DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X3: Aspects to Know
Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024
The recently unveiled DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro boasts an array of impressive features and capabilities. Some of them, like its 20m waterproof rating and depth gauge feature, set a new benchmark for action cameras. However, Insta360 X3 is a strong contender in the market. How do both cameras stack up against each other?
Key Takeaways
While the Osmo Action 5 Pro excels in imaging quality and professional-level features, the Insta360 X3 offers unparalleled creative flexibility with its 360-degree capture and advanced AI editing tools. Depending on whether the priority is pro video quality or creative freedom, either camera could be the perfect fit for content creators and videographers.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
High-Performing Action Camera
✓ 4K Video + 40 MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” CMOS Sensor
✓ Dual OLED Touchscreen
✓ Air Pressure and Water Pressure Gauge
Insta360 X3
Action Camera for Creative Pursuits
✓ 5.7K 360 Video + 72 MP 360 Photo
✓ 4K Single-Lens Footage
✓ AI-Powered Editing
✓ Deep Track 2.0
#1 Price
Insta360 X3
First launched in September 2022, the Insta360 X3 had an original price of US$449, which is quite expensive. Thankfully, we now can find it at around US$399, making it slightly more affordable.
However, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is even more affordable. Despite being a newer model released in September 2024, it retails at a price tag of US$349, making it the more budget-friendly option between the two action cameras.
#2 Design & Display
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Insta360 X3 have some key differences in the specific design features, but they are compact, rugged, and durable overall.
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has a boxy, traditional action camera design, measuring 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8 mm and weighing 146g. Meanwhile, Insta360 X3 has a taller candy bar-like design, measuring 46 x 33.1 x 114 mm and weighing 180g.
Insta360 X3 has a single 2.29" LCD touchscreen with tempered glass, which I think is losing to the dual screens on the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which includes a front-facing 1.46" OLED touch display and a rear 2.5" OLED touchscreen. OLED is a superior display technology that offers higher brightness than standard LCD screens, and the rear OLED of the Osmo Action 5 Pro has a peak brightness of 1000 nits.
In terms of ruggedness, the Osmo Action 5 Pro seems to be winning. The camera boasts a waterproof rating of 65ft (20m) without any additional housing, while the Insta360 X3 is limited to 33ft (10m) waterproof depth without a housing. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also includes a glass lens cover for extra protection, while Insta360 X3 requires an additional purchase for its sticky lens guard.
Another aspect that gives the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro an edge is its magnetic mounting system, which allows for easy attachment and detachment of accessories and mounts. Meanwhile, Insta360 X3 relies on a 1/4" screw hole on the bottom of its body, which is secure but may not be as convenient as the magnetic system.
#3 Video & Photo
Insta360 X3
In terms of overall imaging quality, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro has it better. Its large 1/1.3" CMOS sensor coupled with its high-performing 4nm chip allows it to deliver stunning capture day and night. A dedicated SuperNight mode also helps the Osmo Action 5 Pro excel in low-light conditions.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also supports 10-bit color, D-Log M, and HLG, which respectively provide greater dynamic range, more flexibility for color grading, and compatibility with HLG displays. These features make the Osmo Action 5 Pro better suited for professional video production.
Insta360 X3's smaller 1/2" sensor and 8-bit color struggle to match the low-light performance and dynamic range of the Osmo Action 5 Pro, but it does offer the advantage of capturing 360-degree footage, while the Osmo Action 5 Pro is limited to only 155 degrees.
360-degree video and photos capture the entire scene immersively and can be reframed in post-production to generate multiple videos with different perspectives or aspect ratios, providing more creative flexibility. This makes the Insta360 X3 very appealing for multi-platform content creators.
#4 Audio
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with DJI Mic 2
While both cameras support stereo audio and offer wind noise reduction, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is equipped with just 3 microphones while the Insta360 X3 has 4 microphones. This makes sense as the X3 is designed for 360-degree audio capture to complement its 360-degree video capabilities.
Both cameras support connecting an external microphone, though you'll need a separate adapter or cable. Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth connection, but the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is designed to connect to the DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth, while the Insta360 X3 is compatible with a variety of Bluetooth microphones and headsets, including Apple AirPods.
#5 Features
Insta360 X3
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro stands out with a built-in timecode function, which is appealing for professional video production workflows that involve multi-camera setups and synchronization.
There is also a built-in air pressure and water pressure gauge, which can provide underwater depth and altitude data for underwater and high-altitude activities like hiking. The data is displayed in real-time while recording and can also be added to the footage when editing via the DJI Mimo app.
While the DJI Mimo app offers a range of useful editing features, like AI editor and templates, the Insta360 app is even more robust and feature-rich, providing advanced AI editing tools and a wide range of creative options to transform 360-degree footage into engaging content.
Deep Track 2.0 is one of the notable features of the Insta360 app, which tracks subjects from 360-degree footage and keeps them centered in the frame, making reframing a breeze. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro also has a subject tracking feature, but it is quite different from the Insta360's Deep Track.
Insta360's Deep Track tracks subject by reframing the 360-degree footage. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is not a 360-degree camera, so it tracks the subject's movement only within the camera's frame, zooming into the subject and then adjusting the composition to make it seem as if the camera is following the subject. This mechanism may trade off image quality.
Another useful feature of the Insta360 X3 is the Apple Watch Control. The camera can connect to an Apple Watch, allowing users to control basic functions for shooting from a distance.
#6 Battery Life
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro's battery life is one of the best in the action camera market. Its large-capacity 1950mAh battery is rated for up to 240 minutes of use at 1080p/24 fps.
Meanwhile, the Insta360 X3 is equipped with a 1800mAh battery, which can last for up to 81 minutes at 5.7K/30 fps.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro vs Insta360 X3
Final Thoughts
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Both the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Insta360 X3 offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to slightly different user needs and preferences. The Osmo Action 5 Pro's superior imaging quality, professional-level features, and 20m waterproofing make it a strong choice for content creators and videographers who prioritize high-quality footage and reliable performance.
On the other hand, the Insta360 X3's 360-degree capture and advanced editing tools provide unparalleled creative flexibility, appealing to content creators who seek to push the boundaries of their storytelling.
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 3 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
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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