DJI Osmo Action 2 vs Insta360 X3
VS
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 Insta360 X3
Insta360 X3Insta360's 2022 360 camera: 5.7K video and a large touchscreen
The Insta360 X3 was released in 2022 and is a few years old now, but it still delivers exceptionnal performance and is the best pick if you are looking for the best value for money. The 5.7K30fps 360 video is more than sufficient for capturing amazing footage unless you need to zoom in aggressively. The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.
- Pros
- Great performance
- Good value for money
- Diving case for underwater footage
- Cons
- Average battery life
Comparison of the Action 2 vs the X3
Weight and size
The Action 2 is a lot more compact than the X3. The Action 2 is a lot lighter than the X3.
DJI Osmo Action 2
39mm x 39mm x 22.3mm / 1.54in x 1.54in x 0.88in
1.98oz / 56g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
Insta360 X3
46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm / 1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in
6.35oz / 180g
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 X3 offers a much larger battery capacity. The X3 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
Insta360 X3
1800mAh
Removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
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 X3 support SD cards.
DJI Osmo Action 2
32GB or 128GB
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
Insta360 X3
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 X3 offers HDR video.
DJI Osmo Action 2
4K video at 120fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Insta360 X3
4K video at 30fps
Yes
Camera and sensor technology
The X3 features a much higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 2 has a slightly better video bit rate than the X3.
DJI Osmo Action 2
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
Insta360 X3
72MP
155°
120Mbps
Camera settings
The Action 2's 100-6400 ISO range is far superior to X3's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
DJI Osmo Action 2
100-6400
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Insta360 X3
100-3200
+/-4
Action 2 vs X3 specifications
| Name | DJI Osmo Action 2 | Insta360 X3 |
| Year of release | 2021 | 2022 |
| Width | 1.54in / 39mm | 1.81in / 46mm |
| Height | 1.54in / 39mm | 4.49in / 114mm |
| Depth | 0.88in / 22.3mm | 1.3in / 33.1mm |
| Weight | 1.98oz / 56g | 6.35oz / 180g |
| Waterproof | 33ft / 10m | 33ft / 10m |
| Waterproof with diving case | 197ft / 60m | 164ft / 50m |
| Min operating temperature | 32°F / 0°C | -4°F / -20°C |
| Max operating temperature | 104°F / 40°C | 104°F / 40°C |
| Battery capacity | 580mAh | 1800mAh |
| Removable battery | No | Yes |
| Battery life | 70min at 1080p | 81min 5.7K30fps 360° |
| Charging time | - | 90min |
| 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 | 1TB |
| Field of view | 155° | 155° |
| Sensor | 1/1.7" | 1/1.9" |
| Pixels | 12MP | 72MP |
| Aperture | F2.8 | F1.9 |
| Focal length | - | 6.7mm |
| ISO range | 100-6400 | 100-3200 |
| Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
| Video bite rate | 130Mbps | 120Mbps |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
| 360-degree video | No | Yes |
| 5.7K 360 video | - | 30fps |
| 4K 360 video | - | 60fps |
| 3K 360 video | - | 100fps |
| 360 video format | - | INSV |
| 4K video | 120fps | 30fps |
| 2.7K video | 120fps | 60fps |
| 1080p video | 240fps | 60fps |
| Slow motion at 4K | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum slow motion | 4x at 1080p | 4x at 1080p |
| HDR video | - | Yes |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 2.0 | FlowState |
| Horizon lock | - | Yes |
| Video format | H.264 (MP4) | H.264 (MP4) |
| Live streaming | No | Yes |
| Webcam mode | - | Yes |
| Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Starlapse mode | Yes | Yes |
| Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
| Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
| Subject tracking | No | Yes |
| Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
| RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
| Microphones | 1 (3 with Module) | 4 |
| 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 |
| GPS pairing | - | iOS Application Android Application |
| Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture commands | - | No |