DJI competes with GoPro with its own Osmo action camera
Drone maker DJI enters the action camera market with the Osmo Action Camera. It is waterproof and can record 4k video at 60fps and 100Mbit/s including three-axis digital stabilization.
Where GoPro tried to steal some market share from DJI with its Karma drone a few years ago, DJI now does the opposite. The Osmo Action Camera is a direct competitor to GoPro’s top model: the Hero 7. The Osmo action camera, like the latter, can record 4k video images with a frame rate of 60 fps and bit rate of 100 Mbit/s. High dynamic range video is also supported in 4k at 30fps. DJI also praises the smooth digital stabilization, called RockSteady. The company would have gained experience with this based on the gimbals of drones and in particular that of the Spark, which also partly uses electronic image stabilization or requirement. What the drone maker wants to distinguish is a small 1.4″ color screen on the front of the camera that allows athletes and vloggers to see themselves while filming.
The Osmo would have a battery life of 93 minutes in 4k30 with RockSteady and 135 minutes in 1080p30 without RockSteady. In addition, there are options for 1080p at 240fps and 120fps for 8x and 4x slow motion respectively. A time-lapse function is also present, as well as manual recording settings such as a slow shutter speed of 120 seconds.
As standard, the camera is waterproof to a depth of 11 metres, but for divers there is also an optional underwater housing to a depth of 60 metres. An external microphone can be connected via a 3.5 mm connection. The lens is designed in such a way that it is suitable for nd, underwater and polarizing filters, which are also included as standard. In addition, a frame is included that is compatible with the widely used GoPro mount, so that most accessories can be used.
In combination with the DJI Mimo app, the Osmo Action can be paired with a smartphone via WiFi or Bluetooth. Images can then be viewed and transferred, and a live feed is also possible.
The Osmo Action camera will have a suggested retail price of 379 euros and will be available from May 22. At the end of last year, DJI also released the Osmo Pocket.