DJI announced their first Osmo Action camera in 2019, which is supposed to be a GoPro killer. It was the first action camera on the market with a second screen in front for vlogging. Two years later, DJI announced the Action 2 with a completely new ‘game-changer’ modular design. It was the first action camera with two main parts: camera and display modules. This approach was great for those planning to use the camera installed on their FPV drone, helmet or o bike where the display is practically useless. Three years later, DJI announced ACTION 3, which follows the original OA’s design.
The latest Osmo Action 3 was announced on the same day as the GoPro Hero 11 Black. Besides returning to the traditional design, DJI made just minor improvements, such as enhanced cold resistance and better waterproof capabilities (16m vs 10m vs 11m) – but kept the previous model’s 1/1.7-inch, 12-megapixel sensor and maximum 4K@120p video resolution. Regarding video stabilization, the V3 Osmo Action has RockSteady 3.0, HorizonBalancing, and HorizonSteady. The Action 3’s camera offers a 155-degree field of view (equivalent to a 12.5mm full-frame lens), considerably wider than its contender has. In our GoPro 11 vs DJI Action 3, you can find all the differences and similarities between these top-notch action cameras.
The third-generation OA has a set of mounting points at its base to secure the camera for recording (landscape). It also ships with an accessory frame that adds a second set of mounts for 9:16 portrait recording -a great feature for social media content creators.
DJI Action 3 vs Action 2 vs Osmo Action comparison table
| Action 3 | Action 2 | Osmo Action | |
| Dimensions | 70.5×44.2×32.8 mm | Camera Unit: 39×39×22.3 mm Touchscreen Module: 39×41.6×24.6 mm |
65×42×35 mm |
| Weight | 145g | 120g (56g+64g) | 124g |
| Formfactor | Standard | Modular | Standard |
| Screens | Front: 1.4 inches Back: 2.25 inches |
Front: 1.76 inches Back: 1.76 inches |
Front: 1.4 inches Back: 2.25 inches |
| Microphones | 3 Stereo Recording |
1+3 Stereo Recording |
2 Monophonic Recording |
| Image sensor | 1/1.7″ CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
1/1.7″ CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
1/2.3″ CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
| Lens | FOV: 155° Aperture: f/2.8 |
FOV: 155° Aperture: f/2.8 |
FOV: 145° Aperture: f/2.8 |
| ISO Range | Photo: 100-12800 Video: 100-12800 |
Photo: 100-6400 Video: 100-6400 |
Photo: 100-3200 Video: 100-3200 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4000×3000 | 4000×3000 | 4000×3000 |
| Max Video Resolutions | 4K: 3840×2160@120fps 2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps 1080p: 1920×1080@240fps |
4K: 3840×2160@120fps 2.7K: 2688×1512@120fps 1080p: 1920×1080@240fps |
4K: 3840×2160@60fps 2.7K: 2688×1512@60fps 1080p: 1920×1080@240fps |
| Slow Motion | 4K: 4x (120fps) 2.7K: 4x (120fps) 1080p: 8x (240fps), 4x (120fps) |
4K: 4x (120fps) 2.7K: 4x (120fps) 1080p: 8x (240fps), 4x (120fps) |
720p: 4x (120fps), 8x (240fps) 1080p: 4x (120fps), 8x (240fps) |
| Stabilization | EIS: RockSteady 3.0 HorizonBalancing HorizonSteady |
EIS: RockSteady 2.0 HorizonBalancing HorizonSteady |
EIS: RockSteady |
| Max Video Bitrate | 130 Mbps | 130 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| 10 Bit mode | Yes | No | No |
| Battery | 1770 mAh | 1880 mAh (580+1300) | 1300 mAh |
| Operating Time | 160 mins | 70/160 mins | 135 mins |
| Connectivity | WiFi + BT | WiFi + BT | WiFi + BT |
| Waterproof | 16 meters | 10 meters | 11 meters |
| Price | USD $329 | USD $359 | Discontinued |
DJI Osmo Action 3 vs Action 2 comparison video
DJI Action 2 vs Osmo Action comparison video
Still, got questions?
If you’re still unsure which DJI Osmo Action camera is right for you, simply drop a comment below, and we’ll do our best to help!
The image quality of the Action One is superior to Go Pro as far as I can see and I am a professional broadcast editor and videographer. I use both and see them side by side on every project. Every GoPro I have ever owned is terrible on batteries, there audio modes break regularly, and they fail on a regular basis. I can not say this about the GoPro 11 because I don’t own that one. The action one never fails me except when it changes modes on me.
Since the GoPro’s do this as well(and more often) It hardly worth mentioning. Maybe actually lock the screen when you say lock screen. Non of these quick mode change exceptions.
Which DJI ACTION can record 2-3hrs continously in a single battery on the lowest resolution 1080p/720p?
DJI should focus on drones, for action cameras, we have another brand. A friend have them all, the original Osmo Action, Action 2, and now he got from the company he works the Action 3. Personally, I don’t like the image quality and their mobile APP.
DJI Action Cam 4 is currently a far far better product than the same overheating crap that GoPro keep rolling out year after year.