DJI Osmo Motion 3
MSRP $330.00
“The DJI Osmo Motion 3 is a superb motion digicam that distinguishes itself with a novel magnetic clip system and an exceptionally rugged design.”
Professionals
- Wonderful picture high quality and video stabilization
- Very rugged and waterproof design
- Distinctive magnetic clip system is extremely versatile
- Inexpensive worth
Cons
- Not as compact and light-weight because the Motion 2
- Magnetic locking system liable to clogging in sandy circumstances
Once I reviewed the DJI Action 2 final yr, I applauded its modern design, which differentiated it from all the opposite motion cameras in the marketplace. The DJI Osmo Motion 3 does a 180-degree flip again to fundamentals with a extra conventional design and the resuscitation of the Osmo title. Whereas this transfer initially puzzled me, now that I’ve had time to check the Motion 3, I’ve come to understand why DJI made the change. This powerful, new digicam is constructed to outlive something you possibly can throw at it, however does it do sufficient to distinguish itself from the competitors?
DJI Osmo Motion 3 design
The Motion 3 seems remarkably much like the unique DJI Motion digicam, which was an amazing digicam however was maybe slightly too much like GoPro. The Motion 3 should still carry that typical motion digicam look, however it’s distinctive in some key methods. Major amongst them is the magnetic fast launch system, which it has inherited from the Motion 2, and which has been considerably upgraded to be extra stable and dependable.
This magnetic clip system lets you connect and detach the digicam from varied mounts, and even simply stick the digicam to a metallic floor. Whereas such a system could seem regarding when it comes to its stability, I can vouch for the reliability of the magnetic clip, because it stayed locked and safe on an extension rod out a automobile window whereas touring at 40 mph, and I’ve flown the Action 2 on prime of a drone at even higher speeds than that. The one factor to remember is that the magnetic clip typically doesn’t snap collectively completely the primary time, so it’s a good suggestion to double-check that connection.
The Motion 3 is exclusive in that its entrance display is now touch-sensitive, which allows you to alter settings whereas the digicam is dealing with you, similar to when taking pictures vlog-style movies. Since I regularly shoot vlog-style YouTube movies myself, I very a lot admire this function. I’m additionally a fan of the battery door on the Action 2, which is simple to function whereas remaining safe and waterproof.
DJI Motion 3 picture high quality
In case you appreciated the look of footage captured with the Motion 2, you’ll additionally admire the Osmo Motion 3. To my eye, the distinction is virtually nonexistent. That’s not a nasty factor, although, because the Motion 2 captures great-looking video. Particulars are crisp and clear, and each Rocksteady and Horizonsteady picture stabilization are extremely efficient. The usual coloration mode is maybe slightly oversaturated, however I personally just like the look of it, and the D-cinelike coloration profile is out there for those who desire to have extra enhancing latitude and craft your personal look in post-processing.
The Motion 3 can shoot in 4k at as much as 120fps, and at as much as 240fps in 1080p. Taking pictures at 1080p 240fps is as mushy and ugly as you’ll count on, however 4k 120fps seems fairly good. It’s restricted to 4k decision, which is ok for those who simply wish to publish straight-out digicam footage with out a lot enhancing. However it doesn’t measure as much as the GoPro Hero 11 Black’s 5.3k most decision and bigger sensor, which provides additional versatility in post-processing.
I discovered that the Motion 3 outperforms the Hero 11 barely when it comes to video stabilization, whereas the Hero 11 is marginally sharper. The tip result’s that when it comes to pure video high quality, the 2 cameras are very evenly matched.
One factor I do actually like in regards to the video produced by the Motion 3 is that it matches up very well with different DJI merchandise. Which means for those who fly a Mini 3 Pro, for instance, to seize aerial footage, it would pair properly with the look of footage captured with the Motion 3.
In case you fly a DJI Mini 3 Professional to seize aerial footage, it would pair properly with the look of footage captured with the Motion 3.
The Motion 3 places additional emphasis on coloration accuracy, with a big, devoted sensor for detecting the proper white stability for any given scene. Whereas this didn’t seem to make an enormous distinction within the somewhat tame circumstances I filmed in with the digicam, it could possible be extra helpful for deep sea diving.
