Drone and gimbal manufacturer DJI reimagined its Osmo Action camera for its second iteration, rebranded as DJI Action 2.
It has been rebuilt, armed with a variety of magnetically attached accessories that make it almost like a cross between the GoPro Hero 10 and the Insta360 Go 2.
The sturdy, waterproof, minimal-styled square camera is crafted from metal and uses Gorilla Glass protection.
And despite the modular action camera’s light and compact frame, it still boasts impressive 4K video capabilities at up to 120 frames per second (fps).
While the HorizonSteady stabilisation and RockSteady 2.0 anti-shake tech combine to ensure super smooth footage.
Action 2 uses a 1/1.7in CMOS sensor, while its f/2.8 lens delivers a 155-degree field of view. I found video captured and 12MP still images were both pleasing when lighting conditions were good.
Smooth footage
As you would expect from DJI, video is stabilised really well.
There are two options, RockSteady and HorizonSteady. The latter delivers the smoothest results, but it’s only available when shooting at 2K or 1080P resolutions. This is so the camera has the necessary extra framing room.
If you’re shooting in 4K, you need to use RockSteady mode or perform footage stabilisation in post-production and frame it accordingly.
There is a colour temperature sensor on the front allowing the camera to handle white balance adjustments based on the ambient lighting.
Users can also set the colour temperature manually, or opt to use the D-Cinelike recording mode so colour grading adjustments can be made in post-production later.
The camera has 32GB of built-in storage and its battery lasts for about 15 minutes shooting 4K footage and about a half an hour when shooting in full HD.
Accessories
Among the accessories you can attach to Action 2 are a battery pack or a front-facing screen module, both of which have a slot for a micro SD card and a USB-C port for charging. The front facing screen module also sports four extra microphones which is great for vloggers.
The idea is that you only clip on the front facing camera when you need it, and thus the camera remains lightweight the rest of the time.
The two main accessories both boost recording time. They are not waterproof but you can buy a case which makes the entire system waterproof up to 60 metres.
You will always need to being one of those main accessories with you.
The magnetic system is simple and reliable. The magnets that hold the modules together are super strong. It’s so sturdy you can safely attach the camera to any metal object.
The range of accessories is excellent. I enjoyed using Action 2 most with the included lanyard, which enables you to wear the camera, and the selfie stick with remote control which also includes a small tripod. It’s a fun camera to use.
A Macro Lens is available for those wanting to capture footage up close.
The Dual Screen combo pack also includes a ball-joint adapter that allows you to attach the camera to anything with a GoPro style mount.
Action 2 works with the DJI Mimo app which enables you to use your smartphone as a remote control and viewfinder. Controls and settings can be accessed on the camera’s rear touchscreen too.
Even in bright sunlight that screen is easy to see, and the menu gives you the option to configure the likes of resolution, frame rates, shutter speed, colour temperature, stabilisation and file management.
You can also play back captured clips—although you can’t hear the audio.
Verdict
Apart from its less than impressive performance in lowlight conditions, DJI Action 2 is a great every day action and vlogging camera that delivers nicely stabilised footage and decent battery life.
Pricing
DJI Action 2 DJI Action 2 Power Combo costs €409 and Dual-Screen Combo costs €529.
