It took DJI long enough, but the drone giant has finally crashed Insta360’s 360-camera monopoly with the Osmo 360. And they definitely put their best foot forward. While everyone’s been waiting for GoPro to resurrect the Max series, DJI quietly engineered what might be the most technically sophisticated 360 camera yet, complete with industry-first square sensors and native 8K recording at 50fps.
The timing couldn’t be better. 360 cameras have shed their gimmicky reputation and become legitimate creative tools, especially as content creators chase more immersive storytelling angles. And DJI’s official entry signals this category has officially matured.
The Square Sensor Gambit That Actually Makes Sense
When it comes to the sensor, DJI decided to forge their own path forward. Rather than cramming traditional rectangular sensors into a 360 form factor like everyone else, they designed custom square sensors that eliminate the wasted pixels around the edges.
These 1-inch square sensors deliver 25% better utilization than conventional designs while maintaining the same imaging field. Translation: better image quality, improved low-light performance, and longer battery life from the same physical space. The 2.4μm pixels are double the size of Insta360’s X5, which means cleaner footage when the sun goes down and you’re still trying to capture that golden hour content.
Where DJI Actually Delivers
The 8K recording at 50fps isn’t just a spec sheet flex, it’s genuinely useful for creators who want smooth slow-motion options or simply need that extra resolution headroom for post-production flexibility. The 10-bit D-Log M recording opens up serious color grading possibilities that the X5’s 8-bit limitation can’t match, while 120MP stills blow past the competition’s 72MP ceiling.
Built-in 105GB storage feels like table stakes in 2025, but it’s still refreshing compared to Insta360’s zero internal storage approach. The magnetic quick-release ecosystem borrows heavily from DJI’s Action series playbook, which means existing users already have compatible mounts and accessories. The OsmoAudio direct microphone connection system supports two wireless mics simultaneously – which is sure to be a welcomed addition for serious content creators.
Spec Sheet
Sensor: Twin 1-inch square HDR sensors with 2.4 micrometer pixels
Video Recording: Native 8K up to 50fps, 10-bit D-Log M
Photo Resolution: 120MP 360-degree stills
Battery Life: Up to 100 minutes 8K/30fps continuous recording
Storage: 105GB built-in plus microSD slot
Weight: 183 grams
Special Features: OsmoAudio direct mic connection, invisible selfie stick compatibility, gesture/voice control
Water Resistance: IP68 rated to 10 meters
Available Combos: Standard (€479) and Adventure (€629)
Pricing & Availability
The Osmo 360 is available now in Europe starting at €479 for the Standard Combo or €629 for the Adventure Combo. US availability remains unclear, with DJI’s official store showing the product but multiple reports suggesting it’s not actually available through official US channels at launch – though some third-party retailers may offer pre-orders.
Recap
DJI Osmo 360 Action Camera
DJI’s first 360 camera leverages custom square sensors and native 8K/50fps recording to deliver genuinely superior specs compared to Insta360’s X5, though software limitations keep it from being a complete slam dunk for the crown.
