DJI’s latest entry into the action camera space, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, continues its push to deliver high-performance imaging in a compact, robust form. With a clear focus on professionals and demanding enthusiasts, it steps up as a capable tool for both high-octane footage and creative video storytelling. While other brands may prioritise flashy additions, DJI has focused on refining the essentials and building a camera that performs reliably across real-world environments.
Designed for those who dive, climb, fly, or film on the move, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is an action camera and a multi-environment companion. DJI has packed it with tools for serious outdoor work while also making usability upgrades that cater to travel creators and vloggers. It is not a complete reinvention of the action cam format but a notable refinement.
This camera does not rely solely on high frame rates or large resolution numbers to make its case. Its value lies in the balance between thoughtful hardware, software optimisation, and environmental adaptability. With real-world needs in mind, DJI has aimed to reduce friction, whether in mounting, menu navigation, or environmental sensing. This approach reflects a growing trend in action cams; users want less complexity in the field and more assurance that their gear will work.
Design and usability in real environments
The Osmo Action 5 Pro stays true to the familiar DJI design language: minimalist, clean, and slightly industrial. It looks compact but feels solid in hand. The body houses physical buttons on the top and side, with a dedicated shutter or record button and a power or mode button that doubles up for quick setting adjustments. A USB-C port is neatly tucked away beneath a flap, while the battery and microSD card slot are accessed from the other side. There is no unnecessary flourish, only functional elements that feel well thought out.
One of the upgrades is the inclusion of dual OLED touchscreens, a 1.46-inch front screen and a larger 2.5-inch rear screen. Both offer excellent brightness and clarity, making them usable even under direct sunlight. The touch response is smooth, allowing users to quickly swipe through menus and adjust settings. Whether checking framing or reviewing footage, the screens feel fluid and reliable. This is a clear improvement over the Osmo Action 4, which used standard LCD panels without HDR support. The OLED upgrade enhances visibility outdoors and makes reviewing colour accuracy and exposure far easier on the go.
The screen upgrade also improves the experience for solo shooters. The front display’s improved contrast and colour reproduction mean vloggers or creators filming themselves can trust the framing and exposure. For those who regularly transition between front-facing commentary and rear-view framing, the consistency across both displays simplifies on-the-go adjustments without needing a phone or a second person to check the shot.
The camera’s physical design is waterproof up to 20 metres without a case and up to 60 metres with one, making it ideal for divers and water sports. It is EN13319-certified, meaning it can accurately display water depth and altitude. This functionality is integrated into its built-in pressure gauge, allowing the camera to start or stop recording when entering or exiting water automatically. It is a small but highly practical detail for creators who often film in unpredictable or challenging outdoor environments.
Despite its rugged rating, it remains lightweight enough for extended handheld use or to mount on helmets and bikes without fatigue. DJI’s magnetic quick-release mount system allows fast transitions between accessories. Combined with the solid build, this makes the camera dependable in varied and demanding shooting conditions. Those who frequently change shooting positions or angles will appreciate not having to unscrew mounts repeatedly.
Excellent imaging performance with next-gen CMOS sensor
At the heart of the Action 5 Pro is a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which offers 13.5 stops of dynamic range. This level of performance places it in a good position for creators who often face variable lighting. Scenes with high contrast, such as sunsets, city lights at dusk, or shadowed forest trails, retain strong detail without heavy post-processing. This is especially important when the footage is intended for publication or commercial work, where image quality can’t be compromised.
Video recording tops out at 4K at 60fps, with high-dynamic range capabilities that give footage more depth and colour gradation. During a test, the footage retained crisp detail without noticeable noise. The HDR mode also smoothly handles quick light transitions, ideal for action sequences where the environment changes rapidly. The footage looks clean and cinematic straight out of the camera, reducing reliance on heavy colour grading.
Still photography reaches up to 40MP, a major step up from the 9.98MP maximum on the Osmo Action 4. This upgrade enables far greater detail and post-crop flexibility, allowing users to extract higher-quality stills from dedicated photo mode and video frame grabs. It makes the Action 5 Pro a more capable hybrid device for users who value video and photography in their content workflows. This improvement alone adds considerable appeal for travel creators who rely on one device to do it all.
Low-light handling is impressive for the category. The camera’s sensor and software work together to reduce noise while keeping colours accurate. Night rides, street scenes, and low-light hikes produced surprisingly usable results, with highlights managed gracefully and without blowing out. The automatic exposure and white balance adjustments feel more refined than on previous models, giving creators more confidence to shoot in changing conditions.
