DJI Action 2 Power Combo: Full Review

DJI is a leading manufacturer of camera drones and action cameras. Based in Shenzhen, China, the company has become known for its innovative imaging technology and high-quality aerial photography drones like the Mavic series.

With the release of the DJI Osmo Action in 2019, DJI entered the action camera market to compete with GoPro. The Osmo Action introduced front and rear displays and RockSteady stabilization to make it easier for users to frame shots.

Now in 2022, DJI has announced the DJI Action 2, a modular and magnetic action camera designed for versatility and advanced performance. As a successor to the Osmo Action, the Action 2 aims to push boundaries and bring new innovations to the action cam space.

DJI Action 2 Power Combo Overview

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo is an exciting new action camera offering from drone maker DJI. This tiny yet powerful camera packs impressive specs into an innovative modular design.

The DJI Action 2 camera unit itself is a compact and lightweight box shape that measures just 39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm and weighs only 56g. Yet inside is a 1/1.7" CMOS sensor capable of capturing 12MP still photos and up to 4K/120fps video. The ultra-wide 155° field of view lens provides an immersive perspective perfect for action shots.

The Power Combo adds a secondary touch screen module for easy control and previewing shots. There is also an extended battery module that boosts battery life up to 180 minutes. Overall, the Power Combo offers versatile mounting options, advanced stabilization, waterproofing to 10 meters, and comprehensive companion app control.

With its portable size yet stacked specs and features, the DJI Action 2 Power Combo aims to be a top choice for adventurers and thrill-seekers. It combines DJI's innovations in a practical form factor ready for any exploits.

For those looking for another solid option, the DJI Osmo Action 3 Standard Combo is worth considering. This action camera features a robust design with a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 12MP photos and 4K/60fps video. It boasts dual screens for easy framing and playback, along with enhanced stabilization and voice control. Waterproof up to 11 meters and equipped with a slow-motion mode, the Osmo Action 3 is designed to handle various adventurous endeavors, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Design

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo comes with a modular and compact design that makes it highly portable and durable. It weighs just 56g, which is incredibly light for an action camera. The camera itself is only 39mm tall and 22.3mm wide, so it can fit into tight spaces like helmet vents or your pocket.

Despite its small size, the Action 2 Power Combo feels sturdy thanks to its metal frame. The front is made of tough Gorilla Glass that provides protection against scratches and drops. It's also waterproof up to 10 meters without any additional housing, making it great for underwater activities.

One unique design feature is the magnetic mounting system. The camera attaches securely to various mounts and accessories using built-in magnets. This allows you to swap between mounts quickly and easily. For example, you could go from your helmet to your bike handlebars in seconds. The magnets keep the camera firmly in place during action sports or activities with lots of movement.

Overall, the portable and durable design makes the DJI Action 2 Power Combo ideal for capturing immersive footage on the go. The compact size doesn't sacrifice toughness or easy mounting capabilities.

Another great option to consider is the DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo. The Osmo Action 4 brings advanced imaging capabilities and a rugged design. Featuring a vivid front screen, enhanced battery life, and robust stabilization, this camera is built to handle extreme environments. Its waterproof capacity extends up to 16 meters without extra housing, and it boasts a suite of versatile shooting modes ideal for any adventure.

Image Quality

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo captures crisp, detailed images thanks to its 1/1.7" CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12MP for photos and 4K for videos.

The lens has an f/2.8 aperture and an ultra-wide 155° field of view, allowing you to fit more into each shot. This makes the Action 2 well-suited for capturing landscapes, architecture, and action scenes where you want a wide perspective.

The 3-axis RockSteady stabilization provides smooth, jitter-free footage even during fast-paced activities. This advanced stabilization uses an algorithm to make micro-adjustments to each frame, effectively eliminating shake and vibration. You'll get clear, stable videos whether you're cycling, skiing or chasing your kids around.

Low-light performance is also respectable, with relatively low noise in dim conditions up to ISO 3200. The lens captures enough light to deliver clean, detailed shots at night or indoors without the need for a flash.

Overall, the image quality of the DJI Action 2 Power Combo is excellent for an action camera of this size. The combination of the fast lens, effective stabilization and high resolution sensor enables sharp, vivid photos and videos.

Video Quality

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo can record video in up to 4K at 120 fps with HDR. This allows you to capture extremely smooth and detailed footage.

The camera utilizes RockSteady 2.0 stabilization to produce stable videos even during fast movements or vibrations. This is achieved through an advanced algorithm that predicts your movements and makes micro-adjustments to the footage to reduce shake. Many users report getting gimbal-like stabilization without the need for any extra accessories.

