A small camera for capturing action on-the-go.
I recently got the 2019 DJI Osmo Action Camera for personal use. I unboxed the contents, setup the accompanying app, and determined my likes and dislikes after using it for the past week.
In case it's helpful, below are the topics I cover in this post:
Packaging and Contents
I bought a discounted used camera off Amazon.com, but the original packaging was still sealed in its original plastic wrapping. It was dusty which made me wonder if the business was clearing out their shelves where it sat for years.
The package contents included:
DJI Osmo Action Camera
Camera case/shell
Quick release base*
Curved adhesive mount
Flat adhesive mount
Locking screw
USB-C cable
Battery case
Battery
Info card
Booklet
*The quick release base was already attached to the curved adhesive mount when I removed it from the packaging.
Camera Specs
The back of the packaging lists the following specs for the camera:
Dual screen
4K EIS
4K HDR
4K 60P
Waterproof up to 11M (34FT)
1080P 8x
The larger screen on the back of the camera is a touch screen. Various menus are accessed by swiping an edge the screen. Double-tapping with two fingers switches viewing through the front camera. It looks like it was also designed with vloggers in mind.
The camera will support a microSD card up to 256GB.
I initially inserted a "slow" card. The camera let me know that with a message that read, "Card speed low. Video quality low. Shooting might stop." Fortunately, shooting didn't stop, and I eventually replaced the slow card with a faster, larger card.
Complete specs are listed on the Osmo Action Specs webpage.
App Setup and Updates
Upon turning on the camera, I was prompted to "Activate with DJI Mimo." DJI Mimo is a supporting app available through Google Play (Android) and App Store (iOS).
I scanned the QR code displayed on the touch screen which took me straight to a DJI Download Center page. When I attempted to "Download Android APK" for my Android phone, I was presented with a message that read, "This type of file can harm your device. So you want to keep *.apk anyway?"
After selecting "OK," the Chrome browser I accessed the DJI Download Center page through prompted me with the message, "For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source."
In retrospect, I shouldn't have attempted to download directly from the webpage to avoid a potential security risk to my phone and account. I could've modified my phone's setting to allow me to download any *.apk file in the future.
Instead, I opted for a safer route by downloading the 263MB app directly from Google Play. When I opened the installed app, I was prompted to give DJI Mimo permission "to access photos, media, and files."
There were a couple terms of use statements I had to agree to. Then I had to determine if I wanted to grant DJI Mimo permission "to access this device's location." I was then prompted with an app update to the latest version.
After updating the app, I turned on the camera to establish a connection. I was prompted to "check verification code on DJI device." Then I had another terms of use statement to agree to.
I was prompted to activate my camera "to receive the warranty." This step isn't necessary to begin using the camera, but it's the only way I know of to get the latest firmware update. I went ahead and registered a new account with an email address and password.
After I logged in with my new account and reconnected my camera, I had yet another terms of use statement to agree to. It was clear that DJI Mimo wanted users to review all aspects of their terms of use before getting started with using a device.
I confirmed my account and the camera activated successfully. After scrolling through some onscreen tips, the firmware update started for the camera.
My camera kept auto-shutting off during the firmware update. To prevent further delays, I went into the camera settings and changed "Auto Power Off" from the default 5 min to the max 15 min.
Camera Tips
The app presented several useful tips and info for using the camera:
Use a microSD card with a maximum capacity of 256GB and a UHS Speed Grade 3 rating.
Press the power button once to turn the camera on and turn on/off the screen.
Press and hold the power button to shut down the camera.
Press the shutter/record button once to start/stop a video recording or take a photo.
If the camera is turned off, press the shutter/record button once to take a quick photo.
Press the QS button once to switch screens or shooting modes when in camera view and not actively recording.
Press the QS button once to return to the camera view when in settings or playback.
Press and hold the QS button to enter playback or switch screens while actively recording.
Swipe the larger screen from the top, bottom, left, or right to access more features.
Double tap the larger screen with two fingers simultaneously to switch between screens.
Press in both sides of the battery to make sure it is properly mounted during use. A red switch mark either side of the battery indicates that the battery is not pressed in properly.
