Like many creators, I found the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to be a fantastic little camera, but right away, I realized its compact size was also a limitation when it came to adding accessories. Without a proper mounting solution, attaching a mic, light, or even just finding a stable way to set it down felt impossible. This lack of flexibility really hampered my ability to use it for anything beyond basic handheld shots, making more complex video production a real challenge.
- Perfect for Pocket 3: This is a versatile cage tailored for DJI Osmo Pocket 3. The cage features a quick release flip lock for fast tool-free installation
- Compatibility: A magnetic quick release interface compatible with the Action series adapter allows instant mounting and smooth shooting. With adapter for GoPro mount, perfect for those who have...
- Cold Shoe Mount: A side cold shoe mount supports mic (for DJI Mic 2), lights, or other devices, enhancing the overall video production capabilities. Perfect for effortless shooting, whether you're...
Before You Accessorize Your Gimbal Camera
Small gimbal cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 are perfect for capturing smooth, stabilized footage on the go. However, their minimalist design often means sacrificing standard mounting points found on larger cameras. A protective cage or expansion adapter addresses this by providing places to attach external microphones, LED lights, external monitors, or simply mount the camera onto tripods, handles, or action camera mounts. This category of accessory is ideal for vloggers, documentary filmmakers, action sports enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to maximize the versatility of their compact gimbal camera by integrating it into a larger rig or simply making it more useful in various shooting scenarios. If you’re someone who only plans to use your Pocket 3 as a standalone device for quick, casual clips and intends to keep it stored in its original protective case when not in use, a cage might be unnecessary weight and bulk. Instead, you might only need a simple tripod mount or adapter for the base. But if you envision adding accessories, needing robust mounting options, or wanting an extra layer of protection during use, a Pocket 3 cage is something you should definitely consider. Key factors to think about before buying include the material and weight of the cage, the types and number of mounting points it offers (cold shoe, 1/4″-20 threads, action cam mounts), how it affects access to controls and the rotating screen, and its compatibility with existing accessories you own.
- 【Wide Compatibility】 This NEEWER universal camera cage for handheld shooting is widely compatible with Canon 5D Mark II 5D Mark III 600D 700D Nikon 7200D Sony Fujifilm Pentax and other DSLR...
- 【Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20】 Only Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20 camera, this formfitting cage gives full access to buttons, ports, LCD screen, battery door, and the integrated pop up flash....
- Camera cage kit which including camera cage, follow focus and matte box.
Introducing the SmallRig Solution
The SmallRig Expansion Adapter Accessorie for DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is essentially a lightweight aluminum cage designed specifically to address the Pocket 3‘s limited mounting options. It promises to transform the compact camera into a more versatile tool for creators by adding multiple attachment points while also providing a degree of protection. When you get the cage, it comes in a small box, usually with a wrist strap included. Unlike some bulkier cages on the market or basic snap-on adapters, SmallRig’s offering focuses on a streamlined design that aims to be both functional and unobtrusive. It adds industry-standard cold shoe and 1/4″-20 threaded mounts, as well as a unique magnetic quick-release interface compatible with DJI Action accessories and a foldable, magnetic GoPro-style mount. This aluminum cage is clearly aimed at the creator who wants to expand their setup beyond just the camera itself, allowing integration with microphones, lights, handles, and various mounting systems. It’s probably not for the user who wants to keep their setup as minimal as possible or relies heavily on the original plastic protective shell for storage, as the cage prevents the camera from fitting into it.
Here’s a quick look at some pros and cons I’ve found after extended use:
Pros:
* Excellent build quality from durable aluminum alloy.
* Lightweight design (only 52g).
* Adds versatile mounting options (cold shoe, 1/4″-20, magnetic action mount, GoPro mount).
* Secure fit with anti-twist features and silicone padding.
* Quick-release flip lock makes installation relatively easy.
* Leaves the rotating screen fully functional.
Cons:
* Prevents the camera from fitting into the original protective case.
* Can make accessing the joystick and record button slightly less convenient for some users.
* Initial installation might require careful alignment to avoid snagging controls.
