OSMO Action 5 Pro Review
Almost a GoPro 13 Overthrow
I’ve always loved capturing changing landscapes with my movements, which is why my GoPro 13 has been a constant companion, despite also enjoying static photography. But I’ve finally strayed and bought the OSMO Action 5 Pro. This new model just felt different.
My GoPro 13 holds a special place in my heart, having documented every moment of my California road trip. That attachment is strong, but now I’m seriously considering making the switch with the mindset of “if I’m going to use it anyway, I might as well use something more convenient.”
The Current Action Camera Market
It used to be that “action cam = GoPro” was an undeniable truth. But that overconfidence gave competitors a chance to catch up. Now, various brands are battling it out fiercely:
- GoPro 13: The iconic “iPhone” of action cameras.
- OSMO Action 5 Pro: Backed by DJI’s drone technology, the king of drones.
- Insta360 Ace Pro: A veteran in the 360° camera space.
The era of GoPro 13’s undisputed dominance is over. DJI and Insta360 are rapidly advancing, surpassing GoPro13 in many aspects. In particular, GoPro’s recent generations have seen a somewhat slower pace of development.
For users, this increased choice is fantastic news. Especially with the OSMO Action 5 Pro released in September 2024 and the upcoming Insta360 Ace Pro 2, strong challenges are being laid down against GoPro’s monopoly.
Strengths of the OSMO Action 5 Pro
The OSMO Action 5 Pro feels like it “satisfyingly scratches all those previous itches.” It’s not just about better specs; it’s the meticulous design that focuses on the user experience that truly stands out.
Wider Angle & Image Quality
- Offers a wider field of view than GoPro 13.
- Overall excellent resolution.
Usability
- 0.3-second boot time, overwhelmingly faster than GoPro 13 (2+ seconds).
- 2.4 times longer battery life.
- 2 times better heat resistance.
- 48GB built-in storage (can shoot without an SD card).
Design
- Smaller body than GoPro 13.
- Larger display.
- Comes standard with a magnetic mount.
Price
- Around $350 (Standard Combo), making it more affordable than GoPro 13.
Detailed Analysis of Key Features
Field of View and Resolution: OSMO’s Complete Victory
The wider the field of view on an action camera, the better it can capture dynamic scenes. The OSMO offers an even wider field of view than GoPro 13’s SuperView, and you can clearly see the difference in real-world use.
Boot Speed: Just 0.3 Seconds
From pressing the power button to shooting, it takes only 0.3 seconds. This ensures you don’t miss crucial moments. In contrast, the GoPro 13 still takes over 2 seconds.
Battery and Heat: Overwhelming Efficiency
Despite having the same capacity, the OSMO boasts 2.4 times better battery efficiency and 2 times better heat resistance. Its power management is exceptionally well-designed.
Night Shooting: Beyond Completion, Perfection
It delivers unbelievably excellent night performance for an action camera. Images are bright with low noise, and there’s almost no highlight clipping.
48GB Built-in Storage
A small but significant difference. You can shoot even without a microSD card.
Small Body, Big Screen
The body is smaller, but the display is larger.
Other Useful Features
- Supports Log and 10-Bit shooting.
- Equipped with a depth gauge and altimeter.
- Wireless microphone support.
- Wi-Fi data transfer.
- Highly polished dedicated app.
- Subject tracking feature.
- Bluetooth remote control compatibility.
OSMO’s Only Weakness: “Muted Footage”
The most disappointing aspect is that the footage can look slightly muted. This seems to be due to an overly wide dynamic range. Bright areas appear darker, and dark areas appear brighter, resulting in excellent balance, but the crisp feel of a clear day is somewhat diluted.
GoPro 13’s Counterattack: “GoPro Color”
The GoPro 13 features a color setting called “GoPro Color.” This makes skies bluer, clouds more mystical, and sunlight more intense. While the colors are exaggerated compared to reality, the emotional impact when rewatching the footage is much greater. Since the OSMO focuses on realistic colors, the lack of this kind of emotional expression is a bit of a shame.
Recommendations by Scenario
For Outdoor Focus? → GoPro 13
GoPro’s vibrant colors are better suited for sunny environments.
For Vlogging / Indoor / Night Shooting? → OSMO Action 5 Pro
The OSMO clearly has the upper hand in night performance, boot speed, and battery life. However, for these environments, a smartphone or an OSMO Pocket might be an even better choice.
Conclusion: The All-Rounder, OSMO Action 5 Pro
The OSMO Action 5 Pro is an all-rounder that surpasses GoPro 13 in almost every aspect. If you prioritize technical perfection and practicality, it could be the best choice. On the other hand, GoPro’s unique emotional color grading is still hard to replicate. Ultimately, the choice depends on what you expect from an action camera.