DJI Action 5 Camera Review: A Versatile Powerhouse for Action and Vlogging

In the ever-evolving world of action cameras, DJI has made a significant splash with its latest offering, the DJI Action 5. As drone enthusiasts and aerial videographers, we were eager to put this camera through its paces, particularly for its potential use in capturing stunning in-cockpit footage. After extensive testing, we’re excited to share our thoughts on this impressive piece of technology.

Design and Build

The DJI Action 5 Pro maintains the same compact form factor as its predecessor, the Action 4. This design consistency is a smart move by DJI, as it ensures compatibility with existing cages and accessories. The camera feels robust and well-built, ready to tackle any adventure you throw at it.

Key Features:

• Identical size to the Action 4
• Compatible with Action 4 batteries
• Waterproof up to 20 meters without additional housing

Display and User Interface

One of the standout features of the Action 5 is its impressive display. The camera boasts a bright OLED screen that offers exceptional clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Display Specifications:

• Rear screen: 2.5 inches, 326 PPI
• Front screen: 1.46 inches, 331 PPI

The front screen is particularly useful for vloggers, offering easy framing for self-shots. It also features a sleep mode that displays recording time, ensuring you’re always aware of your footage duration.

Image Quality and Performance

The Action 5 uses the same 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor as its predecessor, but DJI has clearly made significant improvements in image processing. The result is a noticeable upgrade in dynamic range and low-light performance.

Highlights:

• Improved dynamic range, handling extreme lighting conditions well
• Enhanced low-light performance with a dedicated “Super Night” mode
• 10-bit D-Log M color profile for maximum flexibility in post-production

However, it’s worth noting that in extreme low-light situations, particularly when using the highest ISO settings, some color shifting and noise become apparent. Despite this, the camera still performs admirably in challenging conditions.

Video Capabilities

The Action 5 offers a wide range of video options to suit various needs:

• 4K resolution at up to 120fps
• 2.7K and 1080p options with frame rates up to 240fps
• Multiple aspect ratios including 16:9 and 4:3

Innovative Features

Built-in Pressure Sensor

One unique feature of the Action 5 is its built-in pressure sensor, functioning as both an altimeter and a depth gauge. This adds an exciting dimension for aerial and underwater shooting.

Subject Tracking

The camera’s subject tracking feature, available in resolutions up to 2.7K, is impressive. It dynamically reframes the shot to keep the subject centered, offering gimbal-like stability without additional hardware.

Audio Performance

Audio quality is often a weak point for action cameras, but the Action 5 performs admirably in this area. The internal microphones deliver good quality audio, suitable for most applications. For those seeking professional-grade audio, the camera seamlessly integrates with DJI’s wireless microphone system, allowing for high-quality audio to be recorded directly into the video file.

Battery Life and Storage

DJI claims up to 240 minutes of recording time at 1080p, which is impressive for a camera of this size. The Action 5 also offers 47GB of internal storage, a handy feature for those times when you forget your microSD card.

Conclusion

The DJI Action 5 Pro is a versatile and powerful action camera that builds upon its predecessor’s strengths while introducing innovative new features. Its improved image quality, robust build, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users, from action sports enthusiasts to vloggers and aerial videographers.

While it may struggle in extreme low-light conditions, its overall performance and feature set make it a strong contender in the action camera market. Whether you’re capturing high-flying adventures or everyday moments, the DJI Action 5 proves to be a reliable and capable companion.