DJI’s new Osmo 360 II is a small step forward for video, and a big one for repairability
DJI will lead with native 8K at 60fps, but the ability to replace a scratched lens without retiring the whole camera is the real star of the show.
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DJI has announced the Osmo 360 II, its second-generation 360-degree action camera. The latest version is an iterative successor rather than a redesign, building on the original model's dual square-sensor design and 8K panoramic capture, without substantially changing the camera's core hardware or shooting concept.
The Osmo 360 II now features interchangeable lenses, so they can be replaced if damaged.
One of the most consequential changes is the move to swappable lenses, rather than the fixed ones used by the original Osmo 360. Following in the footsteps of Insta360 , DJI now sells a replacement kit for $30, which is substantially more affordable than having to replace the entire camera if you accidentally scratch or crack a protruding lens.
The camera uses two Type 1/1.1 square sensors (one for each lens) with 2.4 μm pixels, matching the sensor specifications of the original Osmo 360. The company says each of its sensors features "an imaging area equivalent to that of a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio," or 123mm² each.
DJI claims 14.5 stops of dynamic range from the camera, which is one additional stop compared to the previous model. As with most dynamic range claims, though, we'd take that number with a grain of salt, and DJI hasn't specified where that extra stop is coming from. There's every chance it's mainly due to noise reduction, although DJI did somewhat quietly switch to a LOFIC sensor in its Osmo Pocket 4P to improve dynamic range.
The Osmo 360 II shoots 8K video at up to 60fps, a step up from the original model's 8K/50 cap.
The camera is capable of up to 8K/60 video, up from the original version's 8K/50. Slow motion video also gets an increase, with up to 4K/240 possible, compared to a max of 4K/100 previously. Panoramic photo resolution remains at 120MP, though it gets the benefit of HDR this time around. DJI also added a 'Spotlight Follow' mode that promises to track your subject, keeping them in the center of the frame, with footage up to 4K/30 possible in this mode.
DJI has also updated how users connect the camera to its Mimo app. It now supports the ability to tap to connect using NFC. The Osmo 360 II keeps the same 105GB of onboard storage and is waterproof to 10m (33′) without a case.
The DJI Osmo 360 II will be available for purchase outside of Asia starting on September 15. As expected, it will not be officially available in the US. In most EU countries, the new camera will cost 589 EUR.
DJI Osmo 360 II
About the Author: Abby Ferguson holds an MFA in photography and blends a fine-art background with extensive editorial and commercial experience. She built and led an in-house imaging program for a large vacation rental company and has served as an associate editor at Popular Photography. She also teaches at a local community college and serves on its Photographic Technology Program Advisory Board, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the medium.
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