You can choose from several video modes depending on your needs:

• 4K at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
• 2.7K at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps
• 1080p at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240 fps
• 720p at 25/30 fps

The high frame rate options like 4K 120fps and 1080p 240fps allow you to capture smooth slow motion when edited.

Overall, the video capabilities of the Action 2 Power Combo are extremely versatile for an action camera of this size. The combination of high resolution, high frame rates, advanced stabilization, and multiple modes provides excellent options for sharp, stable videos in different situations.

Battery Life

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo comes with an Extended Battery Module that significantly improves battery life compared to the standard DJI Action 2.

The Extended Battery Module has a capacity of 580 mAh while the standard DJI Action 2 battery has just 180 mAh. This more than 3x increase in battery size allows for much longer record times.

DJI estimates that with the Extended Battery Module, you can record video for up to 180 minutes. That's compared to just 68 minutes with the standard DJI Action 2 battery. For 4K video at 60fps, the Extended Battery Module lasts for up to 45 minutes.

The modular design is excellent for flexibility. You can use the compact standard battery for a lightweight setup when needed. But the Extended Battery Module ensures you don't miss capturing important moments due to running out of juice. Overall, the upgraded battery capacity is a major advantage of the Power Combo.

Features

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo comes packed with features to enhance your action videos and photos.

Shooting Modes

The Action 2 offers a variety of shooting modes to capture your adventures. Timelapse mode allows you to condense time into stunning visuals. TimeShift enables you to create hyperlapses by speeding up your footage. The Slow Motion mode films up to 8x slower for dramatic action sequences. And the QuickClip mode lets you film short 15 or 30 second clips with just one tap.

Connectivity

Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth allow you to connect the Action 2 to the DJI Mimo app on your smartphone. This gives you a live view, remote control of your camera, and access to your footage for quick sharing. The Power Combo module provides a front screen for monitoring your shots without connecting to your phone.

Accessories

The Power Combo comes with a variety of magnetic accessories that make mounting and protecting your Action 2 easy. The included Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter provides flexible positioning, while the Magnetic Protective Cover shields the lens. You also get the Magnetic Mounting Fingers for attaching to metal objects. Additional accessories like suction cups, tripods, floats, and more are available for expanded functionality.

Performance

The DJI Action 2 delivers excellent performance for an action camera of its size. The speed and responsiveness when controlling the camera are superb.

• Powering on and off the camera is nearly instantaneous, allowing you to capture moments quickly without delay. The touch screen interface is also very responsive.

• Navigating the menus, changing settings, starting/stopping recording is all extremely fast. You won't miss any shots due to lag or slow performance.

• The magnetic design makes attaching and detaching mounts effortless. You can go from handheld to mounted shooting in seconds.

• Controlling and previewing shots with the smartphone app also feels very smooth and responsive. The WiFi connection is strong and reliable.

• Overall usability is fantastic. The compact form factor and one-touch record button make the Action 2 very easy and intuitive to operate, even when wearing gloves or in challenging conditions.

• All of these performance factors make the DJI Action 2 a pleasure to use. It's always ready to capture your adventures without hassle or delay. The speed and responsiveness match the needs of fast-paced action shooting.

Pros and Cons

The DJI Action 2 Power Combo has a lot of great features but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Compact, modular design makes it very portable.
• Front touch screen provides easy access to controls.
• Excellent video stabilization thanks to RockSteady technology.
• Can shoot 4K video at up to 120fps.
• 155° wide angle lens captures more of the scene.
• Magnetic mounting system makes attaching accessories easy.
• Waterproof without a case down to 10 meters.

Cons

• Battery life could be better, especially with heavy use.
• No built-in HDMI port.
• Accessories can get expensive.
• Not compatible with filters or lens protectors.
• No built-in live streaming capabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, the DJI Action 2 Power Combo is an excellent action camera that offers great value for the price. The modular design is innovative, allowing you to customize the camera for your needs. Image quality is superb with the wide 155° field of view, and stabilization keeps videos smooth. The magnetic mounting is convenient, and the camera is rugged enough for any adventure.

Battery life could be better, but the extended battery module helps a lot. The lack of a front-facing screen may bother some users. However, the touch screen rear module works well for framing shots. Features like Hyperlapse and QuickClip are fun to use.

At around $400 for the Power Combo, the DJI Action 2 offers capabilities comparable to much more expensive action cameras. Unless you need the highest video resolution available, most users will be very satisfied with the image and video quality. The compact, versatile design makes it easy to use on the go. If you're looking for a great action camera without spending a fortune, the DJI Action 2 Power Combo is an excellent choice.