DJI Motion 3 show
Each the entrance and rear shows of the Motion 3 are vivid with good coloration. The bigger rear touchscreen is actually a lot simpler to make use of than the smaller display of the Action 2, and the built-in entrance display means you don’t should get a separate module to have a front-facing show.
DJI Motion 3 sturdiness and waterproofing
The Osmo Motion 3 is outstanding within the extent to which it may be dropped and submerged. It’s drop resistant as much as 5 toes and is waterproof all the way in which all the way down to 52 toes underwater. Moreover, it’s rated to be used between adverse 4 and 113 levels Fahrenheit. These are some actually spectacular numbers, and they’re mirrored within the notably rugged really feel of the digicam. I actually just like the rubber ring across the lens, which provides safety to probably the most weak a part of the Motion 3, although I would like that it lock securely into place, as it may be nudged off the rim of the lens by accident.
Whereas I didn’t chuck the digicam round like a hacky sack, and I sadly lacked the time for deep sea diving classes, I did take the Motion 3 out mountaineering and dunked it in a lake. This admittedly minor punishment didn’t even faze the Motion 3. In order for you additional drop safety DJI does promote a housing, which is included with the Journey combo.
There may be one main flaw, nevertheless, relating to utilizing the digicam in the true world, which is that the magnetic plates of its distinctive mounting system have an unlucky tendency to seize magnetic particles of sand. It doesn’t damage the digicam, however it could intrude with the locking mechanism and require frequent cleansing for those who take it to the seashore.
DJI Motion 3 battery life
The Motion 3 provides related battery life to competing motion cameras, although it’s able to working at extra excessive temperatures. I used to be capable of make it by a typical day of mountaineering and recording with no need to swap the battery out. Nonetheless, for those who plan on doing longer shoots somewhat than transient highlights similar to I desire, you’ll positively wish to have spares. The digicam additionally costs very quick, taking solely 18 minutes to cost a battery as much as 80% of the way in which full.
I examined the Motion 3 with the elective Multifunctional battery case, which not solely acts as a charger and carrying case for as much as three batteries at a time, however it’s also possible to cost your smartphone or different USB-C units out of your Motion 3 batteries by plugging them into the case. It additionally has additional house through which to retailer two additional microSD playing cards.
DJI Motion 3 efficiency and software program
I didn’t expertise any points with overheating or different performance-related issues whereas taking pictures with the Motion 3. The DJI Mimo companion app can also be practical for controlling the digicam, in addition to downloading and enhancing footage.
Audio recording is excellent, and I’d really feel snug utilizing the Motion 3 to shoot vlog-style movies by itself. In order for you even higher audio you possibly can plug the DJI Mic into the Motion 3 and document through that wonderful wi-fi microphone. Once I tried this out it was a easy plug-and-play expertise, with the one setup trouble being unclipping the USB-C port door from the Motion 3 to make approach for the DJI Mic.
DJI Osmo Motion 3 worth and availability
The Motion 3 is out there now, beginning at a $330 worth level. You may additionally wish to think about upgrading to the $440 journey combo, which incorporates three batteries, the wonderful multifunctional battery case, two additional lens protectors for the Motion 3, two adhesive base kits, a protecting body, and an extension rod equipment. Although it provides $110 to the bottom worth, the Journey equipment provides plenty of worth with actually helpful equipment at a reduction in comparison with their particular person MSRP.
An exceptionally rugged motion digicam
Whereas I nonetheless miss the modern design of the Action 2, the DJI Osmo Motion 3 is a superb motion digicam that stacks up effectively to fierce competitors from the likes of GoPro and Insta360. Whereas, ultimately, I don’t discover that it pulls forward of different cameras on this style general, it does boast a few important benefits.
In case you want an additional powerful digicam, that is the one to decide on, notably with the elective protecting body put in. And for those who plan on going diving, the Motion 3 can go all the way in which all the way down to 52 toes underwater with out an additional diving case. The opposite large promoting level is the magnetic quick-release system, which is actually advantageous if that you must swap mounts shortly. Although, as I discovered, sandy seashores are this mechanism’s Achilles heel.
The Motion 3 may also attraction to DJI drone pilots on the lookout for a rugged digicam that can simply match the aesthetic of footage captured utilizing fashionable drones such because the DJI Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3, or Avata.
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