Review: The Feiyu Tech Vlog Pocket will help you take better iPhone videos

The Feiyu Vlog Pocket is a smartphone gimbal that is portable, foldable, and slightly more affordable than DJI's Osmo Mobile 2, but it is still more than capable of providing smooth video captures for your iPhone.

Upgrade your video

The Feiyu Vlog Pocket is a 3-axis gimbal that supports the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. While there are doubts a small portable gimbal like the Vlog Pocket won't be able to support the bigger Max, it is surprising to discover it works fine.

Out of the box you get the Vlog Pocket gimbal itself, you also get a mini tripod, micro-usb cable, and a medium sized pouch for the gimbal.

Setup is simple and automatic

Getting the gimbal running was super easy, requiring a thumb screw to be unlocked to flip the mount up, and a twist through all three axis to unlock the rest of the device. After mount the iPhone and turning the gimbal on, it automatically balances the iPhone for you, no matter what device you have.

It is also possible to use a case, so long as it's thin enough to fit on the mount. Apple's silicone case for example works great.

If your phone happens to be a bit unbalanced and the gimbal doesn't correct itself automatically, a good rule of thumb is to keep the phone in the middle as best as you can, so that you can use the gimbal in landscape or portrait mode. Once it's in the middle, the Vlog Pocket will do its best to balance your phone.

Feiyu Vlog Pocket with iPhone XR

Take control

Feiyu Tech made an app called Feiyu On to accompany the Vlog Pocket and the rest of their gimbal lineup. This app will allow you to take photos and videos directly, giving you more granular controls over the gimbal.

There's also an option to face track your subject so that you can focus on just controlling the gimbal, which worked but will eventually lose tracking if your subject moves a little too quickly. There are also special video effects like a Dolly Zoom effect, and Motion Timelapse to give you more of a cinematic look for your videos.

Feiyu Vlog Pocket with iPhone XS Max

Face tracking on the Vlog Pocket

The app allows you to upgrade the gimbal's firmware which will help with connection stability, and add new features in the future. The app will also let you to use another device to control the gimbal's roll, tilt and pan, so one iPhone could record while a second manages the gimbal.

Lightweight, pocketable and affordable

The Vlog Pocket's build quality isn't the best, made out of high quality plastic, but it also means it's very light and won't tire your arm after hours of usage.

Everything about the Vlog Pocket is great, battery life can last up to 14 hours in a single charge, but you will have to use micro-USB to charge it. More companies should start using USB-C instead of micro since USB-C is a far more superior port. It's also 2019, so USB-C should be standard in most mobile accessories by now.

Feiyu Vlog Pocket with Nomad leather case on iPhone XS

Feiyu Vlog Pocket

If you're looking to step up your Instagram game, or want to step up your YouTube videos in an affordable way, the Feiyu Vlog Pocket is a great investment to help you achieve higher quality videos. There's a lot that this portable gimbal can offer.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Where to buy

The Feiyu Vlog Pocket, in a choice of black or pink colors, retails for $99 and is available for purchase from Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo.