New: DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro, the answer to the new GoPro Hero?
A few weeks ago, GoPro presented its new action cam, but DJI is not keeping us waiting any longer and is introducing its next generation of Osmo Action. It should be noted that the OSMO pocket cameras have long been in a league of their own when it comes to vlogging. GoPro has long since lost any footing here. But what can the new Action 5 with the new designation Pro.
What's new inside?
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the first action cam in the Osmo series to offer integrated memory, which in this case provides a 47GB recording buffer. A new sensor that offers a better dynamic range and a higher resolution for photos, which we will come to in a moment.
The Wifi module has also been improved to a new Wifi 6 module, which now enables even more stable and faster data exchange, especially when it comes to the livestream function and transmission.
Hiking, traveling and capturing moments with the Action 5
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro - Adventure Combo
- Lens: 155° field of view
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Display (front): 1.46 inch, 331 ppi, 342 x 342 - 800 cd/¡ maximum brightness (normal)
- Display (rear): 2.5 inch, 326 ppi, 400 x 712 - 800 cd/á¡ maximum brightness (normal), 1000 cd/á¡ peak brightness
- max. photo resolution: 7296 x 5472 px
- 4K video resolution
- Diving depth: 20 m without the waterproof housing
- Diving depth: 60 m with the waterproof housing
The sensor of the Osmo Action 5 Pro
With the last generation of the Action 4 came the 4:3 format in the sensor, which you may know from the MFT sensor, which also has a 4:3 format. Why is this so much more interesting than a different sensor format? Due to the height of the sensor, the video format can be used well for portrait and landscape videos if the full sensor is used. More on this in another blog article:
But the sensor offers more, such as a dynamic range of 13.5 f-stops! And this sensor also enables photos of around 40 Mp, which is five times what was possible with the Action 4. The entire sensor is supported at 4K with up to 120fps, if you make sure that the video format is set to 4:3.
Long battery life
Do you remember the runtimes of the first Actiocam generations? You often had more than 8 batteries in your pocket at any one time, because the batteries were simply empty after less than half an hour, which is not really good. DJI has been able to laugh about this for a long time, but they have taken the long runtime to a new level, up to almost 4 hours.
Diving up to 20m without an extra Body with the OSMO Action 5 ProInteresting functions that should be mentioned
Let's take another look at the small refinements and details of the new Action 5, because this compact action cam has a lot to offer.
Pre-recording
Photographers have certainly known it for a long time from the top models for sports photography: pre-capturing, only this time in video form. This allows you to experience the most hidden and action-packed situations and save the past for your final video in up to 60 seconds.
Subject tracking
What? Subject tracking in an action camera? That's right! If you are following another person while skiing, the Actioncam can ensure that the camera is kept in the middle. This works in portrait format, but also in landscape format. Or if you are filming a video from a selfie perspective with the selfie stick, this action camera will keep you in focus. However, it should be noted that this is not available at 4K, but only up to 2.7K, which is logical if a crop is used to track the subject.
Image stabilization
As with the other cameras, electronic image stabilization is also on board here, with 360° HorizonSteady this function not only stabilizes the image material, but also compensates for inclinations and, as the name suggests, keeps the horizon straight, this works at up to ±45°.
RockSteady 3.0 is DJI's latest electronic image stabilization system, specifically designed to eliminate camera shake and unwanted movement when recording video. The technology combines advanced algorithms with a precise gyroscope to ensure crisp and smooth footage even in fast movements or harsh conditions.
Improvements over previous versions
- More precise motion tracking: RockSteady 3.0 uses more advanced sensors and algorithms that can capture fast and sudden movements more accurately. As a result, the video remains stable even during extreme sports such as mountain biking or skydiving.
- Optimization for higher resolutions: While RockSteady 2.0 already provided solid stabilization at 4K, version 3.0 is also optimized for higher resolutions and frame rates. This means that the image quality remains outstanding even with 5.3K videos or 120 fps.
- Bessere Low-Light-Leistung: Another improvement is the ability to stabilize in low-light conditions. This makes RockSteady 3.0 particularly useful for shooting at dusk or indoors.
- Reibungslosere Übergänge: In the latest version, motion changes are processed more smoothly, making the transition between different speeds in camera movement look more natural.
The body and everything around it
The Osmo Action 5 also includes new touch displays, which now have 800 nits (front) and 1000 nits (rear). And the display technology relies on OLED touchscreens to ensure high display quality, as the camera has HDR recording capabilities, as well as 10-bit D-log +& HLG. These new displays are therefore able to display the quality.
Up to 1 TB MicroSD cards can be inserted and used in the camera. The magnetic system of the predecessors is still on board and we still think it is a very good decision! Because it holds well and allows quick changes.
The Actioncam is already waterproof to 20m without an extra diving housing and shows the depth on the display, which also works for the exact opposite of mountaineering, where the camera also shows the altitude meters.
General overview of the DJI OSMO series
The OSMO series offers various models that are aimed at different areas of application - from smartphones to action cameras and integrated camera systems. Here is an overview of the most important DJI OSMO products:
DJI OSMO Mobile - The smartphone gimbals
The OSMO Mobile series consists of electronic handheld gimbals that have been specially developed for smartphones. They offer powerful image stabilization and help to record blur-free videos with your own smartphone. The OSMO Mobile gimbals are particularly popular with vloggers, content creators and social media enthusiasts.
OSMO Mobile 6: The latest model offers advanced stabilization, improved control and smart features such as ActiveTrack 5.0 technology, which automatically aligns with and tracks subjects. It also supports features such as time-lapse, slow motion and panoramic shots.
OSMO Mobile SE: A more affordable variant with many of the core features of the OSMO Mobile 6, but with a more compact design and easier operation.
DJI Pocket - The compact camera gimbals
The DJI Pocket series is a range of compact camera gimbals with an integrated camera and stabilization system. These devices are extremely small and portable, yet offer professional image quality and advanced features.
DJI Pocket 3: The latest version of the Pocket series is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a powerful 1-inch camera that offers impressive image quality and improved light sensitivity. The 3-axis stabilization ensures smooth recordings, even with dynamic movements. The Pocket 3 supports 4K video at 120 fps and offers an interchangeable lens function, making the camera even more versatile. There is also an extendable, tilting screen for more comfortable filming, especially for vloggers and content creators. With ActiveTrack 6.0 technology, subjects can be precisely tracked and focused.
DJI OSMO Action - The robust action camera
The DJI OSMO Action is a robust and powerful action camera that has been specially developed for outdoor adventures and extreme sports. With advanced image stabilization technology and high image quality, it is in direct competition with other well-known action cameras.
Special features of DJI OSMO products
DJI's OSMO products offer a variety of smart features that help users capture stunning footage effortlessly:
- ActiveTrack: this technology automatically recognizes subjects and keeps them in focus at all times, which is particularly useful for moving shots.
- Story Mode: OSMO Mobile models allow users to use pre-made templates for short, creative videos that automatically add music and transitions.
- HDR video: Some models, such as the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 and OSMO Action 4, support HDR video recording, which allows for higher dynamic range and more brilliant colors.
- Timelapse and Hyperlapse: These modes can be used to create stunning time-lapse footage that dramatizes motion.
Conclusion
DJI no longer has to hide behind the rest of the market with its OSMO products and has been well on the way to getting the most out of an action cam since the OSMO Action 3. The OSMO Action 5 Pro offers very strong competition, particularly in terms of battery life and recording time. It can already be used well for diving or water sports without a Body, as the camera is waterproof up to 20m underwater and the new functions give the whole system a nice added value, which we really appreciate!
