This article was published on May 15, 2019

DJI’s new Osmo Action camera takes the fight to GoPro

Lens filters and a front-facing screen are notable features


DJI’s new Osmo Action camera takes the fight to GoPro
Product
Osmo Action
Price
$349

When it comes to consumer gear for filming sports and action, two products immediately come to mind: GoPro’s action cameras and DJI’s drones. GoPro tried to cross over into drones without much success, and now it’s DJI’s turn to try its hand at a small action camera with the new Osmo Action.

The Osmo Action is being billed as a direct competitor to GoPro’s Hero 7 Black, going head-to-head on features and price ($349). It’s already up for sale. But DJI has some new tricks up its sleeve too.

Of particular note is the second front-facing screen, making it much easier to frame shots of yourself. There are also lens covers, which allow you to replace cracked glass or easily add a neutral density filter or polarizer to better account for different lighting situations.  ND filters darken a scene, allowing for easier long exposures or more nuanced control of shutter speed, while polarizers help eliminate reflections. DJI is also building an ecosystem of accessories, including a charging hub that can top up three batteries at once and a floating handle to make sure the camera doesn’t sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Here are some of the other key specs:

  • 1/2.3-inch sensor
  • 12MP, F2.8 aperture
  • 145-degree field-of-view
  • Screwable lens covers
  • 4K/60fps
  • HDR
  • 1080p/240fps (8x slow-mo)
  • 100 Mbps bitrate
  • RAW photo mode
  • 2.24-inch rear panel
  • 750-nit brightness on both displays
  • 63 minutes battery life at 4K/60, up to 135 minutes at 1080p/30 with stabilization off
  • ‘Rocksteady’ Electronic image stabilization
  • Waterproof to 11m, or 60m with a special case
  • 124g

It’s an attractive package that might make for the first serious challenger to GoPro’s market dominance. The Osmo Action is available to buy online now.


This post includes affiliate links to products that you can buy online. If you purchase them through our links, we get a small cut of the revenue.

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with