A Feature-Packed Action Camera for Content Creators
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro comes with some serious upgrades, positioning itself as a solid rival to GoPro’s Hero 13 Black. With a slew of advanced features, improved battery life, and excellent image stabilization, this action camera is designed for both casual adventurers and professional content creators.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that stood out to me was the solid build quality. The Action 5 Pro feels rugged yet remains lightweight at only 145g, making it easy to carry around. It’s waterproof up to 20m without a case, which is double what GoPro offers. This is a massive plus for divers or anyone shooting in wet conditions. The addition of a quick-release magnetic mounting system is a game-changer for switching between mounts swiftly—ideal for those who need to capture different angles in quick succession.
The dual OLED touchscreens, one at the front and one at the back, are bright and responsive, making it easy to frame shots whether you’re vlogging or capturing action in front of you. The front-facing screen is particularly useful for selfies or vlogging on the go, while the rear screen provides a larger view for more intricate shots.
Battery Life and Storage
Battery life is where the Action 5 Pro really shines. DJI claims up to four hours of recording on a single charge thanks to the new 1950mAh battery and an efficient 4nm processor. I found this claim to hold up fairly well, especially when shooting at lower resolutions like 1080p. When recording in 4K at 60fps with image stabilization turned on, the battery lasted just under two hours—more than enough for a day of adventure. It’s worth noting that the camera also has 47GB of internal storage along with a microSD card slot, which is a welcome addition for those who want to shoot without worrying about memory cards.
4K Video and Image Quality
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro supports 4K resolution at 120fps, and the footage is simply stunning. The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and the dynamic range (up to 13.5 stops) is on par with some high-end mirrorless cameras. For those who love shooting in low light, the SuperNight mode provides impressive results, though I found it to work best at 1080p rather than in 4K, as the latter can lack sharpness in dim conditions.
While the Action 5 Pro doesn’t offer the ultra-high resolutions like 5.3K seen on some of its competitors, the 4K footage is more than enough for most creators. Plus, the built-in RockSteady stabilization ensures smooth footage, even in fast-moving situations. The higher-end HorizonSteady feature keeps your footage perfectly level, making it ideal for action shots like mountain biking or snowboarding.
Connectivity and Features
One of the more impressive features is the camera’s seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Pairing it with the DJI Mimo app was straightforward, and the ability to use it as a webcam or live stream makes it a versatile tool for both creators and streamers. Fast wireless transfers (up to 80MB/s) make moving footage to your phone or computer a breeze, minimizing downtime between shoots.
For audio, the DJI Mic 2 is a game-changer. This action camera allows you to connect two mics simultaneously, recording at 48kHz for clear, professional sound. This makes the Action 5 Pro one of the best options for vloggers who prioritize high-quality audio in their videos.
Waterproofing and Toughness
The Osmo Action 5 Pro is built for tough environments. It handles extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C, making it a reliable option for both winter sports and desert adventures. The waterproofing extends to 20m without the need for additional housing, so you can take it for a dive right out of the box. If you want to go deeper, it’s compatible with an external dive case that allows for dives up to 60m.
User Experience and App Integration
Operating the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is intuitive, thanks to the easy-to-use interface. The two physical buttons provide access to core functions like power and recording, while all other settings are available through the responsive touchscreens. The DJI Mimo app enhances the experience by offering more control over settings, framing, and reviewing footage on a larger screen. Sharing clips directly to social media through the app is also quick and seamless.
The quick-release adapter mount included in the Adventure Combo makes switching between different mounts a breeze, and the additional 1.5m extension rod lets you capture wider shots without sacrificing quality. For creators who need versatility, this setup is perfect.
Is the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Worth It?
At a price of $349, the Action 5 Pro is slightly cheaper than its main competitor, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality for cost. With features like impressive battery life, built-in storage, 4K video at 120fps, and seamless mic integration, it’s a powerhouse in the action camera market. Whether you’re a content creator, vlogger, or extreme sports enthusiast, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro provides everything you need to capture stunning, smooth footage in any environment.
While it doesn’t have some of the ultra-high resolutions seen on rival cameras, its blend of performance, durability, and price makes it one of the top options available today. If you’re in the market for a rugged, feature-packed action camera, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a strong contender.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a rugged, feature-packed action camera offering 4K video at 120fps, RockSteady stabilization, and Bluetooth mic support. With a waterproof design and long battery life, it’s built for both creators and adventurers.
The Good
- Excellent 4K stabilization
- Long battery life
- Waterproof up to 20m
- Bluetooth mic support
The Bad
- Lacks 5K video option
- Slightly bulkier than competitors
- Low-light 4K performance could be better
- No lens mods
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Build Quality8
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Features8
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Image Quality8
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Stabilization9