Xtra Muse portable camera drops to $329, rivaling DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The Xtra Muse portable camera, which bears a strong resemblance to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, is currently available for $329. This is a significant price drop from its previous mark of roughly $100 more. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 itself has seen discounts, down to $378 at multiple retailers from its usual $500 price.

The Xtra Muse is described as 'the same product in almost every palpable way' as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, according to a report by my colleague Sean Hollister. However, DJI has declined to comment on its involvement with Xtra. The camera seems well-suited for vlogging or scenarios where smartphone footage is insufficient.

Initially, the Muse had a limitation in that it couldn't connect to Bluetooth microphones, restricting compatibility with DJI's wireless mics. A February firmware update has since addressed this issue, enabling wireless connections to various microphones, including DJI's Mic 2, Mini Mini, and Mic 3. The Xtra Muse can be purchased at Amazon for the discounted price.

Why this matters: The Xtra Muse's price drop to $329 puts it in direct competition with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, potentially attracting consumers looking for a more affordable option. For developers and businesses, this could signal a trend towards more affordable, high-quality portable camera solutions. Consumers now have another choice for capturing high-quality video on the go, with the added benefit of compatibility with a range of wireless microphones.

However, questions remain about the long-term support and software updates for the Xtra Muse, as well as its relationship with DJI. As the portable camera market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Xtra and DJI adapt to changing consumer demands and technological advancements.