DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro represents DJI’s latest leap in action camera technology, pushing boundaries with enhanced imaging capabilities, extended battery life, and intelligent features. It’s designed for adventurers and content creators who demand professional-grade performance in a rugged, compact form factor.

Key Features of DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro:

  1. Next-Gen 1/1.3-inch Sensor and 4nm High-Performance Chip: While the sensor size is similar to the Action 4, the Action 5 Pro features a next-generation 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with an equivalent pixel size of 2.4μm. This, coupled with a powerful 4nm high-performance chip, significantly enhances image processing, leading to superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It boasts an impressive 13.5-stop dynamic range, allowing for rich detail in both highlights and shadows.
  • Video Resolution: Supports up to 4K at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps for stunning slow-motion.
  • Photo Resolution: Capable of capturing high-resolution 40MP photos, with some sources indicating up to 8K photo resolution in certain modes.
  1. 10-bit D-Log M and HLG Color Modes: This is a crucial feature for professional workflows. The 10-bit color depth captures over a billion colors, providing immense flexibility for color grading in post-production, ensuring vibrant and accurate footage. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support also caters to high-brightness displays.
  2. RockSteady 3.0+/3.0 and 360∘ HorizonSteady Stabilization: DJI’s renowned electronic image stabilization is further refined. RockSteady 3.0+ delivers incredibly smooth, shake-free footage even in the most extreme action scenarios. The standout feature is 360∘ HorizonSteady, which keeps the horizon perfectly level even if the camera rotates a full 360 degrees, making it ideal for dynamic, unpredictable movements.
  3. Extended 4-Hour Battery Life and Fast Charging: A major improvement, the Action 5 Pro offers up to 4 hours of continuous recording on a single charge, a 50% improvement over its predecessor. This is achieved through a lower power consumption 4nm chip and a larger 1950mAh battery. It also supports super-fast charging, providing 2 hours of shooting from just a 15-minute charge.
  4. Dual OLED High-Brightness Touchscreens: Both the front and rear screens are upgraded to OLED technology, offering higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and significantly increased brightness (rear screen up to 1000cd/m2). This makes framing and reviewing shots much easier, especially in bright sunlight. The screen-to-body ratio has also been increased by 16%.
  5. Built-in Subject Centering and Tracking: This is an industry-first for action cameras. Powered by the 4nm chip and machine learning algorithms, the camera can intelligently detect and track a subject, dynamically adjusting the composition to keep them centered in the frame without needing a gimbal.
  6. Enhanced Waterproofing and Built-in Pressure Gauge: The Action 5 Pro is inherently waterproof up to 20 meters (65.6 feet) without an additional case, an improvement over previous models. It also features a built-in pressure gauge to record underwater depth, duration, and altitude data, certified with EN13319 for diving accessories.
  7. 47GB Built-in Storage: A highly convenient feature, the camera includes 47GB of internal storage, reducing the immediate need for a microSD card and allowing for instant recording upon power-on. It also supports microSD cards up to 1TB.
  8. Professional Audio Recording with DJI OsmoAudio™ Connectivity Ecosystem: Features three built-in omnidirectional microphones for clear sound. Crucially, it supports direct connection to up to two DJI Mic 2/Mic Mini Transmitters via Bluetooth, offering 48kHz audio recording without the need for a receiver.
  9. Wi-Fi 6.0 & USB 3.0 High-Speed Transfer: Ensures rapid file transfers, with wireless speeds up to 80MB/s.

Pros of DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro:

  • Image Quality: The new sensor and chip deliver exceptional dynamic range and low-light performance.
  • Unmatched Stabilization: 360∘ HorizonSteady is a game-changer for extreme action.
  • Industry-Leading Battery Life: 4 hours of recording is outstanding for an action camera.
  • Intelligent Subject Tracking: A unique feature that simplifies dynamic shots.
  • Superior Dual OLED Screens: Brighter, more vibrant, and larger displays.
  • Built-in Storage: Adds convenience and immediate readiness.
  • Enhanced Waterproofing: Deeper native waterproofing with integrated depth data.
  • Professional Audio Integration: Seamless connection with DJI Mic 2.

