DJI Osmo Action 3 vs 5 Pro: Which One to Buy?
Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
The Osmo Action 5 Pro is DJI's newest and most advanced action camera in 2024. While its new capabilities are certainly appealing, the declining price of the older Osmo Action 3 also makes it an increasingly attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. So which one should you buy in 2024? Is the Osmo Action 3 still a worthy option compared to the latest Osmo Action 5 Pro?
Key Takeaways
Osmo Action 5 Pro has a brighter OLED display than Osmo Action 3's LCD. Its larger 1/1.3" also delivers superior low-light performance compared to the 1/1.7" sensor of the Osmo Action 3. It also introduces new features like D-Log M, HLG support, depth and altitude gauge, subject tracking, and more, making it a more versatile and capable action camera compared to the Osmo Action 3.
DJI Osmo Action 3
True Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.7” CMOS Sensor
✓ 10-bit Color
✓ Waterproof to 16m
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
High-Performing Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 40 MP Photo
✓ Next-Gen 1/1.3” CMOS
✓ Dual OLED Touchscreen
✓ Air Pressure and Water Pressure Gauge
#1 Price
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 3 had a launch price of US$329 back in 2022, but now the price has dropped significantly, making it a more budget-friendly choice. As of September 2024, the official DJI website lists it at US$199 for the Standard Combo, but you may find varying prices from other retailers.
On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro retails at US$349, which is only $20 more than the original launch price of the Osmo Action 3. Even if the price may seem expensive, this price is still lower than other competitors' latest action cameras, such as GoPro Hero 13 at US$399 and Insta360 X4 at US$499.
Read also: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13
#2 Design & Display
DJI Osmo Action 3
Both measuring 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm and weighing less than 150 grams, the DJI Osmo Action 3 and 5 Pro share the same overall design, ruggedness, and compactness. They have a magnetic quick-release design that allows for easy mounting and swapping of accessories using the included Quick-Release Adapter Mount.
The key design difference between the two lies in the display, with the Osmo Action 5 Pro integrating a new OLED touchscreen with a 1000 nits peak brightness instead of the less bright and vibrant LCD touchscreen found on the Osmo Action 3.
The display also gets a slight size increase, measuring 2.5" for the rear and 1.46" for the front display on the Osmo Action 5 Pro compared to the 2.25" rear and 1.4" front displays on the Osmo Action 3. As a result, the screen-to-body ratio has increased by 16%, providing a larger viewing area without increasing the overall size of the camera.
Another difference concerns the waterproofing capability. While both are waterproof, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is rated for up to 20 meters underwater without a housing, compared to only 16 meters for the Osmo Action 3.
#3 Video & Photo
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 3 and 5 Pro both support a maximum video resolution of 4K, but the Osmo Action 5 Pro can take up to 40 MP photos as compared to the 12 MP photos of the Osmo Action 3.
The low light performance also got much improved in the Osmo Action 5 Pro, thanks to the introduction of a new-generation 1/1.3" CMOS sensor with an equivalent pixel size of 2.4 μm and a high dynamic range of 13.5 stops, as well as a new 4nm high-performance chip. When using the SuperNight mode, the camera can capture stunning low-light footage with significantly reduced noise and enhanced details.
For professional color grading, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro offers 10-bit D-Log M. It also offers 10-bit HLG for a wide dynamic range and color gamut which can be displayed on HDR-compatible devices. The Osmo Action 3 is originally limited to 8-bit color depth, but a firmware update has later added 10-bit color depth support, though yet with D-Log M or HLG support available.
DJI Osmo Action 3
Slow motion is another area where the Osmo Action 5 Pro has an edge. While the Osmo Action 3 is limited to 8x slow motion, the Osmo Action 5 Pro can deliver 32x super slow motion. However, instead of natively recording 32x slow motion, the camera records 8x slow motion video at 1080p/240 fps and then performs 4x frame interpolation to generate 32x slow-motion videos at 960fps.
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also features subject-tracking capabilities. However, instead of using gimbal-like mechanical panning, tilting, and rolling to follow the subject, the camera relies on digital zoom and cropping. While this digital tracking is not as advanced as a true gimbal system, it can still be a helpful tool for creating more dynamic videos where the subject is moving within the frame.
The last key difference in terms of video & photo features is stabilization. The Osmo Action 5 Pro adds the RockSteady 3.0+ stabilization, which promises a greater degree of stabilization compared to the RockSteady 3.0 found in the Osmo Action 3. This should make the Osmo Action 5 Pro a better choice for capturing smooth and stable footage, especially during high-motion activities.
#4 Audio
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with DJI Mic 2
With 3 built-in microphones and wind noise reduction, the Osmo Action 3 and Osmo Action 5 Pro deliver good audio quality for action cameras.
Both models support external microphone connection via the USB-C to 3.5mm cable, but the Osmo Action 5 Pro can also wirelessly connect with up to two DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth. DJI OsmoAudio connectivity ecosystem also enables a high digital sampling rate of up to 48kHz, providing studio-quality audio.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also has a Built-In Mic Audio Backup feature, which can be enabled when connecting to an external microphone to record ambient sound with the camera's built-in microphone. Not only this can serve as a backup audio source in case the external microphone fails or the connection is interrupted, but it also can add a layer of authenticity to the footage.
#5 Features
DJI Osmo Action 3
The timecode on the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a useful feature for synchronizing footage from different cameras. The Osmo Action 3 didn't originally offer the timecode function, but a firmware update has since added this capability.
Both action cameras also offer the same hands-free voice control, live streaming, and webcam support.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has an advantage with its air pressure and water pressure gauge, which can provide depth and altitude data for underwater and high-altitude activities. The data is shown in real-time during filming and can be added to the video afterward using the DJI Mimo app.
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also comes with 47 GB of built-in storage, which can be expanded up to 1 TB using a microSD card. In contrast, the Osmo Action 3 only supports microSD cards up to 256 GB and does not have any internal storage.
#6 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Powered by a 1950mAh Li-ion battery, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is rated for up to 240 minutes of runtime at 1080p/24 fps. Charging the camera for 15 minutes provides 2 hours of usage.
DJI Osmo Action 3 is equipped with a 1770mAh battery, allowing it to last for up to 160 minutes when recording at 1080p/24 fps. A full charge takes 49 minutes but 18 minutes of charging can take the battery from 0% to 80%.
DJI Osmo Action 3 vs 5 Pro
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's advanced features, such as the OLED screen, improved image sensor, 10-bit D-Log M, and depth/altitude gauge, make it a compelling choice for professional videographers and content creators who demand the highest image quality and advanced capabilities.
However, the Osmo Action 3's more affordable price point and still-impressive capabilities may be a better fit for budget-conscious users or those who don't require the latest and greatest features. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the user's specific needs, priorities, and budget.
If you would like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Osmo Action 4 vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 13
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs GoPro Hero 12
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 Ace Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X4
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X3
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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