Action Cameras - Organizer

I tested the DJI Osmo Action 6, and it’s faster, brighter, and hot on GoPro’s heels

3:00 pm | November 18, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: DJI, LCD, US | Comments: Off

DJI Osmo Action 6: two-minute review

When you think of action cameras, GoPro will likely spring to mind before DJI. While it wasn’t a complete surprise that the latter company, best known for its drones, made the move into the action cam market, it's had to do a lot of work over the past few years to catch up, and offer something that stands out from the competition.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is arguably the action camera all others will currently be judged against, so DJI’s latest model in the Osmo series, the Osmo Action 6, has a lot to prove. That said, the quality of its predecessors, most notably the Osmo Action 5 Pro, has been hard to ignore, and based on my experience with that camera I had great expectations going into this review.

Fresh from reviewing the entry-level GoPro Lit Hero and Insta360 X4 Air, I was immediately impressed by the Osmo Action 6’s user-friendliness; the menus are easy to navigate, and the screens are a breeze to work with. Images and video also look amazing on these high-quality monitors, so reviewing the fruits of my shooting sessions was a pleasure.

Image quality is superb, benefiting from a larger 1/1.1-inch sensor, which produces excellent detail and color rendition in good lighting and stand-out noise performance as ambient light levels fall. I’d happily use the Osmo Action 6 as my main carry-everywhere camera, or as a backup to a mirrorless system for capturing unique perspectives from places those larger cameras simply can’t go.

The DJI Osmo Action 6 action camera — The DJI Osmo Action 6 is a similar size to earlier models, despite featuring a larger sensor inside (Image credit: Future/Peter Fenech)

I thoroughly enjoyed using the additional accessories, such as the Macro Lens, ND Filter Set, and FOV Boost Lens, which make the whole system feel pro-grade and versatile. If you're a fan of the GoPro mods, you’ll be happy to see DJI making efforts to expand the modular compatibility of its action cameras. Once you add in the streamlined compatibility with the wireless DJI microphones, I see the Osmo Action 6 as an indicator of great things to come.

DJI Osmo Action 6 specs

DJI Osmo Action 6 Specs:
Type:	Action camera
Sensor:	1/1.1-inch CMOS
LCDs:	OLED, Front: 1.46-inch/ Rear: 2.5-inch
Memory:	50GB internal/ MicroSD
Lens:	155-degree FOV, f/2 - f/4
Video:	Up to 4K/120p, FHD/240p
Photo:	38MP
Dimensions:	72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1mm
Weight:	5.3oz / 149g

DJI Osmo Action 6: Price and availability

Released November 18; not available in US at launch
Osmo Action 6 Standard Combo costs £329 / AU$669
Osmo Action 6 Adventure Combo costs for £415 / AU$839

DJI's Osmo Action 6 is available now, priced at £329 / AU$669 for the Standard Combo, while the prices rises to £415 / AU$839 for the Adventure Combo which adds two batteries, an extra quick-release mount and locking screw, battery case and 1.5m extension rod to the standard bundle.

Like recent DJI products, it's not available in the US at launch. A DJI spokesperson gave us the following statement:

"The DJI Osmo Action 6 will not be officially available in the US market through official websites following the global launch on 18th November. DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."

Price score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Design

Larger 2.5-inch rear LCD
IP68-rated weather and waterproofing
Waterproof to 20m

If you’ve used the Osmo Action 6’s predecessors, such as the DJI Osmo Action 3 DJI Osmo Action 4, or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, there aren’t any drastic surprises in store for you design-wise. The body is a little bit larger, most notably in its width, measuring 72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1mm to the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s 70.5 x 44.2 x 32.8mm. It might be noticeable if you hold both cameras side-by-side, but in real-world terms it won’t make a huge difference to the handling experience.

The Osmo Action 6 remains super portable and lightweight, despite the inclusion of a larger sensor, which is impressive. As you’d expect from an action camera, it can be fitted into a coat pocket for easy transport or use on the move. However, fresh from testing the tiny GoPro Lit Hero, the Osmo Action 6 did feel quite chunky by comparison. This is a much higher-end product, however, featuring a larger CMOS unit, a lens aperture that's both adjustable and brighter, and a front LCD, all of which are missing from the entry-level GoPro.

I was immediately drawn to the 2.5-inch main LCD screen, which feels much bigger in use than the rival GoPro Hero 13 Black’s 2.27-inch monitor. Although this is still too small to get a truely precise idea of sharpness, it’s much nicer to look at than the screens on earlier models, and matches those on cameras like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, which we ranked as the best premium action camera.

The screen itself was highly responsive in my tests, and I found it easy to access settings and navigate menus, even when the camera was wet or covered in a dusting of ground coffee (see the sample video below for context). I reckon I’d find it more practical to work with the Osmo Action 6 in cold weather than the native-portrait-orientation Insta360 X5 or Insta360 X4 Air.

Both the front and rear LCDs are crisp and easy to read in brighter light too. While smaller and lower-resolution, the front screen (1.46-inch, 342 x 342 pixels) is still useful, and doesn’t feel like an extra gimmicky feature that DJI threw in but which is ultimately pointless. I remember feeling that the front LCD on the GoPro Hero 9 Black was so laggy that there were times it was barely worth being there, for example.

The large shutter release is easy to locate without looking, speeding up operation. Also, I like DJI’s choice to place the microSD card slot in the battery bay, rather than alongside the USB-C port, something which proved fiddly and frustrating on the GoPro Lit Hero. I always appreciate integrated storage in a camera too, of which the Osmo Action 6 provides plenty at 50GB.

Design score:4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Performance

Impressive four-hour battery life
Effective RockSteady 3 and 3+ stabilization with reduced cropping
Excellent connectivity with external DJI mics

DJI claims a battery life of 240 minutes for the Osmo Action 6, similar to the Action 5 Pro. Shooting inside and out, I found that a single charge lasted about four hours using a mix of 1080p and 4K resolutions, across the various modes. This is impressive, although as the temperature dropped, so too did the battery life, so if you plan to work away from a power source for any length of time I’d still advise taking a few extra batteries.

The RockSteady image stabilization system also has an impact on battery longevity, although in my tests, this wasn’t anything major. The system itself is effective. While not a replacement for a gimbal, I found I could create commendable tracking shots free from micro vibrations. The same was true with POV walking shots.

The Osmo Action 6 continued to perform well after being submerged in water, with the screen remaining responsive. Once it was removed from the water the lens quickly repelled remaining droplets, as did the body, making the camera easy to dry off.

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The camera features voice control, which is either ideal or an irritation depending on the environment. When it worked, being able to give the Osmo Action 6 a voice command such as “start recording” helped free up my hands, while reducing the amount of footage I had to trim as I positioned the camera for my shots. On several occasions, it didn’t respond, or I didn’t realise it hadn’t stopped recording after a command at the end of the shot. If the microphone is obscured in any way, it produces mixed results.

Speaking of sound, I was surprised by the quality of the internal microphone. While an external mic like the DJI Mic Mini gives you more versatility, as well as depth of audio, the built-in mic didn’t have the thin sound common to similar mics on other small cameras.

If you own the Mic Mini or DJI Mic 2, connecting them to the Osmo Action 6 couldn’t be easier. Simply pressing and holding the link button on the mics themselves until the indicator light flashes blue is all it takes to get audio recording off-camera, giving video that extra professional edge.

Performance score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: Image quality

Larger sensor enables better low-light performance than Osmo Action 5 Pro
10-bit and D-Log M modes enable pro-level grading
Slightly aggressive default in-camera noise reduction/sharpening

Along with smartphones, I think that action cameras best demonstrate how far sensor and processor technology have come over the past decade or so. By mirrorless camera standards, the 1/1.1-type sensor housed in the Osmo Action 6 is small, at around 14mm on the diagonal, yet in my testing it produced better results than a high-end compact camera from circa 2014.

The Osmo Action 6 sees a big jump in sensor size from the 1/1.3-type CMOS of the Action 5 Pro, but uses a similar resolution of 38MP for still images.. This allows for greater pixel pitch (the distance from the center of one pixel to its neighbors), which benefits light-gathering capacity; the pixel size is 2.4 micrometers. An image measuring 7168 x 5376 is still quite a lot of pixels for this sensor format, but while I wasn’t amazed by the camera’s low-light performance, nor did I find it especially problematic.

Detail in stills becomes a little smudged from around ISO 800 and above, shooting in gloomy indoor lighting, but outdoors, or in direct artificial light, noise levels are kept at respectable levels for an action camera. Colors are also still quite punchy.

Video footage, meanwhile, is excellent in moderate low light. There is noise visible, but the grain size looks very fine, meaning it’s easier to ignore in areas of the image containing flat tones. I thought in-camera processing coped well, minimizing noise without obliterating texture.

A woodland scene captured on the DJI Osmo Action 6 camera — The auto White Balance system is fairly accurate, even when faced with strong fall colors (Image credit: Future)

I did notice that some quite excessive sharpening is applied in some circumstances, no doubt to counteract any noise-reduction related degradation. It isn’t a deal-breaker, but you might want to turn down the default sharpening (known as Texture in the Image Adjustment menu) for a more organic look.

The SuperNight mode is designed to produce a brighter image in low-light conditions by increasing the exposure digitally, then applying AI noise-reduction processes to minimize grain. This produces footage with significantly less texture, so I wouldn’t recommend it if your video is likely to be viewed on a larger screen, where this effect will be far more noticeable. In everyday shooting scenarios, or for social media, however, it captures brighter shadows, so it's useful for shooting around cities. There's a lot less distracting noise, too.

I enjoyed using the Slow Motion mode as a means of capturing share-ready footage in-camera; however, for professional uses, I’d recommend switching to a higher frame rate, shooting your footage, and manually applying the Slow Mo effect in editing.

I really appreciated the Color Recovery feature when shooting in D-Log M, which allows you to preview how the footage would look with a profile applied. This doesn’t bake in any edit settings, but merely gives you an idea of the final image after grading.

All of the shooting conditions mentioned above would be challenging for any camera, and once you take the DJI Osmo Action 6 out into bright daylight, the quality is superb. Combined with the flexibility of the Log mode, it’s possible to capture excellent levels of detail and natural colors.

GoPro Hero 13 Black users might bemoan the ‘limited’ 4K resolution here, in favor of the 5.3K available on that model, but 4K is fine in all but the most specific of situations. I still shoot in Full HD as standard when creating content for social platforms, unless I know that for some reason I’ll need to crop or recompose my frame in DaVinci Resolve. The workflow is faster, and viewers are unlikely to perceive a difference in Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, for instance.

Image quality score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 6: testing scorecard

Insta360 X4 Air
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Considering it's technically an upgrade to the X4, the X4 Air is significantly cheaper, which is welcome. There is the matter of the DJI Osmo 360, though.	4.5/5
Design	Everything is logically placed and the controls are easy to access. It's a proven design that continues to work well for DJI.	4.5/5
Performance	The LCDs are responsive and attractive, while the RockSteady stabilization system is highly effective.	4.5/5
Image quality	Yes, there may be no 8K, but 4K and FHD footage is sharp, clean, and punchy. The larger sensor is doing its job, and the Osmo Action 6 is a great competitor to the GoPro Hero 13 Black.	4.5/5

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Action 6?

Buy it if...

You aren't married to GoPro

While it makes sense to stick to GoPro if you already own plenty of mods, the Osmo Action 6 represents the direction DJI is heading with its action cameras, and there's plenty to like. View Deal

You want high-end imagery

There are a lot of features and functions to play with, so a pro user will find something for every shooting occasion. Make the most of the low-light performance and slo-mo functions for advanced projects.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You want a simple camera

The camera is designed for experienced videographers, so all of those features and functions might prove to be intimidating if you haven't used them before. There might be too much here if you want a point-and-shoot model.View Deal

You have lots of GoPro accessories

DJI is hoping to build its own follower base, so it you already own and frequently use GoPro mods, across an advanced system, you might not want to start from scratch with an incompatible camera. There are currently fewer accessories in the DJI ecosystem too, which is worth bearing in mind if you need something specific.View Deal

Also consider

Insta360 X5

The top-of-the-range model in the Insta360 family, the X5 is larger but more powerful. It enables recording up to 5.7K at 60fps, and features dual 1/1.28-inch sensors with larger pixels and greater light-gathering capacity. It also features the newer PureVideo mode that's missing on the X4 and X4 Air, providing superior performance under poor lighting. The build quality and control layout are familiar, but with the added benefit of a larger LCD. If you want to shoot 360-degree video as well as shooting in extreme conditions, this is the best option.

Read our in-depth Insta360 X5 review

GoPro Hero 13 Black

While it may have only been an iterative upgrade to its predecessor, the Hero 13 Black is built on an expansive system of accessories. You'll find a mod for every occasion, plus there's a higher-resolution 5.3K video option, while the Osmo Action 6 is limited to 4K. This is the enthusiast's go-to action camera.

Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Blackreview

How I tested the DJI Osmo Action 6

I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
I mounted the camera on the bundled 1.5-meter extension Rod or Dual-Direction Battery Handle
I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside

To ensure I was able to get a true sense of the Osmo Action 6's capabilities, I shot in a range of lighting conditions. My indoor tests involved a vlog-style shoot, testing the sensor's high-ISO performance and the camera's temperature and water resistance (I placed the camera in a freezer and poured cold water over it for a unique POV). I then took the camera out into the countryside, where I filmed close to and underwater. These shoots also gave me the opportunity to use the optional macro lens and FOV Boost lens. All audio was captured using the in-camera mic. Footage was edited in DaVinci Resolve 20.

First reviewed November 2025

The DJI Osmo Nano delivers all the pro features I actually need in an action camera, without the gimmicks

3:00 pm | September 23, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: DJI, HLG, LCD, US | Comments: Off

DJI Osmo Nano: two-minute review

The DJI Osmo Nano is the latest in the brand's line of action cameras. Rather than building on a predecessor it's a whole new concept in its own right, although it shares the same-sized 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor as the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which landed at the end of 2024.

The range of best action cameras is more diverse today than it was even just a few years ago. The one-block shops of design like the GoPro Hero 13 Black are still popular, for sensible reasons like ruggedness and extended battery times, but modular designs like the Osmo Nano and the new Insta360 Go Ultra are becoming more common.

Why? We don't just want to hold our action cams or use a fiddly mount to attach them to our bike handlebars anymore. The content creation universe is continuing to grow, and so is the number and variety of places where we need our cameras to go.

In a nutshell, the Osmo Nano is a light, wearable action camera. You can wear it around your neck, on your head, on a hat or helmet, plonk it on your car, bike, or even attach it to your dog. It's remarkably small, and at 52g it's a gram lighter than its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, released a month before it.

The product is modular in design and built as a two-piece system, with a tiny, standalone camera unit that pairs with the Multifunctional Vision Dock underneath. The dock acts as a remote, screen, and charging station, with a small but bright 1.9-inch display to help you compose shots and adjust settings.

The DJI Osmo Nano held by a female photographer in a pink top — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

These two parts join together via two clips and a strong magnetic system, and it's this magnet that also allows the camera to snap onto DJI's various accessories, for a wide range of hands-free, wearable mounting options.

Although the camera is a fully IPX8-rated unit that's waterproof down to 10m, the dock is only IPX4-rated for splash resistance, which limits its use in heavy rain or near a body of water – a totally rugged design this is not.

Inside the camera is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which captures a dynamic range of up to 13.5 stops according to DJI. I haven't done any calculations with my test images on this, but I did find great levels of detail and color in bright sky highlights as well as darker, shadowy areas like tunnels. I was genuinely impressed by the level of detail and tone the camera could capture, particularly for a sensor this small (in full-frame terms).

Check out our DJI Osmo Nano vs Insta360 Go Ultra write-up to see how the small action cams compare

For me, DJI has always been a brand for what I'd call 'serious' creators, and that's something I'm pleased to see the brand has leaned into with the Osmo Nano. There aren't any 'fun' filters or gimmicks in the menus. Instead, the settings are pared back to sensible and helpful options; voice controls and gestures to start recording all work very well to make hands-free shooting that much easier.

A big draw for professionals is the color performance. I was surprised to discover that the Osmo Nano can record in 10-bit color with D-Log M and HLG profiles – a pro-level feature that gives you more leeway for color grading in post-production, if you want to edit manually rather than relying on the automatic outputs from the DJI Mimo app. In 10-bit, I found videos were punchy but still well-balanced.

Screenshots from the DJI Mimo app — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Performance-wise, the Osmo Nano delivers exceptionally well in some areas but underwhelms in others. The promise of rapid file transfer holds up, with the 128GB version clocking transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s over a USB 3.1 connection. This is a huge time-saver.

Battery life, however, is a clear limitation. While DJI claims up to 90 minutes from the camera and 200 minutes with the dock, I found that shooting at 4K/60fps got me closer to just 60 minutes of continuous recording. On the upside, the dock's ability to fast-charge the camera to 80% in about 20 minutes means you can be back to shooting in no time.

The RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonBalancing stabilization features work well for walking or light activity, and even when I tried recording star jumps and high-intensity workouts, the footage was stable in sports mode. Audio quality is good all-round too, and two built-in microphones capture immersive stereo sound, with decent but not brilliant wind reduction. Another plus for more advanced creators is the ability to pair the Nano with two mics separately, and you won't need receivers if they're from DJI.

While the image quality is good for a camera this small, it’s still bound by the limitations of its form factor. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is great for first-person shots, but obviously lacks the versatility of a more zoomed-in lens. And while DJI's SuperNight mode for low-light shooting is better than ever, it's limited to 30fps and 8-bit color.

A female photographer wearing the DJI Osmo Nano on a headband — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The Osmo Nano is pricing is really aggressive, coming in much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra and the GoPro Hero 13 Black – and that's with built-in storage too, meaning you can start shooting straight out of the box.

It's not necessarily the most charming camera I've tested, but it's thoroughly dependable and sensible, and for that reason I found it growing on me, while the low price sweetens the deal. The DJI Mimo app is less intuitive than Insta360's, and AI edits are a little less exciting, but it's smart and stable, and puts a clear live feed with access to settings at your fingertips on your smartphone.

DJI isn't marketing the Osmo Nano for family users, and it lacks some of the fun features of the Insta360 lineup, plus Toddler Titan mode for capturing kids. While charging is fairly speedy it doesn't charge as quickly as its main competitor, the Insta360 Go Ultra, either, but the camera does last longer.

If you need a fully rugged and all-in-one device for more extreme sports or environments, the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Action 5 Pro might be a better choice. But this is a well-thought-out, truly wearable action camera for creators who want to experiment with unique perspectives, and need a B-camera for places their main camera can't go, for a B-cam price.

The DJI Osmo Nano being worn on a pendant in front of a woman's shirt — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

DJI Osmo Nano: specs

DJI Osmo Nano specs
Sensor	1/1.3-inch CMOS
Max Resolution	35MP (6880 x 5160) photos 4K, 60fps footage
Weight	Camera: 2.54oz / 53g Vision dock: 3.8oz / 72g
Dimensions	Camera: 57 x 29 x 28mm Vision Dock: 59 x 42 x 22mm
ISO Range	100–25600
Lens	FOV: 143 degrees Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 0.35m to ∞
Operating Time	Camera: 90 mins* Camera + Multifunctional Vision Dock: 200 mins*
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 3.1
Storage	64GB/128GB built-in microSD card, up to 1TB
Waterproofing	Camera: 33ft (10m) Vision Dock: IPX4-Rated

DJI Osmo Nano: Price and availability

Launched worldwide on September 23 2025, except US
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) costs £239 / AU$529
Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) costs £259 / AU$589

The DJI Osmo Nano was announced on August 23, 2025, and is now shipping from DJI’s online store and authorized retailers, including Amazon. It won't be available officially in the United States at launch. A DJI Spokesperson told TechRadar that "DJI remains dedicated to the US market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions."

There are two standard combos to choose between, broken down by the internal storage capacity: the Osmo Nano Standard Combo at 64GB (£239 / AU$529) or 128GB (£259 / AU$589).

Each combo comes with the same content, including the Osmo Nano Camera, Multifunctional Vision Dock, Magnetic Hat Clip, Magnetic Lanyard, a protective case, USB-C cable (USB 3.1), and a Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount. The protective case is more just a plastic sheath rather than substantial padded protection.

That price puts it way below the Insta360 Go Ultra Standard Combo ($449.99 / £369 / AU$759), which is more impressive given that you get built-in storage too. It's also less than the GoPro Hero 13 Black (now available for around $359.99 / £315).

Price score 5/5

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A female photographer holding the DJI Osmo Nano action camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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DJI Osmo Nano: Design

Standalone camera is waterproof, dock is splashproof
Magnetic base connects easily to mounts
The camera weighs 1.83oz / 52g

The DJI Osmo Nano camera is oblong-shaped, about half as wide as it is long. It sits comfortably between your thumb and forefinger in either portrait or landscape mode, but I didn't find it as pocketable as the Insta360 Go Ultra because of its extra depth.

Without the dock, the Osmo is a light, wearable action camera at just 52g. Adding the dock, by way of two secure mounting clips and a magnetic, adds another 72g and turns the camera into a more complete action companion. It's small, but I found the combo top-heavy on uneven surfaces, making low-level shots without a mount more difficult.

There's just one built-in OLED HD touchscreen on the dock, rather than a screen at the front and back, or a flippable design like the Insta360 Go Ultra. This means you have to detach and remount the camera every time you want to go from shooting your environment to talking to the camera (if you want to see yourself, that is). Unlike the Go Ultra, which simply plops back into place with strong magnets, flipping the Osmo Nano around is a bit fiddly.

The design is gray and plastic, which is familiar territory for both DJI and action cams in general. The body is subtly textured though, meaning it's easy to grab onto with cold, wet or sweaty hands. Ruggedness is key for an action camera, but only the wearable part of the Osmo Nano is waterproof. The camera is IPX8-rated for submersion up to 10 metres underwater.

The dock is only splash, rain and likely sweat resistant, and I wouldn't fancy its chances in a heavy rain shower. This is a shame, because it limits potential usage and introduces a little caution to creativity when shooting. It's also a far cry from DJI's Action 5 Pro, which is verified down to 20m / 65ft.

While the dock isn't waterproof, you can use the whole product in temperatures of -20C to 45C (-4F to 113F), so you're good for everything from winter sports to desert treks. A lens cover screws over the main lens, so if you damage or scratch it a replacement costs a fraction of buying a whole new unit.

The Osmo Nano has just two physical controls: there's a big red record button on the top of the camera and another on one side of the dock. These also act as power switches, and they require some force to push down so that you're not likely to press them accidentally. That's it, other than a small flap that opens up on the other side of the dock to reveal the USB 3.1 port for charging and transferring files, plus the microSD slot, which takes up to a 1TB card.

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The LCD screen on the DJI Osmo Nano in the sunshine — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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I didn't find the DJI Osmo Nano as enjoyable or easy to navigate as other action cameras I've tested. You swipe up to access video settings, down for the main menu, and left to change the shooting mode. To toggle Pro Mode on or off, you tap the slider icon on the right side of the screen.

It's not rocket science, but at 1.96 inches the small screen means you need to be extra precise with your touch gestures to bring up menus and dial in settings. My partner – who has bigger hands and fingers than I – sometimes had to tap the screen a few times to activate settings.

The menus are mainly black and white with yellow accents, and I found this less eye-catching than the GoPro or Insta360 ecosystems, although that may be more a matter of personal preference. Some settings are also overlaid on the live picture and can be difficult to read. The camera doesn't have the same detailed tutorials and guides that you get when you start using the Insta360 Go Ultra, although I'm sure DJI fans will have no trouble finding their way around.

Design score: 4/5

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DJI Osmo Nano: Performance and features

Quick-edit videos on the DJI Osmo Mimo app
Standalone camera charges 80% in about 20 mins
In-built storage and takes microSD cards up to 2TB

The performance of the Osmo Nano is hard to pin down. In some areas I felt it delivered exceptionally well, but in others it was a bit underwhelming. The rapid file transfer ended up being surprisingly helpful, and in my tests with the 128GB version DJI's claim of up to 600 MB/s transfer speed over USB 3.1 holds up, and I found it a huge time-saver compared to sending lots of files wirelessly.

The camera's battery life is a limitation, though, particularly when shooting at higher resolutions like 4K/60fps. I got closer to 60 minutes of continuous recording here – rather than the 90 minutes that DJI claims at 1080p/24fps – which isn't bad for its size, but lags behind the multi-hour endurance of larger cameras like the Osmo Action 5 Pro. The dock can top up the battery on the go, and I was also impressed by its ability to charge to 80% in just 20 minutes, especially if you're as bad as I am at remembering to charge your gear before a shoot.

You then get up to 200 minutes of 1080p/24fps video from the dock, but in reality, I found this closer to two hours once the screen and Wi-Fi are on and you've powered the camera up and down a few times.

If you tend to record short clips throughout a longer day, it's nothing to worry about. If you're the type of shooter to record continuously, you may lament the fact that there aren't replaceable batteries to swap out when you run out of juice. I left the camera running for my battery tests during a particularly warm day, and although it felt hot to the touch during, it never overheated to the point of turning off.

The Osmo Nano is equipped with DJI's RockSteady 3.0 stabilization and HorizonBalancing. It handles a fair amount of shake, but it's not on the same level as a dedicated gimbal like the Osmo Pocket series. In footage of fast-paced, high-impact activities like running on trails you'll still see some micro-jitters, but for walking shots it's pretty impressive.

Using different mounts will dictate how stable your results are. Using the pendant seemed to cause me more wobbles than handholding the camera, for example, but the head mount gave me super-smooth footage when running. It's worth noting that there are different levels of stabilization, with daily, sport, or anti-motion blur options. You can also turn off image stabilization to save battery, or if you're using a secondary DJI product to keep things stable.

The DJI Osmo Nano performs really well in remote shooting scenarios without a phone. The voice commands, like 'start recording', work almost instantaneously in a quiet environment, but require you to shout when it's loud (not a great look in a city center). I found that gestures worked well too, and I liked being able to pat the camera when it was powered off to start recording, or nod my head when it was mounted on my head. Much more subtle.

The Osmo Nano has two built-in microphones for stereo sound, and I found the audio straight out of the camera surprisingly immersive. It picks up sound from a variety of directions when you're shooting in a public place, but still hones in on your voice when you're speaking to the camera clearly.

Like all action cameras, the audio quality sounds muffled underwater, but the clarity returns more quickly than others I've tested when you pull the camera back out into fresh air. There are lower and stronger wind reduction modes, and both did a decent job of reducing disturbance when I captured some clips on a blustery countryside walk, without removing the noise entirely (see the clips below). My voice was clear and free from distortion, but it's not the perfect solution for clean audio; for that, you'll need a separate mic.

A major draw is the ability to connect the Osmo Nano directly to DJI's wireless microphones without needing a separate receiver. I haven't been able to try this yet, but I can see it being convenient for creators who want to capture high-quality audio, especially those already with DJI mics.

Performance score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: Image quality

1/1.3-inch sensor
Video up to 4K/120fps and 35MP photos
10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profile options

The Osmo Nano has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the same size as you'll find in the Osmo Action 5 Pro and just a fraction smaller than the one in the Insta360 Go Ultra. Video headlines include 4K at 60fps in 16:9 format, and 4K 120fps slow-mo footage, which expands to 1080p 240fps.

The specs are one thing, but the proof is in the pudding; or in this case, in the videos and shots you get from the camera. Overall, I think the image quality is good for an action camera of this size. As ever, it won’t completely replace a full-sized or full-frame camera, but that's not the expectation here. The fixed 143-degree ultra-wide field of view is perfect for first-person POV shots, and I could fit a whole wedding group in the frame (I don't have permission to include the sample shot in the review, sadly), but it's not easy to zoom in on the scene should you want to get closer in.

I tested the Osmo Nano in all weather and lighting scenarios. DJI touts the wide dynamic range of the Osmo Nano, but in direct sunshine I noticed some banding where the highlights had been clipped. You can see this in the video above, which was a test of the one-tap editing feature in the DJI Mimo app.

4K resolution is sharp and punchy, and even in 8-bit color mode the camera seems to capture vibrant blue skies and leafy greens, and handles quick changes in light (coming out of a dark tunnel, from indoors to outdoors) well; however, while I like a bit of lens flare, this is one area that could be handled better. It tended to keep my face exposed when I was talking to the camera, but this wasn't set up anywhere in the camera. If I were to generalize, I'd say footage comes out darker than Insta360's Go Ultra, possibly for greater leeway when editing, where the Insta option is designed for near-automatic use.

DJI's SuperNight mode does a decent job of reducing noise in low light, but it only works at up to 30fps and with 8-bit color, which might limit its utility for serious cinematographers. It’s the best night image quality in a wearable camera I’ve seen, but it’s still bound by the laws of physics – a smaller lens and sensor will always have certain limitations compared to a larger, more dedicated camera. There's some AI-smoothing being applied to reduce noise in low-light footage, but this is less obvious to the untrained eye, and less muddy than some night modes I've seen on earlier action cameras.

DJI's automatic horizon leveling (which can be calibrated) is pretty flawless, and the RockSteady image stabilization is most impressive in sports mode. To really test it out, I wore the camera on DJI's headband mount and recorded the first five minutes of a high-intensity workout. Throughout a gruelling round of burpies, star jumps and squats, the footage was stable and smooth (almost unnaturally so). Trail runs, dog walks, and cycle clips were all just as usable, but the handheld results are slightly more jittery than using a dedicated mount.

Photos from the camera have a medium-range megapixel count (the maximum resolution is 35MP and you can shoot in a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio), and as to their quality, I said the same thing about Insta360 Go Ultra's photo results: they're good enough to insert into videos, but I probably wouldn't use them for standalone social posts or prints as a creator. Consider them as an additive rather than a standalone feature, and you won't be disappointed.

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Test shots in low-light from the DJI Osmo Nano — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Sample shots from the Insta360 Go Ultra and DJI Osmo Nano action cameras showing a black retriever in a field — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Test shot in bright sunshine from the DJI Osmo Nano — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Impressively, the Osmo Nano gives you the option of recording footage with a flat color profile (DJI's D-Log M setting), designed to preserve the maximum color and brightness info in the video file, especially in lights and darks.

While the footage out of the camera is desaturated in this mode, I found you had far more wiggle room to adjust the colors, contrast, and saturation to achieve a specific, cinematic look without losing any of the detail captured in the original scene. This is also going to benefit creators shooting a project with the Osmo Nano alongside other cameras who want their edited work to look consistent.

Image quality score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Nano: testing scorecard

DJI Osmo Nano
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Much cheaper than the Insta360 Go Ultra, and that includes helpful built-in storage.	5/5
Design	Unexciting but functional, and it's a shame the dock is only splash-proof. The lens replacement adds ruggedness.	4/5
Performance & features	Fewer filters and modes than the Insta360 Go Ultra, but you get the option of manual controls. The DJI Osmo app makes quick, clever edits.	4/5
Image quality	In daylight, colors are vivid and dynamic range is good. Stabilization is excellent, and low light footage is fine. Slow-mo could be crisper.	4/5

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Nano?

Buy it if...

You want a camera that 'disappears'
The Osmo Nano is small enough to be worn on a pendant, hat, or headband, thanks to its small size and weight. The magnetic mount allows for quirky mounting solutions like lamp posts, cars, and even washing machines.

You already own DJI products
To boost the sound quality, you can connect the Nano directly to two DJI microphone transmitters without needing a receiver. If you've already got a DJI mic, gimbal or camera, sticking with the brand also means greater familiarity with the app.

Don't buy it if...

You like a roomy LCD screen
At less than two inches, I found the Osmo Nano's LCD touchscreen a little small for composing shots and reviewing footage. You can use your phone for a larger live view, but this isn't always convenient.

You want a fully waterproof solution
The Nano's Vision Dock is only splashproof, and this made me uncomfortable while shooting in the rain or near water. If you're a real action lover, I'd recommend a camera with a more rugged build.

Also consider

The Insta360 Go Ultra on a white background

Insta360 Go Ultra

The Insta360 Go Ultra has a similar form factor, with a separate camera and action pod. The flip-up screen is more vlog-friendly and bigger at 2.5 inches, while the camera weighs the same as the Osmo Nano but is more square and shallow (which I found easier to mount). Pricing and image quality are similar, but it's a slightly more fun action camera that's great for the whole family.

Read my full Insta360 Go Ultra review

GoPro Hero 13 Black action camera on a white background

GoPro Hero 13 Black

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is still the flagship of action cams and one I'd recommend for serious filmmakers. It's chunkier than the Osmo, but it also has magnetic mounting. GoPro also has the widest range of mount accessories to open up creative shooting opportunities, and it's possible to squeeze 1.5 hours of 5.3K video from the battery, for recording with fewer interruptions.

Read our full GoPro Hero 13 Black review

The DJI Osmo Nano camera held by a female photographer in a pink top — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

How I tested the DJI Osmo Nano

I tested the camera for two weeks pre-embargo
I wore it on walks and runs, and mounted it for drives
I recorded videos at all settings and in all modes

DJI sent me a full-production Osmo Nano for review around two weeks before its release date, and I used it at least once a day – often much more – during this period. I always like a camera to become a natural part of my workflow, rather than carrying out one intense period of testing, so that I uncover the nuances for a more informed and helpful review.

I tried all the camera's modes, used it with and without the dock, and mounted it on the magnetic pendant and headband. I mainly used the DJI Mimo app to edit footage right from my iPhone 15 Pro.

First reviewed September 2025

I finally found an action camera that captures life from my POV – the new Insta360 GO Ultra goes where my iPhone can’t, and the results are brilliant

4:00 pm | August 21, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: AI, Apple Watch | Comments: Off

Insta360 GO Ultra: two-minute review

Get drawn in by the fun magnetic system and tiny size, and be genuinely impressed by the quality of the 4K footage. That’s what happened when I tested the Insta360 GO Ultra, a product that takes the advancements made with Insta360's Ace Pro 2 and GO 3S and turns them into another (really) compact, pocket-sized camera system for adventurous creators.

I've been into action cameras since the first GoPros came out (terrifyingly, almost 20 years ago). But until recently, I've always found their bulky housings less than ideal in adventure-type scenarios (running up a mountain peak, or learning to surf, for example). The whole point of the GO Ultra is to unlock more creative opportunities without sacrificing portability.

Insta360 might be best known for its innovative 360-degree cameras, but it's a brand that’s becoming synonymous with challenging the norms of action cams, too. The GO Ultra is a frankly tiny, pocketable camera (at 1.9 oz / 53g), about the same size as an Apple Watch. It's a natural successor to the GO 3S (released in 2024), but not a replacement. At the time of writing, Insta360 told me that both cameras will remain on sale.

The Insta360 GO Ultra camera held by a female photographer against a green wooded backdrop — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Like its predecessor, the magic of the Go Ultra is its modular design that combines a standalone camera and an Action Pod, giving you unique ways to shoot, charge and play. On the surface, the camera simply looks like a square version of the GO Ultra 3S, and powerful magnets on its base mount to the Action Pod (where the screen and buttons are) or numerous accessories and attachments. I even mounted the camera to our car, but that’s a story for another day.

However, inside its dark gray exterior are some notable improvements. The sensor is 221% bigger for better low-light capture, and a new 5nm AI chip delivers benefits to video quality using algorithms. The GO Ultra can shoot 4K60fps video, where the GO 3S was limited to 4K 30fps. And I found the PureVideo mode – that uses said AI algorithms to cut down on noise in low light – delivered good results at sundown, where my previous action cams struggled. The maximum wide 156-degree POV is great for group shots and selfies, vlogs and immersive action alike, and the view can be tailored to avoid a warped perspective.

This is a content companion for people with an active lifestyle rather than professional athletes. I found myself shooting more with the camera overall, simply because in one snap, I could have hands-free recording.

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Like the GO 3S, the standalone camera is more rugged than the Action Pod. You can use it in freezing conditions and depths of 33 feet (10 meters) underwater, while the pod is only splashproof, which is a shame. Other rugged points for the camera include a replacement lens cap (helpful if you scratch it during activities) and a push-up cover to keep the memory card slot inside dry.

I love the simplicity of the GO Ultra’s design. Like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, the flip-up touchscreen on the action pod is an alternative to the front-and-back solution on GoPro, and I found it more intuitive for vlogging. Handling is a three-button operation, with intuitive swipes for key menus on the touchscreen, and the magnetic mounting system is always satisfying and feels secure.

A female photographer in a stripy top wearing the Insta360 GO Ultra using the magnet pendant underneath — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The GO Ultra's battery life was a sore point for me, and not as impressive as all-in-one rivals. I got around an hour of 1080p video recording from the standalone camera, but more than double when combined with the Action Pod. USB-C charging takes you from 0 - 80% in around 12 minutes, though, making up for the fact that the battery doesn’t last as long as Insta360 suggests based on their lab tests.

There's no built-in storage for content like the GO 3S has, but microSD cards up to 2TB are compatible, and it's so quick and easy to get footage off the camera using the Insta360 app on a smartphone. I don't think this is a problem (just an extra cost to bear in mind).

Check out our Insta360 Go Ultra vs Insta360 Go 3S write up to see how the tiny action cams compare

Image quality is better than the GO 3S, with photos capped at 50MP instead of 9MP. And you get HDR video mode, too, with the option to apply 'Dolby Vision' to shot footage to give it more contrast and color. The usual video modes like Timelapse and Slow Motion work as expected, while new Toddler Titan mode adds fresh, immersive POVs. There are several new features aimed at families, including AI Family Moments to pull content of loved ones into a virtual album.

The camera's audio quality was surprisingly crisp in most scenarios, and voice-specific modes picked up my rambling very clearly, while a wind-reduction mode helped while running in a breeze. Although I haven't tested them, GO Ultra is also compatible with several external microphones designed for high-quality sound, including Insta360's Mic Air, and third-party Bluetooth mics like the DJI Mic Mini and AirPods Pro 2.

The Insta360 GO Ultra is hugely versatile, and I filmed in so many places, with so many perspectives, that wouldn't have been safe or possible with my iPhone alone. If you're a family wanting more creative holiday snaps, a creator feeling stuck with what you can shoot with a smartphone, or just someone with an active lifestyle, the GO Ultra feels like the ultimate lightweight and fun solution.

Insta360 GO Ultra: specs

Insta360 GO Ultra specs
Sensor	1/1.28-inch
Max Resolution	50MP (8192x6144) photos 4K, 60fps
Weight	1.87oz / 53g (camera) 3.8oz / 109g (action pod)
Dimensions	1.8x 1.8 x 0.7 inches / 46 x 46 x18mm (camera) 2.8 x 1.9 x 1.3 inches / 70 x 49 x 33mm (Action Pod)
Gyroscope	6-axis
ISO Range	100–6400
Aperture	f/2.85
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C 2.0
Storage	microSD card, up to 2TB
Waterproofing	33ft (10m)

The box contents of the Insta360 GO Ultra including a USB-C and lens protector on a wooden floor — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Insta360 GO Ultra: Price and availability

Launched worldwide on August 21 2025
Standard bundle costs $449.99 / £369 / AU$759
Creator bundle costs $499.99 / £409 / AU$839

The Insta360 GO Ultra was announced on August 21 2025 (after being teased on August 18) and is available to order now from DJI’s online store and major retailers like Amazon.

It comes with two different bundle options. The Standard Combo includes the camera, quick-release cord, magnet pendant, magnetic clip and a USB-C charging cable. It costs $449.99 / £369 / AU$759.

The Creator Combo bags you all of the above, plus a Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0, Quick Release Mount and Pivot Stand. It costs $499.99 / £409 / AU$839. Although a lens cap is provided, you'll need to buy a separate pouch or case, as neither bundle includes one – and this feels a bit mean.

The pricing puts the GO Ultra at just a fraction more than the Іnѕtа360 X3 in the US and UK (when it's not on offer), which is now three years old, but that does offer 5.7K 360-degree capture over the GO Ultra's 4K. It's roughly the same price as the Insta360 Go 3S, but you get double the frame rate with 60fps video capabilities.

I think the GO Ultra is fairly priced. The GoPro Hero 13 Black is a strong competitor at around $359.99/£305, particularly if you want a traditional action camera and don't mind a bulkier design. There's no built-in storage, so factor in the cost of buying a microSD card before you can start filming.

Price score: 4.5/5

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The Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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A close-up showing the magnetic mount on Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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A close-up of the microSD card slot on the Insta360 GO Ultra — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Insta360 GO Ultra: Design

Standalone camera is waterproof, operates down to -20C / -4F
Strong magnetic base connects to Action Pod and range of handy mounts
The camera weighs 1.87oz / 53g and is similar in size to Apple Watch

The Insta360 GO Ultra resembles a square version of its former self, the GO 3S (its only real rival). Where its predecessor was pill-shaped and about the size of a thumb, the GO Ultra is square and more than half as deep as it is wide, sitting neatly between your forefinger and thumb for quick handheld shots. That’s only half of the product, though. Without the Action Pod, the GO Ultra is one of the lightest action cameras you can buy at 1.87oz / 53g (14g heavier than the GO 3S). Using the Action Pod turns the GO Ultra into more of a traditional GoPro-style action camera.

The main difference is that there’s one flip-up LCD touchscreen, rather than a screen at the front and back. As an owner of the GoPro Hero 12 Black, this flip-up screen was a revelation to me, and I found it so helpful when filming walking shots and talking to the camera, or to see how a shot was framed when shooting with the standalone camera remotely.

No doubt it contributes to the Action Pod’s lack of waterproofing, though. The IPX8-rated camera can be fully submerged underwater, but the Pod is only resistant to splashes, limiting where you can take it. On this, I was always careful to dry the camera before popping it back into the Pod.

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An angled view of the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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The underneath view of the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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The top view of the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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A side view of the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

As far as durability goes, the camera is also freeze-proof down to -4 degrees °F (-20°C), so it’s ripe for snowsports. And a screw-on lens protector added peace of mind for me against lens scratches, given that a replacement is around $20/£20. I’ve known so many action cameras in the past to fog up when filming underwater or changing temperatures quickly, but the lens guard has an anti-fog coating that avoided this particular pain point well.

I found the operation of the camera simple, which is a great thing because it lets you focus on the fun part of creating. The Action Pod has just three buttons: red up top for recording, a power button and a Q button to quickly switch modes on the right. There’s a raised button to release the standalone camera from its magnetic mount on the left (above a USB-C charging point), and I never found myself pressing this accidentally.

You really have to tug the standalone camera to release it from the Pod's magnets, which avoids unwanted drops. Underneath the Action Pod, there are two holes to fit the GO Ultra’s specific Quick Release Mount (sold separately, but very solid), for a secure fit to accessories like the brand’s Pet Harness. Attaching the camera to a pet harness was decidedly old school, with an action mount and screw system. But this kept it firmly in place, even after a lot of doggo rolling.

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The Insta360 GO Ultra camera mounted on a pet harness on a black dog — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Navigating the camera’s menus is easy, too. When you first turn on the GO Ultra, you get a walkthrough of what gestures bring up which settings. It took me a few hours to remember which did which (old dogs), but it soon became second nature. A right swipe brings up playback for footage, and a right swipe lets you dial in more settings and switch between Auto and Manual Mode.

The touchscreen is bright, colorful and responsive, which makes changing settings – even with wet or cold fingers – straightforward. You can buy the Insta360 GO Ultra in either Midnight Black (model tested here) or Arctic White, but either way, the construction is from a rigid, matte plastic that seems scratch-resistant, and like it could take a few knocks and drops. It’s sensible action camera fodder.

Design score: 4.5/5

Insta360 GO Ultra: Performance and features

Quick AI-edited videos via the Insta360 app
Standalone camera charges 80% in 12 mins
Compatible with microSD cards up to 2TB

The GO Ultra is designed to work alongside the free Insta360 app, which pairs to the camera via its own WiFi network for remote operation. From here, you can also download, preview and edit videos on your smartphone. Other than installing some new firmware (released just before the camera), I was paired and ready to shoot from the app in under 10 minutes.

The standalone camera and Action Pod pair via Bluetooth when they're apart. I found the connection seamless, with no lag when changing settings or in the real-time view on the screen. Range can be an issue, though, both from the camera to the phone and from the camera to the pod. More than about five meters away, or underwater, the connection would dip out, and the camera would stop recording. It's not a dealbreaker, but it might limit more complex setups, especially if you're shooting somewhere wet.

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Close-up of the menu screens on the LCD of the Insta360 GO Ultra — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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The GO Ultra has a 6-axis gyroscope to measure the camera's movement and rotation, and through an algorithm, makes the video more stable and gives you a more even horizon. Image stabilization isn’t bad, but I found fast-moving objects needed a bit of extra help. When trail running, I got my best results by activating the Jitter Blur Reduction mode, plus Tilt Fix, which corrects uneven mounting by up to 10 degrees. It took me a while to discover both of these, and my first clips with the camera clipped to a hat (including this swimming clip below) were fairly wonky. Once activated, though, the results evened out nicely, and even clips of my dog lolloping at full speed looked stable.

The camera has a built-in microphone, and four modes for picking up sound – Stereo, Voice Enhancement, strong and weak wind reduction. I found the audio quality really impressive while walking in good conditions. My voice was picked up clearly when talking to the camera, and even in a busy city, the camera was able to isolate the sounds nearby rather than heavy traffic noises. If you use the camera in water, the audio will drop out, and the camera will need to dry enough before the clarity returns.

Like most action camera mics, there's an issue with wind noise disrupting the clarity (especially when running in breezy conditions), but the wind reduction setting did noticeably reduce this. It's a big advantage for serious creators to be able to boost the sound quality with an external mic like the Insta360 Mic Air, DJI Mic 2 and AirPods 4. Although without testing, it's hard to comment on the performance this would bring specifically.

I found all the camera's shooting modes and presets easy to get good footage with, partly because the camera does such a good job of explaining what each one does, without the advice feeling intrusive on the screen. It was also easy to control the camera with voice commands, "turn the camera off", "mark that" and hand gestures like making a peace sign to trigger a photo. I found that the standalone camera gets very hot after filming. Even after low-resolution clips, I felt it burning a hole in my shorts pocket, but this didn't cause any interruption in recording, so I don't think it's a major issue.

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The Insta360 camera app on an iPhone held by a female photographer against a green wooded backdrop — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

Once my clips were captured, I was ready to start editing my videos. Much like GoPro and DJI's accompanying editing apps, Insta360's version also features AI-assisted editing tools to pick out clip highlights. There are tonnes of presets to choose from – with funky names like Vibe City and Tunes and Travel – which do a fair job of creating quick, shareable clips by adding transitions and music.

There are helpful default export settings for platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, although you can customize export parameters. I enjoy editing manually, but the Insta360 app is so intuitive that I can see even total beginners getting creative right away. Some of these end up being a bit cheesy, but you can tailor the music and effects to suit your tastes. I've included an example of an AI-edited video below, with clips of my dog wearing the pet harness on walkies.

The GO Ultra's biggest downfall – and something we struggled with while testing the GO 3S – is battery life. The standalone camera has a 500mAh capacity, and the action pod 1,450mAh capacity – noticeably smaller than the 2,400mAh capacity on the Insta360 X5, but an improvement on the GO 3S' 310mAh and its 38-minute life. Also, unlike action cams with replaceable batteries, when you run out of juice, that means content creating is on hold until you can find a way to recharge.

Insta360 says you can get 70 minutes of footage out of the standalone camera. Adding the Action Pod gives you 200 minutes. But that's with Endurance Mode on, the LCD and Wi-Fi off, and for 1080 24fps video – conditions I don't think most normal shooters are going to replicate. When I tried shooting a video in 1080 30fps from full power, without all the caveats on the specs sheet, I got around 150 minutes with the pod and 45 minutes without. I don't think that's dreadful for a camera this small, and it's worth noting that a 10-minute charge took me from about 0-75% so I was ready to shoot again. But it's something to consider if you're away from power for long periods, or looking to shoot continuous cycles, runs and hikes for longer.

Performance score: 4/5

Insta360 GO Ultra: Image quality

New 1/1.28-inch sensor with AI chip
Captures 4K video up to 50fps and 50MP photos
Low-light video mode with PureView

Insta360 has given the GO Ultra a bigger 1/1.28-inch sensor than the GO 3S, the idea being that this is capable of capturing more detail in low light. The GO Ultra also supports video capture up to 4K 60fps and 1080 240fps for slow-motion, plus new HDR that can be applied to clips and stills. Unsurprisingly (because this is a super user-friendly camera), there's no option to shoot in a flat profile for more color grading scope during post-production. But that's no problem, as I think most users will stick to editing in the Insta360 app anyway. Beyond the specs, what do the results look like in real life?

Going into testing the GO Ultra, I think my expectations were too low for a camera of this size. I found video quality to be brilliant in all 10 modes, but footage was sharpest and most vibrant in abundant sunshine. In the camera's Standard color preset (there are 8 in total, including Vibrant and Urban) videos were still colorful and had decent detail in the shadow and highlight areas, although the contrast ratio wasn't good enough to expose a very bright sky like a sunset, and a dark foreground, in one shot.

It's easy to switch the GO Ultra to Manual exposure mode, where you can take control of the shutter speed, ISO (100–6400) and white balance yourself. I found this most helpful for stationary shots, but wouldn't recommend it to beginners. In short – and unlike my mirrorelss camera – Auto mode saw me through all shooting scenarios, and I rarely felt the urge to take over. The joy of this camera is in its simple opration.

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A view of the Insta360 GO Ultra camera LCD screen — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

The camera adapts quickly to rapid changes in light, such as coming out of a shady forest into an open field. And I found that useful when I was running in the countryside, moving quickly, where i didn't want the picture to be shrouded in darkness for a few seconds. Being summer, I did a lot of shooting in direct and dappled sun, and found that lens flare was handled well, too.

Big talking points of the GO Ultra’s video capabilities are the new additions of Active HDR and PureVideo. Like SuperNight on the DJI Osmo 360, it's designed to enhance the quality and sensitivity of low-light shooting. It's somewhat limited to automatic settings and 4K 30fps, but you can shift the exposure up and down in increments. Walking around a city at night, I was able to pick up plenty of detail in the buildings, street lights and the sky, although I think there's some aggressive denoising AI going on inside the camera, as the footage did look a bit muddy at times.

Photos from the camera have a seemingly high megapixel count (the maximum resolution is 50MP or 37MP with a 16:9 aspect ratio), which is a big bump up from the GO 3S' 12MP in 4:3 (9MP in 16:9). In practice, I'd say that's more than adequate for slotting into videos, or uploading to social platforms, but I wouldn't want to make big prints from them. At the camera's widest field of view, you get a 14.27mm equivalent in 35mm terms – expansive enough to get groups in the frame, or to shoot yourself while walking. If you're not a fan of the warped action camera look, a Linear POV does a great job at giving you a more natural wide-angle, good for vloggers.

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Sample shots from the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Test shots from the Insta360 GO Ultra camera — (Image credit: Lauren Scott)

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Overall, I'm impressed by the quality of GO Ultra's footage. It's in line with an action cam that's this portable, and the addition of HDR to video as well as photos (with Dolby Vision for an extra boost) delivers polished videos you can safely deliver to friends, family and your social channels.

If I were a professional creator, I wouldn't rely on this camera to cover all my video needs. But it excels at what it's designed for – being small, getting places other cams can't, and remaining user-friendly for beginners. The battery life is lacking for extended shooting durations, and night footage is still overcooked with PureVideo mode. But GO Ultra's video is good in most areas, and does appear to be an improvement over the 3S in low light (I haven't tested them side by side, so can't say for sure). With its kid and pet-friendly design, I think Insta360 has found the right balance for casual creators with an active lifestyle.

Image quality score: 4/5

Insta360 GO Ultra: testing scorecard

Insta360 GO Ultra
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Price	Similar cost to the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Insta360 Go 3S, but the quality of the package is worth it.	4.5/5
Design	A nearly seamless experience with the Action Pod, plus waterproofing and a protective lens on the standalone camera.	4.5/5
Performance & features	Gets hot, and the battery drains quickly. The Insta360 app makes light work of image transfers and AI edits and there are plenty of tricks and modes.	4/5
Image quality	HDR is a great addition, but it's still not a class-leader in low light. You sacrifice some quality for portability.	4/5

Should I buy the Insta360 GO Ultra?

Buy it if...

You want to balance performance with portability
Video quality is high, but not the best of all action cameras out there. But the GO Ultra can also go places other action cameras can't, at least without tonnes of extra mounts.

You don't mind shorter battery life
I spent time shooting shorter clips on the GO Ultra, and recharging it little and often. If you plan to capture all-day events or sustained activities like rides or hikes, the battery life might be a limiting factor.

Don't buy it if...

You want the smallest action camera
The Insta360 Go Ultra is small, but not quite as tiny as the GO 3S. At almost 15g less, the Go 3S might unlock even more possibilities.

You want a fully waterproof solution
The Action Pod is only splashproof, a fact that made me uncomfortable while shooting. If you shoot a lot of wet content, I'd go for a fully waterproofed model.

Also consider

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is co-engineered with Leica and gives pros something more advanced. A dedicated Leica color profile, bigger sensor with better low-light performance and image quality, and up to 8K resolution make it better for advanced videography and content creation. You still get a vlogger-friendly screen.

Read our full Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro on a white background

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Cheaper than the GO Ultra, the DJI Osmo Action 5 offers excellent features. It doesn't have the advantage of a tiny standalone camera, but the all-in-one design provides better battery life, waterproofing (to 20 meters), and 47GB of internal storage. The maximum frame rate maxes out higher, too, at 4K/120p.

Read our full DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review

How I tested the Insta360 GO Ultra

I tested a full production model for three weeks
I mounted the camera on my hat, handlebars, and even my dog
I recorded videos during the day, sunset and after dark

Insta360 sent me a review sample of the GO Ultra Standard Bundle about three weeks before the official release date. This gave me enough time to test all the camera's modes and mounting options, including those with and without the Action Pod, as well as with the magnetic clip on my hat and the magnetic pendant on hikes in the countryside.

Insta360 also supplied a large version of their pet harness, and I attached the camera to my dog out on walkies to see what footage looked like from the POV of a bouncy Flatcoated Retriever.

I used the GO Ultra wild swimming in a local river to test the waterproofing, tried it running, and even attached it to our car as we drove along a country lane. I shot in bright sunshine, at sunset and night – essentially, in all the lighting conditions I could think of for creators. I edited content straight from the camera to the Insta360 mobile app on my iPhone 15 Pro, as well as manually taking footage from the built-in SD card and editing it on my iMac.

First reviewed August 2025

I tested Agfaphoto’s low-cost DJI Pocket 3 rival – here’s how it stacks up for vlogging

12:00 pm | August 6, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X review: two-minute review

DJI practically invented the idea of the gimbal camera but other makers including FeiyuTech, Benro (for a while) and now Agfaphoto have joined in with their own designs. They are all based on a small camera unit mounted permanently on a compact 3-axis gimbal with the screen, controls, battery and other electronics built into the handle.

Gimbal cameras provide both stabilization for handheld video and the kind of smoothed-out camera movements that you see in movies. It’s the same principle as gimbal stabilizers for regular cameras, but a fraction of the size and weight. I’ve used a DJI Pocket 2 for a long time, and love the way you can create professional-looking camera movements without a lot of heavy and expensive gear.

The latest DJI Pocket 3 leads the field in the gimbal camera market, but it’s pretty expensive, coming in at around the same price as an entry-level mirrorless camera, and the Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X undercuts it considerably. It does sacrifice a few features compared to the more expensive Pocket 3, but not everyone will need DJI’s fancy features and would rather spend a good deal less on a more basic camera.

The main compromise with the Realimove MC3X is the sensor size. The 1/2.5-inch 8MP sensor is pretty small, and while its 4K video looks very good when you’re filming outdoors in good light, I did find it got noticeably softer in low light at higher ISO settings.

The MC3X also has a fairly limiting 0.3m-infinity focus range. That sounds like it should be fine, but it’s equipped with a wide-angle lens, so sometimes I had to move in really close to fill the frame with an object, and then found it went out of focus.

The Realimove MC3X can’t match the DJI Pocket 3’s frame rates, either. Its maximum frame rate for 4K video is 30p, which effectively means you can’t shoot slow motion 4K and have to drop the resolution to 2.7K for 60p recording and full HD for 120p slow motion. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s how costs have been cut. It did mean that if I planned to combine regular and slow motion video in a project, I’d probably have to film the whole thing at a lower resolution to avoid upscaling compromises when splicing together different resolutions later in my video editor.

I also found the MC3X’s face tracking a little unreliable, and while the digital zoom is easy to operate with a rocker lever on the side, zooming in looked a bit jerky, so I think I’d probably set the zoom before filming rather than while I was recording.

It’s good to get all the criticisms out of the way, though, because the Realimove MC3X has some really good features. The biggest is the rotating 3.5-inch display, which is WAY bigger than the thumbnail-sized screen on my Pocket 2 and bigger even than the screen on the Pocket 3.

What this means is that you can still see clearly what you’re filming, even with the camera at arm’s length, and also if you’re filming yourself with the camera reversed. It’s hard to overstate how useful this is.

You leave the screen in its vertical position for vertical video, or rotate it 90° for horizontal video. It switches orientation automatically and I found this really intuitive. Rotating the screen horizontally reveals physical buttons for adjusting the gimbal direction, and this is much better than the virtual on-screen controls, which I found a bit unresponsive.

The other thing I really like is that you can set all the important controls directly on the camera, so that while there is a free companion app, I never felt the need to use it. You can swap between pan-follow, pan-tilt-follow and free-follow modes in the menus with just a few taps.

Here's a sample movie I shot with the Realimove MC3X to show its video quality, panning smoothness and audio.

I found the gimbal movement smooth and progressive – and you can change the speed in the menus if you need to. Occasionally the gimbal did get confused if I dropped my hand between bits of filming and the gimbal ran out of movement, but it only takes a moment to recenter when you’re ready to start filming again.

Perhaps the biggest issue for me was everyday practicality. The large screen is very welcome, but it does mean the body is quite wide and, while you can put the MC3X in a pocket, it does leave the gimbal head feeling quite exposed while the unit is powered off – I’d be happier if the gimbal axes were locked when the camera is off, but then it’s the same for my Pocket 2, so I can’t say much.

But the Pocket 2 and Pocket 3 do come with protective slimline hard cases which don’t add much to the size and do protect them in your pocket or bag. The Realimove MC3X doesn’t have this. It does come with a fitted hard case that also accommodates the cables, but it’s pretty big and there’s no way this is going to fit in a trouser pocket.

So I do think this Agfaphoto gimbal comes with compromises. It’s a lot cheaper than the DJI Pocket 3 but it’s not hard to see what you’ve had to sacrifice. I’d say it’s a great buy for anyone who would like to try out a gimbal camera without splashing too much cash – and the results can be very good. So good, in fact, that you might be glad you didn’t spend more.

But if you are a little more serious about filmmaking and need a wider choice of framerates, better video quality (especially in low light) and a little more design finesse and practicality, you might end up upgrading to the DJI Pocket 3 after all.

Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X review: price

The Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X is on sale in the UK for £299 but with US availability and pricing yet to be confirmed. It’s a decent enough camera, but while it’s a lot cheaper than the DJI Pocket 3, you might find the older DJI Pocket 2 even cheaper. The screen is smaller, but the Pocket 2 is a better camera. This puts the Realimove MC3X in awkward territory. Yes, it’s cheaper than its main rival but it’s also a good deal less sophisticated. It’s quite good for the money but it is quite basic.

Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X review: specs

Gimbal	3-axis
Screen	3.5-inch rotating
Sensor	8MP 1/1.25-in
Lens	3.0mm f/2.2, 120° field of view
Focus	0.3m-infinity
Video	4K 30p, 2.7K 60p, 1080p 120p
Stills	20MP (8MP native)
Storage	MicroSD
Interface	USB 2.0, HDMI, WiFi
Battery life	170min, charge time 2.5hr

Should I buy the Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X?

Buy it if...

You want a gimbal camera on a budget
The Realimove MC3X is a great introduction to this kind of camera, and while it is quite basic it may do everything you need.

You like the big screen
This really does make a difference. It makes the on-screen camera control much easier and you can actually see what you’re filming.

You don’t like using an app
It is a nuisance to be holding a gimbal camera in one hand and your smartphone in the other, so the Realimove’s comprehensive on-camera control is welcome.

Don’t buy it if…

You need top-quality footage
The Realimove’s 4K video is fine in good light, but the limitations of the small 1/2.5-inch sensor are obvious indoors or after dark.

You need to shoot slow motion
If you need faster frame rates on the MC3X you have to drop the resolution, and that’s a limitation that will be deal-breaker for many action/adventure filmmakers.

You want pocket-sized portability
The larger body and lack of any hard ‘shell’ stop the Realimove from feeling like a genuine pocket camera – the camera/gimbal head just feels too exposed.

How I tested the Agfaphoto Realimove MC3X

I had the Realimove MC3X for several weeks and tested it in many different scenarios. I checked its ability to maintain a level pan-follow orientation with height changes and following a fast-moving pet dog through long grass (very fast-moving!), and also the smoothness of its panning movements, what I’d call a ‘sideways pan’ while walking, and its stability when filming and walking in typical vlogging style, and it did all these things pretty well.

I also wanted to find out what the video quality was like both in bright daylight and dimmer indoor conditions, which is where I would expect a smaller sensor to start to struggle – and sure enough, it did.

I didn’t set out to test the battery life, but I did come away impressed, as I spent a couple of hours at a time filming sequences to stitch together into a move, and the battery indicator hardly budged. I think I got it down to about half during my longest session.

Akaso Brave 8 review: a solid, cheaper GoPro alternative

3:00 pm | January 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

One-minute review

It looks like a GoPro with its mounting case and front-facing screen, but the Akaso Brave 8 comes at a more modest price, with image quality that will meet the demands of most users. With 2x batteries, a dual charger, a remote control, and a range of mounts, it has everything you need out of the box.

During my review, the small front-facing screen made it easy to vlog adventures, whilst the rear touchscreen was responsive enough to touch to make changing settings easy. However, there are also negatives; the image stabilization in-camera is good, without being great, but the so-called SuperSmooth option, which requires processing in the accompanying camera app, isn't a patch on what GoPro offers; and the improvement over the Brave 8's in-camera stabilization is modest. The app is useable but clunky in places, and the sound recording could also be improved.

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 is a solid little action camera with all you need to get started; the video quality is good, and the stabilization ok if you aren't hammering the camera on a bike, be it pedal or motorized. The problem is that older generation GoPro Hero cameras can still be purchased new in some places for around the same price, and more recent ones will solve many of the faults of the Akaso Hero 8. So, whilst it is cheaper than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, those thinking about the Akaso Hero 8 may want to step back a GoPro generation or two instead. For ideas of other options check out our best action cameras guide.

That said, Akaso is an emerging brand, and its products regularly seem to be discounted or have extras, such as memory cards, also offered as part of the package. So if the stabilization and audio issues won't affect you significantly, it may be worth keeping your eyes open for an offer.

Akaso Brave 8: price and release date

The Akaso Brave 8 is available via Amazon and, at the time of writing, is priced at $289.99, but there is the option of a promotional $50 money-off voucher. In the UK, the kit also includes at 64GB Micro SD card and is £244.99, not including a £40 off voucher promotion.

Keep an eye out for deals and limited-time offers on Amazon, particularly during sales periods when additional memory cards or money-off vouchers may be applied.

Akaso Brave 8 specs

Akaso Brave 8 in-hand — (Image credit: Future)

Akaso Brave 8: design

The Akaso Brave 8 action camera adopts a familiar design: let's be honest, it is a GoPro clone in a market that is already flooded with GoPro competitors. However, even at a glance, you can tell that it is far from a cheap knock-off, with a rear touchscreen, front facing screen, all packaged in a body that is waterproof up to a depth of 33ft / 10m.

Size-wise the Akaso Brave 8 measures 63x45x36.5mm which overall makes it slightly smaller than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, which measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm

Behind the 16mm f/2.5 lens sits a 1/2 inch size sensor. As a comparison, the GoPro Hero 13 uses a 1/1.9inch sensor, which means the two sensor sizes are comparable. The sensor can capture images at up to a 48MP resolution, and video can be captured at up to 4K 60fps. If you want to shoot timelapse videos, then these can be captured at 8K resolution, whilst moving timelapses (hyperlapses) can be captured at 4K 30fps.

If slow motion is more your thing, then 2.7k footage can be captured at up to 120fps and Full HD can go to an impressive 200fps.

All of that footage is saved on to Micro SD cards, and the Brave 8 can accept cards with a capacity of up to 512GB. In terms of speed, my review sample of the Akaso Brave 8 was supplied with an Akaso-branded 64GB Micro SD XC UHS I card with U3 rating, meaning the card had a minimum write speed of 30MB/s - which is the same as a V30 card.

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Image of the Akaso Brave 8 Action camera — (Image credit: Future)

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The layout of the camera is straightforward; there is a rear touch-sensitive screen, as well as a smaller square front screen that sits alongside the lens. There are just three buttons on the camera with the power/display button on top and a Recording start/stop button. On the side is the Mode button.

The Micro SD card socket and a USB-C socket are located on the side of the camera, behind a well-sealed waterproof door. The USB-C socket can be used to power the camera or charge the battery.

On the bottom of the camera is an equally well-sealed battery compartment. Akaso supply two batteries, each with a capacity of 1,550mAh, which is a little less than the 1,900mAh batteries of the GoPro Hero 13 Black. However, credit to Akaso for supplying two batteries so that you can always been filming and charging, which, as I found out, is needed with this camera.

The extra battery is just one of a whole host of supplied accessories, including a tiny USB-C dual battery charger, so you can charge both batteries at the same time. A remote control is also included, as well as a camera mounting frame/case, a GoPro style mount, a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, an adhesive pad, a zip tie, a strap, and a lens cloth. It is a very solid set of accessories.

Akaso Brave 8: performance

Overall, the Akaso Brave 8 performed very well, especially considering its price. However, it wasn't without its quirks, and we will discuss those shortly.

Of course, the main thing is the video quality. I did most of my shooting in the 4K / 30fps setting, which produced quite nice footage that is on par with what you would expect for an action with a sensor of this size.

Key to a lot of action cameras is, of course, stabilization performance, and there are three different modes to choose from. The first is no stabilization. Then, there is a Normal, an in-camera stabilization mode with a six-axis gyroscope that applies the EIS 4.0 algorithm to stabilize the footage electronically. Finally, there is a Super Smooth option. This mode records all of the gyroscopic information but doesn't apply any of it in the camera; instead, you upload your clip to the app, where the gyroscopic data is read, and then stabilization is applied.

I found that the difference between the Normal stabilization and the Super Smooth stabilization wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be. In most circumstances, I believe that users are probably better off just sticking to the Normal option, which softens rather than completely smoothing out any bumps or shakes. The extra step of uploading and applying Super Smooth in the app seems like a significant additional effort for a very little extra reward. Here, the camera falls way behind the stabilization that the latest GoPro cameras offer.

A decent amount of settings allow control of the video image. You can change the exposure metering to any one of several modes, and there is exposure compensation should you wish to make adjustments, which I did.

Generally, the camera produced images with a good exposure. I did tweak it a few times in extreme conditions. For example, filming in a forest could be pretty dark, with the bright light coming through the trees, causing the image to be dark, and then at other times, with no sky in the shot, it lightened the image quite a lot. I found myself making +/-0.3EV changes to the image to balance this out. What it was good at was getting the exposure correct when a face was in the scene, which is great for vlogging and filming your adventures. I advise experimenting with the different metering settings and seeing what suits your needs best.

In addition to exposure compensation, you can also change the ISO sensitivity, sharpness, plus there are two color settings - Normal or Vivid. It may not be the most comprehensive in terms of all the color settings or image styles. Still, it is good enough for the basics, particularly if your goal is capturing memories rather than producing cinematic experiences.

Some lasting memories I captured included filming my children running in and out of the sea on holiday. I put the Brave 8 on a selfie stick and shot low-angle shots of them running and jumping over the waves. The waves sometimes smashed over the camera, completely submerging it in salty Atlantic water. After a few months, the camera still works perfectly fine, with no adverse effects from the sand or saltwater.

The in-camera microphone recorded voices clearly enough, but it should be noted that wind noise was picked up quite significantly, even when it wasn't obviously windy. I wouldn't think of using the audio if I was on a motor or pedal bike. Additional microphones can be attached via USB-C, but sadly, the camera has no mounting points.

The touchscreen worked well and was responsive, with onscreen buttons and navigation presenting no problem. I found it was easy to change settings and navigate the menu.

As well as the included remote control, there is also the option to control the camera via voice commands. Again, I tried this - it is especially useful when you have the camera mounted to a helmet. The real trick is remembering the exact commands that you have to say to start and stop recording and to make sure that you say them clearly.

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Image taken with the Akaso Brave 8 Action Camera — (Image credit: Future)

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I didn't take many images with the camera as the video aspect is more appealing to people, but the photos look okay. There are problems with exposure, which is largely due to the sensor's small size. There didn't seem to be much HDR processing going on in terms of lightening shadow areas or pulling back highlights like you would get with a smartphone these days.

Given it is a wide-angle lens, you probably want to stick to the 48MP resolution just in case you do want to crop in a little bit more as images are very very wide on the camera.

As you would expect, there are further record modes, such as being able to shoot a time-lapse video or a time-lapse photo, that I'll be honest I didn't delve too much into, however, I did have a quick play around with them, and there seems to be quite a long interval between the images taken to create a time-lapse video, so I wouldn't use it for any activities such as mountain biking or running or skiing or anything like that. If you want to create a little clip of a ride, you're better off using the Hyperlapse setting for that, while the timelapse mode is better for things you would traditionally use a timelapse for, such as clouds passing over city scenes.

Overall, I am pretty impressed with the image quality and features that the Akaso Brave 8 offers. However, it lacks the finesse and quality you expect from a GoPro, DJI, or Insta360 action camera. Sadly, the image stabilization will be a letdown for those wanting super steady footage. Similarly, the microphone and audio processing need some tweaking to bring it up to scratch.

However, Akaso will be a budget action camera brand to keep an eye on as they have a solid foundation on which to build, particularly as some of the issues can be updated via firmware or more power processing in a future camera.

Should I buy the Akaso Brave 8?

photo of the Akaso Brave 8 action camera — (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You can't afford GoPro
Although GoPro has faced competition from DJI in recent years, they are still the leading action camera brand. However, if you can't stretch to a GoPro the the Akaso Brave 8 provides most of the features at a cheaper price.

You want an all-in-one solution
With so many accessories included in the box, the akaso Brave 8 is great for those who want to get started filming straight away rather than trawling Amazon for the mounts and extra batteries that they need.

You want to stand out from the crowd
If you don't want to go with the usual brands and try something new, Akaso seems to be a brand to keep an eye on in the action camera world.

Don't buy it if...

You want to take photos
Although the Akaso Brave 8 can capture photos, its quality falls way behind that of most contemporary smartphones. If you think you will be taking more pictures than videos, then it is probably best to avoid the Akaso Brave 8.

You don't mind having an older kit

If you don't mind an older action camera, then the GoPro Hero 10 Black has many of the same features, but with with better stabilization, for around the same price new, or significantly cheaper if you go with a used camera.

You won't be getting wet.
If you like to keep your feet dry, then something like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 offers superior image quality and stabilization but obviously lacks the ability to be used underwater.

Image of the Akaso Brave 8 in its case with a GoPro style mount — (Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Akaso Brave 8

I used the camera for a couple of months in a variety of situations
I filmed a hike I did in British Columbia
I tested the waterproof properties by filming on the beach and in the sea

I used the Akaso Brave 8 for several months as a compact camera to film family events and vacations. I even used it a few times to film my kids playing in the sea, which allowed me to test the camera's waterproof qualities.

On a trip to British Columbia, Canada, I turned the camera on myself, using a selfie stick to film myself while hiking and mounting it on a small tripod while swimming in a glacial lake.

Finally, I used one of the included mounts to attach the camera to my bike helmet. With my iPhone mounted to the bike, I could monitor what was being filmed using the Akaso app.

At various points during the camera's use, I connected it to my smartphone to check footage and add stabilization to specific videos. I also used the voice control options and the physical remote control.

First reviewed January 2025

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review: a coming of age

4:00 pm | October 22, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Come for the promise of game-changing 8K action cam footage, stay for the genuinely great-looking, great-sounding 4K footage. That’s the top-line story with Insta360’s new flagship action camera, the Ace Pro 2, which makes a big deal of its class-leading 8K video resolution – even if it’s a feature very few owners will end up using due to its file sizes and various limitations.

What they’ll quickly discover instead is that the Ace Pro 2 excels at delivering smooth, stabilized and crisp-looking 4K footage, which it can capture at up to 60fps in regular video modes and 120fps for slow motion playback purposes. It’s particularly impressive in low light conditions (at least by action camera standards) and offers log recording to support post-production tweaking to color and exposure settings.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera on a rainy day — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

It does all of the above while offering the usual action cam advantages: it’s small, lightweight, waterproof, rugged, simple to operate, blessed with long battery life and able to be fixed onto all manner of first- and third-party accessories like selfie sticks, mini tripods, bike mounts and helmet mounts.

With all that being said, there’s not a lot between any of the main three action camera flagships at this point (the other two being the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and GoPro Hero 13 Black). The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 does distinguish itself from its rivals not only with the 8K recording option but its single flip screen, which offers a larger display than the camera’s dual-screened competitors.

Put simply, the Ace Pro 2 warrants careful consideration for anyone shopping for a fully featured flagship action camera, and fully deserves its place as an alternative to its DJI and GoPro competitors.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: price and release date

Priced from $399.99 / £389.99 / AU$689.99
Available from October 22 2024
Sold in Standard and Dual Battery Bundles

The Ace Pro 2 is available to order from October 22 2024, and sold via the Insta360 web store and a host of other online retailers.

There are two packages available at launch. The Standard Bundle ($399.99 / £389.99 / AU$689.99) contains the camera, a wind guard, a microphone cap, one battery, one standard mount and one USB-C cable. The Dual Battery Bundle ($419.99 / £409.99 / AU$719.99), as its name suggests, features two batteries rather than one, but is otherwise the same.

Note that neither of Insta360’s bundles come with a memory card which, given the Ace Pro 2’s lack of built-in storage, is something you’ll need. So, if you don’t already have a microSD card, make sure to obtain one at the same time as the camera. It accepts cards up to 1TB in capacity.

The Ace Pro 2’s pricing is in the same ballpark as its closest action camera competitors such as the GoPro Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (although, at around $50 cheaper, the latter would leave you a little extra money left over for accessories).

Price score: 4/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: key specs

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: design and handling

Integrated microphone wind guard
Waterproof to 12m/39ft
Flip-up touchscreen
Quick-release magnetic mount system

The Ace Pro 2 looks a lot like the original Ace Pro. A quick side-by-side comparison reveals a few minor differences in styling and size, but it shares the same standard action camera look – blocky, squat and with as few buttons as possible – and red and black color scheme. The detachable, replaceable lens guard has been upgraded according to Insta360, giving a small boost to its protection and dive capabilities.

Probably the biggest difference of note is the new microphone wind guard, a removeable metal grille, lined with acoustic foam, that protects the front mic port from wind noise. It’s inconspicuous and adds virtually nothing size-wise, so can be left in place most of the time while the camera is in use.

The only time it needs to be removed and replaced by the standard mic cap is during underwater use. On that note, the Ace Pro 2 can dive to a depth of 39ft / 12m without additional protection (a slight improvement on the 33ft / 10m of the Ace Pro). Bolder swimmers can fit the optional dive case accessory and take it all the way down to 197ft / 60m.

The control system is simple and straightforward, with only two physical buttons on the Ace Pro 2 itself: one on the side to power it on and off, which doubles as a shooting mode switcher; and a shutter button on top. Everything else is taken care of via touchscreen controls or, if you prefer, the Insta360 mobile app (more on that in the next section of this review). I found the touchscreen controls generally simple: you swipe down to open the main settings menu; right to open the gallery; left to open settings for the current shooting mode; or up to open yet more settings for the current shooting mode.

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera indoors — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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The screen itself is a major differentiator between Insta360’s action cameras and those of its main rivals GoPro and DJI. The Ace Pro 2, like the Ace Pro, uses only one screen where its competitors put one at the back and one at the front (that front screen you see is just for menus). The screen here, a nicely crisp and colorful 2.5-incher, can flip up 180º to face forwards, which has its plus and minus points for me. The plus is that it’s a lot bigger than the front-facing screens you get on those rival cameras, giving you a clearer view and more space for touchscreen tapping (it also doubles as a t-shirt clip or bite adapter for POV shots). The minus is that you have to physically flip it back and forth every time you switch from front to back shooting, which is more effort than simply spinning the camera round and continuing to shoot.

One thing I do like a lot is the magnet- and clip-based mounting system, which allows for fast fixing and unfixing of the Ace Pro 2 to mounts and accessories. This is similar to the systems used by the DJI Osmo Action series and latterly the GoPro Hero 13 Black, however, so I can’t say the Ace Pro 2 does any better than its rivals here.

The Ace Pro 2 has two secure flaps on its body, which lock in place when closed and require a button press to open. One flap protects the microSD card slot and USB-C port, while the other protects the removable battery.

Design score: 4.5/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: features and performance

1800mAh battery and Endurance Mode
Compatible with Insta360 Android/iOS app
Two levels of electronic image stabilization

The Ace Pro 2’s removable batteries boast a larger capacity than the Ace Pro’s (1800mAh opposed to 1650mAh). Insta360 claims it can record for longer as a result, providing a figure of 180 minutes of 4K/30p recording on a full charge – a lot better than the 100 minutes offered by the original camera. Keen to find out if these claims hold water, I performed my own tests. I found that I could get 69 minutes of stabilized HDR footage at 4K/60p. Switching the camera into Endurance Mode, which limits video resolution and frame rate and turns off certain functions, I was able to record about 140 minutes at 4K/30p before the battery died. So, not quite as high as Insta360 claim, but impressive nonetheless.

The battery also supports reverse charging via USB-C, so in a pinch you can use the Ace Pro 2 as a portable power bank for your phone or other portable gear. The USB also supports a webcam function when plugged into a computer.

Overheating can be an issue, if not a major one. When recording at 8K resolution, the Ace Pro 2 will eventually get too warm to function and shut itself down as a result. I tested it at room temperature conditions, finding it was able to record 8K/30p footage for 43 minutes before overheating, and think that’s fine. 8K recording is probably something you’ll use situationally rather than all the time, after all.

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Insta360 companion app on iPhone 13 — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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As mentioned above, one way to control the Ace Pro 2 is using the Insta360 smartphone app. Connecting via Wi-Fi, it allows users to change the camera settings (and update its firmware), take photos and videos, browse through photos and videos they’ve taken, edit together content and share it on social media. I’ve always found the app an intuitive and stable method of remotely controlling Insta360’s various cameras, and as is customary in 2024 it also features an AI-powered auto editor to swiftly assemble and score short videos from your captured content.

Image stabilization is a vital feature for any self-respecting action camera, and the Ace Pro 2 is well-served in this area. There are two levels of ‘normal’ image stabilization (Standard and High) plus two horizon levelling options (45º and 360º). I found all to be very effective. Being electronic-based, all apply a crop (of varying degrees) to the image.

Other video-centric features include gesture and voice controls, timecode for multi-cam synching, a new dashcam mode and a pre-recording video mode, which records up to 120 seconds before the shutter button is pressed. All useful in certain situations.

The Ace Pro 2 is also compatible with several types of Bluetooth-based wireless microphones (including the DJI Mic and Mic 2, Rode Wireless series and Hollyland Lark series) and several Bluetooth motorcycle headsets (for hands-free camera control while riding).

Features and performance score: 4.5/5

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: image and video quality

Upgraded 1/1.3-inch 50MP sensor
F2.6 lens with 157º field of view
Video up to 8K/30p, 4K/120p or FHD/240p

The original Ace Pro’s headline feature was 8K/24p video recording, and the Ace Pro 2 takes things further, if only ever so slightly; you can now record 8K footage in 25 and 30fps as well. The image sensor, while remaining the same 1/1.3-inch size, has been upgraded to also allow for 13.5 stops of dynamic range and 4K/60p Active HDR recording, and is bolstered by the addition of a new 5nm AI Chip that sits alongside the image processing Pro Imaging Chip. Insta360 say this doubles the computing power of the Ace Pro 2 compared to the original Ace Pro. The lens, made by Leica, has also been slightly improved and now offers a wider field of view: 157º opposed to 151º.

Personally, I find 8K to be a bit of a gimmick, especially on a camera so small. The vast majority of us watch videos on devices with 4K or smaller resolutions, so 8K capture feels like massive overkill unless you’re planning on cropping down the video later on. I should point out here that the field of view when capturing 8K is smaller than with 4K, 2.7K or Full HD recordings. 8K also doesn’t support the best level of image stabilization, doesn’t allow you to use the flat I-log color profile and, despite the bump up to 30fps, still limits frame rate compared to the lower resolution modes.

As a consequence, I found myself much more drawn to 4K which, as on the Ace Pro, is excellent. Most of the vlogging footage you see in the embedded sample video here was shot using the I-log profile and color graded and corrected in post, but the night time footage uses the low light PureVideo mode, while the cycling footage below uses the standard color profile with the Active HDR turned on.

Low light footage is strong by action camera standards but still a weakness compared to even a modestly priced mirrorless camera. Insta360 can throw all manner of algorithms at the footage to sharpen, denoise and bring out the detail in gloomy areas, but it’s still coming from a small sensor with limited light-gathering potential. When viewed on a smartphone screen PureVideo footage looks clean and clear, but on a larger monitor or TV strange artefacts and effects become much more prominent. Still, the Ace Pro 2 is much better at low-light video than a GoPro Hero 13 Black and on a par with the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, although their characteristics are quite different. I've created a short comparison video of the Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro so you can see for yourself how they fare.

All in all, it’s a very impressive showing. In general, I still think straight-out-of-the-camera videos from a GoPro Hero 13 Black taken in good lighting look slightly more appealing, but for those who like to put in a bit of work in post-processing the Ace Pro 2 is every bit as capable as the Hero 13 Black and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Audio is unexpectedly clear when using the built-in microphones. The wind guard seems to do its job admirably and voices are picked up well. The camera comes with three AI-assisted audio modes: standard stereo, wind reduction and voice enhancement. Living by the sea, I kept my Ace Pro 2 set to wind reduction at all times and was pleasantly surprised by the results.

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Insta360 Ace Pro 2 action camera sample still photos — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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The Ace Pro 2 can also take photos (in JPEG and/or DNG RAW) at 12.5MP or 50MP resolution, and while I’ve personally never been a fan of using action cameras for still photography, it does as good a job at it as any of its major rivals. The JPEGs tend to look over-processing and over-sharpened; when I shot images in RAW and processed them myself in Lightroom I was able to achieve much more natural-looking results.

Image quality score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Buy it if...

You absolutely must have 8K footage
Currently this is the best 8K action camera on sale, so if you really require video recording in this resolution it’s the top choice.

You want an all-round image quality performer
With its excellent video performance in good lighting and more than acceptable performance in low light, it’s a jack of all trades.

You hate tiny screens
The Ace Pro 2’s 2.5-inch screen beats its rivals’ dual-screen setups for size. Ideal if you want clearer-looking previews and menus.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You're expecting 8K recording to transform your life
You probably don’t need 8K video, and the Ace Pro 2’s execution of it comes with loads of caveats. It’s still a niche recording mode.

You like to switch between front and back recording quickly
The dual-screen setups of DJI and GoPro rivals suit this style of shooting better than the Ace Pro 2’s flip screen.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: also consider

GoPro Hero 13 Black

GoPro’s flagship is a polished performer, recording gorgeous 5.3K video and supporting a wide range of accessories – including the auto-detected Lens Mods that drastically widen its creative options. It also features built-in GPS, and finally supports the faster magnetic mounting system already used by rival action cam makers.

Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black review

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

Stacked with unique features like wireless Hi-Res audio recording when using a DJI Mic 2 and blessed with excellent battery life, class-leading waterproofing and a generous 47GB of built-in storage, the dual-screen Action 5 Pro is a worthy alternative to the Ace Pro 2. It’s also cheaper than its close rivals, although it doesn’t record 8K, maxing out at 4K/120p.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review

How I tested the Insta360 Ace Pro 2

A week of vlogging and biking
Various weather conditions and times of day
Footage edited using Davinci Resolve Studio 19

I spent a week using a pre-release version of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, capturing vlog-style and cycling videos at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. I also tested battery life and heat management by allowing the camera to continuously record until the battery died or the camera overheated and shut down.

I recorded video at different resolutions and frame rates, using different color profiles and video modes and with the various forms of stabilization on or off. Footage was later edited on my MacBook Air using Davinci Resolve Studio 19 software, which I used to color grade and correct some clips.

First reviewed October 2024

GoPro Hero review: the action camera king goes back to basics

8:01 pm | October 3, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: OLED | Comments: Off

The GoPro Hero is GoPro’s new entry-level action camera. At half the price of the company’s Hero 13 Black flagship, and about half the size, it’s a small, cheap and rugged mountable camera that keeps the price down by keeping things simple. Perhaps too simple.

While I genuinely appreciate how simple and easy this camera is to use, the fact that it offers little control over image quality, only three recording modes, no way to record audio except via the internal mic, and no way to swap out a battery meant that I butted up against limitations and disappointments all too frequently during my review shoots.

Image quality isn’t terrible, but the 8-bit footage is a long way below what’s possible with the Hero 13 Black and other higher-end action cameras. The Hero also isn’t the smallest action camera around, with DJI and Insta360 offering even more compact, lightweight alternatives.

The bright spots here are the affordable price tag, reliable image stabilization and solid battery life, which make the Hero a camera that retains some appeal despite its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a cheap, simple action camera (one you could hand over to your kids, perhaps) that slots nicely into GoPro’s vast ecosystem of mounting accessories and apps, the Hero is that camera.

GoPro Hero: price and release date

$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99
Available now

The GoPro Hero is available to buy now, priced from $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$349.99. That’s half the price of GoPro’s current flagship Hero 13 Black action camera, and quite a bit cheaper than the mini action cameras offered by competitors too: the aging DJI Action 2 costs $229 / £215 and the Insta360 Go 3 and Go 3S cost $319.99 / £319.99 and $399.99 / £349.99 respectively.

That makes the Hero one of the most affordable current action cameras around at launch, and you’ll probably only find something cheaper by buying secondhand or during sales.

Price score: 4/5

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GoPro Hero: design and handling

Small, lightweight and sturdy build
Quick-release magnetic mounting system
Waterproof to 20m without a case
Front and rear OLED touchscreens

Like all GoPro action cameras, the Hero is rugged and waterproof. The tough plastic casing feels like it could take a beating, and is sealed against water up to a depth of 16ft / 5m. The camera lens is given extra protection in the form of a toughened, water-repelling glass cover, which can be replaced in the event it gets damaged.

It comes with GoPro's fold-out mounting fingers on the bottom, allowing it to be attached to over 35 GoPro-made (and countless third-party) accessories like selfie sticks, helmet mounts, bicycle mounts and the like. In the box you get a single curved adhesive mount, one mounting buckle and one screw.

The Hero is very small and lightweight, especially by GoPro standards. It weighs just 3oz / 86g, and makes the other ‘tiny’ GoPro model I have to hand, the 2022-released Hero 11 Black Mini, feel quite bulky and awkward in comparison. There are smaller action cameras around, however; the excellent Insta360 Go 3S springs to mind, being half the Hero’s weight and size and able to record 4K video too.

GoPro Hero key specs

Sensor: 1/2.8-inch CMOS
Video: Up to 4K/30fps, 2.7K/60fps
Photo: 12MP
Screens: 1.76-inch LCD touchscreen
Video modes: Standard, Slo-Mo
Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth LE 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi
Weight: 86g

Despite its small proportions, the Hero has room for a touchscreen on the back (the 11 Black Mini had no screen at all). There’s nothing outstanding about the screen’s quality – it’s LCD rather than OLED – but it does its job well, giving you just enough space to swipe though the shooting modes, adjust settings in the menu screens and review the shots stored on the camera.

Physical controls are nice and simple, with just two large, easy-to-press rubber buttons: one to start and stop image capture, and one to power the camera on and off and for switching quickly between the shooting modes. That, really, is it. There are status lights on the front and back of the camera too, so you’ll know when it’s recording or recharging.

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GoPro Hero connectivitiy — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Storage comes courtesy of a microSD card slot, and without one in the box you’ll have to supply your own. It’ll need to have a V30 or faster UHS-3 rating too.

Alongside the card slot is a USB-C port, which can be used for charging the battery or transferring files; GoPro supplies a short USB-C to USB-C cable in the box. Annoyingly, I wasn’t able to use this to drag and drop files from the Hero onto my Mac, just from my PC. The GoPro Quik app running on a Mac recognized that the camera was connected, but instructed me to use a card reader to import the files. Adding unnecessary steps to the process isn’t a smart design choice in my opinion, especially if they require the user to own another piece of hardware.

The battery, incidentally, is built into the camera and is non-removable. Pricier GoPro models support battery swapping, but the Hero’s streamlined approach means you’re stuck with what's in there.

Design score: 4/5

GoPro Hero: features and performance

80-minute battery life
Voice controls
Image stabilization applied by Quik app

Battery life is solid, mind you. I set up my fully charged Hero review sample to record 4K/30p video continuously and it lasted an impressive 80 minutes. In the low-power battery-saver mode, recording at 1080/30p, it’ll record for over 2.5 hours. When recharging, the indicator light doesn’t change color or turn off to show that the battery is fully charged, so it was difficult for me to gauge how long it takes to go from empty to full – but from periodic checking of the battery levels it seems acceptably fast.

In keeping with GoPro’s bare-bones approach to the Hero, the feature set is limited. The Hero’s menu screen features only six options: voice control on/off; beeps on/off; screen saver on/off; orientation lock on/off; battery saver on/off; screen lock on/off. The voice controls work fine, allowing you to stop and start recordings, take a photo, and turn the power off by saying “GoPro…” followed by a command. It recognized my accent and responded accordingly almost every time.

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GoPro’s HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization is available, but it can't be applied in-camera, only externally via the GoPro Quik app. If you want stabilized videos you’ll need to export your videos to a mobile device or Mac computer (there’s currently no Quik app for Windows PCs; GoPro says it’s ‘coming soon’). The good news is that, once you’ve exported them, videos are automatically stabilized very effectively.

The Quik app itself is generally well designed and easy to use, although it did crash on my iPhone 13 several times while exporting large files to my photo roll, and I did bristle a little at the way it was constantly nudging me to buy a GoPro subscription.

The subscription, which costs $49.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.99 a year (or half that if you’re a new subscriber signing up for your first year) comes with some useful benefits, though: unlimited cloud storage and automatic uploading at full quality for all your photos and videos; automatically edited clip videos, ‘directed’ by AI; money off accessories purchased through the GoPro website and off your next GoPro camera; and up to two replacement cameras per year if your GoPro is lost or damaged. If you own more than one GoPro, I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

Features and performance score: 3.5/5

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GoPro Hero and rival action cameras — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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GoPro Hero and Insta360 Go 3S — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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GoPro Hero: image and video quality

12MP stills and 4K/30p video
8-bit color depth and 50Mbps maximum bitrate
Built-in microphones

When I say that GoPro has kept things simple with the Hero, I mean it. There are just three shooting modes available: Slo-Mo, Video and Photo. There’s no room for live streaming, time lapse, burst photos or any of the other modes you find on most action cameras.

And, within the modes you do get, there’s really no way to adjust the settings. The only way to change how image capture works is to flick the camera into battery-saver mode, which reduces video quality in the name of squeezing more juice out of the camera: 4K/30p video becomes 1080/30p and 2.7K/60p slow-motion video becomes 1080/60p; the 12MP still photos remain the same.

Video is captured at 8-bit quality with a maximum bitrate of 50Mbps. There are no options to shoot in a ‘flat’ log color profile for more post-production control; the Hero really is designed to keep things super-simple. As a result, the video quality is poor by GoPro’s standards, and if you’re used to the excellent colors and detail that come out of its flagship models, you’ll immediately notice that the Hero lags a long way behind.

The electronic stabilization may be impressive, but the image quality itself is dull and lifeless in 4K, and noticeably soft in 1080p. And that’s in good lighting. In low light, the quality takes a dive, with increased noise and decreased detail. I’ve edited together a short video to demonstrate the quality in daylight, so that you can see for yourselves what it’s like, and below I’ve posted a few 12MP still photos. I’ve tweaked these photos slightly with Adobe Lightroom to give them more pop, as they look flat straight from the camera.

The Hero limits video clip times. When I left it continuously recording 4K/30p until the battery died it split the resulting video into several files, each about 10 minutes long. You can edit these together to make a single video later, of course, but it does require more work.

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GoPro Hero sample shot — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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So overall, I found the image quality disappointing. Yes, the Hero is cheap by big-name action camera standards, but there are plenty of old models from Insta360, DJI and GoPro that you might be able to pick up at cheap prices and which offer more options and better performance.

I should also talk about audio recording, which really isn’t great. The Hero doesn’t support external microphones, even USB mics, so the only options for recording live audio for your videos is the 2-mic internal setup. It’s far from terrible in good conditions, but on a blustery day there’s nothing to reduce the interference from wind.

Image quality score: 3/5

GoPro Hero: testing scorecard

Should I buy the GoPro Hero?

Buy it if...

You’re invested in the GoPro ecosystem
For those who already own GoPro cameras, use the Quik app and pay for a subscription, the Hero will slot neatly into their video creation workflow.

You want a cheap, simple camera
With few options, few controls and no add-ons, this is as basic as decent 4K action cameras come. It's also affordable though, making it great for kids or in risky situations where losing a pricier camera would hurt.

Don't buy it if...

You need crystal clear audio
With no way to hook up an external microphone, you’re stuck using the Hero’s built-in mic for all audio recording. Not ideal if you’re using the camera for vlogging.

You want butter-smooth 4K video
The Hero limits 4K video to 30fps, and requires a drop down to 2.7K quality for a slicker 60fps frame rate. Maximum bit rate is 50Mbps too

You want the smallest action cam around
There are several lighter, more compact options on the market – albeit at a higher asking price than the Hero.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: also consider

Insta360 Go 3S

Tiny and flexible, this camera can go to places other action cams can’t. With easy magnetic mounting and a weight and size that makes the GoPro Hero look positively porky, the Go 3S a great way to grab 4K footage from unconventional angles. It does have limited battery life though, requiring frequent recharges.

Read our Insta360 Go 3S review

DJI Action 2

There have been three generations of DJI Action camera released since the Action 2 arrived in 2020, but it remains part of the company’s current range. A modular camera made up of one of two cube-shaped elements, it can be very small and light if required, and records stabilised video at up to 4K resolution.

Read our DJI Action 2 review

How I tested the GoPro Hero

Battery stamina tests
Vlogging and cycling outdoors

I spent a few days using the DJI Hero at home and in my neighborhood, testing out its video and photo performance in a variety of locations and conditions and mounting the camera on selfie sticks, mini tripods and my bike.

I also tried out GoPro's Quik app on both my iPhone 13 and MacBook Air, and edited footage both using the app and later with DaVinci Resolve Studio 19.

First reviewed October 2024

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review: a seriously feature-packed action camera

4:00 pm | September 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: HLG, OLED | Comments: Off

DJI might be the market leader in consumer drones, but when it comes to action cameras the company remains leagues behind GoPro – at least in the public consciousness. That won’t be the case for long though if it keeps turning out products like the Osmo Action 5 Pro.

Even if nobody should get too excited about the ‘Pro’ moniker – this is currently the only model in the range, so there’s no ‘amateur’ model as yet – the Action 5 Pro is a very impressive action camera, and I had a lot of fun reviewing it. Not only is its image quality superb (in daylight, at least – and even at night it’s still better than a GoPro), but it has long-lasting battery life, effective image stabilization, a rugged lightweight build, two beautifully color-rich OLED screens, and genuinely brilliant compatibility with the DJI Mic 2.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

And while it isn’t as mod-friendly as the recent GoPro Hero 13 Black, the Action 5 Pro’s quick-release magnetic mounting system works with all manner of accessories, from helmet and bike mounts to extendable selfie sticks and mini tripods. It can even be used as a webcam.

This versatility means it’ll suit everyone from food vloggers to divers to mountain climbers, and the sheer range of improvements over the Osmo Action 4 suggests that DJI is deadly serious about surpassing the likes of GoPro and Insta360 to establish itself as the leading action camera brand. There’s still a long way to go if that’s going to happen, but if we keep getting cameras like this, it’s a clear possibility.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: release date and price

Priced at $349 / £329 / AU$599 for the Combo bundle
Available from September 19 2024

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is available to order now, priced at $349 / £329 / AU$599 for the Standard Combo bundle, which includes the camera, one battery, one protective frame, one quick-release adapter mount, one curved adhesive base, one locking screw, one rubber lens protecter, one glass lens cover, one anti-slip pad and one USB-C to USB-C cable). There's also an Adventure Combo bundle, which is priced at $449 / £409 / AU$769 and includes all of the above plus a mini quick-release adapter mount, one battery case and one 1.5m extension rod.

DJI has priced the Action 5 Pro aggressively: it’s $50 cheaper than the GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro. Given the specs and performance, which I’ll get into below, that’s impressive. (You can read more about how the Action Pro 5 compares to GoPro's latest in our GoPro Hero 13 Black vs DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro article.)

Additionally, a wide range of optional accessories, each sold separately, is available alongside the Action 5 Pro, including mounts, extension rods, GPS units and microphones.

Price score: 4.5/5

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro battery charger — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: design and handling

Small, lightweight and sturdy build
Quick-release magnetic mounting system
Waterproof to 20m without a case
Front and rear OLED touchscreens

When it comes to rugged reliability, the Osmo Action 5 Pro feels reassuringly well made. The camera itself is small, lightweight (145g) and sturdy, with few protruding parts and a removable, replaceable cover to help prevent damage to the surface of the lens.

It also comes with a frame to further protect the camera body from impact and, while use of this is optional, it adds little to the weight or size of the setup, and leaves buttons and the USB-C chamber fully accessible. In other words, you might as well leave it on all the time. The frame also features mounting points for horizontal and vertical mounting options, allowing you to quickly detach and reattach the camera to magnetic mounts and change orientation for 16:9 or 9:16 shooting as required.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro key specs

Sensor: 1/1.3” CMOS
Video: Up to 4K/120fps
Photo: 40MP
Screens: 2 x OLED touchscreens
Video modes: Standard, Slo-Mo, SuperNight, Hyperlapse, Subject Tracking
Connectivity: USB-C 3.0, Wi-Fi 6.0, Bluetooth
Weight: 145g

The Action 5 Pro supports the same ‘fingers’ mounting method as GoPro (which means it should be compatible with hundreds of third-party and GoPro-made mounts) while maintaining the magnet-and grip-based quick-release system that previous DJI action cams have used. This setup meant I could unclip the Action 5 from one mount and attach it to another in seconds, rather than having to fuss around with screws and the like. During my review I used a few different mounting systems, including DJI’s own extendable selfie stick and a trio of bike-friendly mounts the company sells. Being able to quickly switch between them all is a godsend.

DJI has buffed the camera’s case-free water resistance even beyond the Osmo Action 4’s impressive 18m depth. The company says the Action 5 can go to 20m (or 65 feet) without a dive case, and 60m with one. That’s double the case-free depth of a GoPro Hero or Insta360 Ace Pro. I wasn’t able to fully test this out myself, but can confirm that it'll take a dunk in the ocean without any ill effects.

The Action 5 Pro also supports a wider range of operating temperatures than its close rivals too, working all the way from -4F / -20C to 113F / 45C. If you’re looking for an all-weather, all-environment consumer camera, this is about as hardy as they come. DJI’s Care Refresh protection plan is available for the camera too, which ensures that you can get a repair or replacement (up to two on a one-year plan, or four on a two-year plan) if the camera suffers accidental damage.

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The controls are simple, with only two physical buttons on the camera: a power/mode button on the side and a large shutter/video button on the top. Other settings are accessed either through the touchscreen menus, which are accessible on both the front and rear screens, or via the DJI Mimo mobile app and a paired smartphone. Having tried both methods, I don’t have a preference; both work well and suit different shooting situations, although those with larger fingers might prefer the app due to the small size of the Action 5’s touchscreens.

The screens are in general excellent, though. Now upgraded to OLED, they’re sharp, clear and colorful, and having one on each side of the camera means that properly framing and composing images and videos never feels like a chore; no matter whether you’re self-shooting or filming something in front of you, there’s a screen right there.

Design score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: features and performance

1950mAh battery
47GB of on-board storage plus microSD slot
RockSteady, RockSteady+ and HorizonSteady image stabilization
48kHz Bluetooth recording via DJI Mic 2

DJI makes some bold claims about the Osmo Action 5 Pro’s battery life, saying that a single fully charged 1950mAh battery allows the camera to record up to four hours of video. That’s a 50% improvement over the Osmo Action 4, and DJI says it’s managed this due to the more power-efficient 4nm processor, improvements to battery capacity, and a ‘new algorithm’ that optimizes energy use.

Keen to put these boasts to the test, I set the camera up to record continuously in two video modes: first, 4K at 60fps with RockSteady image stabilization on; then 1080p at 30fps with all stabilization turned off. With the former, a full battery lasted just under two hours – not bad given the relatively high-performance settings. With the latter, it lasted a shade under four hours, just as billed, which is really strong. I should also say that, while the camera was a bit warm to the touch after its two-hour 4K/60fps recording session, it never overheated to the point where it stopped recording.

The Action 5 Pro features a USB-C 3.0 port for in-camera battery charging and file transfer (it also allows the camera to be connected to a computer and used as a plug-and-play webcam). There’s Wi-Fi 6.0 for fast wireless file transfer of up to 80MB/s, which is a big improvement on the Wi-Fi 5.0 of the Action 4; it can also be used for livestreaming, in conjunction with the Mimo mobile app.

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On the subject of the Mimo app, while I won’t get too much into it in this review for reasons of space, it’s the same app you may have used with older DJI cameras. It’s basically a great remote control for the Osmo Action 5 Pro, giving you not only access to all the settings and controls but the ability to compose and review your photos and videos on a much larger screen than the camera’s own display. It also lets you share your content quickly via social media and messaging apps.

The camera comes with 47GB of built-in storage (enough for about 80 minutes of 4K/60fps or three hours of 1080p/30fps video), as well as a microSD card slot for expansion. That’s a nice setup in my opinion, as users on the more casual side of things can rely on the internal storage, while the more demanding, heavier users can supplement that with extra cards to ensure they never run out of space.

There are three types of electronic image stabilization on board, as well as the option to turn it off (which, as I’ll get into, you may have good reason to do at times). RockSteady is the basic level; RockSteady+ ups the ante at the cost of a larger crop to the frame; and HorizonSteady keeps the video aligned horizontally (to a point) while applying an even larger crop. They’re all very effective at smoothing and/or levelling video, and I have no complaints about them – even with the crops applied, the field of view remains quite wide.

The camera also embeds non-stabilized videos with gyroscope data, allowing you to stabilize clips yourself in post-production (if you’re wondering why you might do this, it conserves battery life while giving you more control over how stabilization is applied). I tried this using the free GyroFlow plugin for DaVinci Resolve 18 and it works brilliantly (you can see the results in my sample videos). For some reason, you need to select the ‘Wide’ field of view when recording though – the stabilization won’t work if you’ve shot using other settings.

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and DJI Mic 2 — (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

A new feature that social media creators will love (but the rest of us probably won’t touch) is the ability to track and frame a subject (with a TikTok-friendly 9:16 frame) as it moves around in the camera’s field of view. This seems to work with humans only (my cat didn’t register a response), but it does a good job of recognizing someone and keeping them framed. The output 9:16 video then crops out the rest of the frame.

The final feature worth mentioning is the camera’s superb compatibility with the DJI Mic 2. You can wirelessly link up to two DJI Mic 2 transmitters with it via Bluetooth and have them record pristine 48kHz audio, which I found a great way to record clean, clear voiceover or vlog audio, even in windy conditions. It’s the only action camera that currently allows this – other cameras that support the Mic 2 will only support a 16kHz sampling rate, which won’t sound as clear.

Features and performance score: 5/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: image and video quality

Video up to 4K/120fps
4K SuperNight mode for low-light shooting
10-bit, D-Log M and HLG color profile options

The Action 5 Pro uses the same size 1/1.3-inch sensor as the Action 4, but I found its image quality is a clear step above, with strong dynamic range (DJI claims up to 13.5 stops), and beautifully clean colors and excellent detail in good daylight conditions. Rather than wax lyrical about the image quality, I’ll let you watch the embedded videos (below) and see for yourself. I shot most of the footage here in 4K/60fps using the ‘flat’ D-Log M color profile, color-correcting in post-production with Davinci Resolve 18.

The one exception is the 4K SuperNight sequence, which doesn’t allow D-Log M shooting and limits 4K clips to 30fps; I’ve left this footage untouched to demonstrate how it looks direct from the camera. I wasn’t blown away by SuperNight, and when shooting at night in future I’d be tempted to dial the resolution back to 1080p as the 4K footage doesn’t look particularly sharp. But it does a serviceable job of providing clearer images in low light – a situation where action cameras traditionally struggle.

The fact that the Action 5 Pro doesn’t shoot 5.3K or 8K footage doesn’t bother me much, as in my experience 4K is plenty of resolution for an action camera. That being said, those who like cropping their footage might find the extra detail offered by rival cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black or Insta360 Ace Pro handy.

Aside from low-light shooting, the one area where DJI could make improvements in the future is by implementing GoPro-style lens mods. The ability to shoot macro images or insert ND filters could add some extra flexibility to what’s already a very impressive action camera.

Image quality score: 4/5

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: testing scorecard

Should I buy the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro?

Buy it if...

You want great reliability
Waterproof to 20m, freeze-proof to -25ºC and offering up to four hours of battery life, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is unlikely to let you down.

You own a DJI Mic 2
The pristine 48kHz recording compatibility between this tiny wireless mic and the Action 5 Pro is a game-changer for live voiceover recording. You can even link two mics.

Don't buy it if...

You want crystal-clear night-time footage
DJI’s SuperNight mode may produce better low-light video than most action cameras, but it’s still grainy and lacking in detail compared to video from a mirrorless camera.

You want super high-res footage
4K is fine for 90% of users, but those who need more should look at Insta360 and GoPro’s higher-resolution alternatives.

DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: also consider

GoPro Hero 13 Black

GoPro’s flagship is a polished performer, recording excellent 5.3K video and supporting a wide range of accessories – including the auto-detected Lens Mods that dramatically widen its creative options. It also features built-in GPS, and finally supports the faster magnetic mounting system already used by rival action cam makers.

Read our GoPro Hero 13 Black review

Insta360 Ace Pro

The Ace Pro is something of a resolution master, offering 8K video (at 24fps) and 4K slow-mo at 120fps from a 1/1.3-inch sensor. Video enthusiasts won’t like the lack of log recording options, however. Design-wise, it sports a large 2.4-inch flip-up touchscreen, eschewing the dual-screen setup favored by GoPro and DJI.

Read our Insta360 Ace Pro

How I tested the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

A week of vlogging and biking
Paired with DJI Mic 2
Footage edited using DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6

I spent a week using a pre-release version of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, capturing vlog-style videos using the including extendable selfie stick and, at times, a paired DJI Mic 2 lavalier microphone. I used DJI’s road cycling mount kit to attach the camera to various points on my bike. I also tested battery life by allowing the camera to continuously record until the battery died.

I recorded video at different resolutions and frame rates, using different color profiles and video modes, and with the various forms of stabilization on or off. Footage was later edited on my PC using DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6 software, which I used to color-grade and stabilize some clips.

First reviewed September 2024

GoPro Hero 13 Black review: a refined flagship with enviable accessories

4:30 pm | September 4, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Tags: LCD | Comments: Off

GoPro fans who were hoping for 8K video or a new and bigger sensor in the Hero 13 Black are going to be disappointed right now. That's because GoPro's latest flagship, which comes 12 months after the Hero 12 Black, is largely the same as its predecessor.

There's still the 8:7 aspect ratio sensor with 5.3K video and 27MP photos, industry-leading HyperSmooth stabilization, and waterproofing up to 33ft / 10m – you'll even get all of that in the older-again Hero 11 Black.

And since those previous-generation models launched, the action camera competition has raised its game: DJI's Osmo Action 4 has better low-light performance than GoPro's (and rumors say it'll be replaced by the Osmo Action 5 Pro really soon), while Insta360 dropped the Ace Pro, an 8K video beast.

The picture doesn't look good for an iterative update then, but I'm here to say don't write the GoPro Hero 13 Black off. GoPro has been a long-time player in the action camera space, its Hero 12 Black still sits at the top of our best action cameras buying guide, and there are some tweaks in the Hero 13 Black that actually go a long way to making it an even more compelling choice, especially for serious filmmakers.

GoPro Hero 13 Black in the hand — The Anamorphic Lens Mod, available in 2025, attached to the Hero 13 Black (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

No other brand can offer such a wide range of accessories, and GoPro has introduced a whole lot more of them alongside the Hero 13 Black, namely the HB-series of lenses and ND filters.

GoPro has announced the Ultra-Wide, Macro and Anamorphic Lens Mods, as well as a 4-pack of ND filters. These mods rotate into place over the Hero 13 Black's built-in lens, which has a newly designed mount that can auto-detect which mod is attached and adjust the camera settings accordingly.

With one simple new feature, the camera becomes an infinitely more creative tool, and compelling for a wider range of users.

GoPro has also taken a leaf out of the competition's book by finally utilizing quick and reliable magnetic mounting, which is added to its existing 'fingers' and 1/4-20-inch mounting options.

Better battery life and heat dissipation are two other areas that have been addressed: the redesigned 10% higher-capacity 1,900mAh battery is capable of shooting 5.3K video for up to 1.5 hours and Full HD 1080p videos for around 2.5 hours.

Although the maximum video resolution remains at 5.3K, there's now Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video to minimize lost detail in highlights and shadows, plus better slow-mo recording, now up to 13x in a 720p 400fps Burst Slo-Mo mode. Content can be uploaded 40% quicker thanks to the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 tech.

GPS is also back, following its disappointing omission from the Hero 12 Black. Through the Quik app, Performance Stickers can be added to embed info such as speed, altitude and G-force into video clips, as well as the location info.

Those are the highlight improvements. Like I said, there's not a whole lot that's new, but progress isn't always about big moves in headline specs like video resolution; it's as much about real-world performance, and here the Hero 13 Black feels like the most compelling action camera package out there for serious creators.

GoPro Hero 13 Black: release date and price

List price is $399 / £399.99 / AU$649.95 or $599 / £599.99 / AU$979.95 for the Creator Edition
Available from September 10 2024
New HB-series of lenses and filters, starting from $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95

The GoPro Hero 13 Black starts at $399 / £399.99 / AU$649.95, while the Creator Edition, which includes the Media Mod, Light Mod and Volta grip costs $599 / £599.99 / AU$979.95. The camera will be available to buy from September 10.

Alongside the camera, GoPro unveiled a the new HB-Series of lenses and filters, including the Macro Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249.95), Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99.99 / £99.99 / AU$169.95) and a new ND Filter 4-pack ($69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95), all of which will also be available from September 10.

Another noteworthy accessory is the Contacto, which replaces the battery door to enable charging on the go via a magnetic mount, without compromising waterproofing, and costs $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$139.95. GoPro also announced the Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$219.95), although this lens won't be available until 2025.

There are too many accessories available for the Hero 13 Black to easily list here, so do check out GoPro's website for more info.

GoPro Hero 13 Black: design and handling

Same size as the Hero 12 Black
10% larger capacity battery
New Lens Mod mount detects the attachments
Quick magnetic mounting finally introduced

Used a GoPro Hero Black camera before? The Hero 13 Black will be familiar, being as it is identical in size to previous models, with external dimensions of 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm, albeit with a larger-capacity battery squeezed in and a negligible weight gain, tipping the scales at 5.6oz / 159g.

GoPro Hero 13 Black key specs

Sensor: 27MP multi-aspect 8:7
Video: 5.3K 60fps, 4K 120fps, slow-mo 720p 400fps
LCD: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front
Video modes: TimeWarp, Time Lapse, Slo-Mo, Night
Connectivity: USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 6GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 159g

Battery capacity is upped by 10% to 1,900mAh – with run times up to 1.5 hours of 5.3K video or up to 2.5 hours of 1080p video. GoPro lists the real world improvement over the Hero 12 Black as averaging 13.5% with airflow and 26.7% without airflow – that's a decent bump in performance.

The battery isn’t backwards compatible with the Hero 12 Black and earlier models, it’s a different size and design. Nor are older batteries forwards compatible, so if you’re upgrading you’ll need to factor in the cost of any additional batteries.

I rigged the Hero 13 Black for go-karting in 30-degree heat, recording 5.3K video for a total of around 1 hour, with both front and rear screen and GPS active, and the battery went from around 80% power to being almost fully out of juice. Not bad going. I’ll run more tests during an in-depth full review.

The Hero 13 Black’s Lens Mod mount is new. Not in the way that you attach a Lens Mod, but because it has a point of contact with the new HB-series of lenses and filters which means it can detect the attached lens – something that mirrorless and DSLR camera users are familiar with.

Handily with the communication between camera and lens, your settings are automatically updated to accommodate the lens in play. It’s a little detail, but it makes life easy switching between lenses and propels the Hero 13 Black into other realms of creativity.

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The Macro Lens Mod is a revelation, improving close focusing distance down to 4.3in / 11cm – that’s 4x close than the built-in camera. Traditionally, action cameras can’t focus particularly closely which all but counts them out for vlogging. When I’ve tried in the past, I feel like I have to hold the camera further away than I would like, nor could I capture little details. That’s picture totally changes with the Macro Lens Mod. If GoPro wanted to improve the shooting experience for a huge slice of potential users, this lens should be the ticket.

The Anamorphic Lens Mod was not available for use during my hands-on testing (though I did get my hands on it), nor was GoPro's new ‘Contacto’ accessory. The latter replaces the battery / memory card door and has a magnetic charging mount for on-the-go charging. The USB-C supplied cable works with any compatible powerbank and wall mount charger. You don’t sacrifice waterproofing either – which remains up to 33ft / 10m. In theory you could film underwater while charging the camera via Contacto, obviously provided the power source such as power bank is waterproof or not submerged the water itself – for which you might need a long cable!

If you regularly change what your Hero 13 Black is mounted to, then its new magnetic mounting is a godsend. The likes of DJI and Insta360 already utilize magnetic mounting and GoPro has thankfully has followed suit – it really needed to – and introduced some ball-head mounts for easy repositioning of the camera.

GoPro continues to embrace its legacy 'fingers' mounting method – the lowest profile option – plus 1/4-20in mounting, easing the transition for those already familiar with GoPro design.

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GoPro Hero 13 Black: features and performance

Limited capture time for new Burst Slo-mo video modes
New HLG HDR video color profile

Like the Hero 12 Black, regular 5.3K video recording remains at up to 60fps, but you can up that rate to 120fps – that’s 4x slow motion – using the new Burst Slo-Mo video option.

In the same Burst Slo-Mo menu, there’s also a 400fps option at a resolution of 720p, plus 360fps at 900p. All these burst modes are limited in capture time: the 5.3K 120fps option can run for 5 seconds, while the other two last for 15 seconds.

It takes the Hero 13 Black approximately the same amount of time to process the files before you can start shooting again. As such, I wouldn’t rely on these new burst modes in all situations because of the processing time, during which you could be missing the moment in demanding shoots. Burst Slo-Mo is an example of an impressive feature on paper, but with limited real world application

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In the video preset menu, you can choose between standard, HDR and Log color profiles. Depending on which option you select and if you’ve got a Lens Mod in play, the maximum video resolution and frame rates available might change.

For example, with the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod, you can’t shoot 5.3K video, you’re limited to 4K. For HDR video, you can’t shoot at 60fps because 30fps is the limit. It takes a while to figure out what you can and can’t do with the Hero 13 Black – those headline features aren’t available in all settings.

I’m not knocking GoPro about that – I can’t think of another action camera that shoots unlimited 5.3K 120fps video, nor one that has Lens Mods for different looks. I’m just setting your expectations right.

Battery life and overheating are hot topics with GoPro cameras (no pun intended). As previously mentioned, there's improvements in both of those areas. You'll notice a much better battery performance for video runtime when there isn't airflow, like recording in a room or simply walking about.

I was using the Hero 13 Black in Spain in 30°C heat and, although it was getting warm, it never gave me any problems. I'll do more in-depth testing on this in the coming weeks.

GoPro Hero 13 Black: image and video quality

Same 8:7 aspect ratio sensor as the Hero 12 Black
Improved slow-mo video record modes

To get a feel for the Hero 13 Black's image quality, you can take a look at our Hero 12 Black review – after all they share the same image sensor, plus maximum video and photo resolution.

Through GoPro's Lens Mods it's possible to shoot different kinds of shots, and I look forward to using the Macro Lens Mod more, plus the anamorphic lens next year.

I've included a few video samples that I'm able to share, below, and will unpack video and image quality in the full review.

How I tested the GoPro Hero 13 Black

A few days with limited scenarios
Paired with the Macro and Ultra-Wide Lens Mods
Used with various mounts for sports

During a two day hands-on with the Hero 13 Black ahead of its release, I was able to shoot behind the scenes at the MotoGP (from which video clips can’t be shared), making timewarp sequences, plus it had a proper run out around a go karting track. I attached it to a crash helmet and to an arm for different perspectives, used the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod and tried out the various color profiles, including HDR. The slow motion burst modes were utilized, too, to slow down movement of water and bottles of bubbly on the post race podium. I also tested the close focusing capabilities with and without the Macro Lens Mod. Since that trip, I've been using the camera on bike rides and will be running more tests in the coming weeks to complete the full review.

First reviewed September 2024

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K review

10:00 pm | June 19, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Action Cameras Cameras Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K: one-minute review

For taking photos underwater, or at the beach or in other situations where your camera could get wet, a dedicated waterproof and toughened compact camera has typically been the preferred solution, at least for consumers. Pro photographers and videographers who own a DSLR or mirrorless camera will alternatively look for specialist underwater housing for their camera, and these tend to be both bulky and pricey.

Falling somewhere in between these options is the small yet outwardly robust SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K. At its core is a tiny, rectangular GoPro-like digital camera that’s no bigger than a matchbox, which, if used standalone, is not waterproof – though you can use it on land. To use the camera in water you have to secure it inside the provided rubber-sealed, screw-fastened plastic housing. The tiny camera-operation buttons are mirrored on the outer casing with much larger ones, which when pressed essentially operate the smaller buttons within.

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K waterproof camera on a stony waterside — (Image credit: Future | Gavin Stoker)

While this doesn’t make for the fastest or most responsive of setups, it works. The camera’s 140-degree fisheye lens enables the capture of up to 14MP stills and 4K video, and the combo is conveniently portable and amazingly lightweight at just 7oz / 200g. The price is comparable to that of a toughened, waterproofed point-and-shoot camera. While this is very much a specific tool for a specific job, you might also want to check out the SeaLife Micro 3.0, which in my opinion this is a slightly neater solution, in that it doesn’t require an external housing for the camera.

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K: price and availability

The SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K is available to buy now, priced at $349.95 / £349.99 / AU$599 – so US buyers are getting a better deal than their British counterparts.

Though the palm-sized camera plus underwater housing combination may appear a little toy-like, its price suggests this is a direct competitor to the all-in-one toughened and waterproofed cameras that are available from the likes of Ricoh, Nikon and Fujifilm, which don’t require a separate waterproof housing.

The waterproof rating of those compact competitors varies from model to model, and some are more ‘jack-of-all-trades’ devices than dedicated underwater cameras. That being said, if they get covered in sand they can be simply rinsed clean under a tap, as can the housing of the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K; however, the camera element needs to stay protected at all times.

Viewed standalone, the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K may appear pricey for a matchbox-sized camera with a plastic-y outer housing, but its price is in part justified by its ability to capture 14MP stills and 4K resolution video down to depths of 40 meters. This allows you to capture underwater images and footage in situations where you wouldn’t dare to take your precious DSLR or mirrorless camera.

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K: design

The SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K comprises a tiny matchbox-sized camera unit that forms the ‘brains’ of the setup, while the rugged plastic outer housing with oversized buttons provides the brawn.

Once you’ve placed the camera inside the cavity of the housing, you need to screw the unit tightly shut using a red plastic cog to make it waterproof. You’ll need to remove the camera from its housing to recharge its built-in battery via the supplied USB cable, or to insert or remove the microSD card. Slots for the memory card plus USB and HDMI ports are hidden under a plastic flap on one side of the camera, while two lozenge-shaped buttons on the opposite side are provided for tabbing through on-screen menu options. So far so intuitive.

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Because the camera’s LCD screen is a tiny two inches in size, menu icons are necessarily large and obvious. The mode button that also doubles as the power on/off button brings up a brief array of options, while pressing the ‘OK’ button next to it confirms settings changes. This button also has a second use, acting as a shutter release / record button, depending on whether photo or video mode is selected. The buttons need to be pressed quite hard, and sometimes a couple of times, before they do what they’re supposed to, which – to look at it from a more positive angle – at least prevents accidental shots or menu activations. It’s not, though, as quick and responsive as a DSLR or mirrorless camera, so deciding on your settings before going shooting rather than making changes on the fly is recommended.

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K: performance

While the 2-inch rear screen on the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K is tiny and features a low-ish 230k-dot resolution, it’s bright enough to be able to be viewed clearly through the translucent back of the housing. The small size does make it difficult to assess detail, however, and to tell exactly which parts of your scene or subject are or aren’t in focus. Essentially it’s a case of pointing the camera, pressing the button, and hoping for the best.

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SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K photos alongside a river front — (Image credit: Future | Gavin Stoker)

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While the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K is a cute and compact solution for anyone seeking to go diving or snorkeling and capture stills and videos, we’d have preferred a clamp-like fastening mechanism as a belt-and-braces solution alongside the hand-turned plastic cog that screws the back into place, mainly as extra reassurance that the setup is going to stay watertight at all times.

Most toughened compacts that don’t require extra housing feature the two-step mechanism of a sliding latch and another that turns to make sure their rubber insulated battery/card compartments are doubly protected, and I’d like to have seen something similar here. While the back of the SeaLife’s housing can be screwed tightly shut, and the housing itself feels robust, there still remains room for possible user error.

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SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K photos on a river surface — (Image credit: Future | Gavin Stoker)

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Murky underwater photo taken with the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K — (Image credit: Future | Gavin Stoker)

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As for image quality, selecting the maximum 14MP setting delivers images approximately 5MB in size, which exhibit the familiar fisheye-like distortion that’s to be expected the closer you get to your subject. You can alter the field of view from the default 140 degrees to a narrower 100-degree setting that reduces distortion.

Image quality is generally okay, however, and of a snapshot-like standard, with whatever’s in the center of the frame appearing sharper than detail at the edges. This camera is all about capturing a moment rather than producing gallery-quality results, though, so griping about pixel fringing and the like feels like nitpicking here.

Should I buy the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K: also consider

How I tested the SeaLife ReefMaster RM-4K

As I was unable to scuba dive with the camera during my test period and don’t live near the sea, the camera was instead dunked in a river and the local pond, with the resulting images not offering much in the way of enlightenment, save for demonstrating the fact that the controls are large and obvious enough to operate even in poor visibility, or at the end of an extended arm. It also demonstrated that it’s best to configure shooting settings in advance, rather than in the moment.

I also delved into the camera’s shooting menu to adjust its field of view from the default 140 degrees of its fisheye lens to menu-selectable 156-degree and 100-degree settings, as well as trying out the exposure options, which range from the catch-all of auto to manually selectable dedicated settings for deeper water shooting and recording. I also kept a close eye on battery life – SeaLife claims that a fully charged battery is good for a generous 500 shots or around two hours of video, and over the course of a couple of days of use the battery icon on the rear screen had only dipped down by a third.

First reviewed June 2024