DJI’s Osmo Pocket 3, once hailed as “the ultimate compact camera” and a 2023 gadget favorite, has just become a far tougher sell—thanks to two massive price hikes in just two months.
- April 2024: Price jumps from 519to519to619
- June 2024: Another spike to $799—a 54% increase in 60 days
- Creator Combo (with Mic 2 & extended battery) now 979∗∗,upfrom∗∗979∗∗,upfrom∗∗669
DJI confirms this is no error—but what’s driving the surge?
The Tariff Factor: Is Trump’s China Trade War to Blame?
As a Chinese company, DJI faces stiff U.S. tariffs, but the firm insists the situation is “not that simple.”
- Officially: DJI admits tariffs are a “key consideration” but won’t name other factors.
- Suspiciously: The hikes only apply to the U.S.—Europe, UK, and Japan still sell at original prices.
- Stock Shortages: Most U.S. retailers are out of stock, including DJI’s own drones.
Bigger concern: U.S. Customs has reportedly been blocking DJI imports even before the latest tariffs. Could this lead to a full U.S. exit, like other Chinese tech firms?
DJI’s U.S. Future: Is the Market Worth the Trouble?
With a potential 2026 ban looming, DJI seems prepared to scale back U.S. operations.
“DJI remains committed to the U.S. market but is monitoring challenges affecting availability.” —DJI statement
Translation? They’re hedging their bets.
Can You Still Get One Cheap? A Clever Loophole
For now, Amazon Germany will ship the Creator Combo to the U.S. for ~726∗∗(includingtariffs).That’s∗∗726∗∗(includingtariffs).That’s∗∗250+ cheaper than buying stateside.
But act fast—if DJI cuts off U.S. shipments entirely, even this workaround may vanish.
Final Verdict: Should You Still Buy?
If you need the Osmo Pocket 3, importing from Europe is the smart move. But at $799+, it’s no longer the “must-have” steal it once was.
Bigger question: Will DJI’s U.S. price hikes backfire—pushing buyers toward rivals like Insta360 or Sony?
