Not content with battling GoPro in the action camera space, DJI is reportedly preparing to launch its first-ever 360-degree camera for Insta360.
@JasperEllens on X (formerly Twitter) leaked a filing from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) apparently certifying the DJI Osmo 360 (see below), which would almost certainly be a portable 360-degree camera that could rival the five-star Insta360 X4.
Since GoPro has repeatedly delayed the launch of the Max 2, the successor to the now five-year-old GoPro Max, we need an X4 rival besides the decent Kandao QooCam Ultra 3, and DJI might surprisingly be giving a march on GoPro here can steal.
Given its track record, DJI disrupting the Insta360-dominated market would be an exciting move. It’s Osmo Action 5 Pro, the latest in a line of action cams that are compelling GoPro alternatives, while the Osmo Pocket 3 instantly became our favorite vlogging camera. If DJI were to use the same magic with a 360-degree camera, it could be another winner.
No details about the camera have been leaked yet, but based on DJI’s previous action camera and pocket camera products, what can we expect from the rumored Osmo 360?
Last but not least, there is a new camera on the horizon. Say hello #Osmo360. Good to see DJI finally entering the 360 camera market. FCC filed today. Thanks for the heads up @UKDroneClub. pic.twitter.com/qUZdMTqmxYOctober 18, 2024
Will DJI get it right the first time?
Taking the action camera space as an example, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro (with a rumored Ace Pro 2 successor on the way) are battling it out for the top spot, each with different features to set them apart. to separate .
Compared to its rivals, DJI’s Osmo Action 5 Pro has the lowest resolution video at just 4K, but a larger sensor that means better low-light performance. The screens are also brighter and the build quality is excellent, including class-leading waterproofing and battery life.
While DJI may be making more progress with its flagship range of action cameras than GoPro, 360-degree cameras are a very different proposition, and it will take some effort to get it right the first time and produce a serious competitor to the Insta360 cameras. DJI usually eschews high-resolution video in favor of better low-light performance, but that’s not enough in this space.
360-degree cameras use dual lenses with a wide field of view, and the extra resolution gives more flexibility when editing your 360-degree videos, so you can focus on key action areas. DJI needs at least 5.3K video to compete with the 8K-wielding Insta360 X4 and Kandao QooCam Ultra 3 360-degree cameras.
However, even those cameras recommend lowering resolution to 5.3K when shooting in low light to maintain image quality, while their smaller sensors may struggle to retain detail in highlights and shadows even in good light unless you select HDR mode.
DJI could double the 5.3K video quality by equipping the rumored Osmo 360 with a larger image sensor than its rivals. It could also use its considerable expertise in image stabilization to deliver a competitive system.
To succeed, DJI will also have to develop a user-friendly app for editing 360-degree videos and photos. Painless editing is paramount with such a camera.
I’m not surprised that DJI seems ready to enter the 360-degree camera space – it’s a logical next step for the innovative brand, and I hope the Osmo 360 (and the new app) can deliver the goods as soon as I ask for it.