DJI Osmo Action (1,2,3) Series In-depth Comparison

DJI Osmo Action Series

DJI announced their first Osmo Action camera in 2019, which is supposed to be a GoPro killer. It was the first action camera on the market with a second screen in front for vlogging. Two years later, DJI announced the Action 2 with a completely new ‘game-changer’ modular design. It was the first action camera with two main parts: camera and display modules. This approach was great for those planning to use the camera installed on their FPV drone, helmet or o bike where the display is practically useless. Three years later, DJI announced ACTION 3, which follows the original OA’s design.

The latest Osmo Action 3 was announced on the same day as the GoPro Hero 11 Black. Besides returning to the traditional design, DJI made just minor improvements, such as enhanced cold resistance and better waterproof capabilities (16m vs 10m vs 11m) – but kept the previous model’s 1/1.7-inch, 12-megapixel sensor and maximum 4K@120p video resolution. Regarding video stabilization, the V3 Osmo Action has RockSteady 3.0, HorizonBalancing, and HorizonSteady. The Action 3’s camera offers a 155-degree field of view (equivalent to a 12.5mm full-frame lens), considerably wider than its contender has. In our GoPro 11 vs DJI Action 3, you can find all the differences and similarities between these top-notch action cameras.

The third-generation OA has a set of mounting points at its base to secure the camera for recording (landscape). It also ships with an accessory frame that adds a second set of mounts for 9:16 portrait recording -a great feature for social media content creators.

DJI Action 3 vs Action 2 vs Osmo Action comparison table

  Action 3 Action 2 Osmo Action
Dimensions 70.5×44.2×32.8 mm Camera Unit: 39×39×22.3 mm
Touchscreen Module: 39×41.6×24.6 mm
65×42×35 mm
Weight 145g 120g (56g+64g) 124g
Formfactor Standard Modular Standard
Screens Front: 1.4 inches
Back: 2.25 inches
Front: 1.76 inches
Back: 1.76 inches
Front: 1.4 inches
Back: 2.25 inches
Microphones 3
Stereo Recording
1+3
Stereo Recording
2
Monophonic Recording
Image sensor 1/1.7″ CMOS
Effective Pixels: 12 MP
1/1.7″ CMOS
Effective Pixels: 12 MP
1/2.3″ CMOS
Effective Pixels: 12 MP
Lens FOV: 155°
Aperture: f/2.8
FOV: 155°
Aperture: f/2.8
FOV: 145°
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO Range Photo: 100-12800
Video: 100-12800
Photo: 100-6400
Video: 100-6400
Photo: 100-3200
Video: 100-3200
Max Photo Resolution 4000×3000 4000×3000 4000×3000
Max Video Resolutions 4K: 3840×2160@120fps
2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps
1080p: 1920×1080@240fps
4K: 3840×2160@120fps
2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps
1080p: 1920×1080@240fps
4K: 3840×2160@60fps
2.7K: 2688×1512@60fps
1080p: 1920×1080@240fps
Slow Motion 4K: 4x (120fps)
2.7K: 4x (120fps)
1080p: 8x (240fps), 4x (120fps)
4K: 4x (120fps)
2.7K: 4x (120fps)
1080p: 8x (240fps), 4x (120fps)
720p: 4x (120fps), 8x (240fps)
1080p: 4x (120fps), 8x (240fps)
Stabilization EIS:
RockSteady 3.0
HorizonBalancing
HorizonSteady
EIS:
RockSteady 2.0
HorizonBalancing
HorizonSteady
EIS:
RockSteady
Max Video Bitrate 130 Mbps 130 Mbps 100 Mbps
10 Bit mode Yes No No
Battery 1770 mAh 1880 mAh (580+1300) 1300 mAh
Operating Time 160 mins 70/160 mins 135 mins
Connectivity WiFi + BT WiFi + BT WiFi + BT
Waterproof 16 meters 10 meters 11 meters
Price USD $329 USD $359 Discontinued

DJI Osmo Action 3 vs Action 2 comparison video

DJI Action 2 vs Osmo Action comparison video

Still, got questions?

If you’re still unsure which DJI Osmo Action camera is right for you, simply drop a comment below, and we’ll do our best to help!

4 COMMENTS

  1. The image quality of the Action One is superior to Go Pro as far as I can see and I am a professional broadcast editor and videographer. I use both and see them side by side on every project. Every GoPro I have ever owned is terrible on batteries, there audio modes break regularly, and they fail on a regular basis. I can not say this about the GoPro 11 because I don’t own that one. The action one never fails me except when it changes modes on me.
    Since the GoPro’s do this as well(and more often) It hardly worth mentioning. Maybe actually lock the screen when you say lock screen. Non of these quick mode change exceptions.

  2. DJI should focus on drones, for action cameras, we have another brand. A friend have them all, the original Osmo Action, Action 2, and now he got from the company he works the Action 3. Personally, I don’t like the image quality and their mobile APP.

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