The upgrade from the Action 4 is not just about numbers. The enhanced dynamic range and colour accuracy reflect DJI’s maturing image pipeline. It feels more like a tool that can be trusted in professional scenarios, where reliable results matter, and reshoots are not always an option. Whether shooting for social media, branded content, or personal documentation, the camera offers a strong balance of technical capability and usability.
Handling different conditions with ease
During extended use across various outdoor conditions, including tropical rain, sandy trails, and underwater sessions, the Osmo Action 5 Pro held up well in build and software stability. The UI is responsive and rarely stutters, even when switching modes quickly or browsing recorded media. Boot-up time is fast, ideal for creators who need to capture moments at a moment’s notice. This responsiveness makes a real difference when filming unpredictable scenes, such as wildlife or spontaneous events.
The built-in mic setup is acceptable for basic use, but wind performance remains challenging in exposed environments. While the microphone captures dialogue and ambient sounds reasonably well in still or quiet conditions, wind noise quickly becomes an issue when moving. For creators who value sound quality, pairing it with DJI’s own wireless mic system or a third-party solution is highly recommended.
Battery life is another area where the Action 5 Pro excels. With up to 240 minutes of runtime, depending on settings, it comfortably outperforms many competitors in its class. This allows for extended shoots without constant recharging or battery swaps, which is especially useful for long hikes, travel days, or documentary work. Fast in-camera charging and USB-C convenience minimise downtime and simplify power management.
A seamless companion app for control and content
The DJI Mimo app is an essential companion for Osmo Action 5 Pro users, offering a full suite of features for setup, control, and content management. From the initial activation process to firmware updates, the app streamlines everything via a clean and responsive interface. Firmware updates can be triggered directly within the app, and users have the option to enable automatic downloads when connected to Wi-Fi. Recent firmware versions have added webcam-specific auto-resume functionality and improved HDR colour performance, highlighting DJI’s focus on delivering meaningful improvements through regular updates.
Beyond system management, the app also serves as a powerful content hub. It allows users to wirelessly access and organise photos and videos from the camera, review clips, and even perform basic editing using pre-built templates. The in-app editor supports one-tap edits, manual project creation, and themed templates tailored for travel, sports, or lifestyle content. For creators who shoot and publish on the go, the Mimo app bridges the gap between camera and audience, offering an intuitive way to stay in control without needing a laptop or third-party software.
Accessories that boost flexibility
The Adventure Combo includes the Osmo Action Horizontal-Vertical Protective Frame, which adds flexibility to the camera setup by supporting both horizontal and vertical shooting. This suits creators producing for multiple platforms, such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The frame feels sturdy and locks in securely, providing reassurance during intense activities. However, installation and removal can be fiddly, especially the first few times, as the fit is tight and requires some effort.
One limitation of the frame is that it blocks access to the battery compartment. This means the camera has to be removed from the frame each time the battery needs to be changed. For users who shoot over long periods or switch batteries frequently, this adds friction to the workflow. While it integrates well with DJI’s magnetic quick-release mount and remains stable during fast-paced movement, the lack of tool-free battery access is a noticeable compromise. It is a trade-off between stability and convenience that may not suit every shooting style.
Also included in the Adventure Combo is the Osmo Action Multifunctional Battery Case, which comes with two additional Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus units, each with a capacity of 1950 mAh. The case does more than just store spares—it can charge all three batteries simultaneously and functions as a USB-C power bank for other devices. For travel creators or those filming in remote areas, this helps minimise downtime and ensures longer continuous shoots. Its compact, travel-friendly design makes it a practical and valuable accessory.
The ecosystem of accessories helps position the Osmo Action 5 Pro not just as a standalone product, but as part of a complete content creation kit. DJI’s approach here reflects a deeper understanding of what creators need in the field, which is gear that supports, rather than interrupts, the creative process.
The verdict: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a significant upgrade over its predecessor and a compelling option for creators needing a reliable, rugged, high-performing action camera. It does not try to reinvent the wheel but improves meaningfully in areas that matter—image quality, screen technology, environmental adaptability, and real-world usability.
The jump in photo resolution and the move to OLED touchscreens are standout improvements compared to the Osmo Action 4. These changes bring better clarity, usability, and post-production flexibility, making the camera suitable for recreational use and serious content creation.
From coastal shoots in Bali to mountain treks in Vietnam, the Osmo Action 5 Pro offers durability and adaptability, making it worth the investment. It is not perfect but dependable, refined, and clearly built with creators in mind.
In short, DJI has delivered a camera that is as practical as powerful. The Osmo Action 5 Pro earns its place as a top-tier action cam, ready for whatever your next shoot demands.
