We tested Osmo Action, the DJI action cam that delivers excellent stabilization and a front screen for easy content creation
In 2019 the DJI, a Chinese company leader in the drone market, launched the steel camera Osmo Action to compete directly with the GoPro Hero 7 Black. THE action cam gives DJI it stands out for its great differential: it is equipped with two screens, one at the front and the other at the back, which allows the user to see what is being recorded when turning the camera.
THE DJI made available a model of Osmo Action for testing and, after two weeks with the product, we count in the following paragraphs whether the Chinese steel camera is capable of finally GoPro in the category.
Construction and design
Front of Osmo Action, with its 1.4 ″ screen and its eye-catching lens (Imagen: DJI)The first impression when taking the Osmo Action in terms of how robust it is. Even without the protection and support case, the camera is very well built and gives the feeling that you can really face any adventure, whether on land or in water.
An interesting factor that helps in this air of robustness is the size of the lens and the protective glass, which bring a large circle amid the rectangular shape of the device, in addition to three layers of protective glass. Next to the lens we have a 1.4 ″ colored front screen, which has the traditional function of a screen: showing content, different from GoPro Hero 7 Black which only displays basic recording information. It is important to note that the quality is not so good, but it is possible to see if you are qualified. Still on the front, there is the speaker and the microphone.
Front screen now interactive and allows you to see yourself (Image: DJI)At the rear, you will find another screen of 2.25 ″ and format 16: 9 and that also works from gestures on the screen.
THE Osmo Caction waterproof, guaranteeing dives of up to 60 meters in depth with the protective case and up to 11 meters without any protection, even in beach water – the GoPro can go up to 10 meters, for example. In addition, it also guarantees drop resistance of up to 1.5 meters and can be exposed to temperatures up to -10C. In our external tests, the camera's external seal kept it safe at all times.
Looking a little bit like gamer notebooks that need to deal with heat to perform better, the Osmo Action it has an opening in the front, just below the name, just to allow a greater heat dissipation, mainly in 4K recordings.
Stabilization and focus
THE DJI brought to Osmo Action an intelligent stabilization system called Rocksteady, which is a technique used by several filmmakers to record action sequences in Hollywood. It combines the digital stabilization of the camera with post-image processing using algorithms, which correct the scene during recording even if it is in intense motion.
The camera stabilization technology works very well, and it is impressive how the correction algorithm works instantly and brings better results than the camera. GoPro Hero 7, for example, that I use a lot in my day to day.
The focus is precise, fast, and very functional. Even in busy scenes I had no problems with the focus of the images, and when approaching smaller objects, the camera instantly corrected the focus.
Image quality
THE Osmo Action has the capacity to record videos in 4K and 2.7K at 60fps, as well as HD (720p) and Full HD (1080p) at 240fps. For photos, the maximum resolution is 12MP. Here are some image tests performed with natural light, some using the HDR and others without HDR, so that it is possible to enable stabilization.
Capture taken from a 4K / HDR recording.In tests, the camera did well during recordings in HDR, bringing a nice correction of contrast and illumination of the images, even if the software from the camera by default try to approximate the tones of the images as much as possible in something more sober.
As can be seen in the image above, the HDR helped to enhance the contrast and lighting of the image, despite the direct emission of sunlight. The colors are more drawn to cool tones, which can displease those who like results with greater saturation when using the HDR.
Capture taken from a 4K / HDR recording.In compensation, we can see in the image above that the camera hits straight on images where there is indirect emission of light, bringing pleasant tones of black and green. In this type of image the HDR does an excellent job.
The biggest problem that we cannot use the resource HDR and Rocksteady simultaneously, then either perform a later edit of the stabilized videos, or capture without stabilization.
Capture taken from a 1080P recording without HDR.When recording with HDR off and activating stabilization, the Osmo Action had difficulty working with natural lighting coming straight into the lens. So, instead of generating an effect of shadows and silhouettes that I expected, the video ended up getting blurry and with the colors "washed".
In another test, in the images with low illumination the Osmo Action performed below expectations, even using the HDR. Despite not losing focus, the images were grainy and lost important details during capture.
Capture taken from a 1080P recording with HDR in low light.Battery life
An interesting detail worth mentioning is the battery compartment design of the Osmo Action. Borrowing the appearance from the company's drones, the DJI it has a battery that has its own cover, different from more traditional solutions where there is a specific compartment for the battery. The advantages here are practical, for example it is possible to check that it is correctly capped – there are instructions on the outside of the battery.
