DJI Osmo Action Unleashed To Take Action Camera Fight To GoPro

DJI is a company most known for making aerial drones at multiple price points to suit a wide range of customers. Last November the company announced a new pocket camera called the Osmo Pocket. DJI has now added a new product to that Osmo line with the launch of the Osmo Action camera aimed directly at the GoPro line of action cameras.

DJI says that the Osmo Action camera uses the experience it has in capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments. The compact DJI Osmo Action camera is dustproof, shockproof, waterproof and can operate in sub-freezing temperatures. The camera features front and back screens to make composing video easier.

The front screen is a 1.4-inch unit, and the rear screen is a 2.25-inch unit. The screens have a brightness rating of 750 nits making them usable in direct sunlight. Action OS is the name of the user interface and promises to be streamlined and functional. The camera has three dedicated buttons to get users directly into recording video.

Osmo Action uses a 1/2.3-inch sensor to record 12-megapixel photos and 4K video at up to 60 fps and 100 Mbps. The lens is three-glass aspherical with low distortion to reduce warping effects. The lens cap has an anti-fingerprint coating and an anti-reflective coating.

DJI notes that Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to get the RockSteady electronic image stabilization tech. The image stabilization feature works at resolutions up to 4K and 60 fps. 4K HDR video at 30 fps is supported, and the camera runs on a removable battery. The camera can record for 93 minutes per charge at 4K/30 fps with RockSteady enabled and for 135 minutes at 1080p and 30 fps.

Other features include support for slow-motion 1080p 240 fps or 1080p 120fps video. A time-lapse mode is supported along with custom exposure settings. The DJI Mimo app connects the Osmo Action camera to a mobile device via WiFi or Bluetooth for more control and a live camera feed. Various adhesive mounts are offered along with other accessories and handles. Osmo Action sells for $349 with DJI Care Refresh insurance for another $29 offering coverage and up to two replacement devices within a year; the camera launches on May 22.