DJI Action 2 brings improved camera quality to a funky (and compact) modular design
DJI’s newest action camera is magnetic, and not just because it attracts Instagram eyeballs via its high-quality camera or turns heads thanks to its creative mounts including a ball-joint adapter and a magnetic lanyard. The new DJI Action 2 is quite literally magnetic.
DJI is primarily known for its Mavic and Phantom lineup of drones, but the Chinese-based camera maker today announced an action camera called the DJI Action 2, which iterates upon the company’s only prior action camera, the DJI Osmo Action which was released back in 2019.
The DJI Action 2 is a standout for its ultra-modular design, primarily connected through magnets. Among its other big standout features:
- An improved camera from the original DJI Osmo Action: Specs include a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor that records up to 4K/120fps video with a super-wide 155° FOV.
- Audio capture: No need for an external mic, as improved DJI Matrix Stereo technology uses four microphones for better audio quality. (Though, DJI will eventually make an even-better external mic available for sale as an accessory).
- Smart image capture software: Use pre-programmed modes and features like RockSteady and Horizon Steady to keep images level and steady. Or, create hyperlapses, timelapses, slow motion videos and more.
- Live (and automatic) editing features through the Mimo app: When connected with your mobile device, you’ll have access to a camera live feed, story templates, quick in-app editing, and more.
The DJI Action 2 costs $519 for the dual-screen combo or $399 for the Power Combo. Order your own from major retailers including:
With that, here’s everything else you need to know about the DJI Action 2:
Who is it for?
The DJI Action 2 has potential mass appeal. On the surface, it’s a super straightforward filming device, making it something you might tuck in your pocket for a spontaneous trip to the park with your kids. Thanks to its small size, it’s an easy piece of tech to bring to a music festival. And given the durability, waterproof casing and intelligent filming modes, it’s certainly something for action sports enthusiasts.
The DJI Action 2 in a nutshell
This thing is small, weighing in at just 56 grams (about as heavy as a tennis ball). It promises to be dustproof, waterproof (up to 10 meters without needing additional waterproof housing) and drop-proof.
Minimal setup is needed. There’s a main power button which you use to both turn the camera on and start recording.
Once on, it’s all about the touchscreen. The camera unit features a 1.76-inch OLED touchscreen with an additional OLED screen on the optional, add-on touchscreen module.
But don’t worry about breaking it, despite the amount of screen involved. It’s made with Gorilla Glass, which DJI promises helps make it drop-proof.
If you prefer, you can integrate with your smartphone through the DJI Mimo app — which would presumably also be a touchscreen.
Battery: It has a battery life of 70 minutes on its own. Though, it can be extended to 160 minutes when connected with the Front Touchscreen Module or 180 minutes with the power module.
Audio: The Action 2 uses the same DJI Matrix Stereo technology seen in the DJI Pocket 2. Use the single microphone on its own from the camera unit, or combine it with the three microphones from the module for more immersive sound.
DJI Action 2 camera
The Action 2 provides a huge upgrade from the original DJI Osmo Action, which was capable of recording 4K/60fps and 100Mbps video via a 1/2.3″ sensor.
This one records up to 4K/120fps video via a 1/1.7” sensor for even better detail. The camera provides a super-wide 155° FOV. But beyond just a better quality camera comes improved tech behind it.
Color Temperature Sensor: This helps the camera restore color tones in complex lighting conditions (especially relevant for underwater recording).
Video stabilization tech: There are two types of stabilization tech going on here. First, there’s RockSteady 2.0, DJI’s proprietary Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. But new to DJI is something called HorizonSteady, which maintains a level frame throughout the shot, so even if the camera is moving up and down if you’re, say, running, the shot won’t appear that way.
DJI Action 2 shooting modes
As is the case with pretty much any DJI camera whether on land or air, intelligent shooting modes level up even an amateur photographer’s skills, making for interesting video views. The Action 2 is capable of the following shooting modes:
- Slow Motion: Record video in slow motion (4x in 4K/120fps and 8x 1080p/240fps).
- Hyperlapse and Timelapse: In contrast, speed up time with either Timelapse. Or perhaps more unique is Hyperlapse, where you can switch to and from regular-speed recording.
- QuickClip: Take videos in preset 10, 15, or 30-second intervals.
- Livestream: Broadcast live with a stable stream output of up to 1080p/30fps.
- UVC: This is particularly relevant in the Zoom era as you can set DJI Action 2 as a USB video device class for your computer to capture higher quality video for conference calls and live gaming broadcasts than your computer’s webcam is likely capable of.
Connecting Action 2 to your smartphone
While you can use the DJI Action 2 entirely without a smartphone, you can unlock more functionality by connecting the action camera to the DJI Mimo app, which is free to download on your mobile device. Connect via either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for features like a live feed of the camera, various story templates, and more. Lazy (or just efficient!) video editors can use the Mimo’s AI Editor, which automatically selects and combines moments it deems the most epic. Plus, it combines those videos with transitions and upbeat music for easy sharing on social media.
