DJI Osmo 360 Review: The New King of Creative Capture?

By Mark | Product Reviews, Shooting Tips & Inspiration

For years, the 360-degree camera market has been dominated by a few key players, leaving many of us wondering when DJI, the giant behind our favorite drones and gimbals, would finally throw its hat in the ring. Well, the wait is over.

Enter the DJI Osmo 360.

We’ve seen what DJI can do with the Action series and the Pocket line, but the Osmo 360 is an entirely different beast. I’ve used the Action 3 extensively for YouTube videos and it’s an excellent portable camera. We did a review awhile back here: DJI Action 3 Review.

The Osmo 360 isn’t just an action camera; it’s a creative powerhouse that promises to change how photographers and videographers think about composition. I’ve spent the last week testing it, and while it has the rugged specs we expect (8K video, waterproof design), what really shines is how it unlocks new forms of creativity.

Here is my full review of the DJI Osmo 360 and how you can use it to elevate your photography.

The Specs: A Giant Leap for 360

Before we dive into the creative fun, let’s look at why this camera is turning heads. DJI didn’t just release a “me too” product; they came swinging with specs that push the industry forward:

  • Dual 1-Inch Sensors: This is the big one. Larger sensors mean better dynamic range and drastically better low-light performance.
  • 8K 30fps 360° Video: Crisp, high-resolution footage that allows you to crop in without turning your video into a pixelated mess.
  • 120MP 360° Photos: Yes, you read that right. Massive resolution for still images.
  • SuperNight Mode: Utilizing that f/1.9 aperture to capture clean footage in the dark.
  • Battery Life: Up to 100 minutes of continuous 8K recording.

Unlocking Creative Photography with the Osmo 360

The specs are great, but here at Digital Photo Buzz, we care about making art. The Osmo 360 isn’t just for documenting extreme sports; it’s a tool for creative expression. Here is how you can use it to get shots that are impossible with a traditional camera.

1. The “Invisible” Tripod & Drone Shots

One of the best features of modern 360 cameras is the “Invisible Selfie Stick” effect, and DJI has perfected it. Because the camera stitches out the stick automatically, you can hold the camera high above a crowd or over a ledge to simulate a drone shot.

Creative Tip: Walk through a dense forest or a busy market with the camera extended on a long pole. The result looks like a low-flying drone gliding through tight spaces—perfect for b-roll or immersive travel vlogs where drones are illegal.

2. Reframe Your Narrative (Shoot First, Point Later)

For street photographers and documentary makers, the “shoot first, point later” capability is a lifesaver. You don’t need to worry about framing the subject perfectly in the moment. You capture everything, and then in post-production (using the DJI Mimo app or desktop studio), you choose the angle.

Creative Tip: Place the camera in the middle of a dinner table or a creative workspace. Later, you can edit a video that pans smoothly from person to person as they speak, or cuts to reaction shots that you would have missed with a standard lens.

3. Tiny Planets and Rabbit Holes

We’ve all seen the “Tiny Planet” effect, but the Osmo 360’s 120MP resolution makes these images sharp enough for serious work.

Creative Tip: Find a location with strong vertical lines, like a city skyline or a tall forest. Invert the image to create a “Rabbit Hole” or “Inverted Planet” effect. It turns a standard cityscape into a sci-fi tunnel that sucks the viewer in.

4. Long Exposure & Light Painting

Thanks to the rock-solid HorizonSteady stabilization, you can pull off handheld long exposures that look like they were shot on a tripod.

Creative Tip: Use the “Star Trails” or “Light Painting” modes in the dark. The 1-inch sensors soak up enough light to make the stars pop, while the software stabilizes your handheld jitter. You can create light trails of cars flowing through a city intersection while you walk along the sidewalk.

5. The 120MP Landscape

Traditional panoramic stitching can be a pain. With the Osmo 360, you press one button and get a 360-degree, 120-megapixel file.

Creative Tip: Take this hiking. At the summit, snap a single 360 photo. In editing, you can flatten this image into a super-wide, high-resolution panoramic strip that captures the entire horizon without any stitching errors or moving subjects ghosting.

Pros & Cons

The Good:

  • Image Quality: The 1-inch sensors provide a noticeable leap in clarity and dynamic range over competitors.
  • Low Light: Finally, a 360 camera that is usable at night.
  • Ecosystem: The magnetic quick-release mounts (compatible with the Action 4/5) make swapping mounts a breeze.
  • Audio: The 4-mic array captures immersive spatial audio that matches the direction of your video.

The Bad:

  • Price: It’s a premium tool with a premium price tag (though often found on sale).
  • Weight: slightly heavier than some entry-level 360 cams due to the larger glass and battery.
  • Learning Curve: Editing 360 footage takes time and practice to master.

Final Verdict

The DJI Osmo 360 is more than just an action cam; it’s a creative fail-safe. It ensures you never miss a moment because you are capturing every moment. For photographers, the ability to pull 120MP stills and reframe angles in post offers a freedom that traditional lenses just can’t match.

If you are looking to add a unique perspective to your portfolio—or just want the highest quality “impossible” shots available—the Osmo 360 is currently the camera to beat.

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you tried 360 photography yet? Let us know in the comments below!