DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review: The Ultimate Action Cam or Overhyped Upgrade?

Does the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro deliver on its promise of superior image quality, battery life, and low-light performance? Explore our in-depth review to find out.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review: The Ultimate Action Cam or Overhyped Upgrade? In Detail

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The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro sets a new benchmark for action cameras, targeting adventure enthusiasts and content creators. Equipped with a 40MP 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K recording at up to 120fps, and three levels of electronic stabilization, it promises top-tier performance. Designed for challenging environments, this camera can capture impressive low-light footage and withstand tough weather conditions, positioning it as a worthy competitor to models like the GoPro Hero 13.

Design and Build

The 5 Pro retains the familiar, rugged design of its predecessors, with a lightweight and textured body that’s easy to grip. The camera features DJI’s magnetic quick-release mount, enabling fast switching between mounts without screws, which is ideal for on-the-go shooting. It’s waterproof up to 20 metres without a case, and with a dive case, it can reach depths of 60 metres, outpacing many of its competitors. The dual OLED touchscreens on the front and back enhance ease of use, with brightness that remains clear even in sunlight, and they’re particularly useful for framing both selfie and standard shots.

Technical Specifications

  • Sensor: 40MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS
  • Video: 4K at up to 120fps, 1080p at up to 240fps
  • Stabilization: RockSteady, RockSteady+, HorizonSteady
  • Battery: 1950mAh, up to 4 hours of recording
  • Storage: 47GB internal + microSD slot
  • Connectivity: USB-C 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
  • Waterproof Depth: 20m (without case)
  • Temperature Range: -20°C to 45°C​.

Performance

The Action 5 Pro’s 40MP sensor delivers highly detailed and bright images, with strong performance in low-light conditions, thanks to the Super Night mode. DJI’s colour science and dynamic range are remarkable, with 10-bit colour depth and 13.5 stops of dynamic range available in the D-Log M mode, ideal for post-production grading. It also includes three levels of electronic stabilization: RockSteady for general stabilization, RockSteady+ for stronger stabilization, and HorizonSteady to keep horizons level even in motion, catering to activities like mountain biking and skiing. The stabilization holds well, though at the cost of a slight crop in the frame​.

Battery performance on the Action 5 Pro is excellent, lasting up to four hours in lower-resolution modes and about two hours in 4K at 60fps. Fast-charging enables a full day’s worth of recording with minimal downtime, charging to around two and a half hours’ runtime in just 15 minutes, making it one of the best in its category for battery efficiency.

User Experience

DJI’s interface on the Action 5 Pro is responsive and accessible via the front and rear touchscreens, making adjustments easy. The DJI Mimo app provides remote control and allows users to transfer files quickly, thanks to Wi-Fi 6’s faster speeds of up to 80MB/s. The Mimo app also enables livestreaming directly from the camera, expanding its utility for content creators. For audio, the Action 5 Pro integrates seamlessly with the DJI Mic 2 for 48kHz Bluetooth recording, producing high-quality audio that is difficult to find in action cameras.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

The Action 5 Pro continues to use DJI’s standard accessories and mounting system, ensuring backward compatibility with previous DJI mounts. This includes vertical and horizontal mounting options. Additionally, the Action 5 Pro’s enhanced battery is backward-compatible with the Osmo Action 4, making it ideal for users already within DJI’s ecosystem​.

Value for Money

With a retail price around £349, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers good value, especially given its robust set of features, improved durability, and expanded connectivity options. Its built-in 47GB of storage helps differentiate it from competitors, providing a convenient recording solution for casual users, though adding a microSD card is necessary for extensive footage recording.

Comparison with Other Products

  1. GoPro Hero 13 – The Hero 13 provides excellent image quality and stabilization but lags in battery life and lacks DJI’s magnetic mounting system. Priced similarly, it is a strong alternative but may not perform as well in low-light conditions.
  2. Insta360 X3 – This camera excels in 360-degree capture but doesn’t offer the same 4K quality or low-light performance as the Action 5 Pro, making it more niche for VR and immersive content creation.
  3. DJI Osmo Action 4 – This predecessor to the Action 5 Pro remains a good option for those who don’t need advanced stabilization or 10-bit colour, though it doesn’t match the battery life or depth rating of the Action 5 Pro.

Conclusion

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro redefines the action camera experience with its robust feature set, high-quality video, and impressive durability. It’s an ideal choice for adventurers and content creators requiring a camera that excels in various conditions, from low-light scenarios to underwater filming. Its dual touchscreens, flexible mounting system, and solid battery life set it apart from similar models, with added benefits for audio quality through the DJI Mic 2 integration. Although it has a few minor drawbacks, such as slight oversaturation in default colour modes, its overall performance makes it one of the best options for users looking to capture high-quality, stabilized footage in any environment.

Pros:

  • Sharp 4K video with excellent stabilization
  • Outstanding battery life and fast charging
  • Great low-light performance with Super Night mode
  • Robust design with dual OLED touchscreens
  • Reliable audio quality with DJI Mic 2 support

Cons:

  • Default colour mode can appear oversaturated
  • Crop applied in advanced stabilization modes
  • Limited built-in storage for high-res video

Overall Rating: 9/10

With DJI’s Action 5 Pro, users get an action camera built for all conditions, with reliable performance, creative flexibility, and high durability. For those looking to push the limits of adventure photography or videography, it’s an exceptional investment​.

For more perspectives on the DJI Action Pro 5, why not check out TechRadar, ​RedShark News, or ​WIRED?



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