DJI Osmo Action 3 Review
DJI has released its new camera the new Osmo Action 3, an action camera capable of 4K resolution at 120fps, high megapixel pictures, and improved stabilization RockSteady 3.0, DJI is one of the biggest producers in the action camera market and the biggest in drones with some of the most successful models, especially on sites such as Amazon.
The new Action 3 most important new feature is the new image sensor, which can expand the field of view, this gives you an extra-large canvas for your imagination by capturing more of the sky and horizon in every shot.
But before we talk about its features, what comes in the box of the DJI Osmo Action 3? Inside the box, we can find:
- DJI Osmo Action 3
- Battery
- Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame
- 2x Rubber Lens Protector
- Quick-Release Adapter Mount
- Flat Adhesive Base
- Locking Screw
- Type-C to Type-C PD Cable
- Quick Start Guide
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new DJI camera, its unique features, and some comparisons with GoPro’s newest camera. Has it improved? Is the audio and video quality better, what are the specs?
Pros
≫ 4K Resolution up to 120fps
≫ Dual-touch screens
≫ RockSteady 3.0
≫ Waterproof up to 16m
≫ 1770 mAh Battery
≫ Pictures up to 12MP
Cons
≫ Max 4K resolution
≫ Can overheat sometimes
Design
The new Osmo Action 3 comes with a new design compared with the Action 2, the new Action 3 has a more typical sports camera design very similar to GoPro. The materials are more resistant than the previous model, returning to plastic materials in its finishes, with rough details to grip it better than the Action 2 with resistance to falls of 1.5 m (5 ft) thanks to Gorilla Glass for the touch screens and lens cover.
Like most new sports cam the Osmo can also go underwater without the waterproof case, it can go underwater up to 16m (52 ft). The Osmo Action 3 also comes with a new front touch screen, which is perfect for vloggers and to set up your shot perfectly without having to look at the back screen.
On the front, we can see the lens, the microphone, and the front screen. On the upper side, there is the shutter button similar to most cameras, on the left side, there is the microSD compartment slot, the battery compartment, and the USB-C-Port connector, on the right side, there is the mode button to turn off and on the cam or change settings as well as the drain microphone, most of them can be changed with the touchscreen.
The dimensions of the Osmo are 71 x 44 x 32mm (2.8 x 1.7 x 1.3 inch) and its weight is 145g (5.1 ounces).
Technical Specifications
As for specs the DJI Osmo Action 3 can record up to 4K 120fps and take 12 MP pictures thanks to its 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, it shoots using a 155° super wide-angle lens with an opening of f/2.8 aperture. For the stabilization, the Osmo uses RockSteady 3.0 Video Stabilization which supports up to 4K to keep the video smooth.
It captures 130 Mbps bitrate video with h.264/HEVC video codec. It takes JPG / RAW pictures with a Max Photo Resolution of 4000×3000.
The Action 3 like the previous models comes with a Wi-Fi connection. The app connects with the DJI smartphone app which works great to edit or control the camera through your phone.
In the back and the front we can find IPS color LCD touch-screens with Live Preview and status, very responsive, and easy to playback your videos or change settings. The Action 3 Audio captures 48 kHz; AAC .
The Action 3 does come with a 32GB SD card but if you plan on using another Micro SD card you should format it before using it. Micro SD card must be U3 or higher with 8-256GB capacity. If “SD card error” appears, format your SD card as FAT32 on your computer.
≫ Video resolution: 4K (4096×3072)
≫ Image quality: 12MP
≫ Battery: 1770 mAh
≫ Frame rate: 30FPS/ 60FPS/ 120FPS/ 240FPS
≫ RockSteady 3.0
≫ SD Card up to 256GB
≫ Codec h.264 / HEVC
≫ Can shoot in .RAW format
≫ Underwater up to 16m (52ft)
≫ Records in .mp4
≫ WiFi connection
≫ FOV: 155º wide angle
≫ Sensor: 1/1.7” CMOS
Battery
The DJI Osmo Action 3 uses a removable 1770 mAh battery, a resistant battery capable of resisting very cold temperatures and warm temperatures. The battery can last up to 160 minutes. In the case of capturing 4K video, battery life will drop some, you can save on battery time if don’t use the front screen when not necessary, have the WiFi off, and reduce screen brightness.
The batteries charge fast since they also have a fast charging system with which you can recharge 80% in just 18 minutes with an external charger.
The battery is situated on the bottom of the camera, where there is a cover that gives access to the battery. The DJI Osmo Action 3 comes with 1 battery, I recommend getting a second one so you can change them quickly and keep recording whenever the first one runs out.
Stabilization
Like the last couple of DJI models, the Action 3 has improved its stabilization once again to the new RockSteady 3.0. Compared to the Hero 11 HyperSmooth 5.0 the new RockSteady stabilization is very similar producing great smooth results.
A new improvement in the Action 3 compared to the Action 2 is the Horizon Balancing mode, which is a hybrid between RockSteady and HorizonSteady, it works by leveling the horizon up to 45º and also in this model we will have horizon balancing up to 4K at 60fps.
