Good day, folks. Shawn here from Air Photography. DJI has just launched its first 360 camera, the DJI Osmo 360. You might be wondering whether to add it to your kit as a complementary camera or if you’re buying your first action camera and deciding between the Action 5 Pro and the new Osmo 360. In this article, we’ll compare the features and video capabilities of both cameras to help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
Understanding 360 Cameras
For those new to 360 cameras, a traditional action camera works like a regular camera: press record, and the video is ready to share or edit, stored directly on the memory card. However, once you hit record with set settings, you can’t change the framing. A 360 camera, with its dual lenses, captures video from all angles. This means you don’t need to worry about framing during recording. You can mount or hold the camera, press record, and adjust the framing later during editing. This flexibility allows for multiple perspectives—front, rear, top, bottom, or side—and offers wider fields of view than traditional action cameras, which is crucial for certain activities.
Osmo 360: Dual Functionality
The Osmo 360 captures spherical video but can also function as a traditional action camera in single-lens mode, filming from either the front or back lens. In this mode, videos are stabilized on the camera and ready to use without additional app processing, similar to the Action 5 Pro. However, single-lens mode on the Osmo 360 lacks some features of the Action 5 Pro, such as hyperlapse or time-lapse capabilities, which require 360 mode.
Durability and Practicality
The Action 5 Pro is smaller, lighter, and more durable, capable of withstanding impacts. While it has front and back screens that could shatter, it’s generally tougher than the Osmo 360. The 360 camera’s protruding lenses are prone to damage if dropped, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, requiring costly repairs. For activities where the camera might take a beating, the Action 5 Pro is the better choice.
Price Comparison
Price-wise, the Osmo 360 costs $430 for the base kit, while the Action 5 Pro is $349, based on DJI’s Canadian website (prices in USD). Prices may vary by country.
Video Comparison
To compare video quality, I filmed with both cameras using similar settings. The Action 5 Pro was set to 4K at 30 frames per second in an ultrawide field of view, while the Osmo 360, supporting higher resolutions, was set to 5K at 30 frames per second, also in ultrawide. Since I could only mount one camera at a time, the shots aren’t identical but provide a good sense of their performance. For handheld clips, both cameras were mounted to ensure uniformity, with settings adjusted to a wide field of view: 5K on the Osmo 360 and 4K on the Action 5 Pro.
Field of View Differences
The Action 5 Pro offers a slightly wider field of view across all settings, though the difference is subtle. The Osmo 360, however, has a boost mode in single-lens mode, increasing the field of view to 170°, significantly wider than the Action 5 Pro. This is ideal for action shots capturing expansive environments. The Action 5 Pro can achieve a wider field with an additional boost lens, but this requires a separate purchase.
360 Mode Advantages
The Osmo 360’s true strength lies in its 360 mode, offering an extremely wide field of view, even on a chest mount. In the DJI Mimo app, you can manipulate footage to achieve your desired framing, something not possible with the Action 5 Pro. When mounted on an extension pole, the 360 camera creates a floating effect, with the pole invisible in the stitch line, producing stunning shots. However, 360 footage requires processing in the DJI Mimo app or desktop studio app, adding extra steps and a slight learning curve. DJI’s software is user-friendly, with tools to simplify framing, but it’s worth noting the additional effort.
Storage and Usability
Both cameras offer internal storage: the Action 5 Pro has 47 GB, while the Osmo 360 provides 105 GB. Both support memory cards for expanded storage. The Action 5 Pro is ideal for those needing a durable, easy-to-use camera, while the Osmo 360, though more delicate, offers greater creative flexibility with its single-lens and 360 modes, making it a valuable tool for vloggers and content creators.
Final Thoughts
Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The Action 5 Pro suits those prioritizing durability and simplicity, while the Osmo 360 offers creative versatility. If you’re a new user with insights about these cameras or opinions on the side-by-side footage, please share them in the comments. Let me know which camera’s footage stood out to you. Thanks for reading, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
