DJI Osmo Action 3 Standard Combo: Full Review

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is a compact action camera released in 2022 by DJI, a company known for its drones and gimbals. As an action camera, the Osmo Action 3 is designed for shooting video and photos during activities like biking, hiking, skiing, or water sports.

This third-generation Osmo Action builds on the previous models with upgrades like a larger sensor, improved stabilization, and the addition of a second screen. Key features include high-resolution 4K/120fps video, a front color screen, HorizonSteady stabilization, 10-bit color, and improved low light performance.

The Osmo Action 3 aims to compete with GoPro's HERO line as a versatile action camera that can be mounted to helmets, bikes, bodies, and more. It retains a durable, waterproof design and includes features tailored for capturing fast-moving activities. Overall, the Osmo Action 3 represents DJI's continued push into the action camera market with their most advanced model yet.

Design

The Osmo Action 3 features a durable and compact design ideal for action cameras. It measures 71 x 44 x 36 mm and weighs just 152 grams, making it easy to mount or hold during activities. The lightweight body is made of high-strength plastic that can withstand drops and bumps. It has a rubberized finish for a secure grip. The camera is also waterproof down to 16 meters without a case, making it suitable for underwater activities like swimming and snorkeling.

For durability, the USB-C and battery doors have rubber gaskets to prevent water and dust ingress. The lens cover is made of strengthened glass to resist scratches and impact. Overall, the Osmo Action 3 combines a rugged build quality with a portable form factor well-suited for outdoor adventures and fast-paced activities.

If you're looking for more versatility, consider the DJI Action 2 Power Combo. This version enhances the design by featuring a modular magnetic system for rapid assembly and disassembly. It is ultra-light and compact, allowing even more flexible recording angles. The DJI Action 2 also offers improved battery life, making it a perfect companion for extended recording sessions. With its robust build and innovative features, it's designed to capture high-quality footage in the most demanding conditions.

Image Quality

The Osmo Action 3 captures stunning 4K video at up to 120fps and 12MP photos. It features an upgraded 1/1.7” CMOS sensor and an f/2.8 ultra-wide angle lens with a 155° field of view, allowing you to capture more of the scene.

The larger sensor enables improved low light performance, capturing richer colors and sharper details. Photos have high dynamic range, showing good contrast between shadows and highlights. Videos display a wide 10.3 stops of dynamic range.

Frame rates up to 120fps in 4K allow capturing fast action smoothly. The camera has various slo-mo modes too like 4X at 1080p or 8X at 720p for engaging slow motion footage. Overall, the image quality is a noticeable step up from the Osmo Action 2.

If you're looking for an even more advanced solution, consider the DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo. This package offers even better image quality, enhanced stabilization features, and a more robust build. It's designed to handle extreme conditions and comes with additional accessories that make shooting dynamic scenes easier and more fun.

Video Features

The Osmo Action 3 offers impressive video capabilities for an action camera of its size. It can shoot video at up to 4K resolution at 60 fps. This allows for very sharp, detailed video that can be slowed down in editing without losing quality.

For high frame rate shooting, the camera can do 1080p video at up to 240fps. This produces smooth slow motion when played back at normal speed. Slow motion capture is great for action shots.

You can shoot in both the H.264 and H.265 video codecs. H.265 offers roughly double the compression efficiency of H.264, meaning you can fit more footage onto your memory card. However, H.265 footage requires more processing power to edit and play back smoothly.

The camera has RockSteady 2.0 stabilization which helps smooth out video footage. It works by cropping the frame slightly to offset the shaking motions from your hands or movements. This produces very stable looking video without the need for a gimbal. The stabilization can be used even in high frame rates like 240fps.

For vloggers, the camera can live stream directly to YouTube and Facebook using its built-in wifi. This allows you to share adventures instantly without any post processing required.

Overall, the Osmo Action 3 provides very versatile high quality video recording in a compact form factor. The stabilization, high frame rates, and direct live streaming make it a great choice for capturing fast action and sharing instantly.

Photo Features

The Osmo Action 3 captures 12MP photos with support for RAW and JPEG formats. It has a wide dynamic range and can shoot in HDR for greater highlight and shadow details.

The camera has a burst mode that allows up to 30 photos per second, great for action shots. You can take photos while recording video too. The various fields of view like Ultra Wide, Wide and Linear allow you to frame shots appropriately.

