DJI Osmo Action 3 Announced – 4K120p, Vertical Shooting, and Longer Battery Life

Camera News

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 15^th, 2022

DJI’s action camera has now reached its third-generation with the DJI Osmo Action 3. This new model features a 1/1.7” imaging sensor, 4K120p video recording, 3 image stabilization settings, longer battery life, dual touchscreen, and a quick-release mounting system that is optimized for vertical video shooting. Pricing starts at $329/€359.

DJI’s first action camera, the original Osmo Action (review here), was first introduced in 2019. Now, the announcement of the third-generation Osmo Action 3 camera comes at the same time as the introduction of the new GoPro HERO11 Black models.

Both tech giants have worked hard to dominate this fierce battle. All cameras come with larger sensors, and while GoPro leverages compact size with the HERO11 Black Mini and auto-upload to the cloud, the DJI Osmo Action 3 brings a hidden gem for snow sports enthusiasts. So let’s take a closer look at what DJI’s latest action camera has to offer.

DJI Osmo Action 3: imaging module

DJI’s latest action camera features a 1/1.7” imaging sensor, supports H.264 video recording in UHD 4K120p and 1080p at up to 240fps, and offers a super wide angle of view of 155°. According to DJI, an improved thermal management system allows for continuous 4K60p recording until the battery dies without any overheating issue. For capturing the highest dynamic range possible, the D-Cinelike picture profile is supported in video, slow-motion, and time-lapse mode.

The DJI Osmo Action 3 packs in-camera stabilization, allowing users to choose between three different settings:

• RockSteady 3.0, which compensates motion in all directions, while still supporting video recording up to 4K120p;
• HorizonSteady, which additionally corrects the horizon at any angle to keep it straight;
• HorizonBalancing, which also corrects the horizon, but only within a range of ±45° and up to 4K60p.

DJI also introduced an interesting InvisiStick function, which automatically removes the selfie stick from the frame in skiing shots. However, for now it only works when shooting on the snow.

Power and battery life

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is powered by a 1770mAh Extreme Battery that can provide a longer battery life of up to 160 minutes, according to DJI’s own tests. These were carried out with image stabilization and screens off, while shooting in FullHD at 30fps.

DJI claims the battery can withstand extreme temperatures of -20° C and can be fully charged in 50 minutes. Fast charging happens via the dedicated USB-C port and, when the battery is flat, you should be able to charge it up to 80% of its capacity in about 18 minutes.

Moreover, the Adventure Combo comes with a multi-functional battery case which serves three purposes: store up to 3 batteries and 2 microSD cards, quickly charge batteries, and act as a power bank for external accessories.

Design, control, and live streaming 

One of the major design improvements of the Osmo Action 3 is a built-in quick-release mounting system, which is now optimized for both horizontal and vertical shooting. As social video formats are becoming increasingly popular, having the ability to rapidly change the camera’s orientation in seconds is a very welcome feature.

According to DJI, the waterproof body of the DJI Osmo Action 3 can reach depths of up to 16 meters without the need of any additional accessory. Furthermore, this camera can survive falls from 1.5 meters of height.

The device features two touchscreen displays, both sharing the same Corning Gorilla Glass of the imaging lens. The main rear screen has a diagonal size of 2.25”, while the front 1.4” display can also be used to adjust settings, which can be pretty convenient during selfie-style shooting.

Besides the on-board screens, other controlling methods include a Voice Control function as well as the ability to connect the camera to the DJI Mimo app (iOS/Android) via Wi-fi or Bluetooth. The Wi-fi module also serves for live streaming in 1080p, 720p, and 480p up to 30fps, while the USB-C port supports UVC for turning the camera into a webcam.

Audio module

When it comes to recording stereo sound, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is equipped with a 3-mic array, which should reduce wind interference while providing improved sound clarity. Moreover, the camera is compatible with the company’s wireless microphone kit, the DJI Mic, but also supports 3.5mm jack inputs via a dedicated USB-C adapter.

Price and availability

DJI’s latest action cam is now available for pre-order from B&H and CVP. The Osmo Action 3 Standard Combo officially retails for $329/€359, and includes the camera, one Extreme Battery, Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame, Quick-Release Adapter Mount, and Flat Adhesive Base.

The company also offers a more comprehensive kit, the Osmo Action 3 Adventure Combo, which includes everything in standard plus two additional Extreme Batteries, an extra Quick-Release Adapter Mount, and the Multifunction Battery Case. Its official retail price is set at $439/€459.

Along with the camera, DJI has also unveiled an extensive set of accessories that are available to purchase separately. Their prices vary as follows:

• Waterproof Case – $69/€59
• Extreme Battery – $29/€29
• Multifunctional Battery Case – $69/€59
• Adhesive Base Kit – $19/€19
• Lens Protective Cover – $19/€19
• 1.5m Extension Rod Kit – $49/€39
• Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount – $39/€29
• Diving Accessory Kit – $79/€69
• Handlebar Mount – $45/€40
• Chest Strap Mount – $45/€40
• Helmet Chin Mount – $15/€15
• Biking Accessory Kit – $79/€70
• Suction Cup Mount – $45/€39
• Surfing Tether – $5/€5

For more information, please visit DJI’s website here.

What do you think of the new DJI Osmo Action 3? Would you pick this one or the new GoPro HERO11 Black/Black Mini? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!