DJI has just launched the new Osmo Action 5 Pro, calling it “the action camera with revolutionary image quality.” They attribute this to a next-gen 1/1.3″ sensor – and more – but how well does it live up to the claim?
Since its debut in 2019, DJI’s Osmo Action series has made a name for itself not only as one of the most rugged shock-, dust- and water-proof action cams available but also for the strength of its excellent electronic image stabilization system. Some critics, however, have suggested that the Osmo Action had some catching up to do in terms of image quality vis-à-vis the competition.
With the new Action 5 Pro, the image sensor is certainly a noticeable upgrade, delivering 40MP resolution – compared with the Action 4’s 9.98MP and the Action 3’s 12 – now with 13.5 stops of high dynamic range.
Combined with its 4nm high-performance chip, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is capable of capturing crystal-clear images and stunning 4K 60 fps video, even in challenging low-light conditions, maintaining a healthy balance of highlights and shadows without the glare of overexposure.
There’s also a SuperNight mode that uses AI noise-reduction algorithms to produce clean, sharp footage when shooting in extreme low light. A built-in colour-temperature sensor is designed to deliver true-to-life colours and, when paired with the Mimo app’s Vivid Underwater feature, clearer and more natural underwater footage.
Using frame-by-frame analysis and 4x frame interpolation, the 4nm chip lets you achieve up to 32x slow-motion video. The front and back dual screens are larger now too, with narrower bezels increasing the screen-to-body ratio by 16%. And thanks to the rear OLED screen’s 1000 nits peak brightness, you’ll be able to see your shots more clearly in the moment as well.
With the welcome addition of subject tracking, you’ll also be able to keep your subject properly centered in every frame, for both horizontal and vertical shots – the Action 5 Pro intelligently detects a subject’s position and dynamically adjusts the composition for you.
Built-in storage – a full 47GB of it – is another first for the Osmo Action series, and this new model comes with a significant 50% boost in battery runtime, now 240 minutes over the previous generation’s 160, and requiring just 15 minutes to recharge. If you’re shooting outdoors in winter temperatures dropping down to -20° C, however, battery performance dips to a respectable 3.6 hours recording time – but, hey, would you really want to be out there longer than that?
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