The Osmo Action 5 Pro takes about 40 MP photos (7296 × 5472) in JPEG or RAW, with manual shutter speeds from 1/8000 to 30 seconds and bursts of up to 30 shots in 3 seconds. Photo quality is very good for an action camera in daylight, and the RAW option gives real editing room. The limits are a fixed ultra-wide lens with only 2x digital zoom and a small sensor compared with a real camera.
Photo specs
| Spec | Action 5 Pro |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Max size | 7296 × 5472 (4:3) |
| Lens | 155° FOV, f/2.8, focus from 0.35 m |
| Photo ISO | 100 to 25600 |
| Shutter | 1/8000 to 30 s |
| Burst | Up to 30 images in 3 seconds |
| Countdown | 0.5 to 10 s |
| Formats | JPEG, RAW |
| Metering | Evaluative only (no spot metering, per DJI) |
For comparison, the Action 4 shoots about 10 MP and the Osmo Pocket 3 about 9.4 MP, so the Action 5 Pro is the best still camera of the three.
Photo quality: what to expect
- Daylight: sharp, detailed and colorful. 40 MP leaves room to crop.
- Wide look: at 155° straight lines curve near the edges. Use the Standard (Dewarp) FOV for buildings and group shots.
- Low light: better than earlier Osmo Action cameras thanks to the newer sensor, but a camera with a larger sensor will do better. Use a tripod and longer shutter instead of high ISO.
- No telephoto. There's no zoom lens or telephoto accessory. Digital zoom crops the image up to 2x.
Best photo settings
- Format: RAW (or RAW with JPEG if offered) for anything you'll edit.
- Mode: PRO. Tap the image settings, enable PRO, set exposure to M for full control or leave it on auto for action.
- ISO: 100 in daylight. Raise it only when the shutter gets too slow to hand-hold.
- Burst for jumps, tricks and fast subjects: pick the frame later.
- Countdown for group shots on a mini tripod or the extension rod.
- White balance: auto is fine; DJI's color temperature sensor in the front logo helps under mixed light. Don't cover it.
Night and long exposure
The 30-second shutter makes star, light-trail and city-night photos possible:
- Mount the camera on a tripod using the Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount or the 1/4-inch thread on the extension rods.
- Set exposure to M, ISO low, and the shutter as long as the scene needs.
- Use the countdown so pressing the button doesn't shake the camera.
For timelapse and night video, see Action 5 Pro settings.
A "photography kit"
DJI sells a Street Photography Combo in some regions that adds a Street Photography Hand Grip, Utility Frame, Quick-Release Expansion Side Cover and wrist lanyard for a more camera-like grip. Useful extras for photos: a mini tripod, the ND filter set for long daylight exposures, and a fast microSD card. See Action 5 Pro accessories.
Getting photos off the camera
Connect to DJI Mimo and download, use a card reader, or connect a USB-C cable to a computer or phone. See Action 5 Pro not connecting if transfers fail.
Should you buy it for photos?
If you want one rugged camera that also takes good stills on the trail, in the water or on the bike, yes. Shop the Osmo Action 5 Pro, or compare it with the Pocket 3 in Action 5 Pro vs Pocket 3.
Related guides
- Best Osmo Action 5 Pro mounts for motorcycle, bike and car
- Best Osmo Action 5 Pro settings (cinematic, low light, timelapse)
- Best SD card for the Osmo Action 5 Pro (and built-in storage)
- Diving and snorkeling with the Osmo Action 5 Pro (case, settings)
- How deep can the Osmo Action 5 Pro go? Waterproof rating explained
- Is the Osmo Action 5 Pro worth it? Specs, weight and who it's for
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