After turning away from GoPro following the failure of our last Hero camera, we made the switch to the DJI Osmo Action 4. It's been a brilliant addition to our YouTube filming equipment but has now been superseded by a new generation of the device.
Released in September of 2024, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is the latest action camera from Chinese manufacturer DJI. With our Osmo action camera only being a year old the question arises, is it worth upgrading from DJI Osmo 4 to the DJI Osmo 5?
CONTENTS:
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro specifications
Let's start with a look at the older DJI Osmo Action 4 specifications compared to the new DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. I've chosen things that have changed between the models or are of interest to me as a YouTube content creator who lives on a sailboat and films action packed adventures.
Specification | DJI Osmo Action 4 | DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro |
Waterproof (no case) | 18m | 20m |
Manufacturers price | $299.00 USD | $349.99 USD |
Weight | 145 grams | 146 grams |
Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
Max Resolution (Video) | 4K (16:9) 3840×2160@100/120fps | 4K (16:9) 3840×2160@100/120fps |
Functions | Photo, video, slow motion, hyperlapse, timelapse | Photo, video, slow motion, hyperlapse, timelapse, SuperNight, subject tracking |
Integrated storage capacity | None | 47 GB available |
Battery life | 160 minutes | 240 minutes |
Interestingly, at this stage the price point for the Osmo Action 4 hasn't dropped since new, while the Action 5 Pro is more expensive.
Key differences between the Osmo Action 4 and 5
When deciding whether to upgrade to the newer Action 5 Pro or stay with the Action 4, these are some of the differences that could push you either way.
An upgraded sensor
While the sensor is the same size, the one used in the Osmo Action 5 Pro is the newest generation. Taking a look at a footage comparison, where you mainly see the difference is in low light environments with the Super Night Mode engaged. It also has a slightly better dynamic range in certain lighting conditions.
The new Osmo camera also has a HLG 10 bit option for the colour profiles, and the normal colour profile now has an 8 bit and 10 bit option.
Longer battery life
The Osmo Action 5 Pro specifications reflect a longer battery life, which is due to the new 1950 mAh batteries. When the DJI Osmo Action 4 was released it came with 1770 mAh batteries, but the good news is that with the latest firmware the new batteries are backwards compatible so you can use them with the Osmo 4 and get this same boost in battery life.
Brighter screen
The new OLED screens on the Osmo Action 5 are brighter and a little bigger. This is handy when you're filming outside in sunny condition, but isn't something that's going to make or break the purchasing decision.
New camera modes
The DJI Action 5 Pro has introduced two new modes; SuperNight and Subject Tracking.
SuperNight is for low-light conditions, using AI-powered tech to try and record clearer footage at night.
Subject Tracking keeps the selected human subject in the centre of the screen by oversampling the video then zooming in on the subject and cropping the moving image to keep them centred.
DJI Mic 2 compatibility
With the new camera you can connect two DJI Mic 2 transmitters to the camera at once without needing to connect the receiver, instead it supports a direct Bluetooth connection. The other camera in the DJI range that can do this is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
Physical design of the DJI Osmo Action 5
Aside from slight modifications to the screens, the physical design of the Osmo Action 5 Pro goes largely unchanged compared to the Action 4. The button placements remains the same, as does the clever accessory attachment system which in my opinion is far superior to the GoPro system.
DJI Osmo camera setup
A gripe for some with the DJI Osmo Action 4 was that you needed to download the DJI Mimo app to be able to activate the camera. This is still the case for the Osmo Action 5 Pro.
The DJI Mimo app isn't available on any app stores so you need to download it directly off the DJI website. For some people this is a security concern. Personally, I downloaded it on an old phone using the local Wi-Fi, and once I activated it I've only used the app once more to do a software update.
To activate the DJI Osmo 5 you need to follow these steps.
Download the DJI Mimo app
Turn on the DJI Action 5 Pro
Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, then open the DJI Mimo app on your phone
Press the camera icon to connect to the action cam
Follow the prompts to activate the camera
DJI Osmo Action 5 recording quality
Since we were deciding whether or not to get the camera we don't have any of our own footage, but looking at some comparisons it's interesting that in the normal colour profile the Action 4 footage looks better than the Action 5.
The last chapter of this video gives you an idea of the difference, and for me it's one of the downsides of the Osmo Action 5 given I already own the Action 4. That being said, it could be resolved in a future firmware update.
Like the Osmo Action 4, the Osmo Action 5 has the RockSteady 3.0/3.0+ Horizon Steady, Horizon Balancing image stabilisation software. This software is extremely impressive in action, stabilising our bumpy boat rides on rough seas. For us it's one of the drawcards of the DJI cameras.
DJI action camera accessories
When buying DJI action cameras you always get a choice of different bundles. When we got our Osmo Action 4 I chose the standard bundle, since it was most cost effective solution for what we wanted.
For the latest release, here's what comes in the Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Bundle and the Osmo Action 5 Adventure Bundle.
Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Bundle | Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Bundle |
Osmo Action 5 Pro
Quick-Release Adapter Mount
Curved Adhesive Base
1x Osmo Locking Screw
1x Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus
1x Protective Frame
Rubber Lens Edge Protector
Anti-Slip Pad
Type-C to Type-C PD Cable
| Osmo Action 5 Pro Quick-Release Adapter Mount Quick-Release Adapter Mount (Mini) Curved Adhesive Base 2x Osmo Locking Screw 1x Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus Multifunctional Battery Case 1x Protective Frame Rubber Lens Edge Protector Anti-Slip Pad Type-C to Type-C PD Cable 1x Osmo 1.5m Extension Rod |
Having had the Osmo Action 4 for over a year I would recommend that you get the Multifunctional Battery Case and a total of three of the new DJI Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950mAh). Doing this gives you the ability to conveniently charge batteries and have the power to go out on a full day of adventures without worrying about running out of power.
The other accessories we use are ones we've collected over the years of owning GoPro and DJI action cameras.
Selfie stick
JOBY Gorillapod 1K with a camera thread adaptor (my top accessory!)
Window suction cup mount
Chest mount
For the SD card we use Sandisk Extreme Pro or Samsung EVO Plus. We used Sandisk for years with no issues but a recent failure in a security camera has us trialling Samsung.
FAQ for the DJI Osmo camera
If you have some burning questions about the DJI Osmo, you might find the answer here.
Q: Is it still worth buying an action camera?
A: It's entirely dependent upon what you're trying to film. If your adventures are in dry environments with little risk of camera damage then a standard vlogging camera like the Sony ZV-1 Mark 2 or pocket sized camera such as the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 can be the better choice. Where an action camera shines is if you're looking for something heavy duty and waterproof because you want to record action sports or scenes in the water.
Q: Is the DJI Osmo Action camera worth buying?
A: Based on our experience with DJI products and the Osmo Action range specifically, I think it is. It's a well performing, functional camera that has smart inclusions and a more budget friendly price than GoPro, without sacrificing performance.
Q: Is the Osmo Action 5 waterproof?
A: Yes, it's waterproof to 20m without a case. That is far superior to the GoPro HERO 13 Black which can only do 10m.
Summing it up
So far we've been happy with the performance of the DJI Osmo Action 4 and the features of the Osmo Action 5 Pro aren't enough to consider an upgrade. That being said, I'm quite sure our next action camera will also be DJI, so if you're looking to purchase your first DJI action camera then the Action 5 Pro is probably the way to go.
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