DJI Osmo Action camera officially launched and aimed at GoPro

After much speculation, China’s DJI has revealed the DJI Osmo Action an extreme sports camera aimed squarely at the GoPro generation.

If you have been keeping up with the news over the past few days then you’ll have come across the rumours that DJI was planning to release an action camera, and today that’s just what happened.

Named the DJI Osmo Action, the device is a compact action camera featuring dual screens, image stabilisation and the capability to record 4K video at 60fps.

It’s hardly surprising that the Osmo Action looks similar to the current GoPro Hero 7 as the slender 65 x 42 x 35mm, 124g action camera is aimed at the same users with very similar features, such as the RockSteady image stabilisation system, slow-motion video recording, and voice control.

RockSteady is DJI’s own EIS or Electronic Image Stabilisation software that ensures action video plays back as smooth and as stable as possible. The system works by increasing the shutter speed and cropping the video so that you’re left with a smoother finished product. It’s a very similar system to that in the Hero 7, and we’re excited to see how it compares.

Like any good consumer camera, the DJI Osmo Action also supports slow-motion video recording, in this case, 1080p 240fps 8x slow-motion videos are possible with the device. There’s also an HDR video mode built-in and D-Cinelike, which is supposed to capture a wider dynamic range from the sensor for improved colour profiles and to optimise post-processing options.

Separating the Osmo Action from the Hero 7 are the dual screens. The front display is a 1.4in 300ppi panel that can be used for selfies and is surely going to be very useful for vloggers. The main rear panel is a larger 2.25in, 640 x 360 touchscreen which can be used for video and photo viewing, settings adjustment and more.

Despite the dual screens, DJI claims that the 1300mAh DJI Osmo Action battery will last 90min with RockSteady on, or 135min with the image stabilisation feature switched off. 4K video recording eats into the power a little more dropping the usage time to 63min on a single charge.

Like similar action cameras, DJI’s model will connect to your smartphone via Wifi or Bluetooth connection and will sync with DJI’s own Mimo application. Users can also export video via USB or from the microSD card.

This is what DJI has to say about the Osmo Action:

A compact, powerful device bursting with attitude, Osmo Action gives you everything you need to unleash your other side. Whether you’re drifting across frozen lakes, dirt-biking through mud-covered tracks, or slacklining across an epic gorge, this durable action camera will go as hard as you do. Complete with intelligent functions and a variety of creative options, Osmo Action was built to capture every move.

Video: Watch the DJI Osmo Action in action

DJI Osmo Action Specifications

• Dimensions: 65×42×35mm
• Weight: 124g
• Camera: 12 megapixels 1/2.3″ CMOS
• Lens: FOV: 145° f/2.8
• Electronic Shutter Speed: 120-1/8000s
• Photo modes: Single shot, countdown, timed, burst mode, AEB, Timelapse.
• Video modes: 4K, 2.7k, 1080p, 720p
• Slow motion: 720p @ 240fps, 1080p @ 120/240fps
• Storage: microSD card max 256GB
• Front screen: 1.4 inches, 300 ppi, 750 ±50 cd/m²
• Rear screen: 2.25 inches, 640×360, 325 ppi, 750 ±50 cd/m²
• Battery: Lipo 1300mAh
• Battery life: 63-135min
• Price: £329

Other features include voice control, fast ‘SnapShot’ start, a fully waterproof body good for 11m, a 3 layer lens system, RAW image support, and Timelapse mode.

DJI ships the action cameras with a single battery, USB Type C cable, battery case, and a camera frame which attaches to various camera mounts.

DJI has already listed the Osmo Action online and is available to buy for £329. We will see if we can get hold of one to test.