DJI OSMO Action 5. Should GoPro be a teeny bit worried?

The overnight announcement of the DJI OSMO Action 5 will, I imagine, cause quite a few ripples in the GoPro camp. While the recently released GoPro Hero 13 Black offers little more in comparison to its predecessor, by contrast the OSMO Action 5 has several features that have not been seen in a camera of this type before.

These include:

13.5-stops of dynamic range deliver groundbreaking image quality

Osmo Action 5 Pro features a next-gen 1/1.3” sensor with a 2.4 μm pixel size and a high dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops, making it the first action camera with specs that rival professional cameras. Images can be captured in 10-bit D-Log M and support hybrid log-gamma (HLG) high-brightness displays. It can also shoot high-dynamic, low-light video at 4K/60fps, capturing intricate shadow details without overexposing highlights, thereby enhancing overall image quality. Additionally, SuperNight mode with AI noise reduction algorithms can overcome the darkness in extremely low-light environments to yield cleaner and clearer footage. 

Extended 4-hour battery life for longer shoots

Osmo Action 5 Pro delivers up to 4 hours of continuous use with a single battery – a 50 percent improvement from its predecessor. This new innovation is made possible with a lower power consumption 4nm chip, a larger 1950mAh battery, and a proprietary DJI algorithm that optimises for energy savings. Even in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), the camera can reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours. The industry average for action camera battery life is approximately 2 hours. Moreover, the battery can deliver 2 hours of shooting from a 15-minute charge using the fast-charging DJI 30W USB-C Charger.

The industry’s first built-in subject-centring and tracking

Osmo Action 5 Pro is the first action camera to offer built-in subject centring and tracking, allowing creators to shoot without a gimbal. Powered with a high-performance 4nm chip and machine learning algorithms, the camera can intelligently detect a subject’s position and dynamically adjust the composition to keep the subject centred in every frame.

Additionally, the screens have been updated to larger OLED based high brightness displays, a must in the Australian sun (as anyone who uses a DJI drone with their smartphone as a controller knows) and the audio has been beefed up with the DJI Mic 2 connecting directly to the camera. There is 47GB of built in storage, and files can be transferred by either UB-C or Wi-fi with Wi-fi live streaming also supported.

Important in a professional setting, the Action 5 has built in Timecode functionality allowing multiple cameras to be synched.

DJI has also announced a swag of new accessories degined specifically for the OSMO Action 5.

MIMO App

Users can quickly preview the camera view, adjust settings, and edit their footage by connecting the Osmo Action 5 Pro with the DJI Mimo app via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Some new Mimo features include taking live photos and capturing 4K high-resolution frame captures, reproducing D-Log M flat colour profiles for more stylised adjustments, and exporting videos in 4K/120fps, 4:3 aspect ratio. Creators can also download photos and videos from their DJI camera in the background, allowing them to continue using their smartphones for other tasks.

Pricing

There are two optioons:

• Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Combo ($599 AUD) includes the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), Osmo Action Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame, Osmo Action Quick-Release Adapter Mount, Osmo Action Curved Adhesive Base, Osmo Locking Screw, Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, Osmo Action 5 Pro Rubber Lens Protector, Osmo Action 5 Pro Glass Lens Cover, and Osmo Action Anti-Slip Pad.
• Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo ($769 AUD) includes everything in the Standard Combo, plus the Osmo Action Quick-Release Adapter Mount (mini), Osmo Action Multifunctional Battery Case, and Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod.

For more information, see www.dji.com/osmo-action-5-pro