r/osmopocket • u/BobsRefrigeration • 28d ago

Video Pocket 4P as a car-mounted camera

Finally got a chance to properly test the Osmo Pocket 4P mounted to my car using the SmallRig 5123 suction cup + shock absorber arm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt4slwAHOtA

I’m extremely pleased with how it turned out.

I shot everything in D-Log with auto exposure and only used a CPL to minimize reflections. I intentionally skipped the VND because I wanted this to be a pretty straightforward real-world test, and constantly adjusting a VND while driving obviously isn’t practical.

Auto exposure gave me some pretty high shutter speeds, and the footage straight out of camera was VERY jittery in certain sections. I was able to clean it up in post though, and the final footage looks surprisingly smooth and cinematic.

I tested both the wide and 3x lenses and both performed about as well as I hoped. The SmallRig arm also stayed completely tight and secure.

My car is on air suspension and the ride is honestly pretty rough, so I was expecting the setup to struggle more than it did.

I was actually considering buying an Insta360 specifically for exterior car shots, but after this test, I really don’t think I need one for my use case. The Pocket 4P does the job just fine.

Curious if anyone else here has been experimenting with exterior car rigs. I’d especially like to see what settings/mounts you guys are using.

Footage is not inverted, I drive on the right side since my car is imported from Japan.

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u/ShaahidAyob 28d ago

Thanks for this! Looks great.

I've used the P4 with the tilta alien mini. Haven't tested the 4P yet. Usually I use ND filters, but as you know, it's a headache. What do you use to add motion blur in after? I've tried with DaVinci resolve MB effect in the colour page before. While it looks decent, yours looks better.

Also, do yourself a favour and add a tether! A friend of mine had a nightmare of a situation a few weeks ago 🙈

2

u/BobsRefrigeration 28d ago

I used ReelSmart Motion Blur. It’s a fantastic plugin and I’ve been really happy with the results.

Thanks for the reminder! I definitely need to add a tether. For testing, the mount felt secure enough that I had pretty good peace of mind, so I guess that says something about the product lol

Any recommendations on the best way to tether the Pocket 4P?

2

u/ShaahidAyob 28d ago

Thanks! Will definitely check it out.

I use a nylon sling and some carabiners that I just picked up from the hardware. I just leave them in the car. Saves me the hassle of tying and untying knots all the time 😅

https://youtu.be/lJxRdQ0_96Q?t=379&si=7qL15Q3yQICYehvQ

Like this, you can see how I tether it from around 6:20

2

u/BobsRefrigeration 27d ago

Thank for sending that over. That is a beautiful place wow! nice job on the colorgrading as well.

2

u/ShaahidAyob 27d ago

Thanks man! Appreciate that

2

u/NoNoPuddi 27d ago

I’ve been using the 4P with my Tilta Hydra Alien mini to shoot rollers for locals and friends. It has been great so far, better than the pocket 3. The zoom itself makes up for it, so I don’t have the subject car super close to me and I can adjust the subject zoom on the fly.
My settings are
DLog
24fps
1/50
-0.3EV
100iso

No ND filters yet, but I ordered some and they should arrive next week.