DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is DJI's serious challenge to GoPro's throne. With magnetic quick-release mounting, 4-hour battery life (4x longer than GoPro), dual touchscreens, and 4K120 recording, it matches or beats the Hero 13 in almost every category—while costing $50 less.
The Verdict
The Action 5 Pro's standout innovation is the magnetic mounting system. Attach magnetically, twist to lock—takes 1 second vs GoPro's fiddly fingers system. The 1950 mAh battery lasts 4 hours of 1080p recording (vs Hero 13's ~70 minutes), making it viable for all-day adventures without battery swaps.
At $349, it undercuts the Hero 13 ($399) while offering comparable stabilization, dual screens (front OLED + rear touch), and 4K120. DJI's RockSteady 3.0+ stabilization is excellent, and the 155° ultra-wide FOV captures more of the scene. For users not locked into GoPro's ecosystem, the Action 5 Pro is the better value.
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.3" CMOS |
| Max Resolution | 4K120 / 4K60 (wide) |
| Slow Motion | 4K120, 2.7K240 |
| Color Profiles | D-Log M (10-bit), HLG, Standard |
| Max Bitrate | 130 Mbps |
| Stabilization | |
| EIS | RockSteady 3.0+ |
| Horizon Lock | HorizonSteady (±45°) |
| FOV Options | 155° Ultra-Wide / Wide / Dewarp |
| Build & Battery | |
| Waterproof | 20m without case (60m with dive case) |
| Battery | 1950 mAh (4h @ 1080p, 2h @ 4K60) |
| Screens | Front 1.4" OLED + Rear 2.25" touchscreen |
| Mounting | Magnetic Quick-Release + 1/4"-20 thread |
| Charging | USB-C (charge while recording) |
| Weight | 145g |
What We Like
- Magnetic quick-release mounting (game-changing convenience)
- 4-hour battery life destroys every competitor
- Dual screens with front OLED for selfie framing
- 20m waterproof without case (GoPro: 10m)
- D-Log M 10-bit for serious color grading
Trade-offs
- GoPro mounts not compatible (DJI ecosystem only)
- App can be buggy (frequent updates help)
- No GPS built-in (GoPro has it)
- 155° FOV can show barrel distortion at edges
Performance Breakdown
Video Quality
The 1/1.3" sensor is significantly larger than GoPro's 1/1.9" chip. This translates to cleaner footage in low light—indoor and evening shots show noticeably less noise. 4K60 is the sweet spot for quality: full sensor readout, excellent detail, and smooth motion. 4K120 delivers impressive slow-motion for action sequences.
D-Log M provides ~12 stops of dynamic range for color grading. For most users, the Standard and HLG profiles produce punchy, ready-to-share footage straight from the camera. The 10-bit color depth means smoother gradients in skies and sunsets—visible when pixel-peeping.
Stabilization & FOV
RockSteady 3.0+ is DJI's best stabilization yet. Mountain biking, skiing, and running produce buttery-smooth footage with minimal jello effect. HorizonSteady locks the horizon within ±45° of tilt—critical for helmet-mounted action shots where your head tilts constantly.
The 155° ultra-wide FOV captures more environment than GoPro's 156° SuperView, though with slightly more barrel distortion at edges. In Dewarp mode, the camera corrects distortion for a more natural 100° view. For vlogging, the standard Wide mode at ~130° strikes the best balance.
Magnetic Mounting System
This is the Action 5 Pro's killer feature. The magnetic quick-release base snaps onto any DJI magnetic mount with an audible click, then a 90° twist locks it securely. Removing it is equally fast. During testing, the camera never fell off during mountain biking or skateboarding—the lock is trustworthy.
DJI offers magnetic chest straps, helmet mounts, handlebar clamps, and suction cups. The ecosystem is growing but still smaller than GoPro's. If you already own GoPro mounts, switching does mean re-buying accessories. However, the convenience factor is genuinely transformative once you experience it.
Battery & Durability
The 1950 mAh battery is the Action 5 Pro's secret weapon. In our testing: 4 hours 10 minutes at 1080p30, 2 hours 5 minutes at 4K60, and just under 90 minutes at 4K120. GoPro Hero 13 manages roughly 70-80 minutes at 4K60 for comparison. This means fewer interruptions and fewer spare batteries to carry.
IP68-rated waterproofing to 20m without any case is double GoPro's 10m. The body shrugs off drops onto concrete from chest height (we tested). At -10°C the camera still functions normally, though battery life decreases by ~30%. USB-C charging while recording means unlimited runtime with a power bank.
How It Compares
| Spec | DJI Action 5 Pro ★ | GoPro Hero 13 | Insta360 Ace Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 | $399 | $449 |
| Sensor | 1/1.3" | 1/1.9" | 1/1.3" |
| Video | 4K120 | 5.3K60 | 4K120 |
| AF Points | — | — | — |
| Burst | — | — | — |
Recommended Accessories
Essential gear to maximize your DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro experience:
SanDisk Extreme 256GB microSD
V30 speeds for 4K120 recording.
DJI Action 5 Pro Battery (3-Pack)
Long battery life but carry extras for all-day.
DJI Chest Strap Mount
POV shots for action sports and cycling.
DJI Action 5 Diving Case
Waterproof to 60m for underwater footage.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro FAQ
If you don't own GoPro mounts, the Action 5 Pro is the better camera. The magnetic mounting, battery life, and larger sensor make it more practical. If you have a full GoPro mount collection, the cost of switching may not be worth it—but the convenience upgrade is significant.
4K120 is primarily for slow-motion. At 120fps, a 5-second clip becomes 20 seconds at normal speed. For everyday recording, 4K60 or 4K30 gives you the best quality and storage efficiency. Use 4K120 for action highlights, dramatic B-roll, and jumps/tricks.
Yes—20m deep without any case. For deeper diving (up to 60m), add the optional DJI Diving Case ($59). The touchscreen works underwater, and the camera handles pressure changes well. Colors shift blue below 5m, so a red filter or color correction in post is recommended.
Cyclists, skiers, surfers, hikers, and anyone who needs a rugged camera with stellar battery life. Also great for motorcyclists (magnetic helmet mount), divers (20m waterproof), and travel vloggers who want a secondary camera they can abuse without worry.
Final Recommendation
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the best action camera value in 2026. The magnetic mounting, extreme battery life, and dual screens make it more practical than the GoPro Hero 13 for real-world use. Unless you're invested in GoPro's ecosystem, the Action 5 Pro is the smarter choice.
Buy it if: You want the longest battery life, prefer magnetic mounting, need dual screens, or value innovation over brand loyalty.
Skip it if: You already own GoPro mounts (not compatible), need the absolute best stabilization (Hero 13 edges ahead), or want the most tested/proven platform.
