DJI Osmo 360 Review: Impressive First-Gen 360 Camera
▼ Summary
– The DJI Osmo 360 is a strong debut in the 360 camera market, showcasing DJI’s expertise from drones and action cameras.
– The Osmo 360 is a serious competitor to Insta360’s X5, though it doesn’t fully surpass it, performing well in various conditions.
– Its rugged design resembles the GoPro Max and Insta360 X5, with an IP68 rating, but DJI advises against underwater use due to video stitching issues.
– The camera lacks replaceable lenses, making scratches a risk, unlike the Insta360 X5’s user-swappable design.
– The Osmo 360 is user-friendly, featuring a responsive touchscreen, simple controls, built-in storage, and versatile mounting options.
DJI’s Osmo 360 makes a striking first impression in the competitive world of 360-degree cameras, blending rugged durability with intuitive controls. While it doesn’t quite dethrone the Insta360 X5, this debut offering proves DJI’s expertise in imaging technology translates seamlessly beyond drones and action cameras.
After extensive testing in diverse environments, from bright sunlight to near-storm conditions, the Osmo 360 demonstrates it’s built for real-world use. Its compact, matte-gray body houses dual fisheye lenses, giving it a no-nonsense aesthetic that matches its IP68-rated durability. Though technically waterproof up to 10 meters, DJI cautions against underwater filming due to potential stitching artifacts caused by water droplets on the lenses. This limitation sets it slightly behind the X5, which handles aquatic environments more gracefully.
During heavy rainfall, however, the Osmo 360 performed flawlessly, proving its weather resistance isn’t just theoretical. One notable drawback is the lack of replaceable lenses. Unlike the X5, which allows users to swap out damaged optics, the Osmo 360’s exposed lenses risk scratches over time. DJI does offer a protection plan, but the convenience of user-replaceable parts would have been a welcome feature.
Where the Osmo 360 truly shines is in its user-friendly design. The bright two-inch touchscreen responds instantly, and the three-button layout keeps operation straightforward. A magnetic quick-release mount adds versatility, while the generous 128GB of internal storage eliminates the hassle of carrying extra memory cards. For creators who prioritize simplicity without sacrificing quality, this camera delivers.
Though not perfect, the Osmo 360 establishes DJI as a formidable player in the 360-camera space. Its robust construction and thoughtful features make it a compelling alternative, especially for those already invested in DJI’s ecosystem.
(Source: Wired)