There are many photo options like timer, AEB and timelapse. You can shoot panoramas as well by panning the camera. Low light performance is decent and the night mode can further improve dark shots.

Connectivity and App

The DJI Osmo Action 3 has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It can connect via Bluetooth and WiFi to the DJI Mimo app on your smartphone.

The Mimo app lets you change camera settings, preview shots, start/stop recording, and more. It provides full remote control over the camera. You can also edit videos, add filters and music, and share content to social media through the app.

The Osmo Action 3 has dual-band WiFi that operates on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. This provides a more reliable connection with reduced interference compared to single band WiFi. The 5GHz band offers faster data transfer speeds for quick previewing and downloading of content.

The camera can be wirelessly controlled from up to 656 feet away. This long range control gives you more flexibility when framing shots from a distance. You don't need to be right next to the camera to start and stop recording.

Battery Life

The DJI Osmo Action 3 comes with a 1770mAh battery which provides improved battery life over the previous Osmo Action. DJI claims the battery lasts up to 160 minutes when recording in 4K/30fps. However, real world battery tests show the battery lasts around 70-90 minutes when recording 4K video, depending on settings used.

The battery life allows you to record a full day of action footage on a single charge. However, if you plan on doing extended recording sessions, you may want to purchase extra batteries. The battery is removable and rechargeable via USB-C.

Overall, the battery capacity is sufficient for most users' needs and provides good recording times given the compact size of the camera. The battery life is comparable or better than other action cameras in this price range.

Accessories

The DJI Osmo Action 3 comes with a good selection of accessories to get you started. In the box, you'll find:

• Battery
• Magnetic swivel mount
• Flat adhesive mount
• Curved adhesive mount
• Quick release base
• Locking screw
• USB-C cable
• Storage cover

This provides you with the essentials for mounting the Osmo Action 3 in different positions. The quick release base and magnetic swivel mount make it easy to detach the camera when needed.

Additional batteries can be purchased for extended shooting time. The Osmo Action 3 is compatible with the same batteries as the Osmo Action 2. Extra adhesive mounts in various shapes are also available.

For underwater usage, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is waterproof up to 16 feet without a case. But you can pick up a Super Suit housing to protect the camera at depths up to 196 feet.

There are also options like the floating handle grip, extended rod mount, and invisible selfie stick that provide new mounting possibilities. The cold weather winter pack adds insulation for operation in freezing temperatures.

Overall, DJI offers a solid ecosystem of mounts and accessories to expand the versatility of the Osmo Action 3 camera. The included items cover the basics, while additional purchases allow you to customize based on your needs.

Pros and Cons

The DJI Osmo Action 3 has many excellent features but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Exceptional image stabilization with HorizonSteady
• Sharp 4K video at up to 120fps
• Vibrant color with 10-bit video
• Versatile shooting modes like slow motion and timelapse
• Intuitive touch screen interface
• Useful front display for vlogging
• Waterproof and rugged design
• Good battery life
• Compatible with many DJI accessories

Cons

• No onboard storage
• Limited zoom capabilities
• No live streaming support
• Fewer resolution and frame rate options than some competitors
• Can overheat when recording long 4K/120fps clips
• No headphone jack

The DJI Osmo Action 3 offers class-leading stabilization and great image quality. But the lack of onboard storage and live streaming may be dealbreakers for some users. Overall it's an excellent action camera that excels at 4K recording.

Conclusion

The DJI Osmo Action 3 is an excellent action camera that improves upon its predecessor in almost every way. It captures stunning 4K video at up to 120fps with impressive image stabilization thanks to the new HorizonSteady technology. The dual screens allow you to easily frame yourself in shots.

Photo quality is also superb with the ability to shoot 20MP still images and 10-bit RAW photos. The new matrix sensor and f/1.8 aperture ensure excellent low light performance. Slow motion capabilities are impressive with 4K at up to 120fps or 1080p at up to 240fps.

Connectivity is simple with Bluetooth and WiFi and the user interface has been streamlined. Battery life has improved to 160 minutes. The cold resistant design means you can shoot in frigid conditions.

Overall, the DJI Osmo Action 3 offers incredible performance and great value. If you want a versatile action camera that can capture stunning, stabilized video and high-quality photos, it's easy to highly recommend the DJI Osmo Action 3.