Leaked photos and videos have surfaced online showing a dual-camera professional version of DJI's Osmo Pocket 4, a device that the Chinese drone and camera giant almost certainly will not release in the United States. However, Xtra Technology, a company that has built a reputation for selling exact hardware copies of many DJI products, has teased its new Muse 2 Pro coming to the US, and it looks remarkably similar to the leaked Osmo Pocket 4P.

The Leak: DJI Osmo Pocket 4P

The leaked images, which first appeared on social media and tech forums, depict a handheld gimbal camera with two camera modules instead of the single camera found on the standard Osmo Pocket 4. The device, tentatively called the Osmo Pocket 4P, appears to feature a primary camera and a secondary ultra-wide or telephoto lens, similar to the dual-camera setups found on some smartphones. This design would allow users to switch between focal lengths without swapping lenses, a feature that could be particularly appealing for vloggers, content creators, and travelers who need versatility in a compact form factor.

According to the leaks, the Osmo Pocket 4P retains the same gimbal stabilization system that made the previous Osmo Pocket models popular, but the addition of a second camera module suggests DJI is aiming to compete with action cameras like the GoPro Hero series and other multifunctional devices. The leaked videos show smooth panning and tilting movements, indicating that the dual cameras are both stabilized, likely using a combination of electronic and mechanical stabilization.

Xtra Technology's Muse 2 Pro

Shortly after the DJI leaks emerged, Xtra Technology posted a teaser on its Instagram account for a product called the Muse 2 Pro. The images and description strongly suggest that this is the exact same hardware as the leaked Osmo Pocket 4P, but with Xtra's branding. Xtra Technology has a history of selling rebranded versions of DJI products, including earlier Osmo Pocket models, under its own name in markets where DJI itself does not operate or where regulatory hurdles prevent DJI from selling directly.

The Muse 2 Pro is being marketed as a dual-camera gimbal designed for professional vlogging and live streaming. Xtra claims it offers 4K video at 60 frames per second, HDR support, and a range of AI features for tracking and framing. The product is expected to launch in the US later this year, with a price point that undercuts DJI's official retail prices by a significant margin. This strategy allows Xtra to profit from the demand for DJI-like hardware without the overhead of research and development, relying instead on DJI's engineering and then selling in regions where DJI's distribution is limited.

The Implications for DJI and the US Market

DJI has faced increasing regulatory scrutiny in the United States over the past few years. The US government has raised concerns about national security risks associated with Chinese-made drones and camera equipment, leading to bans on certain DJI products for federal use. While consumer products like the Osmo Pocket are not directly affected by these bans, DJI has been cautious about releasing new hardware that might attract additional attention or invite further restrictions. By not bringing the Osmo Pocket 4P to the US, DJI may be avoiding potential backlash while still allowing the product to exist through third-party rebranders like Xtra Technology.

This strategy is not new. Several Chinese electronics companies have used similar approaches to enter Western markets indirectly. For example, some smartphone manufacturers sell unbranded devices in China that are then repackaged and sold by smaller brands in the US. This allows the original manufacturer to benefit from sales without having to navigate complex import regulations, tariffs, or political tensions. In DJI's case, partnering with a company like Xtra Technology provides a way to reach American consumers without directly facing the ire of regulators.

Consumer Considerations

For consumers, the availability of the Muse 2 Pro raises questions about quality, warranty, and support. While the hardware is likely identical to the DJI product, Xtra Technology may not offer the same level of customer service, firmware updates, or accessory compatibility. Users might find that the Muse 2 Pro works with DJI apps and accessories, but there could be software limitations or bugs that are not addressed as quickly. Additionally, purchasing a rebranded product means that any defects or issues must be handled through Xtra, which may have a different return policy than DJI.

On the other hand, the Muse 2 Pro could be an attractive option for budget-conscious creators who want the performance of a DJI device at a lower price. Xtra has historically priced its products 20-30% below DJI's MSRP, making the dual-camera gimbal accessible to a wider audience. The device's dual cameras could also open up new creative possibilities, such as simultaneous wide and telephoto shots, or using the secondary camera for low-angle perspectives while the main camera captures the scene.

