Osmo 360 II: DJI Just Dropped Its Best 360 Camera Yet, But the FCC Banned It From the US
BERLIN–DJI today launched its latest 360 camera for creators, and I got a chance to check it out at IFA .
Like the Osmo Pocket 4P vlogging camera, the Osmo 360 II (priced at $3,899 HDK, about $497) will sidestep the US amid the FCC's ban on all new DJI camera products . After trying the Osmo 360 II here in Berlin, I'm really annoyed that US buyers won't have access to this fantastic creative tool.
The most significant upgrades for the second-gen model include replaceable lens covers, a bidirectional mounting design, and NFC for a quick connection to the DJI Mimo app. The Osmo 360 II also adds a Panorama Spotlight Follow subject-tracking mode, some additional time-lapse presets (clouds and sunsets), a higher video encoding rate (220Mbps versus 170Mbps on the original), support for Raw-format photos, and a slightly larger battery (2,150mAh versus 1,950mAh on the original).
Raw photo capture is a nice upgrade for pros, while the new mount is a small but welcome quality-of-life upgrade versus the original.
Surprisingly, the Osmo 360 II walks back on a single-lens recording mode, dropping the 5K option from the original 360 to 4K. Otherwise, the second-gen model has the same dimensions, weight, touch screen, and waterproofing as the first-gen model.
Before picking up my loaner unit, a DJI representative made it clear that the Osmo 360 II is "pending authorization" in the US, so I won't be able to bring it back to Florida when I return home. DJI loaned me the Adventure Combo, which includes the camera, the dual-direction quick-release adapter mount, three batteries with a case that holds them all, a protective pouch, an invisible selfie stick, a silicone lens cap, and a USB-C cable.
Setting up the camera and pairing it with the DJI Mimo app couldn't have been easier. As soon as I opened the app, it located the camera via NFC, and after a quick firmware update, I was recording 360 footage.
Though a relatively minor upgrade from the first-gen model, the Osmo 360 II is the latest generation of an incredibly powerful tool for creators, and it's a real shame it won't be available in the US. The first-gen Osmo 360 is available stateside for $549.99.
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