DJI Osmo Action 3
MSRP $330.00
“The DJI Osmo Action 3 is a great action camera that distinguishes itself with a unique magnetic clip system and an exceptionally rugged design.”
Pros
Excellent picture high quality and video stabilization
Very rugged and waterproof design
Unique magnetic clip system is extremely versatile
Affordable value
Cons
Not as compact and light-weight because the Action 2
Magnetic locking system liable to clogging in sandy circumstances
When I reviewed the DJI Action 2 final yr, I applauded its modern design, which differentiated it from all the opposite motion cameras available on the market. The DJI Osmo Action 3 does a 180-degree flip again to fundamentals with a extra conventional design and the resuscitation of the Osmo identify. While this transfer initially puzzled me, now that I’ve had time to check the Action 3, I’ve come to understand why DJI made the change. This robust, new digicam is constructed to outlive something you’ll be able to throw at it, however does it do sufficient to distinguish itself from the competitors?
DJI Osmo Action 3 design
The Action 3 seems remarkably just like the unique DJI Action digicam, which was an incredible digicam however was maybe a bit too just like GoPro. The Action 3 should carry that typical motion digicam look, however it’s distinctive in some key methods. Primary amongst them is the magnetic fast launch system, which it has inherited from the Action 2, and which has been considerably upgraded to be extra strong and dependable.
This magnetic clip system lets you connect and detach the digicam from varied mounts, and even simply stick the digicam to a steel floor. While such a system could appear regarding by way of its stability, I can vouch for the reliability of the magnetic clip, because it stayed locked and safe on an extension rod out a automotive window whereas touring at 40 mph, and I’ve flown the Action 2 on prime of a drone at even larger speeds than that. The one factor to remember is that the magnetic clip typically doesn’t snap collectively completely the primary time, so it’s a good suggestion to double-check that connection.
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The Action 3 is exclusive in that its entrance display screen is now touch-sensitive, which allows you to modify settings whereas the digicam is dealing with you, reminiscent of when taking pictures vlog-style movies. Since I often shoot vlog-style YouTube movies myself, I very a lot respect this characteristic. I’m additionally a fan of the battery door on the Action 2, which is simple to function whereas remaining safe and waterproof.
DJI Action 3 picture high quality
If you appreciated the look of footage captured with the Action 2, you’ll additionally respect the Osmo Action 3. To my eye, the distinction is virtually nonexistent. That’s not a nasty factor, although, because the Action 2 captures great-looking video. Details are crisp and clear, and each Rocksteady and Horizonsteady picture stabilization are extremely efficient. The customary shade mode is probably a bit oversaturated, however I personally just like the look of it, and the D-cinelike shade profile is obtainable when you favor to have extra modifying latitude and craft your individual look in post-processing.
The Action 3 can shoot in 4k at as much as 120fps, and at as much as 240fps in 1080p. Shooting at 1080p 240fps is as mushy and ugly as you’d anticipate, however 4k 120fps appears fairly good. It’s restricted to 4k decision, which is okay when you simply need to publish straight-out digicam footage with out a lot modifying. But it doesn’t measure as much as the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s 5.3k most decision and bigger sensor, which provides additional versatility in post-processing.
DJI Osmo Action 3 vs GoPro Hero 11 Black – Video Quality Comparison
I discovered that the Action 3 outperforms the Hero 11 barely by way of video stabilization, whereas the Hero 11 is marginally sharper. The finish result’s that by way of pure video high quality, the 2 cameras are very evenly matched.
One factor I do actually like in regards to the video produced by the Action 3 is that it matches up very well with different DJI merchandise. This signifies that when you fly a Mini 3 Pro, for instance, to seize aerial footage, it is going to pair properly with the look of footage captured with the Action 3.
If you fly a DJI Mini 3 Pro to seize aerial footage, it is going to pair properly with the look of footage captured with the Action 3.
The Action 3 places additional emphasis on shade accuracy, with a big, devoted sensor for detecting the right white steadiness for any given scene. While this didn’t seem to make an enormous distinction within the quite tame circumstances I filmed in with the digicam, it might possible be extra helpful for deep sea diving.
