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

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.

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