In order to prove that I’m a real keynote speaker, I have to have something called a “sizzle reel” with video clips of me being a real keynote speaker. We’re putting together a new one, and it’s been tough.

Getting good video is HARD. Sometimes a group will record a program, and sometimes I hire a videographer to capture footage. Usually I’m lucky if I get 2-3 programs a year on tape.

But thanks to my new obsession, the Osmo Pocket 3, I’m now making it a habit to capture all my sessions, and it’s sooooo easy!

The Osmo Pocket 3 is a new release from DJI (the drone people). Now I just need to stick the tiny little thing on a tiny little tripod in front of the stage and turn it on. And every time I use it, audience members ask about it and go oooh ahhh when I tell them what it does.

At $979, the Osmo Pocket 3 is way more costly than most of the things I review for y’all. But I think it’s so awesome that I had to share because many of you create social media videos for work, record family gatherings, and have other needs for a great camera. Watch my video review and read more below.

The Gadget I Didn’t Know I Needed

I have never owned a video camera other than my phone, and I’ve made mistakes with my buddy Osmo each time I’ve recorded. But that doesn’t mean it’s hard to figure out. I like gadgets that work without me needing to read a 57-page manual. The Osmo Pocket 3 passes that test.

Here’s what I’ve come to love:

• It’s tiny. Like, “throw it in your bag and forget it’s there” tiny. I take it in my carry-on luggage, and it’s hardly a bump in the bag.
• It’s smart. That little gimbal head swivels to follow your face, even when you’re moving. It’s a little creepy. In a good way.
• The video quality is ridiculous. Crisp and clear, even in those dim conference ballrooms.
• It has a touchscreen that flips from landscape to portrait with a twist—perfect for Reels, TikToks, or whatever new video trend I’m trying out.
• It also has a phone app, so I can fine tune the zoom, angle, and more from the stage before the session starts.

The Creator Kit = Totally Worth It

I splurged on the Creator Combo, which adds a wireless mic and an extended battery handle. The mic sounds better than my expensive podcast setup, and the battery grip has saved me more than once when I forgot to charge the thing. (Which, let’s be honest, happens a lot.)

And yes, there are filters. I may or may not use the “face enhancement” one every single time. That’s between me and the camera.

Is It Perfect? Of Course Not.

When I wander around in the audience to talk to participants, it does tend to lose me and simply stare off into the ballroom, but I guess I’m just too fast for it. And the stated battery life is… let’s call it “optimistic.” But I can live with both. I’ve just learned the limits of its rotation, and now I come prepared with back-up batteries for my back-up battery.

Because in exchange, I get a camera that helps me look good, makes filming easy, and actually lets me focus on what I’m saying instead of stressing about my sizzle reel footage.