DJI has officially entered the 360-degree camera market with its new Osmo 360, a device designed to dethrone the popular Insta360 series. The camera boasts impressive 8K video capabilities and a record-breaking continuous recording time, signaling a new level of competition in the immersive content space. However, this powerful new tool comes with a major catch for a huge market: it’s not launching in the United States, at least not yet.
A Direct Challenge to Insta360’s Reign
DJI’s Osmo 360 is a clear shot at Insta360’s dominance and an attempt to fill the void left by the aging GoPro Max, which hasn’t been updated since 2019. The camera’s headline feature is its ability to capture 8K video at 50 frames per second, a significant step up from the Insta360 X5’s 30fps limit at the same resolution.
More impressively, DJI claims the Osmo 360 can record continuously at 8K/30fps for over 100 minutes without overheating. This is a common pain point for 360-camera users and could be a massive advantage for creators who need long, uninterrupted takes.
While its 1,950mAh battery is smaller than the X5’s 2,400mAh unit, DJI is banking on superior hardware optimization and thermal efficiency to deliver better real-world performance. This focus on endurance over raw battery capacity shows a deep understanding of creator needs.
What’s Under the Hood? Key Specs and Features
DJI has made some interesting technical choices to achieve its performance goals. Instead of using swappable lenses, the Osmo 360 features fixed dual 1-inch square HDR sensors. This design allows the camera to use the entire imaging area, a key difference from the Insta360 X5, which uses a cropped portion of its rectangular sensors. This should result in cleaner, higher-quality footage.
Another pro-level feature is the inclusion of 10-bit color, which provides much greater flexibility in post-production for color grading compared to the 8-bit video from its main rival. For still photography, the Osmo 360 captures massive 120-megapixel 360-degree photos, dwarfing the 72MP offered by the X5.
Here is a quick look at how the Osmo 360 stacks up against the Insta360 X5.
| Feature | DJI Osmo 360 | Insta360 X5 |
| Max 360 Video | 8K at 50fps | 8K at 30fps |
| Max 360 Photo | 120MP | 72MP |
| Sensor | Dual 1-inch Square | Dual 1/1.28-inch Rectangular |
| Color Depth | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| Battery | 1,950mAh | 2,400mAh |
The Osmo 360 also offers creators flexibility, allowing them to shoot at 6K/60fps or 4K/100fps for slow-motion action shots.
Built for Creators, Not Just Action Junkies
DJI is clearly targeting a broad audience of vloggers, travel creators, and prosumers, not just extreme sports enthusiasts. The camera is packed with features designed for mobile-first storytelling and ease of use. This all-in-one approach aims to make it a go-to tool for modern content creation.
The device comes with a host of convenient features that streamline the creative process.
- 105GB internal storage eliminates the need for external SD cards.
- Dual wireless mic support with independent audio tracks can be connected without a receiver.
- Voice and gesture controls allow for hands-free operation.
- Focus tracking for people, cars, and pets is available through the DJI Mimo app.
Additionally, DJI is launching several accessories, including a Battery Extension Rod that adds up to 180 minutes of 8K recording time and a selfie stick that extends over 8 feet.
The Catch: Why US Creators Have to Wait
Despite its impressive feature set, the most significant news for many is the Osmo 360’s limited availability. DJI has not announced a release date or price for the United States. The camera is currently launching only in Europe and Canada.
The pricing for these regions has been set at €479.99 for the base unit in Europe and between $430–$580 in Canada. DJI has explicitly stated that these prices are not indicative of the final US MSRP, leaving American creators in a state of uncertainty.
This decision means US buyers will have to rely on import channels if they want to get their hands on the camera early. However, doing so could lead to complications with warranty coverage, software updates, and official support, making it a risky proposition for many professionals.
