Key Points
- DJI Action 5 Pro camera has an enhanced sensor with 13.5 stops of dynamic range and 40MP photo resolution.
- The improved battery allows 4 hours of continuous recording and reliable performance in extreme cold.
- It has a new subject-tracking feature for dynamic framing without a gimbal and is waterproof to 20 meters with a pressure gauge for underwater safety.
- Action 5 Pro camera price starts at $349, making it more affordable than its predecessor.
DJI has continued its push into the action camera market with the release of the Action 5 Pro, aimed at challenging GoPro’s dominance. This new model boasts several upgrades, including an advanced sensor, enhanced battery life, larger screens, and new subject-tracking technology.
The 1/1.3-inch sensor remains the same size as its predecessor, the Action 4, but now features 13.5 stops of dynamic range, which DJI claims brings the Action 5 Pro closer to professional camera standards. The maximum photo resolution jumps to 40 megapixels from the previous 10MP, while the 155-degree field of view and f/2.8 aperture remain unchanged.
Video capabilities have also been enhanced. Users can shoot 4K at 120 frames per second (fps) in a 16:9 aspect ratio, with the option to shoot in 4:3 (3,840 x 2,880 pixels) for more flexible cropping. Though resolution is still capped at 4K, DJI compensates by offering 10-bit D-Log M and HLG modes to boost dynamic range. SuperNight mode also helps capture low-light video with reduced noise through AI processing.
Battery life has significantly improved, and the new 1950mAh battery supports up to 4 hours of continuous recording, a 50% increase over Action 4. DJI credits this extended performance to a 4nm chip and improved energy-saving algorithm. Even in freezing temperatures of -20°C (-4°F), the camera can still reliably record for 3.6 hours.
One of the standout features of the Action 5 Pro is the new subject tracking and centering capability, which adjusts composition to keep subjects in the center of the frame. This digital stabilization, combined with DJI’s HorizonSteady, allows for smooth video even in extreme conditions without a gimbal.
The Action 5 Pro is also waterproof down to 20 meters (66 feet) without a case and includes a new pressure gauge for monitoring underwater depth and recording conditions. The camera’s screens have also been enlarged, with the rear OLED screen increasing to 2.5 inches, the largest in its class.
Regarding connectivity and storage, the camera features 47GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi 6.0, and USB 3.0 for faster transfer speeds. Additional features include a timecode for multi-camera syncing, live streaming, and a pre-record feature. The Action 5 Pro, priced at $349 for the Pro Combo and $449 for the Adventure Combo, is now available through DJI and authorized retailers.