DJI has finally released a successor to the more than two old original Osmo Action camera. The new DJI Action 2 features a modular design and promises impressive video specs in a rugged, compact body. DJI aims to offer not just an action camera, but a more complex imaging solution with a wide range of applicabilities, from a wearable personal camera to an FPV drone camera.
GoPro has ruled the action camera market for years, and rightly so. Competitors come and go, and however good an action camera is it will always be compared with the epic GoPro. For drone pilots, Insta360 was the first manufacture that tried to offer something light and stabilized. By comparison the DJI Action 2 measures 39×39×22.3 mm and weighs 56 grams, the Insta360 GO2 measures 52.9 x 23.6 x 20.7mm and weighs 26.5g. Personally, I like more the cubic form factor of the Osmo Action 2 because the lens is always centred on the drone. The Action 2’s new “magnetic” attachments are obviously not going to be as sturdy and widespread as the popular GoPro-style mounting system. A few reviewers have even managed to break those clip attachments during their first usage.
The DJI Action 2 has a 1/1.7″ CMOS image sensor that is capable of taking still photos with 12MP (4000 x 3000 pixels) and 4K videos with up to 120fps (in 16:9 format). The maximum video bitrate is 130 Mbps. The DJI OA2’s F2.8 lens delivers a 155-degree field of view.
Its built-in 580 mAh battery offers a runtime of up to 70 minutes when you are recording 1080@30fps videos without stabilization.
Camera unit technical specifications
| Dimensions | 39×39×22.3 mm |
| Weight | 56 grams |
| Touchscreen | 1.76 inches 350 ppi 500±50 cd/m² 446×424 |
| Waterproof | Up to 10 m without waterproof Case or 60 m with Waterproof Case |
| Image sensor | 1/1.7” CMOS |
| Lens | FOV: 155° f/2.8 |
| Video resolutions | 4K (4:3): 4096×3072 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @ 100/120fps 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 2.7K (4:3): 2688×2016 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688×1512 @ 100/120fps 2.7K (16:9): 2688×1512 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps 1080p (16:9): 1920×1080 @ 100/120/200/240fps 1080p (16:9): 1920×1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps |
| Photo resolution | 12MP |
| Max Video Bitrate | 130 Mbps |
| Number of microphones | 1 |
| Stabilization | EIS: RockSteady 2.0+HorizonSteady * EIS is not supported when recording at 100fps or above. HorizonSteady is only available when the video resolution is 1080p (16:9) or 2.7K (16:9) |
| Supported memory cards | microSD (Max. 256GB) |
| Battery | 1S 580 mAh (2.23 Wh) |
| Operating time | 70 minutes (1080p/30fps without stabilization) |
| Wi-Fi Protocol | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5GHz) |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 |
| Accessories | Optional Touchscreen and Power Module |
Front Touchscreen Module technical specs
| Dimensions | 39×41.6×24.6 mm |
| Weight | 64 grams |
| Touchscreen | 1.76 inches 350 ppi 500±50 cd/m² 446×424 |
| Waterproof | Not waterproof without Waterproof Case, 60 m with Waterproof Case |
| Number of microphones | 3 |
| Battery | 2S 1300mAh (5 Wh) |
| Operating time | 160 minutes (1080p/30fps without stabilization) |
Price
Price-wise, the DJI Action 2 isn’t the cheapest action camera right now. Many voices say that prefer the all-in-one setup of Action 1 ($199) to the modular Action 2 ($519). Also, the Action stops being waterproof the moment you start using the front-facing screen. Of course, you can put A2 in a waterproof case (extra $65) but that makes the audio awful.
Dji Action 3 will be released next month. It looks like he design of the Action 3 is based on the original Osmo Action
Yes, the estimated release date of the new DJI Action 3 is in mid septemnter.
Is the DJI ACTION2 good for cinematic drone footage? I want to install it on a 5″ fpv quad…
Many pilots say that a Naked GoPro or GoPro session is a better option. That 5″ could handle even a full-size GoPro 10 which is the best action cam for the job right now.
Purchased a DJI ACTION2 today and honestly aside from a few minor bugs I’m loving the versatility and discreteness of the design. Getting hot will hopefully be fixed in a firmware update.
I’m not convinced that I would be comfortable relying on the magnetic mount for drone installation…
Too expensive!
Just read that battery life and heat problem are disappointing. Only 20min battery life instead of 70min…