DJI has been slowly chipping away at GoPro’s dominance in action cameras, and just took another big step with the launch of the Action 5 Pro, featuring a new “next-gen” sensor that promises better video quality, longer battery life, a larger display, and new subject tracking and centering features.
The 1/1.3-inch sensor is the same size as the Action 4, but boasts a dynamic range of 13.5 stops, making it “the first action camera with specs that rival professional cameras,” according to DJI. Maximum photo resolution has been increased to 40MP, up from 10MP on the Action 4. The lens has the same 155-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture as its predecessor.
Steve Dent (Engadget)
It still shoots 4K up to 120p in 16:9, but now supports 4K 120p capture in 4:3 (3,840 x 2,880 pixels), so you can capture super slow-mo across the entire sensor if you want to crop the image later. While resolution is still limited to 4K UltraHD, the GoPro 13 supports capture up to 5.3K 8:7 (5,312 x 4,648), giving users more cropping options.
Additionally, it supports 1080p capture at up to 240fps, and by using frame extrapolation (creating fake frames from real frames), it can accelerate up to an incredible 960fps.
As before, images are recorded in 10-bit D-Log M and HLG for expanded dynamic range, and DJI says it can shoot “high-dynamic, low-light video” at 4K/60fps, preserving shadow detail without overexposing highlights. There’s also a SuperNight mode that uses AI noise reduction to produce relatively clean video in low light.
Steve Dent (Engadget)
The new 1950mAh has a larger capacity than the previous 1770mAh model, allowing for up to four hours of continuous use, about 50% longer than before (the Action 5 Pro can also use the previous model’s battery). This is also aided by a new 4nm chip and algorithms that optimize energy savings. “Even in temperatures as low as -20° C (-4° F), the camera can reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours,” DJI adds.
A key new feature is subject centering and tracking, which allows you to shoot without a gimbal. Like other DJI products (ActiveTrack on drones), it intelligently detects the subject’s position and dynamically adjusts the composition to keep the subject in the center of the frame. This is done digitally, naturally, and the resolution drops to 2.7K, but it can still be a big benefit for extreme sports and other creators. As before, it offers “robust stabilization” and HorizonSteady, which keeps the camera level through 360-degree movements.
Steve Dent (Engadget)
The Action 5 Pro is EN13319 certified to be waterproof to 20 meters (66 feet) without a case, which is two meters deeper than before. It can automatically start recording as soon as it goes underwater, and an interesting new feature is the pressure gauge that records data on depth, time and altitude underwater to ensure user safety.
The body size is the same as before, but both OLED screens are 16 percent larger thanks to smaller bezels. DJI says the larger rear screen has grown from 2.25 inches diagonally to 2.5 inches, making it the largest among mainstream action cameras. As before, the Action 4 can work with the DJI Mic 2 to record high-quality sound, while also using the built-in microphone to record ambient sound.
Steve Dent (Engadget)
Another nice addition is 47GB of built-in storage and 80MB/s transfer speeds over Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0. Other features include an updated Mimo app, Wi-Fi live streaming, timecode for multiple camera sync, and pre-recording capabilities.
I’ve been using the Action 5 for a little while now, and apart from the larger power and record buttons, the change in the internal microphone opening, and the hole at the bottom for the pressure sensor, it’s pretty much the same as the previous model. Other features, like the magnetic mount, are carried over from the Action 3. There are promising improvements, so stay tuned for a more detailed review (and hopefully, no scratches on your face).
Steve Dent (Engadget)
Perhaps the best news about the Action 5 is that at $349, the Pro Combo package, which includes the camera, one battery, a protective frame, a quick-release adapter mount, and more, is cheaper than the Action 4. The Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo, which includes two batteries, a charger, and a 1.5-meter extension rod, is $449. Both are available now from DJI’s store and most authorized resellers.
