Capturing Motion Lapses with Ease: Why the DJI Pocket 3 Is Perfect for Event Work
When you're filming events, whether it’s a brand launch, creative workshop, or live performance, things move fast. You're juggling multiple setups, adapting to changing light, and trying to capture both the big picture and the in-between moments that tell the real story. That’s where the DJI Pocket 3 has become an unexpected secret weapon in my kit, especially when it comes to capturing motion lapses quickly, smoothly, and without fuss.
Set It and Forget It (Almost)
Motion lapses are a great way to show the energy and flow of an event: people arriving, rooms filling, daylight shifting. Traditionally, getting a smooth motion time-lapse involved motorized sliders, tripod setups, and decent know-how on the tech side. The Pocket 3 changes all of that.
It’s incredibly fast to set up. Simply grab a lightweight tripod, (or even Tiltas Hydra Electronic Suction Cup for out of reach setups), frame up a slow pan or tilt in the motion lapse mode, and let it run. Within minutes, I’ve got a high-quality, stabilised time-lapse with just enough movement to add production value. No need to babysit a larger rig or eat into precious shoot time.
Built for Run-and-Gun Filmmaking
The size and speed of the DJI Pocket 3 makes it ideal for event work where you're constantly moving and reacting. It’s small enough to be discreet, which is a huge plus when you're trying to work unobtrusively in a live environment. The built-in gimbal gives your motion lapses that smooth, gliding look, something that would normally require far more gear and setup time.
It also performs surprisingly well in mixed lighting situations as it lets you record an MP4 version but also a DNG master file which even allows tweaking of the white balance if you’re rushed and haven’t quite set it correctly. As such, final results hold up nicely when edited alongside footage from larger cameras.
Motion Lapse Tips
To get the most out of the Pocket 3 for motion lapses, I’ve found a few things help:
Use ND filters if you're shooting in bright environments, they help keep motion blur natural and cinematic especially at the slowest shutter speeds.
Lock exposure manually, before starting the lapse, so you don’t get noticeable flickering during light changes. Do however, set a range on the ISO so it can still adapt more naturally to changes in light.
Keep movement subtle, slow pans or tilts over 10–20 minutes look great without being distracting.
Stabilise the base, even small vibrations can show up in a time-lapse, so make sure it’s on a solid surface or wall.
A Handy B-Cam for B-Roll
What I love most about the DJI Pocket 3 is how it complements my main camera. I’ll often set it running on a time-lapse in one corner of the room while I’m filming coverage elsewhere. Later in the edit, it adds pace, texture, and a dynamic sense of time to the final cut. All with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
For videographers working in fast-paced environments like events, the DJI Pocket 3 is an incredibly useful tool. It’s not going to replace your main camera, but as a compact, smart, and stable solution for motion lapses, it’s hard to beat. And in the end, it’s about making the most of every moment, even when you’re already shooting three things at once.
Whether it’s a brand activation, private launch or company hackathon, I offer event filming with a focus on natural coverage and quick turnaround. Using tools like the DJI Pocket 3, I’m able to capture dynamic motion lapses and clean, cinematic footage that helps your event live beyond the day. Lets talk.