RockSteady stabilization is a game-changer for action cameras and gimbal users, it works great and can smooth the shot massively and get rid of the need for gimbals overall. The one negative side of the stabilization is the small cropping you get while recording, but it’s worth it.
Photography
The Action 3 takes 12 MP the same as the Action 2 in 4:3 and 16:9 formats, thanks to the high resolution we have good detail in the pictures and we have the ability to digitally zoom up to 4x.
We can activate the PRO mode for extra control of the photography, we can adjust different video parameters and choose between .JPG or .RAW file formats.
The image quality of the pictures is pretty good, pictures look pretty sharp with impressive natural colors and pretty good dynamic range for a sports camera.
Video
The DJI Osmo Action 3 is capable of recording up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. The videos captured with this action camera are stored in mp4 format with two codecs (h.264 and HEVC).
The DJI Osmo Action 3 has good-looking video quality with good natural colors and good sharpness, the video quality looks pretty similar to the GoPro Hero 11, GoPro’s video quality is still just a little bit better. The Action 3 like the new GoPro cameras is also able to record vertically, perfect for social media.
To access more settings for the video we have the PRO mode, you can choose to record in regular and D-CINELIKE colors, getting raw results for editing, as well as being able to configure settings such as Exposure, White Balance, field of view (FOV), and audio.
The video resolutions of the DJI Osmo Action 3 are the following:
- 4K a 120fps/ 100fps/ 60fps/ 50fps/ 48 fps/ 30fps/ 24fps
- 2.7K a 120fps/ 100fps/ 60fps/ 50fps/ 48 fps/ 30fps/ 24fps
- 1080P HD a 240fps/ 120fps/ 100fps/ 60fps/ 50fps/ 48 fps/ 30fps/ 24fps
Audio:
The audio of the Action 3 is pretty decent and captures clear audio. The reception direction can be adjusted to achieve a more focused and precise sound recording. A hidden microphone at the bottom of Action 3 even suppresses most wind noise, giving you better results recording in windy conditions.
Action 3 is compatible with the DJI Mic, which is a portable microphone that offers a transmission distance of up to 250 meters. Other external microphones can also be connected to the Action 3 with a 3.5mm Type-C cable.
DJI Osmo Action 3
Video: 4K 120
Image quality: 12MP + HDR, RAW
Battery: 1770 mAh Lithium
Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0
Video File + Color Bit Depth:H.264 (AVC) + 8-bit
SD Card: 256GB
GoPro Hero 11
Video: 5.3K60 / 4K120
Image quality: 27MP + SuperPhoto, HDR, RAW
Battery: 1720 mAh Enduro
Stabilization: HyperSmooth 5.0
Video File + Color Bit Depth: H.265 (HEVC) + 8-bit; 10-bit
SD Card: 256GB
Features
The Osmo Action 3 has multiple features to improve your videos and be able to stand out while making recording fun.
The Voice Prompt works by broadcasting the Pressing on the current shooting mode by pressing the Quick Switch button. Even if the camera is installed on a helmet or other hard-to-see location, you can accurately select the required mode and be confident you’ll never miss the moment you want to record.
Voice Control allows you to control the camera with your voice, the Action 3 recognizes voice commands with a high recognition rate, letting you stay locked into the moment.
Timecode, the timecode mode allows you to synchronize multiple cameras with your video processing software thanks to the Action 3’s built-in timecode function.
Webcam mode allows the Action 3 to be used as a webcam. Whether for talking with friends, meetings, or classes, you can easily use it as a webcam.
Invisistick, with the DJI Mimo app you are able to eliminate the selfie stick from your videos with cloud computing and AI algorithms, which produces an incredible video that looks like it was filmed by someone else.
Livestream, the Action 3 supports livestream platforms and multiple resolutions for you to choose from. You can connect with the camera’s WiFi and the DJI app and start streaming easily.
Other modes such as the well-known time-lapses still exist in DJI Osmo Action 3 as well.
To make your pictures and videos look better and make them stand out you should learn about Presets and LUTs, you can learn more about Presets and Lightroom presets by clicking here!
Should you buy it?
The DJI Osmo Action 3 is one of the best high-end action cameras you can get, being just a little bit worse than the GoPro Hero 11 which is considered the best sports camera. Having said this the Action 3 is very impressive with amazing stabilization and great video quality improved from the last model the Action 2.
The Action 3 is great for recording extreme sports as well as vlogging your adventures and is prefect for almost any activity. If you already the Action 2 the Action 3 is a good upgrade. If you’re looking for a cheaper option action camera check out our other reviews on GoPro alternatives:
If you wanna check out the best action cameras depending on your budget click here!
Review Breakdown
Video support up to 4K up to 120fps with RockSteady 3.0 stabilization and pictures up to 12MP. 1770 mah battery more resistant to weather and temperatures. Dual touchscreens and waterproof.
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