gadget, opinion

DJI spins into action with Osmo 360

DJI has long been a go-to brand for drones and gimbals, but now they’re entering new territory with the DJI Osmo 360, their first dedicated 360° action camera.

And true to DJI’s style, it’s not just an entry; it’s an excellent camera. Packed with 8K video, powerful low-light performance, and a design made for extreme environments, the Osmo 360 feels like a tiny camera that wants to go on an adventure with you.

At just 183 grams, the Osmo 360 is impressively compact, but don’t mistake its size for fragility. It’s IP68 waterproof, cold-resistant to -20°C, and designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re snowboarding down icy slopes, diving up to 10 meters underwater, or trekking across rocky trails, this camera is built to go with you.

DJI

Unlike its competitor, the Insta360 X5 (R13 995), the Osmo 360 (R11 999) doesn’t feature swappable lenses, which might be limiting for the outdoors creator. However, DJI includes lens protectors and a pouch in the standard combo, making it a reliable partner for on-the-go adventurers who value durability and portability.

The highlight of the Osmo 360 is its 1-inch square HDR sensor, which offers 25% more utilization than traditional 1-inch sensors. That translates into sharper, more vibrant footage while sipping less power. The sensor supports native 8K/30fps 360° video, with the option to capture 8K/50fps for those who want to push the limits.

Combine that with 13.5 stops of dynamic range and 10-bit D-Log M color, and you’re looking at professional-grade footage that gives you real flexibility in post-production.

For fast-moving scenarios, the camera also shoots 4K/100fps 360° video. Imagine slowing down your mountain bike descent in buttery smooth slow motion, this is why the Osmo 360 was built. Low-light recording is also a priority, thanks to its f/1.9 aperture and SuperNight mode, low-light footage retains crisp detail without compromising on quality.

While 360° capture is its calling card, the Osmo 360 isn’t stuck in one mode. With a quick switch, it doubles as a first-person action camera, recording 5K/60fps flat video with a wide 155° field of view. Activate Boost mode, and the field of view expands to 170° in 4K/120fps, providing cinematic coverage for filming dynamic videos.

Content creators will also appreciate Selfie Mode, which uses the invisible selfie stick effect to produce clean, wide-angle vlogs with no distracting hardware in view. Being able to switch between front and rear lenses mid-recording without missing a beat makes it a natural fit for vlogging, storytelling, or capturing multi-perspective action in one seamless take.

Audio is often the weak link in action cameras, but DJI’s OsmoAudio system makes a strong case. The camera connects directly to DJI’s wireless microphone transmitters (no receiver needed) for clean, broadcast-quality sound. For creators outside the DJI ecosystem, the four built-in microphones do a decent job of capturing immersive audio that matches the visuals.

DJI Osmo 360: More Than Just a First Attempt

Battery life is another pleasant surprise. DJI promises 100 minutes of continuous 8K/30fps recording, more than enough for most adventure scenarios where you’ll be shooting in bursts rather than marathon sessions.

Taken as a whole, the Osmo 360 isn’t wildly different from the competition; it’s clearly aimed at the same audience as Insta360, but DJI’s execution feels polished, especially for a first release. The imaging power, durability, and thoughtful creator-focused features show that DJI isn’t just testing the waters. They’re here to compete.

For action lovers, the Osmo 360 means sharper, more dynamic footage. For content creators, it’s a versatile storytelling tool with seamless vlogging features and robust color depth for editing. And for tech enthusiasts, it’s another example of DJI taking a proven category and raising the bar.

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