DJI Osmo Action 2 Cam
DJI has presented its new action cam, the DJI Action 2, and is now trying to go its own way in terms of the form factor and the mounting options that are important for action cams. In addition to the very compact basic camera unit, extensions can be connected very quickly with a magnetic quick-release fastener. In our test we tell you how it works in practice.
Contents
Technical data DJI Osmo Action 2
In the following I have summarized the most important technical data for you.
| Dimensions | Camera unit: 39 × 39 × 22.3 mm |
| weight | 56 g |
| Number of microphone | Camera unit: 1 Front touchscreen module: 3 |
| Front touch screen | 1.76 inches 350 ppi (additional module) |
| Back touch screen | 1.76 inches 350 ppi (referring to the camera unit) |
| sensor | 1 / 1.7 ″ CMOS Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
| lens | FOV: 155 ° f / 2.8 |
| ISO range | Photo: 100-6400 Video: 100-6400 |
| Electronic shutter speed | Photo: 1 / 8000-30 s Video: 1/8000 s to the limit of frames per second |
| Max image size | 4000 × 3000 |
| Still Photography Modes | Single: 12 MP Countdown: Off / 0.5s / 1/2/3/5/10 seconds |
| Waterproof | Camera unit: 10 m without waterproof case |
Here are the different camera modes
| Video settings | 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: 1920 × 1080 @ 100/120/200 / 240fps 1080p: 1920 × 1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50 / 60fps |
| Slow motion | 4K: 4x (120fps) 2.7K: 4x (120fps) 1080p: 8x (240fps), 4x (120fps) |
| Timelapse | 4K / 2.7K / 1080p Intervals: 0.5 / 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/10/13/15/20/25/30/40 seconds Duration: 5/10/20/30 minutes, 1/2/3/5 hours, ∞ |
| Stablization | EIS: RockSteady 2.0 + HorizonSteady * * RockSteady does not support EIS when recording at 100fps or above. When using HorizonSteady, max resolution is 2.7K. |
| Max video bit rate | 100 Mbps (TBD) |
| Supported file formats | exFAT |
| Photo formats | JPEG / RAW |
| Video format | MP4 (H.264 / HEVC) |
| Supported SD cards | microSD cards with capacities of up to 256GB |
At first glance, the data doesn’t make a bad impression.
In any case, the weight of only 56g is special, which is immediately noticeable when you pick up the camera module. The small size of the camera module should also be practical for one or the other use. Especially when you consider that the camera module is waterproof up to 10m without the extensions.
Special features and accessories DJI Action 2
For the peculiarities I make it a little easy for myself and copy my personal highlights from the DJI press release before I get to my experience report. It should be important in this context
- Slow motion: Videos can be played in slow motion (4x in 4K / 120fps and 8x in 1080p / 240fps) can be recorded in order to capture even fleeting moments permanently.
- Hyperlapse and Time Lapse: With Time Lapse and Hyperlapse you can create unique videos record and achieve the effect that the world around you is moving faster emotional. With Hyperlapse recordings you can still be more creative
back and forth between hyperlapse and normal speed recording switch. QuickClip: The device can be set to run short 10, 15 or 30 Record seconds of video, perfect for social media. Livestream: You can use the DJI Action 2 to stream a live stream with a transmit stable output of up to 1080p / 30fps. - UVC: The DJI Action 2 can also be used as a USB Video Device Class (UVC) video device with a computer to record high quality video for conference calls and live gaming broadcasts.
Especially the area of available accessories is something where GoPro (which is without question the biggest competitor) has generated a gigantic ecosystem of accessories over the years, which should also be decisive for the success of the DJI Action 2. In addition to its own magnetic quick release system, DJI also made sure that it can be easily connected to the GoPro system.
- DJI Action 2 front touchscreen module: A front-facing OLED touchscreen and three integrated microphones offer matrix stereo technology with 4 microphones. This allows you to compose videos or selfies on the go and record razor-sharp sound. In connection with the Action 2 you get up to 160 minutes of battery life.
- DJI Action 2 battery module: This allows you to get even more out of Action 2 by getting up to 180 minutes of recording time and an additional microSD card slot. A hot-swappable design means that battery modules can be changed on the fly in order to be supplied with power all day.
- DJI Action 2 magnetic lanyard: This stylish yet discreet lanyard is used to keep your hands free and capture moments from an exciting first-person perspective.