Historical Context: The Osmo Pocket Line

DJI introduced the Osmo Pocket in 2018 as a pocket-sized gimbal camera that combined the stabilization of a handheld gimbal with the convenience of a small camera. The original model featured a 12-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording, and it quickly became popular among vloggers and travelers who wanted smooth footage without carrying heavy equipment. The Osmo Pocket 2, released in 2020, added a wider field of view and better audio, while the Osmo Pocket 3, launched in 2023, introduced a larger sensor and improved low-light performance. Each iteration refined the formula, but all models used a single camera lens. The leaked Osmo Pocket 4P represents a significant departure from this tradition.

Dual-camera gimbals are rare in the consumer market. Some companies have experimented with modular designs that allow users to attach different lenses, but an integrated dual-camera system is novel. If the Muse 2 Pro proves successful, it could pressure DJI to officially release a dual-camera model in the US, or it could encourage other manufacturers to develop similar products. The trend toward multi-camera systems is already evident in smartphones, where multiple lenses enable zoom, ultrawide, and macro capabilities. Translating that to a gimbal camera could make these devices even more versatile for content creation.

Technical Specifications and Features

Based on the leaked information and Xtra's teaser, the Osmo Pocket 4P (and its Muse 2 Pro counterpart) is expected to include the following features:

• Dual cameras: a primary 12-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and a secondary 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture.
• 4K video recording at up to 60 fps on both cameras, with 1080p at 120 fps for slow motion.
• Three-axis mechanical gimbal stabilization with active tracking for subjects.
• A 2-inch touchscreen display on the side for framing shots and navigating menus.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless control via the DJI Mimo app (or Xtra's equivalent).
• A rechargeable battery rated for approximately 140 minutes of continuous recording.
• USB-C charging and microSD card storage up to 512GB.

These specifications put the device in direct competition with other compact cameras like the GoPro Hero 12 Black, which also offers dual cameras (one wide, one ultra-wide) but does not have a gimbal. The stabilization offered by the gimbal gives the Osmo Pocket 4P an advantage for smooth walking shots and cinematic pans, while the dual cameras provide flexibility that the standard Osmo Pocket lacks.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The launch of the Muse 2 Pro in the US could disrupt the market for handheld gimbals and action cameras. If Xtra sells enough units, it might encourage DJI to reconsider its stance and officially release the Osmo Pocket 4P in the US under its own brand. Alternatively, if the rebranded product gains traction but suffers from quality control issues, it could damage the reputation of the underlying DJI hardware by association.

Xtra Technology has already demonstrated success with similar rebranding of other DJI products, such as the Osmo Action cameras and the DJI Mic. The company likely has a distribution network and marketing strategy tailored to American consumers who are price-sensitive and less concerned about brand loyalty. The Muse 2 Pro's success will depend on how well Xtra manages customer expectations and post-sale support, as well as how aggressively DJI responds with legal or promotional countermeasures.

Meanwhile, the broader trend of hardware rebranding continues to grow. As Chinese companies hesitate to enter politically sensitive markets directly, third-party intermediaries fill the gap. This creates a gray market where consumers can access advanced technology but face uncertainties about authenticity and support. For the Osmo Pocket 4P, the path to American consumers appears to be through Xtra, at least for now.

In the coming weeks, more details about the Muse 2 Pro are expected to emerge, including official pricing and availability. Tech reviewers will likely compare it to the standard Osmo Pocket 4 and other dual-camera devices, helping consumers decide whether the new form factor is worth the investment. Regardless of the outcome, the dual-camera Osmo Pocket 4P represents an interesting evolution in the world of pocket-sized camcorders, and the fact that it may reach US shores through a rebrander only adds to the story.

The DJI ecosystem remains strong, with loyal fans who appreciate the company's innovation in stabilization and imaging. But for those who cannot access the latest DJI products directly, alternatives like the Muse 2 Pro provide a viable workaround. Only time will tell if this arrangement benefits or complicates the market for both companies and consumers.

Source: The Verge News