After going “mini” with the compact Action 2, the new DJI Osmo Action 3 camera returns to form with a familiar shape and size that packs some unfamiliar features.
The new camera gets dual touchscreens, an “enduro” battery, and increases its sensor size to go bigger than the new GoPro HERO 11. From there, it borrows the clever magnetic mounting system from the Action 2 for a versatile shooter with all the expected stabilization and 4K quality.
DJI Osmo Action 3 specs
For tech geeks, the most impressive feature of the new Action 3 might be the 1/1.7″ (0.588″) sensor. That’s bigger than the 1/1.9″ (0.526″) sensor on the new GoPro HERO 11, however it still captures in a 16:9 format versus GoPro’s new 8:7 format.
While we’re comparing, the Action 3 maxes out at 4K (from 24 to 120 frames per second), where the GoPro will shoot in 5.3K up to 60 frames per second. For slow-motion, both cameras capture 4K/120, however the GoPro will record at 2.7K/240, but the Action 3 drops to 1080p to get 240 frames per second. That said, we’ve found that anything faster than 120fps requires massive amounts of light, so DJI’s larger sensor may deliver better quality at a given frame rate.
While GoPro’s new 8:7 format essentially lets you crop to get any finished size you want, DJI has another solution for shooting those vertical videos…
Introduced on the Action 2, DJI’s magnetic quick-connect mounts snap into place and hold tight, requiring you to squeeze two release arms to disconnect it. DJI uses it here on the bottom of the camera to quickly connect and disconnect and, despite appearances, we’ve found it to be very secure.
The Action 3 has an optional protective case that adds another quick-connect point on the side of the camera, letting you hold and shoot natively in a vertical format. This not only lets you see what you’re capturing in real time, it exports the video ready-to-go in the portrait layout so you have less editing work to do later before sharing to Instagram Stories, YouTube Shorts, whatever.
The Action 3 now comes with their own “enduro”, offering 160 minutes of recording from its 1,770mAh capacity. Even better, they say it’s fully functional down to -20ºC (-4ºF), and can recharge to 80% in just 18 minutes, giving you another two hours of filming.
Other key features include:
- 4K/120fps and Super-Wide 155º FOV
- 16m (52ft) waterproof without additional accessories
- Automatic white balance and exposure
- Automatic color correction when filming underwater
- Drop-resistant, hydrophobic Gorilla Glass on front and rear screens and lens
- Voice Control
- Voice Feedback (quick tap announces which mode it’s in)
Their Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) gets better, with RockSteady 3.0 virtually eliminating shakes and vibrations for ultra-smooth footage. Two varieties of horizon stabilization are available, too:
HorizonSteady keeps it level no matter what you’re doing, even if you spin the camera a full 180º, it’ll keep the subject upright. Horizon Balancing corrects the tilt by up to 45º should you need to mount or hold the camera at an odd angle, giving you level footage anyway.
The Action 3 records stereo audio natively. For Vloggers, attach the DJI Mic for wireless mic audio recording, or use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to plug in any wired microphone. You can even use it as a web cam.
In addition to the usual assortment of mounts and accessories, a new helmet chin bar mount lets you stick it to the front of your full face for true POV shooting. The quick release attachment lets you easy remove it or move it around between different mounts in just seconds.
If you’re shooting with it on a pole, importing the footage into their DJI Mimo app will use AI to remove the pole from the footage. It’ll also create highlight reels for you in their LightCut video editor app.
MSRP is $329 for the camera with Extreme battery and protective frame (that gives you the dual mounting positions) and an assortment of mounts and accessories to “cover most shooting scenarios”. The Adventure Combo ($439) includes two batteries, a battery case that lets you charge multiple batteries at once, a 1.5m extension rod, and more accessories.
