DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro review

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro comes a year after the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and is hot on the heels once again after the GoPro Hero13 Black. Once again, DJI has pitched this Action camera at high-end performance, hoping to woo professionals into making the switch from GoPro to their ecosystem of products.

Once again, the Osmo Action 5 Pro, like its predecessor, impresses with its video and stills quality leaping forward. This is all due to the next-gen 1/1.3″ sensor that’s capable of recording 4K at up to 120fps. This is much the same as we saw with the Osmo Action 4, which was capable of capturing exceptional quality footage especially in fast-paced or low-light situations, however the boost in the Action 5 Pro’s proccessing just gives it the edge when it comes to quality.

Image stabilisation has leapt forward, and DJI RockSteady is already one of the best on the market. Now, with the Osmo Action 5 Pro 360° HorizonSteady, stabilisation has been further boosted to provide level footage even when the camera is at an angle.

Alongside the dynamic range boost the subject tracking is the other big feature of this new camera.

So, almost in the vein of GoPro, this iteration of the camera sees relatively small advancements in specifications, with the majority of features this time around being an increase in the visual qualities, especially the dynamic range and low light performance alongside the new subject tracking. With the Osmo Action 4, the edge that camera had over the GoPro Hero12 Black was obvious, but in 2024, with the launch of the lens ecosystem and boost in overall quality, that gap has once again closed, so it will be interesting to see just how well the new OSMO action 5 Pro performs.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro reflects the previous Osmo Action, with the only notable difference being the logo on the front, which updates to Action 5 Pro. Again, the body is nice and compact, measuring 70.8 x 27.9 x 44.2mm, ignoring any lens overhang and with the cage removed. The weight for the camera only, with no mount or cage, comes in at 146g. This size and weight makes the camera easy to mount in the same way you would expect from a GoPro.

When it comes to the build, DJI has really focused on strength and the abuse that the small camera may be subjected to. The outer is rugged and made from polycarbonate construction, which is reinforced with metal components inside. This choice of materials all helps to ensure that the camera can withstand both harsh environments and a bash or two, obviously making it an ideal option for extreme sports and outdoor activities.

When it comes to aesthetics, the exterior of the Action 5 Pro once again features a durable matte finish, which resists fingerprints and provides a decent grip when handheld, even in wet conditions. Its rubberised elements, such as the ring around the lens and the rear screen, ultimately make it extremely tactile and easy to handle. The fact that there’s the quick-release mount further boosts its handling and ability to swap it between multiple mounts quickly.

A big feature of the Osmo Action cameras has been the dual OLED touchscreens located on the front and rear. Although this feature is by far unique, both screens are equipped with high-brightness displays, reaching up to 1000 cd/m² peak brightness, which ensures that they’re visible even in bright conditions. When used, the touchscreens are responsive and easy to navigate.

The camera’s handling is generally intuitive, and if you’re used to using action cameras, then there’s nothing new here. Like the Action 4 this camera features voice and app control, which are as ever nice additions.

When it comes to preparing the camera, the side-access door provides easy entry to the 1950mAh battery and microSD card slot, allowing quick battery swaps and storage upgrades. The battery itself is an impressive upgrade, offering up to 4 hours of continuous shooting, a 50% increase over the battery in the Osmo 4.

The USB-C port below the power button on the side of the camera enables fast charging via DJI’s 30W USB-C Charger, which delivers 2 hours of recording time in just a 15-minute charge.

When it comes to downloading footage, you have a couple of options. The first uses the camera’s Wi-Fi 6.0 connection, which enables high-speed wireless downloads directly to DJI’s Mimo app. Alternatively, the USB Type-C port can be used for faster file transfers to a computer or your choice of external storage.

When it comes to how the video is still stored on the Osmo Action 5 Pro, the camera includes 47GB of built-in storage, which you can supplement with a microSD card if you need additional space. The camera automatically uses the Micro SD card and then switches to internal storage when the card is full, which is a nice feature. High-speed transfers via Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0 make it easy to manage large files, especially when dealing with high-resolution 4K video at the higher bitrates that this camera is capable of capturing.

On the front, the lens of the Osmo Action 5 Pro screws securely into place and is easily replaceable with a rubber lens protector included for added security. DJI offers additional lens options on its website, including ND filters and polarising filters, which are nice additions. Still, these don’t go to the full expansion of options that the new GoPro lenses now offer and it’s a shame that DJI haven’t pushed the evolution of the lenses a little further.

Mounting options are an area where the Osmo Action 5 Pro really excels. It uses the magnetic clip mounting system that DJI innovated for its action camera range. This essentially enables you to attach the camera to helmets, chest rigs, or even handlebars with minimal effort. Of course, there’s a GoPro adapter so that you can mount the camera on all GoPro mounts as well.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers a good range of new features over the previous model, although at first, those features and the updates don’t appear to be as groundbreaking.

One of the most significant advancements is the 13.5-stop dynamic range, a first for the action camera market. This dynamic range enables it to better handle lighting fluctuation and capture more highlight and shadow detail. This dynamic range is essentially close to what you would usually expect from a professional camera and enables plenty of scope when using DJI colour profiles for post production.

