DJI has announced the Osmo Action 3, the latest addition to its family of compact action cameras. This new offering from the world’s leading drone manufacturer features a completely new design, two touchscreens and a focus on portrait photography.
The Osmo Action 3 bears little resemblance to its predecessor, the DJI Action 2, which featured a modular design supported by a range of magnetic accessories. Instead, this latest offering from DJI has a look more like the first model in the series, the original DJI Osmo Action.
The camera has a 1/1.7-inch imaging system capable of shooting in 4K resolution at 120 fps with a wide 155-degree field of view. It includes DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 image stabilization that works even at 4K/120fps, as well as HorizonSteady, which can keep the footage level for surfers “even through tough bumps and 360-degree rotations,” according to the company. Rounding out is HorizonBalancing, which DJI calls “the perfect middle ground between RockSteady and HorizonSteady” for activities like an FPV obstacle course.
DJI claims that the 1770mAh ‘Extreme’ battery can be fully charged in about 50 minutes and the camera can record for up to 160 minutes. Improvements have been made to heat management, allowing it to withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees F and run continuously at 4K/60 fps until the battery runs out. His predecessor reportedly suffered from a lots of overheating issues and was, according to the technical specifications, only operational above 32 degrees F.
The camera has a protective frame with support for both horizontal and vertical quick mounting to securely attach it to handlebars and helmets, for example. Notches have also been implemented in the quick-release design first used on the Action 2 for a more shock-resistant grip.
Image: DJI
DJI claims that the Osmo Action 3 is the first action camera with two touchscreens, allowing the user to access settings from the front or back. Additional features include stereo recording with three microphones (to better dampen the wind), voice control and a 4x digital zoom. If the built-in microphones prove insufficient, the Action 3 supports DJI microphones via direct USB-C connections and other external microphones via 3.5mm to USB-C.
Image: DJI
Despite the loss of its modularity, the Osmo Action 3 still has a host of attachments and accessories available, including a waterproof case for extended sessions in the water, a protective lens cap and a variety of different mounts. The camera unit is waterproof to a depth of approximately 52 feet (16 meters) without an additional housing. Additional batteries can be purchased, as well as a case that stores two microSD cards and quickly charges three batteries, with the option to also use it as a power bank to charge your phone and other devices.
Image: DJI
Some of these extras are sold in bundled packages alongside the camera itself. The most affordable offering is the Osmo Action 3 Standard Combo, priced at $329, which includes the Osmo Action 3 camera, one Extreme battery, the horizontal-vertical protective mounting frame, a quick-release adapter, and an adhesive base.
The September 14 announcement for the DJI Osmo Action 3 is probably no coincidence, as DJI’s market rival GoPro has confirmed it would unveil its own Hero 11 today, expected to retail for $499 for non-GoPro subscribers — the same price as its predecessor.