DJI Action 3 show
Both the entrance and rear shows of the Action 3 are vibrant with good shade. The bigger rear touchscreen is actually a lot simpler to make use of than the smaller display screen of the Action 2, and the built-in entrance display screen means you don’t need to get a separate module to have a front-facing show.
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DJI Action 3 sturdiness and waterproofing
The Osmo Action 3 is outstanding within the extent to which it may be dropped and submerged. It’s drop resistant as much as 5 toes and is waterproof all the way in which all the way down to 52 toes underwater. Furthermore, it’s rated to be used between adverse 4 and 113 levels Fahrenheit. Those are some actually spectacular numbers, and they’re mirrored within the significantly rugged really feel of the digicam. I actually just like the rubber ring across the lens, which provides safety to essentially the most susceptible a part of the Action 3, although I would like that it lock securely into place, as it may be nudged off the rim of the lens unintentionally.
While I didn’t chuck the digicam round like a hacky sack, and I sadly lacked the time for deep sea diving classes, I did take the Action 3 out mountaineering and dunked it in a lake. This admittedly minor punishment didn’t even faze the Action 3. If you need additional drop safety DJI does promote a housing, which is included with the Adventure combo.
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There is one main flaw, nevertheless, relating to utilizing the digicam in the true world, which is that the magnetic plates of its distinctive mounting system have an unlucky tendency to seize magnetic particles of sand. It doesn’t harm the digicam, however it might intervene with the locking mechanism and require frequent cleansing when you take it to the seaside.
DJI Action 3 battery life
The Action 3 provides comparable battery life to competing motion cameras, although it’s able to working at extra excessive temperatures. I used to be capable of make it by way of a typical day of mountaineering and recording without having to swap the battery out. Still, when you plan on doing longer shoots quite than temporary highlights reminiscent of I favor, you’ll undoubtedly need to have spares. The digicam additionally prices very quick, taking solely 18 minutes to cost a battery as much as 80% of the way in which full.
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I examined the Action 3 with the non-obligatory Multifunctional battery case, which not solely acts as a charger and carrying case for as much as three batteries at a time, however it’s also possible to cost your smartphone or different USB-C units out of your Action 3 batteries by plugging them into the case. It additionally has additional house wherein to retailer two additional microSD playing cards.
DJI Action 3 efficiency and software program
I didn’t expertise any points with overheating or different performance-related issues whereas taking pictures with the Action 3. The DJI Mimo companion app can be purposeful for controlling the digicam, in addition to downloading and modifying footage.
Audio recording is superb, and I’d really feel comfy utilizing the Action 3 to shoot vlog-style movies by itself. If you need even higher audio you’ll be able to plug the DJI Mic into the Action 3 and file by way of that glorious wi-fi microphone. When I attempted this out it was a easy plug-and-play expertise, with the one setup problem being unclipping the USB-C port door from the Action 3 to make approach for the DJI Mic.
DJI Osmo Action 3 value and availability
The Action 3 is obtainable now, beginning at a $330 value level. You may additionally need to contemplate upgrading to the $440 journey combo, which incorporates three batteries, the wonderful multifunctional battery case, two additional lens protectors for the Action 3, two adhesive base kits, a protecting body, and an extension rod equipment. Though it provides $110 to the bottom value, the Adventure equipment provides plenty of worth with actually helpful equipment at a reduction in comparison with their particular person MSRP.
An exceptionally rugged motion digicam
Andy Zahn / Digital Trends
While I nonetheless miss the modern design of the Action 2, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is a superb motion digicam that stacks up properly to fierce competitors from the likes of GoPro and Insta360. While, ultimately, I don’t discover that it pulls forward of different cameras on this style total, it does boast a few important benefits.
If you want an additional robust digicam, that is the one to decide on, significantly with the non-obligatory protecting body put in. And when you plan on going diving, the Action 3 can go all the way in which all the way down to 52 toes underwater with out an additional diving case. The different massive promoting level is the magnetic quick-release system, which is actually advantageous if you have to swap mounts rapidly. Though, as I discovered, sandy seashores are this mechanism’s Achilles heel.
The Action 3 will even attraction to DJI drone pilots searching for a rugged digicam that can simply match the aesthetic of footage captured utilizing in style drones such because the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3, or Avata.
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