professional-quality video at what was considered an accessible price point of $519.
“The Osmo Pocket 3 is a rare home run for a camera company,” said tech reviewer Becca Farsace in January, before the price hikes began. “Its price of $520 makes it accessible to more people… this camera has no competition.”
That accessibility factor has now been severely compromised. The camera saw its first price bump to $620 in early 2025, followed by another steep increase to $800 in recent weeks. The Creator Combo package, which includes the DJI Mic 2 and additional accessories, now retails for a whopping $979—up from the original $669.
Trade Policy at the Heart of the Surge
The primary culprit behind this dramatic price increase is President Donald Trump’s economic trade policy, specifically tariffs targeting Chinese imports. DJI, a China-based company, has been caught directly in the crossfire of these trade tensions.
A DJI spokesperson confirmed to The Verge that these tariffs “are certainly among the key considerations” driving the price increases. Unlike in markets such as Europe, Japan, or Canada where prices remain stable, US consumers are bearing the brunt of these trade policies.
Supply Chain Challenges Compound the Problem
Adding to the pricing woes is a severe shortage of units in the American market. The camera is currently sold out on Amazon, B&H Photo, and even DJI’s own website. Best Buy has limited stock but only offers the device as part of the Creator Combo kit for $980.
“It’s fantastic to see that the demand for our Osmo Pocket 3 has far exceeded our expectations. Due to local market conditions and industry environment, including trade-related policies, we may experience extended delays in restocking, and have had to adjust our pricing strategy,” a DJI spokesperson told PetaPixel.
Reports suggest that US Customs Service has been blocking DJI imports as part of the ongoing tariff tensions, further constraining supply. For content creators who rely on the Pocket 3 for their work, this scarcity presents a significant challenge to their production capabilities.
Creative Workarounds Emerge
As US prices soar, some resourceful creators have discovered international workarounds. Amazon Germany currently ships the Creator Combo to the US for approximately $726, including $71 in tariff taxes—saving buyers about $253 compared to domestic pricing.
This cross-border solution, while effective for now, highlights the extraordinary measures consumers must take to avoid the full impact of trade policies. It also raises questions about warranty support and service options for internationally purchased devices.
Value Proposition Under Pressure
The Osmo Pocket 3’s original appeal stemmed from its powerful features at a competitive price point. Its 1-inch sensor, gimbal stabilization, and subject tracking capabilities made it a compelling alternative to more expensive options like Canon’s PowerShot V1, which retails for $899.
At $800, that value proposition has significantly diminished, especially for hobbyists and drone operators who might pair the device with DJI drones for comprehensive coverage. The new pricing places the Pocket 3 in a different category altogether, pushing it beyond the reach of many casual content creators.
Global Context: The “Moutai of Electronics”
Interestingly, while US consumers struggle with soaring prices and limited availability, the Pocket 3 has achieved phenomenon status in other markets. In China, it has earned the nickname “the Moutai of electronics,” referencing the luxury Chinese liquor known for its scarcity and high price.
According to Moojing Market Intelligence, sales of the Pocket 3 on DJI’s official Tmall store nearly tripled in November 2024 compared to the previous month, reaching RMB 80 million (USD 11.2 million). On Xiaohongshu, China’s popular social media platform, content related to the Pocket 3 has accumulated over 1.2 billion views.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
The Osmo Pocket 3’s price surge reflects broader tensions affecting the tech industry. With a potential 2026 US drone ban looming, DJI’s long-term future in the American market remains uncertain. This situation also raises concerns about the accessibility of creative tools in an increasingly fractured global marketplace.
For now, content creators face difficult choices: pay premium prices, seek international alternatives, or explore competing products that may not offer the same feature set. The situation highlights how global trade policies can have direct impacts on creative industries and individual professionals.
As one industry observer noted, “DJI’s tech still shines, but creators shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or empty their wallets to keep filming.”
What’s Next for Content Creators?
As the situation evolves, content creators are advised to monitor both pricing trends and potential policy changes that could affect availability. Those who can delay purchases might benefit from waiting for market stabilization, while those with immediate needs may want to explore international purchasing options.
DJI has stated they are “closely monitoring the situation” and will “actively work to restore product availability as soon as possible,” but no specific timeline has been provided. Until then, the once-accessible Osmo Pocket 3 remains caught in the turbulence of global trade politics—a small camera facing big geopolitical challenges.
