DJI Action Cameras

DJI Action Cameras

The first choice is what shape of footage you want. A conventional action camera points forward and records one wide frame, which is the straightforward option for helmet, chest and handlebar mounting where you already know what you are aiming at. A 360 camera captures the full sphere in one pass and lets you pick the framing afterwards in the app, so it suits mounts where you cannot control the angle, or a run you only get one attempt at. There is also a compact-bodied option with storage built in, which keeps the whole rig down to a camera and a clip rather than a camera, a cage and a card. The second choice is the kit tier, and it matters more than it looks. A Standard Combo covers the camera and the essentials to start shooting, while an Adventure Combo adds spare batteries, a multi-charger and an extension rod, which is the difference between an afternoon out and a full weekend of filming. Count the batteries first when you are deciding, because run time is what actually stops a shoot. Mounting is worth settling before you buy as well, since a chest or helmet position changes the framing you end up using far more than the model choice does.

Every model here is DJI. The Osmo Action 5 Pro covers the conventional forward-facing format and is stocked as a Standard Combo and an Adventure Combo. The Osmo 360 handles full-sphere capture and is also available in both Standard and Adventure Combo tiers, while the Osmo Nano Standard Combo takes the compact route with 128GB of storage on board. For gimbal-stabilised pocket cameras with a rotating screen see DJI Osmo Pocket Cameras, and for the wider cross-brand selection Vlog Cameras. Clean sound is the usual next purchase, covered at DJI Microphones, smartphone stabilisation at DJI Gimbals, and aerial work at DJI Drones.