In Brief: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI’s fifth-generation action cam refines the already solid Osmo formula with a new sensor, OLED touchscreens, Dolby Vision–capable 4K video, and big battery gains. It’s easy to handle, impressively fast to power on and film, and outperforms its main rival, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, in low-light conditions and overall convenience. Here’s our verdict after several weeks of testing.
Pros
- Two excellent touchscreens
- Ample built-in storage (47 GB) plus microSD slot
- Waterproof to 20 meters
- Rapidly responsive interface
- Outstanding day/night video quality
- Superb stabilization
- Longer battery life than previous model
- Strong price-performance ratio
Cons
- “Only” up to 4K resolution (no 5.3K or 8:7 format)
- Stiff shutter button, tricky with gloves
- GoPro’s flexible mounting is slightly more advanced
- No built-in GPS
Key Specifications
- Sensor: 1/1.3″ CMOS, 24 MP
- Lens: Ultra-wide angle, f/2.8
- Resolution: 4K up to 120 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
- HDR: Dolby Vision & HDR10
- Waterproof: Up to 20 m (no housing needed)
- Stabilization: RockSteady, HorizonSteady
- Storage: 47 GB internal + microSD
- Battery: 1950 mAh (about 2 hours at 4K/30)
- Weight: 145 g (body only)
- Price: ~€379 (basic kit)
DJI provided the test unit on loan.
Design & Hardware: Familiar but Better
Same Body, Bigger Upgrades
The Osmo Action 5 Pro shares a near-identical shape to the Action 4 and 3, measuring roughly 70.5 × 44.2 × 32.8 mm and weighing about 145 g. DJI improved the front and rear screens to larger, brighter OLED panels. The glass lens protector is still removable, but now, the camera is waterproof to 20 m without a special case—double that of the GoPro Hero 13 Black.
Built-In Storage & Barometer
A standout addition is 47 GB of internal storage, eliminating missed shots if you forget your microSD. Plus, there’s a built-in barometer, great for measuring depth while diving (or altitude in the air). However, there’s still no GPS module, so data overlays like speed or location require pairing with external devices.
Magnetic Mounting & Battery
The same quick-swap magnetic system as previous Osmo Action cameras remains. Convenient for many scenarios, it’s less flexible than GoPro’s new two-sided mount. The new 1950 mAh battery is fully cross-compatible with older Osmo Action (4 & 3) batteries. Recharging from empty to full takes under an hour—faster than GoPro’s solution.
Software & Interface: Super Responsive
Snappy UI
DJI’s interface is fluid and phone-like, with minimal lag. Boot times are impressively short—usually under 1 second to start recording, a huge advantage for capturing sudden events.
Physical Controls
A single side button switches shooting modes or user-defined presets (e.g., 4K/60 for sports, 4K/30 for vlogging). The top shutter button is still quite stiff, especially with gloves in cold environments—one of our few design complaints.
Mounting & Accessories
The magnet system is simple yet not ambidextrous (as GoPro’s new design is). For standard accessories like chest harnesses, you’ll rely on DJI’s adapter or third-party solutions.
Video Quality: GoPro Surpassed, Finally
4K Capture, Large Sensor
With a 1/1.3″ sensor, the Osmo Action 5 Pro gathers more light than the 1/1.9″ sensor in GoPro Hero 13, enabling more dynamic range and superior low-light performance. At 4K, the resulting image is crisp and vibrant in daylight with balanced highlights and shadows. Color is slightly more saturated, though many users will appreciate the look without post-processing.
Night & High Dynamic Range
In low-light, DJI’s SuperNight mode outperforms GoPro’s approach, brightening scenes with less noise. The camera is limited to a maximum 4K resolution—no 5.3K or 8:7 as on GoPro—but for most users, that’s enough. Image detail at the periphery is also notably good.
Stabilization & Tracking
RockSteady 3.0 remains top-tier. Sequences remain steady even in rugged sports like trail running or mountain biking. The Subject Tracking mode uses a 2.7K crop to keep a chosen subject in frame, decent for casual vlogs or social clips but not as versatile as a gimbal-based solution.
Battery Life: A New Strength
Extended Runtime
DJI advertises 4 hours in 1080p/24. Our real-world tests yield around 2 hours at 4K/30—an improvement of ~50% over the Action 4. This is on par or better than GoPro’s 13 in normal usage. Recharge times are also shorter, around one hour from empty to full.
Price & Availability
The Osmo Action 5 Pro retails at €379 in its standard kit with a single battery, magnetic mount, and curved adhesive mount. That undercuts or matches GoPro’s Hero 13 Black, typically at €449. DJI also sells various specialized bundles for surfers, cyclists, vloggers, etc.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 9/10
With the Osmo Action 5 Pro, DJI cements its lead over GoPro for most mainstream users. Its fluid interface, near-instant startup, bigger sensor, excellent low-light results, and extended battery life deliver a top-tier action cam experience. While it lacks 5K capture or truly universal mounts, it nails the fundamentals of ease of use, reliability, and strong video performance. If you want a no-hassle 4K camera for everyday action or adventure, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is our top recommendation for 2024 and beyond.
