Xtra Muse Pocket Gimbal Camera Delivers DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Performance at an Everyday Price

Compact cameras with built-in gimbals have completely changed the way we capture everyday moments and experiences. There aren’t many solutions that can equal the quality of top-of-the-line models while remaining affordable. The Xtra Muse is a handheld device (essentially a rebodied DJI Osmo Pocket 3), priced at $419 (was $699), that combines a lot of functionality into a small package and costs hundreds less than the top models.

Holding the Xtra Muse in your hand, you’ll notice how strong it feels despite its lightweight design. When extended, it measures little more than 5 inches long, making it small enough to fit inside a jacket pocket and go lost amid your phone. When you open the 2-inch touchscreen, the UI responds quickly to taps and swipes; moving between landscape and portrait orientations takes only one swipe, allowing you to cover both vast vistas and fast social postings.

Power it on, and the three-axis mechanical gimbal comes to life, smooth as silk. Take it for a walk down a busy street or a run through the park, and the footage remains rock solid. Or go for a run with it; the vibrations are eliminated as the motors kick in to compensate in real time. Users report professional-looking outcomes even after active treks or family BBQs.

It’s powered by a one-inch CMOS sensor, which produces super-sharp 4K footage at up to 120 frames per second for slow-motion films. Low-light images are still crystal clear at 4K/30fps, so dark rooms and evening walks are no longer an issue. If you enjoy color-grading your film, the 10-bit X-Log mode is ideal, allowing you to easily access rich tones from sunsets or city lights.

Face and object tracking works seamlessly. Point the camera at yourself on a tripod, then start bouncing around the room or busting a move; the frame will remain fixed on you. Master Follow mode handles all types of dynamic movement, allowing you to focus on the action without worrying about framing.

The battery life is more than enough; almost 2 hours of continuous recording should be sufficient to cover the majority of your travels. Recharge via USB-C, and downtime is minimized. You can even add a variety of accessories from compatible systems, such as wide-angle lenses or extended handles, which attach with magnets or conventional threads.

Audio is handled by three built-in microphones that capture crisp sound. Alternatively, you can attach a wireless mic receiver via USB-C for even better results in interviews or vlogs. Many customers are raving about the footage’s quality, claiming it can compete with much more costly cameras – smooth stabilization and brilliant colors straight out of the gadget. A carrying case, wrist strap, and basic handle are included in the box, which is a nice touch to begin with.