With the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X, the manufacturer is launching a gimbal mini camera that looks a lot like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 at first glance. However, the model has some exciting unique features, such as a rotatable 3.5-inch touch display. Has the manufacturer succeeded in creating an affordable alternative? We’ll find out in the test.
Technical data
| Product: | Realimove MC3X |
| Sensor: | 1/2.5 inch |
| Maximum resolution | 4K @ 30 fps |
| Photo modes: | 20 MP |
| Photo format: | JPG, |
| Special features: | Electronic image stabilizer, 3-axis gimbal, Rotatable touchscreen |
| Display: | 3.5″, touchscreen |
| Battery: | Integrated |
| Connectivity: | USB-C , Wi-Fi 6, microSD slot |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Price: | € 304.61 * |
AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X: Familiar design, but with a twist
The design of the Realimove MC3X clearly stands out from classic action cameras thanks to its modular structure. The housing is made of high-quality materials, which immediately give a solid and high-quality impression when touched.
The camera itself is compact and intuitively shaped, making it very comfortable to hold. Visually, the housing is very reminiscent of the Osmo Pocket 3 from DJI, except that the body of the MC3X is much wider. This is thanks to the camera’s 3.5-inch touch display, which also has a special twist: This is because it can be rotated to the side to easily switch from portrait to landscape format.
The workmanship is impressive with narrow gaps, robust connections and resistant surfaces that can also withstand knocks or light vibrations. This ensures durability and robustness, which is essential for outdoor or action shots.
Nevertheless, the design is not quite as well thought out as its obvious competitor. For example, the gimbal head remains open and does not rotate back into a protected position when switched on and off, which could damage it during transportation.
To prevent this, AgfaPhoto includes a practical transport case with the camera, in which the Realimove MC3X and its accessories can be safely packed. All connections such as USB-C, mini-HDMI, 3.5 mm jack and the microSD card slot are available and protected by rubber flaps. There is a screw thread on the underside so that the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X can be used on a tripod, for example.
Operation of the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X
The AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X scores with its very user-friendly and sophisticated operation. The capacitive touchscreen on the back responds quickly and reliably to inputs, so you won’t be slowed down by delays or imprecise controls. The menu navigation is clearly laid out so that even beginners can quickly find their way around.
All relevant functions – such as switching between video, photo and time-lapse recording – are directly and easily accessible. Many functions can be controlled directly on the device without having to use the app. The rotatable display strongly supports this direct operation, as many menus and settings such as gimbal movement, mode change or start/stop are very clearly structured.
Face recognition and face tracking usually work well, but occasionally lose the subject. Weaknesses are particularly apparent during fast movements or in weak, low-contrast light.
One feature that stands out positively is the night vision function using three small infrared lights. This can be switched on at the touch of a button and at least provides black and white images in dark environments that can be used for orientation. Although it is not a fully-fledged low-light solution, it is a useful additional function.
App connection and practical test
The associated smartphone app is an important part of the Realimove ecosystem. Connecting to the OD CAM app via Wi-Fi is straightforward and the app enables a real-time live view of the camera, which is particularly useful for vloggers or creative filmmakers.
It can also be used to manage recordings, change settings remotely and share videos with just a few clicks. However, some professional functions of expensive devices such as various video codecs, image profiles or similar are unfortunately missing.
In the practical test, the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X cuts quite a good figure. In daylight and good lighting, the MC3X produces clear, sharp videos and photos. Colors appear mostly correct, even with strong colors, color tones remain stable. However, the 3-axis stabilization quickly shows its limits with fast movements or unsteady terrain: small vibrations or wobbles remain, especially when moving quickly or filming out of motion.
The wide-angle lens (approx. 120°) offers beautiful panoramas, but there is noticeable distortion, especially at the edges. Distortion correction is built in, but not perfect.
Battery life
The battery life of the built-in battery is around 90 minutes in video mode, which is a solid average performance for devices of this size. This duration is more than sufficient for occasional use during leisure activities or shorter video projects. The camera switches off energy-efficiently in idle mode so that no unnecessary capacity is lost.
It can also be charged relatively quickly via USB-C. However, if you want to film for longer, you should always have a power bank to hand, as the battery life quickly reaches its limits with continuous intensive use.
Image and audio quality of the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X
The camera uses a 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor from Sony, which delivers a native 8 megapixels and upscales to 20 megapixels via interpolation. The maximum video resolution is 4K at 30 frames per second; alternatively, 2.7K at 60 fps or full HD at up to 120 fps can be recorded.
In bright environments, the image offers a decent level of detail with acceptable color reproduction and stable exposure. However, the camera has a slight tendency towards warm color tones, which makes skin tones look pleasant, but can appear slightly exaggerated in landscape shots.
As soon as the light fades, the image shifts. Even at dusk or when shooting indoors in moderately lit rooms, the image noise increases noticeably. The camera compensates for this with stronger noise suppression, but this also blurs fine details. Textures then appear smoother, contours softer and colors lose depth. The result is still usable for simple vlogs or social clips, but is visibly limited for high-quality film recordings.
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Essentially, however, the image quality is no better than what current smartphones are capable of. The videos clearly lack detail. The same applies to photos, which the camera takes with a resolution of 20 megapixels. These are very noisy indoors, even in good lighting conditions:
A special feature is the integrated IR night mode, which uses three inconspicuous infrared LEDs on the front. In absolute darkness, the IR illumination only reaches a few meters, with a low level of detail and strong image noise – this mode is not particularly useful:
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Audio quality
The sound is often the weakest link in vlogging cameras and the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X also shows some weaknesses. Two microphones on the front record in stereo, but the volume is extremely low even from a short distance, making it almost impossible to hear. In addition, a strong background noise is always perceptible.
Outdoors, the system also struggles with other known problems: Wind noise and ambient noise come through clearly, as there is no physical or electronic wind reduction built in. Anyone who frequently films outdoors should therefore use a windscreen or an external microphone, the latter of which can be connected via the 3.5 mm jack socket.
The camera also has a small integrated speaker that can be used to play back recordings directly. The sound quality here is, as expected, manageable, but is sufficient for a quick sound check during filming.
AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X Review: Conclusion
The AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X impresses with its intuitive operating concept and good handling. The large, rotatable touchscreen in particular represents real added value. The concept of the gimbal camera is therefore aimed primarily at beginners who want to achieve simple results quickly.
Under ideal lighting conditions, the camera also delivers good video quality, but even then it cannot stand out from current smartphones. Especially as the disappointing tracking does not offer any real added value.
In diminishing light – even normal indoor lighting is sufficient here – the image quality quickly deteriorates significantly due to the small sensor, which makes it difficult to recommend the AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X – especially at the current price. It’s better to use a smartphone or invest a little more in the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
- Intuitive operation
- Large touchscreen
- Can be used without an app
- Small sensor
- Mediocre image quality
- Strong image noise in low light
- No gimbal protection
- Disappointing tracking
AgfaPhoto Realimove MC3X
Workmanship
Software & functions
Image quality
Audio quality
Value For Money
80/100
Beginner-friendly gimbal camera with convincing operation but noticeable weaknesses in the areas of tracking and image quality.
