DJI Osmo Action 2 vs DJI Osmo Action 3
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Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 2
DJI Osmo Action 2DJI's wearable action camera: 4K video in a modular format
The DJI Osmo Action 2 is an extremely modular action camera which delivers incredible 4K120fps footage while still remaining wearable. Thanks to it's magnetic attachement system, you can mix and match modules to transform it to suit every use case you can imagine. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 3, has abandonned this modular design, so the Action 2 remains DJI's current wearable camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Wearable
- Lightweight
- Cons
- SD card only with extra module
- Modules are not waterproof without case
- Not freeze-proof
- Overheating issues
Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI Osmo Action 3DJI's 2022 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 3 was released in 2022 and while it is a few years old, it offers incredible 4K120fps video at a very affordable price. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is mostly an incremental improvement, making the Action 3 a great budget friendly action camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Freeze-proof
- Good image stabilization
- 52ft / 16m waterproof without case
- Cons
- Older model
Comparison of the Action 2 vs the Action 3
Weight and size
The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the Action 3. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the Action 3.
DJI Osmo Action 2
39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm / 1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in
1.98oz / 56g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
DJI Osmo Action 3
70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm / 2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in
5.11oz / 145g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The Action 3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The Action 3 has a removable battery whereas the Action 2's battery is not removable
DJI Osmo Action 2
580mAh
Removable
70min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
DJI Osmo Action 3
1770mAh
Removable
160min at 1080p
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Only the Action 2 features built-in storage. Both the Action 2 and the Action 3 support SD cards.
DJI Osmo Action 2
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
DJI Osmo Action 3
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Video performance
Only the Action 3 offers HDR video.
DJI Osmo Action 2
4K video at 120fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
DJI Osmo Action 3
4K video at 120fps
4K
Camera and sensor technology
The Action 2 and the Action 3 both feature 12MP. Both feature a 155° field of view. Both cameras feature 130Mbps bit rate video.
DJI Osmo Action 2
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
DJI Osmo Action 3
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Camera settings
The Action 3's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to Action 2's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-6400
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
DJI Osmo Action 3
100-12800
+/-4
Action 2 vs Action 3 specifications
| Name | DJI Osmo Action 2 | DJI Osmo Action 3 |
| Year of release | 2021 | 2022 |
| Width | 1.54in / 39mm | 2.78in / 70.5mm |
| Height | 1.54in / 39mm | 1.74in / 44.2mm |
| Depth | 0.88in / 22.3mm | 1.29in / 32.8mm |
| Weight | 1.98oz / 56g | 5.11oz / 145g |
| Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | 52ft / 16m |
| Waterproof with diving case | 197ft / 60m | 197ft / 60m |
| Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | -4°F / -20°C |
| Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 113°F / 45°C |
| Battery capacity | 580mAh | 1770mAh |
| Removable battery | No | Yes |
| Battery life | 70min at 1080p | 160min at 1080p |
| Charging time | - | 49min |
| Battery extension capacity | 1300mAh | - |
| Battery extension run time | 160m at 1080p | - |
| Battery extension charging time | 90min | - |
| Battery extension weight | 2.26oz / 64g | - |
| Built-in storage | 32GB 128GB | - |
| Storage format | microSD | microSD |
| Storage rating required | V30 or UHS-3 | V30 or UHS-3 |
| Maximun storage supported | 256GB | 256GB |
| Field of view | 155° | 155° |
| Sensor | 1/1.7" | 1/1.7" |
| Pixels | 12MP | 12MP |
| Aperture | F2.8 | F2.8 |
| ISO range | 100-6400 | 100-12800 |
| Color Depth | 8bit | 10bit |
| Video bite rate | 130Mbps | 130Mbps |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
| 360-degree video | No | No |
| 4K video | 120fps | 120fps |
| 2.7K video | 120fps | 120fps |
| 1080p video | 240fps | 240fps |
| Slow motion at 4K | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p | 8x at 1080p |
| HDR video | - | 4K |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 2.0 | RockSteady 3.0 |
| Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (MP4) |
| Live streaming | No | No |
| Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Starlapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
| Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
| Subject tracking | No | No |
| Photo burst mode | No | No |
| RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 1 (3 with Module) | 3 |
| Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Audio format | aac | aac |
| Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 5.0 |
| USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
| GPS integrated | No | No |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes |