It’s the DJI Action 2 is a modular action camera that has very compact dimensions and amazing capability to shoot 4K videos. It’s a reimagined model that DJI’s Osmo Action camera and features several magnetic module options that allow users to customize it according to their needs in shooting.
Action 2 Action 2 uses a 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, which is bigger that its 1/2.3″ sensor found in Osmo’s original Osmo Action camera. Its F2.8 lens has an 155o area of view (FoV) as well as a new color temperature sensor lets the camera rapidly adjust as shooting conditions change.
The camera also has an innovative stabilization mode named HorizonSteady that claims to maintain stable horizon lines regardless of camera angle and DJI’s rockSteady 2.0 to minimize shake. Other options include Hyperlapse Timelapse 8x slow-mo and “Lapse Control which allows users to regulate the duration and speed of the timelapse and hyperlapse modes. The camera can also be used as webcams or live streaming at 1080/30p.
Specifications for key components
1/1.7″ CMOS sensor
F2.8 lens with 150o FOV
Video: 4K/120p (16:9, 3840×2160), 4K/60p (4:3, 4096×3072), 2.7K/120p (16:9, 2688×1512), 2.7K/60p (4:3, 2688×2016), 1080/240p
12-megapixel photo (Raw or JPEG however not simultaneously)
4x digital zoom, with HorizonSteady off 2x digital zoom, with HorizonSteady on
32 GB internal memory
Micro SD slot in front facing cameras along with battery pack module
1.76″ OLED touchscreen
One microphone built-in (increases by three when combined with a front-facing camera module)
Electronic image stabilization to 60 frames per second
Waterproofing down to 10m (33 feet.) without the use of a case, and up to 60m with a protective case
Built-in Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth
Design and body
The new Action 2 body style is the most obvious modification to DJI’s range of cameras for action. It’s extremely small even without accessories, with a weight of only 56 grams (~2 pounds) in size, measuring 39x 22.3mm. Its OLED touchscreen is located on the rear of the camera. Additionally, a just a single button on top of the camera lets you capture video or take photographs.
Camera settings can be adjusted via the OLED touchscreen located on the back of the camera or via the DJI Mimo application. In the lower part side of Action 2, you will locate magnetic contacts that will allow users to connect different accessories for the camera.
It is possible to connect the front-facing screen module, or an additional batteries pack with Action 2 to Action 2 to increase its battery’s life. Utilizing either of these devices can also record on micro SD cards which can expand the module’s 32GB built-in memory. The screen on the front increases the battery’s lifespan from 70 minutes the 160-minute mark (shooting 1080/30p) as well as the battery pack can extend battery life to up to 3 hours. Both modules can’t be used in tandem at simultaneously.
It is also possible to use the DJI Action 2 can also be used with other accessories, such as the magnetic necklace that can be worn to record FPV video with a floating handle, a water-proof case ball-joint magnetic mount adapter and an extension rod with remote control mini tripods, and the macro lens accessory.
What is it like using
While the design with magnetics is useful for attaching other battery packs as well as tiny tripods, it’s not as effective when it’s attached to magnetic surfaces. I tried to connect Action 2 Action 2 to a metal C-stand but was disappointed to watch it slide along across the entire length. The magnets on the device are specifically made to work in conjunction with other DJI devices that use magnetic magnets.
The camera does a great job of attaching to the necklace that can be worn however, the FPV footage has a few flaws. I took a few hyperlapses using it, but keeping my hair, my headphone cable, or jacket from blocking the camera was a problem. The lines that define the horizons in the footage were also inclined to be slightly tilted.
Hyperlapse shot in Ridgewood, Queens, shot using DJI Action 2 attached to the necklace with magnetic attachment. Hyperlapse at 1080/30p.
If you’re shooting with Action 2 attached to the necklace, Action 2 attached to the necklace, you’ll need to control it with the DJI app. However, when the camera is turned on for a long period I noticed that the camera was prone to be disconnected from the app as well as the camera could cease recording.
The necklace is less obvious than a chest harness however, the flashing light at the top of the Action 2 makes it pretty evident that you’re wearing cameras. The dimensions of your chest, it could also be uncomfortable and the magnetic device which allows you to connect your camera with the is small and can be difficult to keep the track of.
The camera can also be prone to overheating and shutting off, and having it near your body can cause it to happen more quickly. While the option to use a hand-free mode on the camera is nice I would rather hold onto the camera and attaching it to one these mini tripods. If you want to use a hands-free method it is possible to use the headband as an alternative to capture FPV perspectives.
In the end, the speed of the camera’s tendency to be overheating could be the main drawback. When in use it, this Action 2 became extremely hot to the touch within about 30 minutes at 1080p. When shooting footage in 4K it was not uncommon during my experience with the camera to see the camera get too hot, quit recording and then shut down.
In an environment that is controlled the longest time we could record when shooting in 4K/50p before the camera stopped working was approximately seven minutes. One solution is to record in a lower quality, that produces less heat however for many, that isn’t a good reason for purchasing a 4K action camera. But, DJI offered additional details about the camera’s thermal management , which proved to be helpful.
Quality of video and image
While it’s annoying not to be able view any content through the app, the video footage Action 2 produces is pretty amazing. The large field of view is ideal for video shooting, and when shooting with a camera, the footage is very steady. Color reproduction is lovely and vivid, and the auto exposure is very accurate. Video is saved as MP4 (H.264 or the HEVC) format.
When I was using Action 2 Action 2, I brought it to a variety of events and was awed by what it was able to do. It’s a lot smaller than a smartphone and easier to hold and, if there’s a crowd member who comes to a crashing halt there’s no need to be concerned over your Action 2 taking a tumble. It was a hiccup, but there was no damage to the Action 2 was just fine. If it was my phone that would have been a major loss.
With just one microphone, the quality of audio isn’t going to be perfect however, the quality of the audio recorded at these events was as good as the quality I would have been capable of capturing with my smartphone. The new microphone accessory due in December will be a crucial accessory if the quality of the content you’re recording is crucial.
Conclusion
DJI invested more than two years considering its place in the market for action cameras its Action 2’s style is creative. The camera is small and the view is larger than the majority of its competition, the stability is superb and the footage that it can record is stunning.
We’re hopeful that app performance will increase in the future, however the possibility of overheating can be a concern dependent on the way you plan to utilize the camera. It’s natural that cooling via air is an integral component of the design due to its small size, but it makes it less suitable for certain scenarios. Therefore, Action 2 Action 2 is probably not the best option for shooting 4K videos of static locations or indoors, however it could be suitable for outdoor activities or even action sports.
The price is a bit expensive for what you get. It’s the Action 2 by itself is $399. If you add the LCD front-facing module, it increases to $519. The design is certainly unique and we were awestruck by the high-quality footage it took. However, the price is quite too high for a device that is prone to overheating and shut down at the time you most likely would not think it would.
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