Vivo approves vlog camera project to rival DJI Pocket series · TechNode

Vivo Gears Up to Challenge DJI with AI-Powered Vlog Camera Launching in 2026

Chinese tech giant Vivo is preparing to enter the handheld imaging arena with a bold new venture—an AI-enhanced Vlog camera designed to rival DJI’s popular Pocket series. According to exclusive reporting from Jiemian, the project has received internal approval and is slated for a 2026 release, marking a significant expansion of Vivo’s product ecosystem beyond smartphones.

Targeting the booming creator economy, Vivo’s upcoming device promises a sleek, lightweight form factor paired with cutting-edge stabilization technology. At the heart of the innovation is AI-driven image stabilization, which will aim to deliver buttery-smooth footage even in dynamic, on-the-go shooting scenarios. This positions the camera squarely at Vloggers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts seeking professional-grade portability without the bulk of traditional rigs.

Vivo’s move isn’t coming from a blank slate. The company has spent years refining its mobile imaging prowess—most notably through its proprietary gimbal stabilization systems and advanced computational photography algorithms found in its flagship smartphones. By translating this expertise into a dedicated imaging device, Vivo is betting that its deep understanding of mobile optics and real-time image processing will give it an edge in the compact camera space.

Distribution strategy will also play a crucial role. Vivo plans to tap into its vast offline retail network, which spans thousands of stores across China, including in lower-tier cities where premium imaging gadgets are still gaining traction. This approach could help the brand reach a broader, more diverse audience than competitors reliant primarily on online or flagship retail channels.

The timing is strategic. The handheld camera segment has been dominated by DJI’s Pocket lineup, but demand for creator-friendly devices is surging as short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to explode in popularity. By offering an integrated, AI-enhanced alternative, Vivo is positioning itself to capture a slice of this fast-growing market.

Industry analysts note that this isn’t just a one-off product experiment—it’s part of a larger trend of smartphone manufacturers diversifying into adjacent hardware categories. With brands like Xiaomi and Oppo also exploring new device categories, the competition in China’s consumer tech space is heating up, and Vivo’s Vlog camera could become a key battleground.

While details on pricing, exact specs, and final branding remain under wraps, the 2026 timeline suggests Vivo is taking a deliberate approach—likely refining the technology and user experience to ensure it can stand toe-to-toe with established players. If successful, the device could redefine what creators expect from portable imaging tools, blending smartphone-level intelligence with the creative flexibility of dedicated cameras.

As the lines between smartphones, cameras, and AI-powered gadgets continue to blur, Vivo’s latest move signals a future where content creation is more accessible, intelligent, and mobile than ever before.

Tags: Vivo Vlog camera, AI stabilization, DJI Pocket rival, handheld camera 2026, mobile imaging innovation, creator economy tech, gimbal stabilization, computational photography, smartphone brands expansion, portable Vlog gear, short-form video tools, content creator gadgets, Vivo imaging tech, Chinese tech competition, offline retail strategy

Viral Phrases: “AI-powered stabilization,” “lightweight design,” “targeting Vloggers,” “compete directly with DJI,” “2026 release,” “extensive offline retail network,” “lower-tier cities,” “smartphone brands into handheld imaging,” “computational photography,” “gimbal stabilization,” “photography enthusiasts,” “Chinese smartphone maker,” “portable imaging devices,” “Vivo’s push into new markets.”

,