Make sure the port cover is closed and the lens filter cap is properly tightened during use.
The lens filter cap and ventilation area may become hot during use, so do not touch.
After using the camera daily for a week, I've created a short list of my own camera tips:
Don't bother scanning the QR code for the app download. Get the app directly from Google Play or App Store.
Before updating the firmware through the app, go to Settings>Auto Power Off>15 min to prevent the camera from shutting off during the update.
Turn on the Dewarp feature to eliminate the fisheye effect from video recordings and photos.
While charging, a red indicator light illuminates on the front and top of the camera. If there's no light, either it's fully charged or not plugged into a source providing enough power.
Keep the camera on the charger during app setup and updates.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lens and screens regularly.
Use fingernails or some tool to insert and remove the microSD card. It's a little tough to access the otherwise.
The camera is not waterproof unless the port cover is closed properly.
Remove the port cover completely (it's re-attachable) before placing the camera into the camera case/shell if you think you'd want to charge while recording video at some point. It's convenient to have the USB-C port accessible while recording.
Use a tap and dye set to thread the inside of the quick release base to fit standard tripod screws. It's smooth out-of-the-box with no way of securing it to a tripod or other brand camera mounts with a screw.
Take time to create custom video recording and snapshot settings you could easily navigate through the QS button. It's a time saver if you tend to use different settings depending on what you're capturing.
Enable voice control when you're in a quiet setting and want to command your camera to start and stop recording. If you're in an environment with background noise (including a quiet park with birds chirping all around you), the camera may turn on automatically and start video recording or taking photos unexpectedly. It's happened to me many times.
RockSteady mode (stabilization feature) doesn't look great while recording from a vehicle's dash. I admit that this is more personal preference than a tip. Check out my YouTube video linked above to see if you like RockSteady on or off for dashcam recordings.
How I'll Use the Camera
This is my second action camera. My other action camera is the Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam. My new DJI Osmo Action Camera is not a replacement since the other is still a decent camera.
However, the DJI Osmo Action Camera will become my new primary camera based on the better quality of the raw footage and sound it produces compared to my Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam. Viewing what my camera is recording from the larger screen is convenient and something I can't do on the other camera with an app installed on a secondary device.
I like action cameras because of their small size. I initially bought my Sony FDR-X3000 Action Cam to haul in a small purse to record my niece's Air Force basic training graduation. I've since used it to record family events and trips. I'll do the same with my new DJI Osmo Action Cam.
Since I've been consistently uploading videos to my Simply Jelly Jam YouTube Channel twice a week, I've already been using my DJI Osmo Action Cam as my primary camera for recording content I choose to share with the YouTube community. In fact, the video I shared with last week's Summer "Scrap" Greeting Card was recorded with the DJI Osmo Action Camera.
It would be interesting to record arts and crafts projects, family gatherings, special events, road trips, and more from different camera angles. I can now do that easily with two action cameras. My phone is still a reliable option for recording video, but it's nice to not kill my phone's battery unnecessarily when I have a dedicated action camera for it.
Something I've enjoyed doing, but have yet to share publicly, is recording FPV footage from the hood of an RC crawler or one of my dog's back. I've always enjoyed watching FPV videos, and I've found it more enjoyable when I've recorded the FPV footage myself.
Because I'll use my camera often and for extended period, I recently acquired a three-pack replacement battery with charger. When I record 1080P 60FPS, the battery lasts about an hour and a half. However, it's nice to have extra batteries available, especially if I'm not in a position where I could connect a charging cable while recording.
My Thoughts
Overall, I like my new camera. I like the quality of the raw video recordings I've take this past week. I haven't used it to take still photos. I'll likely continue using my phone to take photos.
The small size is convenient for carrying when I'm out-and-about. It fits within my cross-body purse, but not a wristlet. I'll store it in an old, padded camera bag if I'm storing it in a backpack for a trip to the park.
Speaking of trips, this will be convenient for future trips and get together with family. If I'm lucky, I may be heading on a couple theme park trips with family this fall season.
What's Next?
I'll record more videos with this camera as I continue to evaluate the quality of the recorded footage. So far, I really like using this camera.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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