The built-in subject centring and tracking, which has been made possible by the 4nm processor is an impressive new feature which uses AI-driven algorithms to automatically detect a subject and dynamically adjust the frame. Essentially it helps to keep the subject centred without the need for a gimbal. However, you will need to track the camera to keep up.

Alongside the new features are several upgrades over the Osmo Action 4. Most notable is the battery life, with the 1950mAh battery extended to enable 4 hours of continuous shooting, a 50% increase on the Action 4. Charging is also faster, with the new USB-C fast-charging capability delivering 2 hours of recording from just a 15-minute charge.

The camera’s waterproofing has also been enhanced, enabling it to reach depths of 20m without a case, this is up from the Osmo Action 4‘s 18m. This enhancement, combined with a built-in colour temperature sensor, allows for more accurate underwater colour correction.

There are plenty of other notable features; however, these match those of the Action 4 and include the ability to shoot in 4K at 120fps. The SuperNight mode now ensures better low-light performance thanks to AI-powered noise reduction. The dual OLED touchscreens offer up to 1000 cd/m² peak brightness, far brighter than most competitors and enabling them to be seen in all conditions.

In terms of audio, the OsmoAudio system allows you to wirelessly connect to the DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth. This is useful for vloggers, filmmakers, and professionals who need high-quality audio on the go.

Storage has also been improved, with 47GB of built-in storage complemented by a microSD card slot for additional capacity. The camera’s connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6.0 and USB 3.0.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro performance builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing key advancements. During our tests, which included a blend of vlogging, lifestyle content, and some action sequences while riding through the New Forest, the Osmo Action 5 Pro delivered exactly what it promised.

The 13.5-stop dynamic range provided exceptional clarity and detail in the footage, especially in high-contrast and changing light scenes as I rode through the tracks in the New Forest.
Through capturing footage as I rode through shaded woods or in bright tracks, the camera handled transitions between light and shadow well.

On an evening walk, the SuperNight mode enhanced with the AI noise reduction did seem effective, capturing a decent amount of detail in low-light conditions without losing too much or adding excessive noise.

For vlogging and lifestyle content, the dual OLED touchscreens were incredibly helpful. What is noticeable when in use is that even under bright sunlight that was filtering through the trees, the screens remained clear and touch-responsive, making it easy to frame shots and adjust settings when needed. The front screen was great for capturing selfie-style vlogs, providing the preview you need without the need for additional monitoring gear.

The new centring and tracking also worked well, although it took a little practice to get used to. This new feature has plenty of potential, and while riding with the camera mounted on a grip and handheld, it did manage to keep the other rider in the frame. The AI-powered tracking performed well and is something that I’ll cover a little more in the near future.

The 4-hour battery life made a noticeable difference in usability. I was able to shoot continuously for extended periods, including multiple takes and varied setups, without needing to stop to recharge. The quick-charging feature also came in handy; after a brief 15-minute charge using a power bank, I was ready to start filming again.

As with the previous Osmo Action cameras, the mounting and handling were straightforward, thanks to the quick-release adapter.

While I did venture to the beach to go for a swim in the mid-September weather, I decided against it. Instead, I tested the camera’s waterproof potential in a local river. A quick dunk underwater to attempt to film some fish proved that in a calm river, it’s more than up to the task. I’ll add more waterproofing when it warms up a touch!

Overall, the performance of the Osmo Action 5 Pro felt like it was in line with a few enhancements to the image quality. The new features like subject tracking and the impressive dynamic range are definitely notable, but with the Action 4, you already had a very decent camera, and while this builds on that performance and quality, it isn’t a huge leap up.

Once again, the 4K at 120fps capability offered excellent slow-motion footage, enabling more creative control, and the enhanced battery life and screen brightness are always welcome. There’s no doubt that this is a great camera, so from a performance perspective, it’s a great option if you don’t already own the Osmo Action 4, are looking for your first decent action camera, or need it for professional use.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro builds on the foundations of the previous Action cameras and will once again appeal to enthusiasts and professionals. The camera does bring a few welcome improvements in image quality, usability, and battery performance, as well as a few all-new features, including tracking and a boost in dynamic range. While the upgrades may not be as big a step forward as we’ve seen in previous generations, they are a steady progression. If you’re just buying a camera or looking for an action camera for professional use, then those new and upgraded features are worthwhile.

The big feature of this camera is undoubtedly the 13.5-stop dynamic range, which has a direct effect on the quality of the Osmo Action 5 Pro footage when handling tricky lighting conditions.

I checked the footage, and it is possible to see that it retains detail in both highlights and shadows that are lost when compared with other action cameras.

The built-in subject centring and tracking are great new features, and while great fun to play with their use for most people will take time to settle in.

Again, the dual OLED touchscreens offer a bright, clear interface in all conditions, while the improved battery life allows for longer shoots without constant recharging.

It’s worth noting that if you already own the Osmo Action 4, the upgrades, while beneficial, might not justify an immediate upgrade unless you need the increased dynamic range, subject tracking, or extended battery life. For anyone new to DJI action cameras or those switching from other brands like GoPro, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is an excellent investment. It offers a balance of user-friendly design, professional-grade performance, and integration with the DJI ecosystem, which I feel at present still just gives this camera the edge over GoPro.