DJI cashed in on GoPro action camera dominates and took another big step forward with the launch of the Action 5 Pro. With a new “next-generation” sensor, it promises improved video quality, along with extended battery life, larger displays and a new feature, subject tracking and centering.
The 1/1.3-inch sensor is the same size as the one on the Action 4, but DJI says it now boasts 13.5 stops of dynamic range, “making it the first action camera with features that rival professional cameras.” The maximum photo resolution is 40 megapixels (MP), up from 10 MP Activity 4. The lens has the same 155-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture as the last model.
You can shoot 4K up to 120p in 16:9 as before, but it now supports 4K 120p recording in 4:3 (3,840 x 2,880 pixels), with slow ultra-slow-mo shooting across the entire sensor if you want. crop the image later. While the GoPro 13 supports 5.3K 8:7 (5,312 x 4,648) shooting, the resolution is still limited to 4K UltraHD, giving users more cropping options.
As before, images can be shot in 10-bit D-Log M and HLG to increase dynamic range. DJI says you can shoot “highly dynamic, low-light video” at 4K/60fps to capture shadow detail without overexposing highlights. It also comes with a SuperNight mode that uses AI noise reduction to get relatively clean video.
The new 1950 mAh has a higher capacity than the previous model’s 1770 mAh, which allows for up to 4 hours of continuous use, or about 50 percent more than before (the Action 5 Pro can still use the previous model’s batteries). This was largely helped by a new 4nm chip and a new algorithm that optimizes for energy saving. “Even in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), the camera can reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours,” adds DJI.
A key new feature is subject centering and tracking, allowing creators to shoot without a gimbal. As with other DJI products (ActiveTrack on drones), it intelligently detects the subject’s position and dynamically adjusts the composition to keep the subject centered in the frame. This is obviously done digitally and the resolution is downscaled to 2.7Ka – but this can still be a huge benefit for extreme sports and other creators. As before, it offers “robust stabilization” and HorizonSteady, which keeps the camera level during 360-degree panning.
The Action 5 Pro is EN13319 certified and waterproof to 20m (66ft) without a lower case, 2m longer than before. It can start recording automatically as soon as it’s underwater and comes with an exciting new feature: a pressure gauge to record underwater depth, duration and altitude data to ensure user safety.
While the body is the same size as before, both OLED screens are larger thanks to smaller bezels, a 16 percent increase. According to DJI, the larger rear screen is now 2.5 inches diagonally, up from 2.25 inches, and is the largest on any mainstream action camera. As before, the Action 4 works with the DJI Mic 2 for high-quality audio recording, and you can also use the built-in microphone for surround sound.
Another nice addition is 47GB of internal storage and 80MB/s transfer speed via Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0. Other features include updated Mimo software, Wi-Fi live streaming, timecode for multi-camera synchronization, and pre-recording functionality.
I’ve used the Action 5 for a short time and it’s identical to the previous model, except for larger power and record buttons, a different internal mic opening, and a hole on the bottom for the pressure sensor. Other functions, such as magnetic assembly, are taken from Activity 3. The improvements look promising, so stay tuned for a more detailed review (hopefully not here). destroy my face).
Perhaps the best news about the Action 5 is that it comes with a camera and a battery, a protective frame, a quick-release adapter mount, and more. cheaper than the Action 4 at $349 in the included Pro Combo package. The Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo adds two more batteries and a charger along with a 1.5m extension bar for $449. Both are available now at the DJI store and most authorized retail partners.