All the different modular or magnetic accessories
This action camera is all about modularity. Some accessories are included, and some are an add-on cost. But here are the standouts:
Front Touchscreen Module: Vloggers will likely turn to this front-facing OLED touchscreen which is helpful for actually framing your own shot, but it has more power than just that. It’s got three built-in microphones to bring 4-mic Matrix Stereo technology to your Action 2. Plus, it can extend battery life to 160 minutes. (Included in the $519 Dual-Screen Combo Kit)
Power Module: If you want more power but don’t need the full extra screen and mic, this power module provides up to 180 minutes of filming. And you can have continuous shots thanks to the hot-swappable design. Plus, there’s an additional microSD card slot. (Included in the $399 Power Combo Kit)
Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount: Take the qualities of the mini tripod and make it even more flexible. With an adhesive base, you can attach DJI Action 2 to any surface for 360° views. It has a 1/4″ screw hole, making it compatible with most camera accessories. (Included in the $519 Dual-Screen Combo Kit)
Magnetic Adapter Mount: You’d use this during rough filming situations such as action sports, as this mount securely holds DJI Action 2 in place. Folding fingers at the bottom make Action 2 compatible with most third-party action camera accessories. (Included in both the Dual-Screen and Power Combo Kits)
Magnetic Lanyard: This might have more of a niche use case, but this lanyard could be appealing to vloggers in creating timelapses as they walk around or simply show a first-person view while keeping their hands free. (Included in both the Dual-Screen and Power Combo Kits)
Remote Control Extension Rod: It’s basically a selfie stick. This 3-in-1 accessory serves as an extension rod, tripod, and detachable remote controller. (Additional cost)
Macro Lens: This optical glass lens pops onto your main Action 2 unit magnetically, and would be used for ultra close-up shots taken in sharp, rich detail. (Additional cost)
Magnetic Headband: Similar to the lanyard, this is another hands-free way to shoot FPV footage, but this one on your head. (Additional cost)
Waterproof Case: A huge selling point of the Action 2 is that it’s waterproof. That’s possible thanks to the waterproof case, which houses the DJI Action 2 Camera Unit and front touch screen module or power module to depths of up to 60 meters. (Additional cost)
DJI Floating Handle: And if you’re taking it underwater, it’s a smart move to hang on to it via the hollow, Floating Handle, which keeps DJI Action 2 floating so you can film in water without fear of losing the camera. An anti-slip grip is an additional measure in ensuring you don’t lose it in the water. This can be attached to either the tripod or the DJI Action 2 Waterproof Case. (Additional cost)
DJI Mic: If high-quality audio is crucial, consider adding on this wireless dual-channel recording system, which gives you a recording range of up to 200 meters. The DJI Mic is delightfully versatile in that it’s compatible with not just Action 2, but also smartphones, and any device that has a 3.5mm audio input. It has 7.5 hours of battery life from the transmitters, 5 hours from the receiver, and 18 hours from the charging case. It sounds awesome, but there’s a catch: unlike most of the other items that go on sale mid-November, this one likely won’t be available until December. (Additional cost)
How much does the Action 2 cost?
The DJI Action 2 is already available for pre-order now in some configurations, and comes in two kits:
The DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo ($519): Includes the DJI Action 2 Camera Unit, Front Touchscreen Module, Magnetic Lanyard, Magnetic Ball- Joint Adapter Mount, and Magnetic Adapter Mount.
The DJI Action 2 Power Combo ($399): Includes DJI Action 2 Camera Unit, Power Module, Magnetic Lanyard, and Magnetic Adapter Mount.
All other accessories including the Mic, Macro Lens, Floating Handle and Waterproof case are sold separately.
What about Action 2 DJI Care Refresh?
DJI Care Refresh is a sort of extended warranty program offered on many DJI products, this one included.
It comes at an additional charge but promises better service and more peace of mind. Whereas DJI’s standard product warranty guarantees repair service if your DJI product malfunctions due to non-user error and the item broke within the covered warranty period, DJI Care Refresh goes beyond that. With DJI Care Refresh, you’re entitled to replacement service if damage occurs to the covered reasons of user error.
There are two types of DJI Care Refresh packages available for the Action 2. The 1-year plan includes up to two replacements in one year. The 2-year plan includes up to three replacements in two years and extends the original warranty up to 2 years from the date of purchase.
The DJI Action 2 is available for purchase in some configurations now directly on DJI and at major retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo, though not all accessories or configurations are available yet.
Throughout North America, the Action 2 Dual-Screen combo is available for pre-order in some configurations now, with the majority of remaining items available in Mid-November, either directly on DJI or at major retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo.
Though, I managed to get my hands on one early. Check out my unboxing video here!
I took it out to play, too. The Action 2 took a trip to my weightlifting gym, where I got to test it out! Check out my footage:
What do you think? Will you be adding a DJI Action 2 to your Christmas list this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Order your own from major retailers including: