By skyforbes 
DJI’s Most Advanced Action Camera Yet
A few weeks ago, when the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro hit the market, I couldn’t scroll through YouTube or Reddit without seeing people talk about it. Some called it a “GoPro killer.” Others claimed it was a “shocking disappointment.” And me? I was just curious, was this camera truly worth the hype, or was it another over-marketed gadget riding on influencer buzz?
If you’ve ever spent hours comparing specs, watching reviews, and still wondering who to trust, I get it. I’ve been there too. So I did what any camera geek would do: I dove into real user feedback, especially on Reddit, where creators don’t hold back. And what I found was eye-opening.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro really delivers, what users are loving (and hating), how it stacks up against GoPro and Insta360, and whether it’s truly worth your money.
Let’s get into it.
View on Amazon:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, it helps support real, unbiased reviews like this one.
Overview
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro came packed with some serious upgrades over the Action 4. While DJI’s promo videos made it sound like a dream tool for vloggers, adventurers, and content creators, the real-world reviews paint a more balanced picture.
Here’s what the Reddit community, and now, I, have gathered from firsthand experience and honest feedback:
Battery & Power
With a 1950 mAh battery, the Action 5 Pro offers noticeably longer recording sessions than its predecessor. For travelers or vloggers who shoot all day, this improvement matters.
Connectivity & Audio
You can now connect two DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini microphones via Bluetooth, a great move for creators who want dual-source audio recording. This is a big step up from Action 4, which supported only one mic.
Processing Power
Powered by the Qualcomm 8550 chip, this little beast handles up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. It’s smooth, fast, and stable, though some users argue that DJI isn’t fully using the chip’s power yet.
Imaging & Video
A 1/1.3-inch sensor, 40MP stills, and 4K video up to 120fps put this camera firmly in pro territory. The new Super Night mode does wonders in low-light scenes, though not everyone agrees it beats Insta360’s performance.
Usability & Design
The magnetic mounting system and vertical frame compatibility are still here (and still awesome). Plus, it’s waterproof without a case, making it perfect for outdoor shoots or underwater content.
Bundles & Accessories
DJI offers an Adventure Combo with extra batteries and mounts. While handy, some Redditors feel the price markup isn’t justifie so if you already own Action 4 accessories, you can skip the bundle.
Real Concerns: The Honest Side
Let’s be real, not every user was impressed. Some frustrations popped up again and again across Reddit:
- Image Processing Issues: Some users said the image sharpening felt “too digital” or “over-processed,” even at low settings. You can’t turn it off completely, which frustrates pro editors.
- Low-Light Struggles: The Super Night mode helps, but still can’t beat Insta360’s night clarity.
- Software Limitations: DJI’s app isn’t on Google Play, you have to sideload it, and it lacks some of GoPro’s deeper customization.
- Case Fit: A few users found the protective case too tight at first use.
- Video Compatibility: Certain PCs had trouble reading DJI’s video files.
- Influencer Hype: Perhaps the biggest complaint, users suspect early “reviewers” were paid or restricted in what they could say.
As one Redditor put it: “Never buy on launch day. Wait until the real users post their footage.”
That’s fair advice, and exactly what this article is based on: authentic, community-driven experiences.
Products
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Let’s talk about what this camera actually feels like to use. When I first held the Action 5 Pro, it felt reassuringly premium. The build is solid, the magnetic mount clicks satisfyingly into place, and the menu layout feels intuitive, even if you’re new to DJI’s ecosystem.
Key Features
- 1950 mAh battery (longer life than Action 4)
- Dual mic Bluetooth connection for DJI Mic 2 / Mic Mini
- 1/1.3” sensor, 40 MP photos, 4K/120fps video
- Super Night Mode for improved low-light
- Qualcomm 8550 chip with 13.5 stops of dynamic range
- Waterproof (no housing required)
- Pre-Record & Subject Tracking (outputs at 2.7K)
- Continuous USB-C charging for long shoots
Pros
- Strong battery life for all-day shoots
- Crisp image quality in daylight
- Great color accuracy and dynamic range
- Dual-mic support for vloggers
- Compact and lightweight build
- Easy mounting system
Cons
- Over-sharpened footage at times
- Average low-light results vs competitors
- No “Pro mode” to fully disable in-camera processing
- DJI software ecosystem feels limited
- Some complaints about pricing of bundles
Comparisons: How It Stacks Up
Can’t decide between the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the Action 5 Pro for your next adventure? Don’t worry, I’ve compared both in detail, testing their video quality, stabilization, and usability in real-world conditions. Check out my full guide on DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Action 5 Pro to see which one truly fits your style.
DJI Action 4
If you’re coming from the Action 4, you’ll notice major improvements in battery life and audio flexibility. However, image quality differences aren’t huge unless you shoot in challenging light.
Verdict: Stick with your Action 4 if you’re happy; upgrade if you want longer power and dual mic input.
GoPro Hero 13
GoPro still takes the edge in detail sharpness and 5.3K resolution, making it slightly better for daylight shooting. But the Action 5 Pro wins in color accuracy and ease of wireless mic setup.
Verdict: GoPro for pure image sharpness, DJI for workflow simplicity.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The Insta360 still leads in low-light performance, though the Action 5 Pro holds its own with better dynamic range. Both cameras target creators who value mobility and high-quality stabilization.
Verdict: Insta360 for night, DJI for all-round balance.
Love vlogging or shooting on the go but can’t decide if the DJI Osmo Pocket 2 is right for you? Don’t worry, I’ve tested it thoroughly and shared everything you need to know in my DJI Osmo Pocket 2 Review!
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, balanced power, build, and ease of use.
- Budget Alternative: DJI Osmo Action 4, still a capable, cheaper sibling.
- Premium Pick: GoPro Hero 13, unbeatable detail and high-res capture.
FAQs
1. Is the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro waterproof?
Yes, it’s waterproof without a case, perfect for pool or ocean shoots (DJI rates it up to 18 meters).
2. Does it overheat during long recordings?
Not usually, thanks to better chip efficiency. But shooting in 4K/120fps continuously can heat it up in hot weather.
3. Can I use non-DJI mics with it?
Officially, it’s optimized for DJI Mic 2, but third-party Bluetooth mics can work, just test before a big shoot.
4. What makes it better than the Action 4?
Improved battery, faster chip, better low-light mode, and dual mic input are the key upgrades.
5. Is it good for professional use?
Yes, if you’re a travel vlogger, YouTuber, or filmmaker who values portability and stabilization. But pixel perfectionists might still prefer GoPro or Insta360.
Summary
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a bold leap forward, not flawless, but powerful enough to impress most creators. Real users love its build, battery, and color performance, even if they wish DJI allowed more manual control.
If you want a compact, durable, ready-for-anything camera that handles your travel vlogs, mountain trails, or ocean dives without breaking a sweat, this is it.
Learn more about DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Review – Real User Insights & Verdict