Cons of DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro:

  • No 5K/8K Video Recording: While 4K 120fps is excellent, some competitors offer higher resolutions for more cropping flexibility.
  • Premium Price Point: As a top-tier action camera, it comes with a higher cost.
  • DJI Mimo App Requirement: Still requires the DJI Mimo app for activation, which needs to be downloaded directly from the DJI website.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs. DJI Osmo Action 4 vs. DJI Osmo Action 3: A Comprehensive Comparison

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a significant evolution from both the Action 4 and Action 3, offering substantial upgrades in key performance areas while maintaining the beloved magnetic quick-release design.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

FeatureDJI Osmo Action 5 ProDJI Osmo Action 4DJI Osmo Action 3
Image Sensor SizeNext-Gen 1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.3-inch CMOS1/1.7-inch CMOS
Dynamic Range13.5-stops10-stops8-stops
Low-Light PerformanceRevolutionary (due to new sensor/chip)Much Improved (due to larger sensor)Good, but not as strong as Action 4/5
Color Depth10-bit D-Log M & HLG (over 1 billion colors)10-bit D-Log M (over 1 billion colors)8-bit D-Cinelike
Video ResolutionUp to 4K/120fpsUp to 4K/120fpsUp to 4K/120fps
Photo Resolution40MP (up to 8K in some modes)10MP12MP
StabilizationRockSteady 3.0+, 360∘ HorizonSteadyRockSteady 3.0/3.0+, HorizonSteady 3.0RockSteady 3.0, HorizonSteady
Subject TrackingBuilt-in Subject Centering & TrackingNoNo
Waterproofing20m (65.6 ft) without case18m (59 ft) without case16m (52 ft) without case
Battery Life (Max)240 minutes (4 hours)Approx. 160 minutes (2.5 hours)Approx. 160 minutes (2.5 hours)
Fast Charging80% in 15 mins80% in 18 mins80% in 30 mins
Internal Storage47GB Built-inNoneNone
Dual TouchscreensDual OLED High-BrightnessDual Full-Color LCDDual Full-Color LCD
Audio ConnectivityDirect DJI Mic 2/Mini ConnectionUSB-C to 3.5mm adapter required for external micsUSB-C to 3.5mm adapter required for external mics
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6.0 & USB 3.0Wi-Fi 5.0 & USB 2.0Wi-Fi 5.0 & USB 2.0
Release DateSeptember 19, 2024August 2, 2023September 14, 2022

Key Improvements of Action 5 Pro over Action 4:

  1. Image Quality (Dynamic Range & Low Light): While both have a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the Action 5 Pro’s next-gen sensor and 4nm chip push the boundaries of dynamic range (13.5-stops vs. 10-stops) and significantly improve low-light performance, making it even more capable in challenging conditions. The 40MP photo resolution is also a massive jump.
  2. 360∘ HorizonSteady: This is a major stabilization upgrade, offering unparalleled horizon leveling regardless of camera orientation.
  3. Battery Life: The increase to 4 hours of continuous recording is a game-changer, drastically reducing the need for frequent battery swaps.
  4. Built-in Subject Tracking: A unique and highly useful feature that simplifies keeping subjects in frame, especially for solo creators.
  5. Dual OLED High-Brightness Touchscreens: The upgrade to OLED technology provides a much richer, more vibrant, and brighter viewing experience, crucial for outdoor shooting.
  6. Built-in Storage: 47GB of internal storage is a fantastic addition for convenience and as a backup.
  7. Enhanced Waterproofing: An extra 2 meters of native waterproofing and the integrated pressure gauge add more versatility and safety for underwater activities.
  8. Direct DJI Mic Connectivity: The ability to connect DJI Mic 2 transmitters directly via Bluetooth simplifies audio setup and improves sound quality.
  9. Faster Data Transfer: Wi-Fi 6.0 and USB 3.0 provide quicker offloading of large files.

Key Improvements of Action 4 over Action 3 (still relevant):

  • Larger 1/1.3-inch Sensor: The Action 4 introduced the larger sensor (which the Action 5 Pro refines), providing a significant boost in low-light performance and dynamic range over the Action 3’s 1/1.7-inch sensor.
  • 10-bit D-Log M Color: The Action 4 brought 10-bit color, a major step up for professional color grading compared to the Action 3’s 8-bit.
  • Improved Waterproofing: The Action 4 increased native waterproofing to 18m from the Action 3’s 16m.
  • Faster Fast Charging: The Action 4 improved charging speed over the Action 3.

Conclusion:

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a powerhouse, setting a new standard for action cameras with its exceptional image quality, groundbreaking stabilization, extended battery life, and intelligent features like subject tracking and built-in storage. If you demand the absolute best performance, especially in challenging lighting, and appreciate the convenience of smart features and direct audio integration, the Action 5 Pro is the top choice.

For those on a slightly tighter budget, the DJI Osmo Action 4 still offers incredible value. It shares the same 1/1.3-inch sensor size (though a previous generation), 10-bit color, and excellent stabilization, making it a very capable camera for most users.

The DJI Osmo Action 3, while still a solid action camera, is now a couple of generations behind in terms of sensor technology, dynamic range, and advanced features. It remains a good entry-level option if budget is the primary concern and you don’t require the latest in low-light performance or advanced stabilization.