Since there isn't much happening right now, we decided to take a few weeks off. DJI, however, didn't get the memo. With the release of the Air 3 Drone and Osmo Action 4, DJI is the biggest name to launch new products these past few weeks. If you want to make the most of your summer adventures, definitely pick up both items.
There is also a handful of other releases to discuss, such as new lights from Genaray and some audio gear.
DJI's mid-range Air 3 drone takes flight with a dual-camera system
DJI's drones tend to have multiple cameras, and with its new dual-camera system, the Air 3 is no different. The new drone fits into that ideal mid-range tier for those who don't need the ultra-premium imaging specs of the Mavic series but want something a little better than the Minis.
The dual-camera system features a main wide camera with a large f/1.7 aperture and 1/1.3" sensor. Then, for versatility, there's another 3x telephoto camera with f/2.8 aperture. It records in 4K up to 100 fps, though you'll likely be sticking to the more conventional 4K 60 fps options for most of the time. You won't get the same vertical shooting as the Mini 3 Pro here, though.
Besides the improved camera system, the rest of the drone is as good as you would expect. DJI gave the OcuSync transmission system a boost to version 4 and an upgraded range of 12 miles. Plus, the battery life is a touch better, at 46 minutes long. You will also get D-Log M and Night mode, which is handy.
It may not be the most exciting drone we have ever seen, but it's an excellent addition to the DJI lineup and its class-leading specs will certainly make it one of the most popular options today.
The DJI Osmo Action 4 offers a bigger sensor and better image quality
If you wanted a GoPro that wasn't a GoPro, there weren't many options on the market. One of the only serious alternatives was the DJI Osmo Action, and its latest version, the Osmo Action 4, is looking like it'll provide some stiff competition.
The image quality of action cameras is what brands tend to focus on, and DJI is no exception. The Osmo Action 4 sports a larger 1/1.3" CMOS (up from 1/1.7") that will certainly help improve dynamic range and low-light performance—notable issues for these ultra-compact cameras.
Like its predecessor, the Osmo Action 4's camera delivers a similarly great range of resolutions and frame rates, despite the bigger sensor:
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4K (4:3) 3840 x 2880 up to 60 fps
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UHD 4K up to 120 fps
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Full HD up to 240 fps
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Plus, a couple 2.7K modes
For optics, it features a 155-degree ultra-wide lens with fixed f/2.8 aperture. At the widest setting, you can capture 4K up to 60 fps. For the fastest aperture and best stabilization, you'll need to look at the slightly narrower field of view options. DJI also boosted the available formats, with built-in D-Log M available using HEVC in 10-bit 4:2:0 up to 130 Mb/s.
The camera looks the same as before with a familiar action cam form factor and two touchscreens—one in front and one on the back. There is a new, larger battery pack that will grant up to 2.5 hours of recording. Beyond that we get a slightly better waterproof rating, down to 59', without a case. The usual levels of drop and freeze resistance remain.
Accessories can make or break an action cam system, and there are numerous existing options for the Osmo Action 4. Plus, the brand has added a fun Bluetooth remote that you can strap to your wrist.
In other news...
While not the biggest releases of the year, there are plenty of other products that deserve a mention:
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Genaray gets into the tube lighting game with the PX-Series LED RGB Pixel Tube Lights.
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Another Genaray light release featured a large 4x1 LED panel and a 6.5" RGB LED fresnel.
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Tamron revealed the development of a 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z cameras.
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SmallRig continues to expand its tripod lineup with the AD-80 system.
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Sound Devices added to its premium Astral lineup with the A20-Nexus Go Receiver and A20-TX Transmitter.
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Antelope will be releasing its first studio monitor, the Atlas i8.
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Deity's Theos wireless mic system, which was revealed at NAB this year, is shipping in September.
Enjoy your summer!
2 Comments
"Since there hasn't been much happening right now, we decided to take a few weeks off."
This sentence is a grammatical war crime.
The "author" uses the present perfect progressive instead of the present progressive, which is what you should use with "now" and "right now."
The opening sentence should read: "Since there isn't much happening right now ..."
Grammar is important, kids. It builds integrity, establishes credibility, and helps maintain authority. Conversely, grammatical errors indicate carelessness, ignorance, and undermine both your credibility and authority. After all, why should we trust anything you say when you don't even understand the basic tenets of the English language?
Joni A., Thank you for catching this egregious error. It has been edited to be more aligned with the tenets of the English language, now and always. There's just one thing: we think "war crime" is somewhat over the top, don't you? Perhaps "travesty" would have sufficed. We appreciate your eagle eye and facility with grammar.