* Potential for minor scratching on the camera body if not installed/removed carefully due to tight fit (though silicone helps).
Getting Down to Details: My Experience with Key Features
Having used this SmallRig Expansion Adapter extensively with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3, I can really speak to how each feature performs in practice and the benefits they bring to actual video production.
Durable Aluminum Construction & Lightweight Design: The first thing you notice is the feel of the cage. It’s made from aluminum alloy, and it feels incredibly solid and well-machined. Despite this robust build, it only weighs 52 grams. This is a significant advantage. When you’re adding accessories to a small camera, weight is crucial. Adding a bulky, heavy cage defeats the purpose of having a compact, lightweight gimbal. The SmallRig cage manages to add protection and mounting points without making the setup unwieldy. I’ve attached microphones, small LED lights, and even used it mounted to a grip, and the added weight of the cage itself is barely noticeable, which is essential for maintaining the balance and ease of use that the Pocket 3 is known for. The durability has also held up – it’s seen some bumps and scrapes from being in camera bags and being mounted in various situations, and the cage itself shows minimal wear, protecting the camera inside.
Quick Release Flip Lock Mechanism: Attaching and detaching the cage is done via a small flip lock on the side. The description calls it a “quick release flip lock for fast tool-free installation.” In my experience, “fast” is relative. It’s certainly tool-free, which is great, but the initial few times I used it, it felt a little stiff and required a firm press to fully snap shut, securing the camera. Once locked, though, it feels extremely secure. There’s no wobble or play, giving you confidence that your expensive Pocket 3 isn’t going to pop out unexpectedly. It wraps snugly around the camera body, particularly the section below the gimbal and screen. It definitely requires a bit of careful alignment when putting it on to ensure it sits correctly around the controls, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes quicker.
Magnetic Quick Release (DJI Action Series Compatible): This is one of the standout features for me. On the front, near where the control stick and buttons are, there’s a magnetic quick-release interface that’s compatible with the DJI Action series adapter. This allows for instant mounting onto accessories that use that system, like certain selfie sticks or mounts. It uses magnets to guide the connection and then claws lock it in place. It’s incredibly convenient for quickly attaching or detaching the camera from a mount without fiddling with screws. I’ve used it with a DJI Action-compatible selfie stick, and being able to click the caged Pocket 3 into place instantly for a quick shot and then release it just as fast is a major time saver on shoots. The magnetic pull is strong, giving a reassuring feel before the physical lock engages. One user review mentioned that the DJI OEM quick release might not fit as easily as SmallRig’s own adapter, requiring more force to engage the claws. While I haven’t extensively used the DJI OEM one with this cage, I can see how tolerances could vary, and ensuring a proper, secure lock is paramount.
Foldable Magnetic GoPro-Style Mount: On the back of the cage, there’s a set of foldable feet with the standard two-prong GoPro-style interface. This is another brilliant addition, vastly expanding the camera’s compatibility with readily available action camera accessories – think chest mounts, helmet mounts, various clamps, and grips. The feet fold flat against the back of the cage when not needed and are held securely in place by magnets. This is a small detail, but a very welcome one, preventing them from snagging on things or adding unnecessary bulk when you’re just using the cage for other mounts. When folded out, they lock firmly, providing a stable connection to any compatible mount. This feature alone opens up a world of possibilities for mounting the Pocket 3 in dynamic ways that would be impossible otherwise.
Integrated Cold Shoe Mount: Adding a cold shoe mount to the side of the cage is practically essential for video work. The SmallRig cage places one on the left side (when looking from the front). This is the perfect spot for attaching a wireless microphone receiver (like the DJI Mic 2, as the description mentions) or a small LED fill light. This simple addition instantly elevates the production quality you can get from the Pocket 3, allowing for better audio or improved lighting without needing separate stands or cumbersome rigging. I’ve used it frequently for attaching a mic, and it keeps the setup compact and manageable. The shoe feels sturdy and holds accessories firmly.
