Unexpected Adventure Buddy
Let’s be honest: when you think “action camera,” GoPro probably pops into your head first. For years, GoPro was the king of capturing wild adventures, epic fails, and those “did you see that?!” moments. So, when DJI—a company famous for its drones—decided to throw their hat into the action camera ring, I was skeptical. Could they really compete with GoPro’s legacy? Two years later, I can say: the DJI Osmo Action camera didn’t just hold its own—it surprised me in the best ways.
Why I Took the Leap: The Search for the Perfect Ride Companion
I bought my Osmo Action exactly two years ago, right when I realized my cycling adventures were missing something. Too many beautiful sunsets, hilarious mishaps, and “you had to be there” moments were slipping by uncaptured. I already owned the DJI Osmo Pocket, which is a nifty little camera, but it’s not built for the bumps and thrills of the open road. I needed something tougher, lighter, and easier to use on the fly.
But why choose DJI over the tried-and-true GoPro? After all, by then GoPro had been around since 2005 and had released seven models. Their cameras were everywhere—reviewed, tested, and loved by pros, hobbyists, and weekend warriors alike. GoPro had practically invented the action camera category, with their legendary stabilization and crisp image quality.
Yet, I found myself drawn to the Osmo Action for two big reasons:
· DJI’s Reputation for Innovation: I’d seen how DJI’s Mavic drones had evolved—sleek, intuitive, and packed with smart features. If they could bring that same magic to an action camera, I figured it was worth a shot.
· The Game-Changing Front-Facing Screen: This was the clincher. At the time, GoPro didn’t offer a front screen (they only added one with the Hero 9, much later). For anyone who’s tried to frame a selfie or vlog with a camera that only has a rear display, you know the struggle. DJI’s front-facing screen meant I could finally see what I was filming, whether it was my face or the breathtaking scenery behind me.
The Front Screen: Why Did No One Think of This Sooner?
Honestly, I was baffled that GoPro hadn’t added a front screen sooner. It felt like such an obvious feature, especially in a world obsessed with selfies and vlogging. It reminded me of a Steve Jobs quote: “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” Apple was brilliant at giving us features we didn’t know we needed. GoPro, on the other hand, seemed to have missed this memo for years.
The Competition Heats Up: Where Does Osmo Action Stand Now?
Fast forward to today, and the action camera landscape looks a lot different. GoPro’s Hero 9 and Insta360’s lineup have raised the bar, adding all sorts of bells and whistles. But does the Osmo Action still deserve a spot in your gear bag? Absolutely.
Despite only one major firmware update since its launch in May 2019, the Osmo Action holds its ground. When it comes to image resolution, video quality, and stabilization, it matches or exceeds what most people need. Sure, GoPro and Insta360 might offer some extra features, but for the average adventurer, all three brands will deliver the goods.
Insta360, in particular, has some really fun tricks up its sleeve—think wild 360-degree shots and creative editing options. I’m tempted to grab one myself, just to see what all the fuss is about. But for most enthusiasts, having two cameras (say, an Osmo Action and an Insta360) covers all your bases for capturing different angles and perspectives.
What Makes the Osmo Action a Standout?
Here’s where the Osmo Action shines, and why I keep reaching for it:
- · Ready to Go Out of the Box: No complicated setup. Just charge, mount, and hit record.
- · Rock-Solid Stabilization: Even on the roughest trails, my footage stays smooth.
- · Reliable Performance: It’s never frozen or glitched on me—a huge plus when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
- · Vibrant Photos and Videos: The color saturation improved even more after a 2020 firmware update.
- · Voice Commands: I didn’t expect to use this feature as much as I do, but it’s a game-changer when your hands are busy.
- · Pocket-Sized and Lightweight: At just 116 grams, it’s half the weight of my Sony ZV1 vlogging camera, and fits easily in a jersey pocket.
- · Professional Build: It feels sturdy and looks sharp—no cheap plastic here.
A Secret Weapon for Vloggers
Here’s something you might not expect: the Osmo Action is a surprisingly great vlogging camera. Most action cams aren’t designed for this, which might explain why GoPro took so long to add a front display. But with the Osmo Action, you can frame yourself and your surroundings perfectly, thanks to that magical front screen.
The built-in microphone is surprisingly good, too. Even without a selfie stick, the camera picks up clear audio with minimal distortion. As you pan from your face to the scenery, your voice stays crisp and audible—a rarity for tiny cameras.
While my Sony ZV1 is still my go-to for serious vlogging (especially in low light), the Osmo Action is unbeatable for spontaneous moments. It’s so light and portable that I can always have it on hand for those “you’ll never believe what happened” stories.
The Only Real Drawback: Low Light Limitations
No camera is perfect. The Osmo Action struggles in low light, where my Sony ZV1 shines. But for daytime adventures, it’s hard to beat. If you’re mostly shooting under the sun or in well-lit environments, you’ll rarely notice this shortcoming.
Value for Money: The Osmo Action Advantage
Since its debut, the Osmo Action’s price has dropped as newer models from GoPro and Insta360 hit the shelves. For example, the GoPro Hero 9 Black retails for around $629, while the Osmo Action can be found for $499—a significant saving for a camera that does 95% of what most people need.
If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use action camera that won’t break the bank, the Osmo Action is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for cyclists, travelers, and anyone who wants to capture life’s adventures without fuss.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a GoPro Alternative
The DJI Osmo Action isn’t just a “me-too” product—it’s a thoughtfully designed camera that brings its own flair to the action camera world. From the intuitive front screen to its rugged build and stellar stabilization, it’s become my go-to companion for capturing memories on the move.
Whether you’re bombing down a mountain trail, cruising city streets, or just having fun with friends, the Osmo Action is ready for anything. It’s proof that sometimes, the underdog can surprise you—and even outshine the competition.
So next time you’re gearing up for an adventure, don’t just default to GoPro. Give the Osmo Action a shot. You might just find it’s the adventure buddy you never knew you needed.