DJI Osmo Action Camera Launches

DJI Osmo Action Camera

It makes sense that DJI would compete with GoPro. They can build a much better action camera and on paper the DJI Osmo action camera looks great.   However, it doesn’t have a UNC thread for a tri-or monopod. That means it’s unusable for me. I have zero interest in all the cube camera accessories, however great the image stabilization is.

Sony doesn’t position the RXO as an action camera because it has UNC threads. They have a line video cameras for action too, the FDR-X3000 ($348 on Amazon) and HDR-AS300 ($298 on Amazon). As I’ve shared in posts about the RXO, it’s a small-form camera for cinematic and creative filmmaking. I attached 4 to my bike a couple winters ago.

The 2nd version, the RXO 11 is even better and ships from Amazon for $698.

I’m sure people will love the DJI Osmo action camera. I prefer super-compact cameras instead. There are so many excellent options for UNC threads, like the Manfrotto Pixi. I have no use for plastic housings and adhesive tape for mounts. What I do like about DJI and flying their drones is how they’ve embraced creatives.

DJI Osmo Action Camera
DJI Osmo Action Camera

DJI Osmo Action Camera PR

Below is the press release from DJI. Osmo Action retails for $349 USD and will start shipping immediately after the announcement on May 15 at dji.com and from authorized dealers on May 22.

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera. Using DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as it is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

“DJI has always pushed the limits of technology, and the content creators who love our products made clear they wanted us to push the limits of their creative potential too. Osmo Action is our cutting-edge answer to what the creative community demands: Exceptional image quality and stabilization in a unique and durable new form factor, with dual color screens and seamless software integration. For all types of creators who push their gear to the limits, Osmo Action sets the new standard,” said Roger Luo, DJI President. “Whether you are capturing aerial content with Mavic 2, incredibly smooth content with Osmo Pocket, or heart-racing footage with Osmo Action, DJI offers a full suite of products for your creative needs.”

Rugged construction and intuitive design

A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof [1], waterproof [2] and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures [3]. Osmo Action uses color screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more convenient scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water and fingerprint-repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750 nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.

DJI Osmo Action Camera

Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

Advanced technology with exceptional image quality

A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes. The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJIhandheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunction with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps. Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions. Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

Creative, intelligent features

A staple in DJI’s product lineup, Osmo Action offers a wide variety of highly creative features built into the camera which users can access with a few simple taps. While recording, choose between:
  • Slo-mo: 8x slow motion in 1080p 240fps or 4x slow motion in 1080p 120fps creates a visually appealing effect when documenting action-packed scenes.
  • Timelapse: To turn minutes into seconds, Timelapse is perfect for capturing unique content with the effect of the world moving faster.
  • Custom Exposure settings: Shoot for the stars with manual and semi-automatic settings that allow up to 120 seconds of exposure, perfect for capturing the night sky.

Unlocking Osmo Action’s full potential

Using the recently released DJIMimo app, connect Osmo Action to your mobile device with WiFi or Bluetooth for added functionality, including a live feed of the camera, multiple story templates, in-app quick editing, and more. An ecosystem of accessories helps unleash all the possibilities of Osmo Action including :

  • Camera Frame Kit: Included with Osmo Action,the Camera Frame Kit offers a universal mount for additional accessories and a window for the LED indicator to show camera status in real time while protecting the device.
  • Adhesive Mounts: Attach Osmo Action to flat or curved surfaces including skateboards, bikes, helmets, and more to capture fast-paced moments. Both the curved and flat adhesive mounts are included with Osmo Action.
  • Waterproof Case: The waterproof case protects the device at depths down to 60 meters while providing a clear image using high-strength glass.
  • 3.5mm Adapter: The 3.5mm adapter offers users the ability to connect an external mic for professional sound recording.
  • Extension Rod: Capture unique angles using the Extension Rod, whichfeatures a rotatable phone holder and a ¼-inch screw adapter.
  • Floating Handle: The Floating Handle offers a comfortable grip for Osmo Action and keeps it floating when shooting in water.
  • Filters: Osmo Action comes with Neutral Density (ND), Polarizer, and underwater filters. ND filters (ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32) reduce light exposure in various environments, while Polarizer filters reduce reflections and increase color saturation for a more appealing image. Orange Seawater and Purple Freshwater filters restore the natural color of underwater scenes.
  • Charging Hub:Charge up to three batteries simultaneously in less than 130 minutes.

Price and Availability

Osmo Action retails for $349 USD and will start shipping immediately after the announcement on May 15 and from authorized dealers on May 22.

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