We have no idea how popular 360-degree cameras are, but there seems to be a big enough market for it that drone maker DJI is now entering the fray with their first entry in the category. Called the DJI Osmo 360, the new camera looks to offer a direct challenge to the category-leading Insta360 X5.
While it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table, the device does offer a formidable competitor to the X5, delivering similar features while offering notable specs bumps in some areas. From bigger sensors and a smaller build to higher framerates, DJI’s initial entry does make for a compelling 360-degree camera option.
The DJI Osmo 360 is equipped with one-inch square-shaped imaging sensors that, the outfit claims, deliver excellent image quality even in low light, along with fisheye lenses on each side. According to the outfit, it can capture 120-megapixel spherical photos, while recording 360-degree 8K videos at 30 fps. Want higher framerates for panoramic videos? You can go down to 6K for 60fps and even 4K at 100 fps. Want more conventional single-lens framing? It can shoot 155-degree videos in 5K at 60 fps and 170-degree videos in 4K at up to 120 fps, allowing you to capture footage of stunning slow-motion scenes in high resolution. The camera allows seamless switching between front and rear lenses, too, for even greater flexibility during filming. The camera can record in 10-bit format, by the way, allowing for more creative freedom for color correction during post-production.
It supports HDR for better colors and contrast in your captured footage, while using DJI’s HorizonSteady and RockSteady technologies to stabilize your fast-moving footage. As with other 360-degree cameras, it offers automatic tracking to keep subjects as the primary focus in the frame whenever you’re extracting clips from 360-degree footage. For audio, it houses a four-mic array that captures sound from all directions, with built-in wind noise reduction helping ensure you record clear audio with your footage.
The DJI Osmo 360 has a 1,950mAh battery that’s rated to last up to 100 minutes when recording in 8K at 30 fps. It can also charge to 50 percent in just 12 minutes, allowing you to quickly get back to recording whenever it drains out. If you use DJI’s lapel mics, you can use them directly with the camera with no need for a separate receiver, making it more convenient to beef up your audio recordings. Aside from button controls, it also supports gesture control and voice control, albeit with a limited command set.
It comes with 105GB of onboard storage, so you can store long hours of recording, sparing you from having to transfer multiple times throughout a shoot. As with other cameras designed for outdoor use, it’s got rugged construction with IP68 waterproofing (immersion up to 10 meters) and cold-resistance up to -4 degree Fahrenheit. Other features include a light weight o f 183 grams, a magnetic quick release that lets it snap onto various Osmo accessories, pro sports dashboard recording when paired with compatible devices (Apple Watch, Garmin sports watches), and various advanced features from the DJI Mimo and DJI Studio apps.
Ethan Brooks
A decade in digital publishing has taught me one major lesson the best articles are the ones that respect your time. I cut straight to the chase with well structured, punchy pieces designed to give you the exact answers you need without the runaround.