In the performance tests, the battery did well but without major highlights. Whenever I used the camera to perform the tests, there was no need for immediate charging. In external tests, I spent the day recording in the most diverse ways and I got home at the end of the day with enough load to record a vlog.
In continuous recording, the Osmo Action can make videos in 4K resolution for about an hour. what's on average in steel cameras. In relation GoPro Hero 7, a Osmo Action it does a little better, since it does not have integrated GPS. In my routine, I did not miss the resource, which turned out to be a positive point.
In relation to loading, the Osmo Action was 20% 100% in about 40 minutes. An excellent number, ensuring that you can get a good load on the camera while preparing the backpack for an upcoming adventure.
DJI Mimo app
O DJI Mimo an application for Android and iPhone that offers users of DJI editing tools to enhance your photos and videos. It allows you to easily capture, edit and share your best moments using your smartphone or tablet.
Through the app it is possible to transfer all recorded content. O DJI Mimo offers two options for accessing media recordings: removing the microSD card from the stabilizer and transferring your files to your computer, as well as importing them through the application.
DJI Mimo app is available for Android and iOSIs it worth buying an Osmo Action?
Yes. Osmo Action it is an excellent steel camera and delivers everything it promises with quality. robust to withstand your adventures and has water and dust resistance with or without its protective case. The battery lasts a standard average, but its charging stands out for its speed. If you enjoy extreme sports like Skate, Surf, and others, you will be able to record your moments with quality thanks to their excellent stabilization.
In addition to all this, it brings a front screen, which is excellent for content producers, making it easier to record vlogs or take selfies.
If you are looking for a steel camera and only had eyes for the models of GoPro, a Osmo Action arrives as an excellent option. With image quality and superior features compared to GoPro Hero 7, maybe its price is the big disadvantage on the part of DJI, since we found the action cam from R $ 2,196.76. If money isn't a problem, don't be afraid: Osmo Action will disappoint you.
Technical specifications (DJI Osmo Action)
| Technical specifications | Osmo Action |
| Dimensions and Weight | 654235 mm124g |
| Front Screen | 1.4 inch, 300 PPI, 750 50 cd / m |
| Rear Screen | 2.25 inches, 640360, 325 PPI, 750 50 cd / m |
| Sensor | CMOS 1 / 2.3 ″ Effective pixels: 12 M |
| Lens | Field of view: 145 f / 2.8 |
| Shutter Speed | 120-1 / 8000 sec. |
| ISO reach | 100-3200 (Photo and Video) |
| Video | 4K (16: 9) 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24 fps4K (4: 3) 30, 25, 24 fps2.7K (4: 3) 30, 25, 24 fps2.7K (16: 9) 60 , 50, 48, 30, 25, 24 fps1080p 240, 200, 120, 100, 60, 50, 48, 30, 25, 24 fps720p 240, 200 fps |
| Slow motion | 720p 120, 240 fpsSpeed 4 / 81080p 120, 240 fpsSpeed 4/8 |
| HDR video | 4K: 30, 25, 24 fps2.7K: 30, 25, 24 fps1080p: 30, 25, 24 fps |
| Timelapse | 4K: 0.5 / 1/2/3/4/5/8/9/10/13/15/20/30 sec.2.7K: 0.5 / 1/2/3/4/5/8 / 9/10/13/15/20/30 sec.1080p: 0.5 / 1/2/3/4/5/8/9/10/13/15/20/30 sec. |
| Drums | 1300mAh |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / acBluetooth 4.2 |
| Appetizer: | Micro SD at 256GBUSB-C |
| Photo Formats | JPEG / JPEG + DNG |
| Video formats | MOV, MP4 (H.264) |
| Price | R $ 2,196.76 |
DJI Osmo Action, finally a competing height of GoPro
- Construction and design – 10/10
- Image quality – 9/10
- Video recording – 8/10
- Image stabilization – 9/10
- Drums – 8.5 / 10
8.9 / 10
Final considerations and strengths vs. weaknesses
DJI Osmo Action is the height competitor of GoPro in the steel camera market. It has a robust body, a second screen and 4K recording with excellent stabilization,
Pros
- Robust finish;
- Second screen very welcome for viewing;
- Optimal image quality;
- Excellent image stabilization;
- Good battery life;
- Fast loading;
- Water and dust resistance.
Cons
- It is not possible to record with stabilization and HDR;
- Photos in low light environments are bad;
- Price slightly above the GoPro Hero 7.
