New DJI Osmo 360 Debuts with Largest Sensors in the Market - But It's Not Just That Setting a New Standard...
DJI, the world-renowned drone manufacturer, has entered the 360-degree camera market with the release of the Osmo 360. This innovative device boasts several features that set it apart from its competitors, particularly the Insta360 X5.
Key Differences
The Osmo 360 features a custom 1-inch square sensor, providing about 25% more usable image area than the traditional rectangular 1/1.28-inch sensor in the Insta360 X5. This larger sensor and bigger pixel size (2.4 µm for Osmo vs. 1.2 µm for X5) contribute to better low-light performance and image quality on the Osmo 360.
In terms of video resolution and frame rates, the Osmo 360 can record up to 8K at 50 fps (but not 60 fps), 6K at 60 fps, and 4K at 100 fps. The Insta360 X5 reaches 8K at 30 fps, 5.7K at 60 fps, and 4K at an impressive 120 fps, giving it an edge for slow-motion footage. The Osmo 360 supports up to 10-bit color depth across all its color modes, allowing smoother gradients and more flexibility in post-processing, whereas the X5 maxes out at 8-bit color depth.
Both cameras offer flat/log color profiles for better color grading (D-Log M for Osmo, ILOG for X5) and similar dynamic range claims (around 12 to 13 stops). DJI Osmo 360 also uniquely includes up to 5 minutes of pre-record buffer time, compared to much shorter pre-record times on the Insta360 X5.
Additional Features
The Osmo 360 is available in two combos: The 'Standard Combo' and the 'Adventure Combo'. The former includes a single battery, a protective pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, and a rubber lens protector. The 'Adventure Combo' adds two more batteries, DJI's 'Multifunction Battery Case 2', a tiltable Quick Release Adapter Mount, and the Osmo 1.2m Invisible Selfie Stick.
The Osmo 360 weighs 183g (6.5 ounces) and features DJI's HorizonSteady and RockSteady image stabilization and horizontal levelling technology. It has a panoramic imaging field diameter of 9.6mm, which is larger than the Insta360 X5's 7.2mm.
The Osmo 360 has a battery life that allows it to shoot continuously in 8K at 30fps for over 100 minutes. However, there is no estimated timeline for when the Osmo 360 will be available in the U.S. market.
Expert Opinion
Adam Juniper, a tech journalist with over 20 years of experience, is the resident expert on camera drones and drone photography at the site. Juniper, who is the author of several books including "The Complete Guide to Drones" and "The Drone Pilot's Handbook", keeps a guide to the best 360-degree cameras. According to Juniper, the Osmo 360 is optimized for superior image quality, color fidelity, and dynamic range, making it better for projects that demand high detail and color grading flexibility.
DJI has built 360-degree remote control and editing features into Mimo, the app offered with the Osmo 360. The Osmo 360 is also compatible with the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini without the need to connect a receiver, and the Mic can be used as a remote. Additionally, the Osmo 360 includes built-in storage with 105GB capacity.
In conclusion, the DJI Osmo 360 is a promising addition to the 360-degree camera market, offering superior image quality, color fidelity, and dynamic range. While it may not excel in high-frame-rate slow-motion capabilities like the Insta360 X5, it remains a strong contender with its large sensor, high resolution, and 10-bit color depth. However, its availability in the U.S. market remains uncertain.
- DJI, a renowned drone manufacturer, has entered the 360-degree camera market with the release of the Osmo 360, a device featuring a custom 1-inch square sensor and a larger pixel size.
- The Osmo 360 can record up to 8K at 50 fps and 6K at 60 fps, while the Insta360 X5 reaches 8K at 30 fps and 5.7K at 60 fps, giving it an edge for slow-motion footage.
- The Osmo 360 supports up to 10-bit color depth, allowing smoother gradients and more flexibility in post-processing, whereas the X5 maxes out at 8-bit color depth.
- The Osmo 360 includes unique features such as up to 5 minutes of pre-record buffer time and compatibility with the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini.
- The Osmo 360 is available in two combos, with the 'Adventure Combo' offering additional batteries, a mount, and a selfie stick.
- Adam Juniper, a tech journalist with over 20 years of experience, believes the Osmo 360 is optimized for superior image quality, color fidelity, and dynamic range.
- The Osmo 360 also has built-in storage with 105GB capacity and comes with Mimo, an app offering remote control and editing features.
- The Osmo 360 is a strong contender in the 360-degree camera market due to its large sensor, high resolution, and 10-bit color depth, despite its availability in the U.S. market remaining uncertain.