Multiple 1/4″-20 Threaded Holes: Beyond the cold shoe and action camera mounts, the cage features anti-twist 1/4″-20 threaded holes. There’s one on each side and one on the bottom. These are the workhorse mounting points in the photo and video world. The anti-twist aspect, usually involving small locating pins or channels, is important for ensuring that accessories or quick release plates attached via these threads don’t rotate loose during use. These threads allow you to attach the caged Pocket 3 to standard tripods, monopods, handles, articulated arms, or quick release plates from various systems. Having multiple points is great for flexibility – you can attach a handle to the bottom, an arm with a small monitor to the side, or mount the whole setup onto a larger camera rig via a side thread for unique perspectives. This feature is fundamental for integrating the Pocket 3 into more professional setups.
Internal Silicone Gaskets: Inside the cage, where the aluminum contacts the camera body, SmallRig has included silicone gaskets and padding. This is a crucial protective measure. It prevents the hard metal cage from scratching the plastic body of the Pocket 3. The padding is strategically placed, and one section even has a textured surface that mirrors the camera’s grip, providing extra friction to hold it securely and minimize any possibility of slippage within the cage. While the fit is snug (which is necessary for security), these silicone points ensure that the camera isn’t being damaged by the cage itself during normal use. However, as noted in some user feedback and my own observations, you do need to be careful when initially installing or removing the cage to ensure you don’t inadvertently snag or rub the camera body against the edges of the aluminum cutout, particularly around the controls. It’s a tight fit by design, so a gentle and aligned touch is required during attachment/detachment.
Compatibility with Rotating Screen and Controls: A primary concern with any cage for the Pocket 3 is whether it obstructs the unique rotating screen or the essential joystick and buttons. Fortunately, the SmallRig cage is designed with cutouts that allow the screen to rotate freely into its horizontal or vertical recording positions without bumping into the cage body. This is a major plus. Access to the joystick and record button is also maintained via a cutout on the front. However, and this aligns with some user reviews, the access hole for the controls is quite precise. While I can operate them, users with larger fingers or those wearing gloves might find it a bit fiddly or less convenient than using the bare camera. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to be aware of – the trade-off for a secure, form-fitting cage is slightly tighter access to these small controls.
Overall, the features of this expansion adapter significantly enhance the usability of the Pocket 3. From its durable yet light construction to the variety of integrated mounting points, it successfully transforms the compact gimbal into a much more versatile tool capable of fitting into a wider range of filming scenarios.
What Others Are Saying: Real-World Feedback
Looking around at what other users have shared about the SmallRig Pocket 3 cage, the sentiment is largely positive, echoing many of my own experiences. Many appreciate the high-quality aluminum build and how lightweight it is, especially compared to the functionality it adds. Users frequently highlight the usefulness of the multiple mounting options – the cold shoe for mics/lights, the 1/4″-20 threads for handles and tripods, and particularly the magnetic quick-release and foldable GoPro mount for action camera compatibility and quick setup. The secure fit and included internal padding to protect the camera are also commonly praised aspects. However, some users have pointed out the tight fit around the joystick and record button, noting it can be awkward to access. The inability to use the original plastic protective case while the cage is attached is another disadvantage mentioned by several people. One user specifically noted a concern about potential minor scratches when removing the cage if not done carefully, despite the silicone padding, due to the very snug fit necessary for security. Despite these minor points, the consensus is that the cage is a valuable accessory for expanding the capabilities of the Pocket 3.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The fundamental challenge with a camera as compact and integrated as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is its lack of standard attachment points, severely limiting its potential beyond basic handheld shots. This constraint makes it difficult to incorporate essential filmmaking accessories like external microphones or lights, hindering efforts to capture professional-grade video or audio. The SmallRig Expansion Adapter Accessorie offers an excellent solution to this problem. Its durable, lightweight design ensures it doesn’t weigh down the camera, while the extensive array of mounting options – including cold shoe, 1/4″-20 threads, magnetic action mount, and foldable GoPro-style feet – makes the Pocket 3 incredibly versatile. If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your Pocket 3 for vlogging, action shots, or more complex video production, this protective cage is a worthwhile investment. It addresses the core limitation effectively and reliably. To learn more or purchase the SmallRig cage for Osmo Pocket 3, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API