vivo enters the vlogging camera market with DJI Osmo Pocket competitor

Chinese smartphone manufacturer vivo has officially confirmed it's developing a dedicated vlogging camera to compete directly with DJI's popular Osmo Pocket line. The announcement comes as DJI prepares to launch its highly anticipated Osmo Pocket 4, creating an interesting dynamic in the compact creator camera market.

The vlogging camera market has been dominated by DJI's innovative approach since the original Osmo Pocket launched in 2019. The third-generation model, released in 2023, has become a favorite among content creators for its combination of 4K video capabilities, three-axis gimbal stabilization, and truly pocketable design. With DJI's next iteration expected imminently, vivo's entry signals growing competition in this specialized segment.

According to Chinese media reports, vivo began development on the project toward the end of 2025, with plans to release the camera before the end of 2026. While specific technical details remain scarce, the company has indicated it will leverage its extensive experience in smartphone camera technology to create a compelling alternative to DJI's offering.

The strategic move makes sense for vivo, which has established itself as a leader in mobile photography innovation. The company's smartphone cameras have consistently received praise for their image quality, computational photography features, and user-friendly interfaces. Translating this expertise to a dedicated vlogging camera could give vivo a competitive edge, particularly if they can integrate smartphone-like software features and connectivity options.

Compact vlogging cameras have become increasingly popular as content creation has exploded across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The appeal lies in their ability to deliver professional-quality footage without the bulk of traditional camera setups. DJI's success with the Osmo Pocket line demonstrates there's significant demand for devices that can fit in a pocket while still offering gimbal stabilization and capable video recording.

For vivo, entering this market represents both an opportunity and a challenge. The company will need to differentiate its offering from DJI's established ecosystem while convincing creators to switch from a platform they're already familiar with. This could mean focusing on unique features like enhanced smartphone integration, different shooting modes, or competitive pricing.

The timing of vivo's announcement is particularly interesting given the imminent release of the Osmo Pocket 4. By confirming its plans now, vivo may be attempting to build anticipation and potentially influence purchasing decisions among creators who are considering upgrading their equipment. The company's smartphone pedigree could be a significant selling point, especially if they can create seamless integration between the vlogging camera and their smartphones.

As the vlogging camera market continues to evolve, competition between established players like DJI and new entrants like vivo could drive innovation and potentially lead to more feature-rich devices at competitive price points. Content creators stand to benefit from this increased competition, as manufacturers strive to offer the best combination of portability, image quality, and ease of use.

The coming months will likely reveal more details about vivo's vlogging camera, including its specific features, pricing, and release timeline. Until then, the mobile content creation community will be watching closely to see how this new competitor shapes up against DJI's upcoming offering.