- DJI Action 2 Magnetic Ball Joint Adapter Mount: An adhesive bracket makes it possible to attach the DJI Action 2 to any surface and enjoy 360 ° freedom with which you can move the camera in any direction. A standard 1/4 “threaded hole is compatible with most camera accessories.
- DJI Action 2 Magnetic Adapter Bracket: This bracket holds the DJI Action 2 securely in position during extreme sports or demanding scenarios. Fold-out elements on the bottom make the Action 2 compatible with most third-party action camera accessories.
- Extension rod with remote control: This versatile 3-in-1 accessory doubles as an extension rod, tripod and detachable remote control to meet all shooting needs.
- DJI Floatable Handle: The hollow design ensures that the DJI Action 2 floats, so you can film in the water without worrying about losing your camera. The non-slip handle makes it easy to hold and the handle can be attached to a tripod or the DJI Action 2 waterproof case.
- DJI Action 2 waterproof case: The waterproof housing protects the Action 2 incl. Front touchscreen module or battery module up to a depth of 60 m.
- DJI Action 2 magnetic headband: Another hands-free alternative that allows you to record videos from a unique first-person perspective.
- DJI Action 2 Macro Lens: This optical glass with a multi-layer coating is magnetically attached over the lens of the camera and enables ideal close-ups with sharper and more detailed images.
- DJI Mic Wireless Two Channel Recording System, that adds clear and rich sound to vlogs or video recordings. DJI Mic has a recording range of up to 250 meters and is compatible with the Action 2, smartphones and all devices that have a 3.5 mm audio input. The transmitters deliver a battery life of up to
5.5 hours, the receivers up to 5 hours and the DJI Mic charger up to 15 hours.
With the accessories offered, the DJI Action 2 actually has the option of being used directly in the most important application scenarios for Action Cam.
Pricing and Availability DJI Action 2
The DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo is available from today and the DJI Action 2 Power Combo is available from the end of November at store.dji.com and from authorized retailers in various configurations. The DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo costs (depending on VAT) between 519 and 549 € and contains the DJI Action 2 camera, the front touchscreen module, the magnetic lanyard, the magnetic ball joint adapter bracket and the magnetic adapter bracket. The DJI Action 2 Power Combo costs between 399 and 419 € and contains the DJI Action 2 camera, the battery module, the magnetic lanyard and the magnetic adapter bracket. All other accessories are sold separately.
First test conclusion DJI Action 2 after 7 days
Personally, I like the form factor of the DJI Action 2 very much. The light weight and compact dimensions are definitely something special.
The magnetic quick change system is definitely something that works extremely well and quickly. Changing batteries with the GoPro is always complicated and sometimes painful. With the 30 GB of built-in memory, you can record quite a bit.
The expansion modules then have space for the mini SD card. I think in practice I would get a separate SD card for each module, because otherwise the time saved by the quick magnetic change is gone if you had to fiddle around with the mini SD card.
The small display is practical, but sometimes a bit fiddly because it is so small. According to my first impression, this is mostly a matter of habit. After the first 2 days I had no more problems using it.
I’m actually very curious how the magnetic quick release system will hold up in the long run. In my test in the skate park, of course, the DJI Action 2 also fell over and since then one module closes a little worse than the others. Of course, it could be that I was just unlucky, or that it could be a weak point in the long term. DJI does have its own care insurance, but I just hope I’m just unlucky.
The metal housing also makes a high-quality impression, but is a little prone to scratches in this context. Although I personally consider this to be the patina of an action cam and not a bad thing.
At first glance, I am personally very satisfied with the recording quality. Even in poor light, the DJI Action 2 still works well. The audio quality is also decent, although I have to test a little further here.
In my opinion, the 155 ° FOV have a not too blatant fisheye effect. The stabilization with Rock Steady really impressed me while skateboarding!
The battery runtimes, which DJI itself specifies, are of course the values that can be achieved under laboratory tests. In practice these are of course lower, especially with 4k recordings. Because the DJI Action 2 is inevitably sold in a combo package with a display or power module, you shouldn’t have a problem in everyday life. Although I would probably buy a second power module again.
If you are still traveling with an older device than the GoPro 9 and are thinking about a change, you should take a closer look at the DJI Action 2.
Personally, I think it’s good that DJI has chosen a different form factor with the Action 2 and I’m excited to see how my experience with the Action 2 will be in the next few weeks. Therefore, the evaluation here is expressly to be understood as provisional after a 7-day test.
