Launched to compete directly with the GoPro Hero 7 Black, the new DJI Osmo Action costs $100 less, captures unique HDR video, regular 4K @ 60fps, incorporates ‘RockSteady’ EIS system and is waterproof to 11m without a case, but is it a true contender?
The announcement today that DJI has introduced an ‘action camera’ to their product range will concern GoPro execs, shock GoPro fans and excite those involved in action sports.
DJI Osmo Action Hands-On review…
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A GoPro Hero killer/competitor?
While the DJI Osmo Pocket offers mechanically stabilised footage, it is fragile due to the 3-axis gimbal, it also lacks native waterproofing, the new Osmo Action fills these gaps with ease but is geared towards a different audience.
- 2.25″ front full colour touch screen (640×360).
- 1.4″ rear full colour screen.
- 4K @ 60fps down to 720p @ 200fps.
- Slow motion mode offering x4 and x8.
- WiFi and Bluetooth support for live view/setting control.
- Timelapse and Hyperlapse.
- RockSteady Electronic Image Stabilisation.
- Inbuilt waterproofing to 12m
- Prime lens offering focus from 60mm.
- FOV distortion correction settings.
- Advanced Pro-mode settings.
- Removable Lithium battery.
- RAW photo capture, MP4/MOV video formats.
- Voice recognition and control.
- 110 mins 4K @ 30fps/77 mins 4K @ 60fps
Built with a high-quality, rugged shell but weighing only 125g, this camera is designed to be thrown around without concern for damaging it, while capturing crisp 4K 100mbps footage courtesy of its 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor.
It incorporates a unique HDR video option which captures video across 3 exposure stops, is waterproof to 11m (1m deeper than the Hero 7 Black), has bigger front and rear screens, plus the rear screen is also also colour, unlike its rival.
DJI Osmo Action pricing…
The GoPro-killer aspect may be the price which at $349.00 is less than the current RRP of the GoPro Hero 7 Black, although GoPro has conveniently just reduced the price of its flagship model, perhaps to coincide with the launch of the DJI competitor.
| America | EURO | UK Pound | Australia |
| $349 | €379 | £329 | AUD 499 |
The DJI Osmo Action offers an almost identical baseline specification besides the lack of inbuilt GPS, a feature which few action camera enthusiasts would use regardless, although the GoPro does currently have the advantage of varied FOV options while the Osmo Action only provides ‘DeWarp’.
Bundled with the DJI Action is a generous set of accessories which makes the price even more palatable.
| What’s in the box… | |
| Osmo Action | Locking Screw |
| Camera Frame | USB-C Cable |
| Flat Adhesive Mount | Quick-Release Base |
| Curved Adhesive Mount | Battery Case |
The only question remains, will the entrance of DJI in to this market destroy the only niche remaining for existing action-camera market-leader, GoPro – time will tell.
DJI Osmo Action accessories…
- DJI Osmo Action Camera
- DJI Osmo Action Battery
- DJI Osmo Action Charging Kit
- DJI Osmo Action Adhesive Mount Kit
- DJI Osmo Action Lens Filter Cap
- DJI Osmo Action USB-C Cover
- DJI Osmo Action Camera Frame Kit
- DJI Care Refresh (Osmo Action)
- DJI Care Refresh+ (Osmo Action)
DJI Osmo Action specifications…
| Dimension | 65×42×35 mm |
| Weight | 134g (ours weighs 125g) |
| Front Screen | 1.4 inches, 300ppi, 750cd/m² |
| Back Screen | 2.25 inches, 325ppi, 750cd/m² |
| Sensor | 1/2.3” CMOS Effective pixels: 12M |
| Lens | FOV:145° f/2.8 |
| ISO Range | Photo: 100-3200 Video: 100-3200 |
| Electronic Shutter Speed | 120-1/8000s |
| Max Image Size | 4000×3000 |
| Photography Modes | 1. Single 2. Countdown: off/1s/3s/10s 3. Timed: 0.5/ 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 8/ 10/15/ 20/ 35/ 45/ 65/ 125s 4. Burst: 3/5/7s 5. AEB: 1/3EV×3p/ 2/3EV×3p/ 1EV×3p/ 1/3EV×5p/ 2/3EV×5p/ 1EV×5p 6. Timelapse: 4K/2.7K/1080P 0.5/1/2/3/4/5/8/9/10/13/15/20/30 |
| Video | 4K (16:9): 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24fps 4K (4:3): 30, 25, 24fps 2.7K (4:3): 30, 25, 24fps 2.7K (16:9): 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24fps 1080P: 240, 200, 120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24fps 720P: 240, 200fps |
| Slow Motion | 720p 120, 240fps Speed: 4/8 1080P 120, 240fps Speed: 4/8 |
| HDR Video | 4K, 30, 25, 24fps 2.7K: 30, 25, 24fps 1080P: 30, 25, 24fps |
| Max Video Bitrate | 100 Mbps |
| Supported File Formats | FAT32 (≤32 GB); exFAT (≥64 GB) |
| Photo Formats | JPEG/JPEG+DNG |
| Video Formats | MOV, MP4 (H.264) |
| Supported SD Cards | microSD; Max. 256 GB |
| Audio Output | 48 KHz; AAC |
| Type | LiPo |
| Capacity | 1300 mAh |
| Energy | 5.005Wh |
| Voltage | 3.85V |
| Operating Temps | -10°to 40° C |
| Operating Time | Around 110 mins (when shooting 1080p/30 fps without EIS) Around 91 mins (when shooting 4K/30 fps with EIS) Around 64 mins (when shooting 4K/60 fps without EIS) |
| Charging Time | 90 mins |
| Wi-Fi Operation Frequency Range | FCC/CE/SRRC: 2.400-2.4835 GHz, 5.725-5.850 GHz MIC: 2.400-2.4835 GHz |
| Wi-Fi Protocol | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth Operation Frequency Range | 2.400-2.4835 GHz |
| Bluetooth Protocol | BLE 4.2 |
What are your thoughts regarding this new product and do you think that DJI can truly compete with the action-camera market leader, GoPro? Comment below with your thoughts.
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