Is this the next big rival to the Insta360 X5? DJI enters action camera market with new Osmo 360

Action cameras are the best way to get top-notch riding footage, but if you want to turn the immersion up to 11, that's where a 360 camera comes in. Able to film a spherical view of a scene brings huge scope for creativity, and with the likes of Insta360 and GoPro dominating the market, DJI aims to bring the heat with the Osmo 360.
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The Osmo 360 claims to break industry standards
Best known for its range of drones, its Osmo Action cameras, and more recently, the Avinox e-mountain bike motor, DJI has stepped into the world of 360 cameras with the Osmo 360. It aims to topple the likes of the Insta360 X5, too, claiming to be the only 360 camera that can shoot at 8K and 30fps continuously for 100 minutes.
That's achieved through another industry first - a square HDR sensor that's said to maintain the same 360-degree image field as a sensor of a traditional rectangular design, but it eliminates the unused area of the rectangular alternative, says DJI. The result is 25% more sensor utilisation, which apparently boosts image quality and reduces power consumption.
Expanding on the sensor, it uses 2.4μm pixels, which is twice the size of the current industry standard. As such, it should record more detail with less noise, with a higher dynamic range, and with better low-light performance. This is all while supporting 8K at 50fps when shooting 360-degree video. The brand goes on to claim that this sets a new standard in resolution for 360 cameras.
As for that dynamic range, the Osmo 360 promises 13.5 stops thanks to that larger pixel size.
It's ripe with features
Moving onto the camera's features, it's pretty packed both with the usual stuff we've come to expect from DJI, and things that are new for this 360 camera. First up, it has the ability to remove selfie sticks from video footage without requiring any editing.
As well as the 8k 50fps shooting modes, the Osmo 360 can also knock out high frame-rate footage, shooting up to 100fps in 4k. It's also capable of capturing slow-motion footage up to 4x slower than standard.
With that fancy sensor, the camera offers 360 photographs at 120 megapixels, too. There's also gesture and voice control, allowing the user to go hands-free when it comes to recording footage.
Last up, the Osmo 360 brings DJI's HorizonSteady and RockSteady image stablisation to the party, with RockSteady 3.0 being available when shooting in single lens mode - so it can be used as a regular action camera, as well as a fully fledged 360 cam. In the app, users can employ GyroFrame to adjust the footage composition, and Intelligent Tracking makes it possible to lock onto one spot in the image.
Battery life is key
360 cameras are typically fairly heavy on their batteries - two cameras are working together, after all. With that, battery life has been a key focus for DJI, and the brand claims to have achieved 100 minutes of continuous filming at 8K and 30fps. That can then be extended for an additional 180 minutes when combined with the Battery Extension Rod. As for charging, we're told that the battery can reach 50% power in 12 minutes.
On top of that, the Osmo 360 packs 105GB of internal storage and promises performance in freezing conditions. Apparently, in temperatures as low as -20 degrees centigrade, the camera can record for an hour and a half. This has all been tested in controlled conditions, however.
At the bottom of the camera is the magnetic quick release system that's seen on the Osmo Action series, as well as a 1/4" thread. The camera also offers capability with DJI's OsmoAudio system, so users can connect DJI microphone transmitters without requiring a receiver.
One camera, two price points
If you're looking to step into the ultra-creative world of 360 cameras, DJI's Osmo 360 will set you back £410, which gets you the camera, a lens protector, a protective pouch, and an Extreme Battery.
Up the money to £540 and you'll get all of that plus the Multifunctional Battery Case 2, and Adjustable Quick Release Adapter Mount, a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, and a 1.2m selfie stick.
We're currently wrapping up our test with the DJI Osmo 360, so keep your eyes peeled on the home page for a review coming very soon.