It’s the DJI Action 2 is a modular action camera that has very compact dimensions and stunning capability to shoot 4K videos. It’s a reimagined model of the DJI Osmo Action camera and features various magnetic modules to allow users to tailor the camera to meet their specific shooting requirements.
Its Action 2 uses a 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, which is more powerful that it’s 1/2.3″ sensor found in the first Osmo Action camera. Its F2.8 lens offers an 155o Field of View (FoV) and a brand new sensor for color temperature helps the camera rapidly adjust as the shooting situation changes.
The camera also has the latest stabilization mode, called HorizonSteady which promises to maintain stable horizon lines regardless of camera angle and DJI’s new RockSteady 2.0 to help reduce shake. Other options include Hyperlapse, Timelapse 8x slow-mo and “Lapse Control that allows users to regulate the duration and speed of the timelapse and hyperlapse modes. The camera can be used for webcams or live streaming at 1080/30p.
Specifications for key components
1/1.7″ CMOS sensor
F2.8 lens with 150o FOV
Video: 4K/120p (16:9, 3840×2160), 4K/60p (4:3, 4096×3072), 2.7K/120p (16:9, 2688×1512), 2.7K/60p (4:3, 2688×2016), 1080/240p
12-megapixel photo (Raw or JPEG but not both simultaneously)
4x digital zoom, with HorizonSteady off 2x digital zoom, with HorizonSteady on
32 GB internal memory
Micro SD slot in front facing cameras along with battery pack module
1.76″ OLED touchscreen
One microphone built-in (increases up to 3 when combined with a front-facing camera module)
Electronic image stabilization to 60 frames per second
Waterproofing down to 10m (33 feet.) without the use of a case, and up to 60m using a case
Built-in Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth
Design and body
The new Action 2 body design is the most noticeable modification to DJI’s range of cameras for action. It’s extremely small with no accessories, and weighs only 56 grams (~2 2 ounces) in size, measuring 39x 22.3mm. This OLED touchscreen is located on the rear of the camera. Additionally, a one button at the top lets you capture video or take photographs.
Camera settings can be adjusted by using the OLED touchscreen located on the back of the camera or via the DJI Mimo application. At the bottom on the Action 2, you will discover magnetic contacts that permit you to connect various devices with the camera.
It is possible to connect the front-facing screen module or an additional power pack for Action 2 to Action 2 to increase its battery’s life. The use of either accessory can also record on micro SD cards which can expand the module’s built-in memory of 32GB. The front-facing screen increases battery life by 70 minutes the 160-minute mark (shooting 1080/30p) The battery pack can extend the battery’s life by 3 hours. The two modules can’t be used in tandem at simultaneously.
This DJI Action 2 can also be used with accessories such as the magnetic necklace that can be worn to record FPV video with a floating handle, a an waterproof bag, ball-joint magnetic mount adapter and an extension rod for remote control mini tripods, as well as an accessory for macro lenses.
How does it feel to use
While the design with magnetics is useful for attaching other battery packs as well as tiny tripods, it’s ineffective when it’s attached to magnetic surfaces. I tried to connect Action 2 Action 2 to a metal C-stand, and was shocked to see it slide along to the bottom of the standing. The magnets on the device are specifically intended to work alongside other DJI magnetic devices.
The camera does a great job of attaching to the wearable necklace however, the FPV footage has a few flaws. I took a few hyperlapses using it, and preventing my hair, my headphone cable, or jacket from blocking the camera was a problem. The lines that define the horizons in the footage were also inclined to be a bit tilted.
Hyperlapse shot in Ridgewood, Queens, shot using DJI Action 2 attached to the necklace with magnetic attachment. Hyperlapse at 1080/30p.
If you’re shooting with an Action 2 attached to the necklace, it is best to manage it via the DJI app. However, when the camera is in use for an extended period of time I observed that the camera was prone to be disconnected from the app as well as the camera could cease recording.
The necklace is less noticeable than a chest strap, however the flashing light that is at the top of the Action 2 makes it pretty evident that you’re wearing cameras. Based on the size of your chest it could also be somewhat awkward as the magnet that connects cameras to necklace is small and can be difficult to keep sight of.
The camera is also susceptible to overheating and shutting off, and putting it near your body will cause it to happen more quickly. While the option to use a hand-free mode for the camera is nice I would rather hold onto the camera and attaching it to one these mini tripods. If you want to use a hands-free method it is possible to use the headband as an alternative to capture FPV perspectives.
The speed that the camera appears to overheat is the main drawback. While using the camera Action 2 Action 2 became extremely hot to the touch after around 30 minutes at 1080p. When recording 4K video it was not uncommon during my time using it to see the camera become overheated, cease recording and then shut down.
In an environment that is controlled the longest we could record when shooting in 4K/50p before the camera shut down was approximately seven minutes. One solution is to record at a lower resolution which generates less heat, but for many people, this could be counterproductive to the reason behind purchasing a camera with 4K resolution. The good news is that DJI offered additional details about the thermal management of the camera that proved to be helpful.
Quality of video and image
Although it’s difficult to not be able to see any content through the app, the video footage Action 2 produces is pretty amazing. The wide-field of view is ideal to shoot video and when shooting with a camera, the footage is very solid. The color reproduction is pleasing and vivid, and the auto exposure is precise. The video is saved in MP4 (H.264 or the HEVC) format.
While playing with my Action 2, I brought it to a variety of performances and I was awed by what it was able to do. It’s a lot smaller than phones and easier to hold and in the event that you see someone to a crashing halt it’s not necessary to be concerned over your Action 2 taking a tumble. It was a hiccup, but there was no damage to the Action 2 was just fine. If it was my phone that was a pity.
With just one microphone, the quality of the recorded audio isn’t likely to be the best however the quality recorded during those events was as good as the kind of sound I was in a position to record using my smartphone. The microphone accessory that will be added in December is an important accessory if you want to improve the audio quality of the content you’re recording is crucial.
Conclusion
DJI invested more than two years thinking about its position in the market for action cameras its Action 2’s style is creative. This camera is small and the view is bigger than that of its rivals, and the stabilization is top-notch and the video that it can record is impressive.
We’re confident that the app’s functionality will get better as time passes, but the possibility of overheating can be a concern in the manner you choose to utilize the camera. It’s natural that cooling via air is an integral component of the design due to its small size, but it hinders its use in certain circumstances. Therefore, Action 2 Action 2 is probably not the ideal choice to shoot 4K videos of static locations or indoors, however it may be the perfect choice for outdoor activities or even action sports.
The price is a bit excessive for what you receive. Action 2 Action 2 by itself is $399. If you combine it with the front-facing LCD module it goes up to $519. The design is certainly unique and we were awestruck by the quality of footage it recorded. However, the price is quite expensive for a camera which could overheat and shut down at the time you most likely would not think it would.
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