DJI introduces the Action 5 Pro camera with improved subject tracking and video

DJI has always been at the forefront of GoPro camera dominance and has just taken another big step forward with the launch of the Action 5 Pro. With a new “next-gen” sensor, it promises improved video quality, as well as extended battery life, larger displays and new features, subject tracking and centering.

The 1/1.3-inch sensor is the same as the one on the Action 4, but DJI says it now has 13.5 stops of dynamic range, “making it the first action camera with specs that rival professional cameras.” Maximum image resolution is 40 megapixels (MP), up from 10MP on the Action 4. The lens has the same 155 degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture as the last model.

You can capture 4K up to 120p at 16:9 as before, but now it supports 4K 120p capture at 4:3 (3,840 x 2,880 pixels), slow ultra-slow-mo can be shot on every sensor if you want to. crop the image later. The resolution is still limited to 4K UltraHD, however, where the GoPro 13 supports up to 5.3K 8:7 (5,312 x 4,648) capture, giving users more cropping options.

As before, images can be captured with 10-bit D-Log M and HLG for increased dynamic range. DJI says you can capture “high dynamic range, low-light video” at 4K/60fps to capture shadow detail without overexposing highlights. It comes with a SuperNight mode that uses AI noise reduction to produce cleaner video.

The new 1950mAh has more capacity than the previous model’s 1770mAh, allowing up to 4 hours of continuous use or about 50 percent more than before (the Action 5 Pro can still use the previous model’s batteries, though). That was helped in large part by a new 4nm chip and a new algorithm that optimizes power savings. “Even at temperatures as low as -20° C (-4°F), the camera can reliably record video for up to 3.6 hours,” added DJI.

The main new feature is subject focus and tracking which allows creators to shoot without a gimbal. As with other DJI products (ActiveTrack on drones), it intelligently detects the location of the subject and adjusts the composition to keep the subject centered in the frame. This is done digitally, obviously, and the resolution is reduced to 2.7K — but it can still be a huge advantage for extreme sports and other creators. As before, it offers “solid stability” and HorizonSteady which keeps the camera level for 360 degrees of movement.

The Action 5 Pro is EN13319 certified waterproof without the case up to 20m (66 feet), 2m more. It can start recording automatically as soon as you are under water and comes with an interesting new feature: a pressure gauge to record water depth, duration and altitude data to ensure user safety.

Although the body is the same size as before, both OLED screens are larger thanks to smaller bezels, which have increased by 16 percent. The larger rear screen is now 2.5 inches diagonally, up from 2.25 inches and the largest of any standard action camera, according to DJI. As before, Action 4 works with DJI Mic 2 for high-quality audio recording and you can simultaneously use the built-in microphone for ambient sound.

Another nice addition is 47GB of built-in storage and transfer rates of 80MB/s via Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0. Other features include an updated Mimo app, Wi-Fi live streaming, timecode sync for multiple cameras and a pre-recorded feature.

I’ve had the Action 5 for a short time and it’s very similar to the previous model, except for the main power and record buttons, a different opening for the internal microphone and the bottom hole for the pressure sensor. Other features like the magnetic mount are carried over from the Action 3. The improvements look promising, so stay tuned for a detailed review (where I hope I don’t smash my face).

Perhaps the best news about the Action 5 is that it’s cheaper than the Action 4 at $349 for a Pro Combo package that includes the camera and one battery, protective frame, quick-release adapter mount and more. The Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo adds two more batteries and a charger and a 1.5m extension cord for $449. Both are now available at the DJI Store and most authorized retail partners.