DJI Steps Into the 360 Camera Arena with the Osmo 360, Challenging Insta360
DJI has entered the panoramic action camera market with the Osmo 360, taking direct aim at rival Insta360. The new camera brings a fresh sensor design, 8K 50 fps 10-bit log recording, and a compact, lightweight body. While 360 cameras trade some video quality for unlimited angles, DJI’s first attempt impresses with strong performance and innovative features.
Design and Features
Insta360 made waves by capturing footage from all angles, allowing users to reframe videos freely. The trade-off is resolution loss when converting 360 footage to a flat format. DJI’s Osmo 360 follows a similar approach but introduces a new 1-inch square sensor, which uses 25 percent more of the sensor area compared to rectangular sensors in rival models. This boosts image quality, low-light performance, and power efficiency.
The Osmo 360 is slightly smaller and lighter than Insta360’s X5, making it easier to mount on bikes or gear. It also includes 105GB of built-in storage—unlike Insta360’s reliance on microSD cards—and supports DJI’s existing Action 4 and 5 Pro batteries. Battery life is competitive, offering up to 120 minutes of 8K 30 fps recording, extendable to 180 minutes with an optional battery rod.
Video and Audio Performance
The Osmo 360 leads the 360-camera category with 8K 50 fps recording, surpassing Insta360’s 8K 30 fps limit. It also supports 10-bit D-LogM for better dynamic range, outperforming Insta360’s 8-bit I-Log. For traditional flat video, single-lens mode captures 4K 120 fps with a 170-degree field of view.
In testing, the camera handled 8K 50 fps for nearly 90 minutes without overheating. Low-light performance was strong, thanks to larger pixels that gather more light. Stitching was seamless, and stabilization worked well, though it struggled slightly in low light with motion blur.
Audio options include DJI’s Mic 2 and Mic Mini, supporting dual-mic recording—a feature Insta360 lacks. Third-party wireless earbuds can also connect, though only one pair at a time.
Software and Editing
Editing 360 footage is crucial, and DJI’s new Studio app is a mixed bag. While it handles basic trimming and angle adjustments, it lacks Insta360’s polish, missing features like text overlays and transitions. Keyframing for smooth angle changes works well, but bugs and an unintuitive interface hold it back. Still, it’s a decent first effort, with room to improve.
Final Thoughts
DJI’s Osmo 360 is a strong debut in the 360-camera space, offering better low-light and high-contrast performance than Insta360’s X5. Built-in storage, dual-mic support, and solid battery life add to its appeal. Downsides include slightly softer video compared to standard action cams and stabilization hiccups in low light. The editing app also needs refinement.
Priced at €480 for the Standard Combo and €630 for the Adventure Combo, the Osmo 360 is available in most regions, though U.S. availability remains uncertain. For a first attempt, DJI has delivered a capable rival to Insta360’s dominance.
