DJI Osmo Motion 3 overview: the all seasons motion digicam

Once I reviewed the DJI Motion 2 final yr, I applauded its modern design, which differentiated it from all the opposite motion cameras available on the market. The DJI Osmo Motion 3 does a 180-degree flip again to fundamentals with a extra conventional design and the resuscitation of the Osmo identify. 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’ll be able to throw at it, however does it do sufficient to distinguish itself from the competitors?

DJI Osmo Motion 3 design

The Motion 3 seems remarkably just like the unique DJI Motion digicam, which was an incredible digicam however was maybe just a little too just like GoPro. The Motion 3 should 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 steel 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 automotive window whereas touring at 40 mph, and I’ve flown the Motion 2 on high of a drone at even better 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 screen is now touch-sensitive, which lets you modify settings whereas the digicam is going through you, equivalent to when capturing vlog-style movies. Since I ceaselessly shoot vlog-style YouTube movies myself, I very a lot recognize this characteristic. I’m additionally a fan of the battery door on the Motion 2, which is simple to function whereas remaining safe and waterproof.

DJI Motion 3 picture high quality

Should you preferred the look of footage captured with the Motion 2, you’ll additionally recognize the Osmo Motion 3. To my eye, the distinction is virtually nonexistent. That’s not a foul 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 shade mode is maybe just a little oversaturated, however I personally just like the look of it, and the D-cinelike shade profile is offered if you happen to choose 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. Capturing at 1080p 240fps is as mushy and ugly as you’ll anticipate, however 4k 120fps seems fairly good. It’s restricted to 4k decision, which is okay if you happen to simply need to publish straight-out digicam footage with out a lot enhancing. But it surely 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 if you happen to fly a Mini 3 Professional, for instance, to seize aerial footage, it should pair properly with the look of footage captured with the Motion 3.

The Motion 3 places additional emphasis on shade 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 slightly tame situations I filmed in with the digicam, it will seemingly be extra helpful for deep sea diving.

DJI Motion 3 show

Each the entrance and rear shows of the Motion 3 are vibrant with good shade. The bigger rear touchscreen is definitely a lot simpler to make use of than the smaller display screen of the Motion 2, and the built-in entrance display screen means you don’t must 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 right down to 52 toes underwater. Moreover, it’s rated to be used between damaging 4 and 113 levels Fahrenheit. These are some really spectacular numbers, and they’re mirrored within the significantly 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 favor that it lock securely into place, as it may be nudged off the rim of the lens by chance.

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 climbing and dunked it in a lake. This admittedly minor punishment didn’t even faze the Motion 3. If you need additional drop safety DJI does promote a housing, which is included with the Journey combo.

There’s one main flaw, nevertheless, relating to utilizing the digicam in the actual 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 harm the digicam, however it could possibly intervene with the locking mechanism and require frequent cleansing if you happen to take it to the seaside.

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 in a position to make it by means of a typical day of climbing and recording with no need to swap the battery out. Nonetheless, if you happen to plan on doing longer shoots slightly than transient highlights equivalent to I choose, you’ll positively need to have spares. The digicam additionally fees 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 non-compulsory 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 during 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 capturing with the Motion 3. The DJI Mimo companion app can be practical for controlling the digicam, in addition to downloading and enhancing footage.

Audio recording is superb, and I’d really feel snug utilizing the Motion 3 to shoot vlog-style movies by itself. If you need even higher audio you’ll be able to plug the DJI Mic into the Motion 3 and report by way of 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 manner for the DJI Mic.

DJI Osmo Motion 3 worth and availability

The Motion 3 is offered now, beginning at a $330 worth level. You may additionally need to take into account 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 package. Although it provides $110 to the bottom worth, the Journey package provides a number 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 Motion 2, the DJI Osmo Motion 3 is a superb motion digicam that stacks up properly to fierce competitors from the likes of GoPro and Insta360. Whereas, in the long run, I don’t discover that it pulls forward of different cameras on this style general, it does boast a few important benefits.

Should you want an additional powerful digicam, that is the one to decide on, significantly with the non-compulsory protecting body put in. And if you happen to plan on going diving, the Motion 3 can go all the way in which right down to 52 toes underwater with out an additional diving case. The opposite massive promoting level is the magnetic quick-release system, which is definitely advantageous if you might want to swap mounts rapidly. Although, as I discovered, sandy seashores are this mechanism’s Achilles heel.

The Motion 3 may even enchantment to DJI drone pilots in search of a rugged digicam that can simply match the aesthetic of footage captured utilizing standard drones such because the DJI Mini 3 Professional, Mavic 3, or Avata.

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