DJI Osmo Nano is a new modular action camera that weighs 52g/0.1 lb and can be expanded with the magnetically attached multifunctional vision dock with OLED touchscreen. The 1/1.3″ sensor-equipped camera comes with either 64GB or 128GB built-in storage and can record 4K 4:3 up to 50fps, 4K UHD up to 60fps, or slow motion 4K 120fps. The video is available with 10-bit color and D-Log M color profile. Offering many mounting options, the lightweight Osmo Nano is available now for €279 (64GB) or €309 (128GB) in Europe, but won’t be available in the US right at launch.
By now, it is clear that DJI is a stable contender in the action camera market segment. Aside from the main “traditional-shaped” Osmo Action series, the Chinese company occasionally treats us to a different form factor camera. Roughly four years ago, they released the DJI Action 2 – a lightweight, aluminum, box-shaped modular action camera. You can check out our review from 2021 for details about the DJI Action 2. With today’s release, DJI revisits the modularity idea with the new DJI Osmo Nano. Let’s take a short look at its features and specs.
DJI Osmo Nano – 52g modular camera
First off, the new DJI Osmo Nano is the company’s smallest action camera – the weight of the camera “module” is 52g/0.1 lb and its dimensions are 57 x 29 x 28mm (2.24 x 1.14 x 1.10 in). The compact size opens up many possibilities of placement and mounting. DJI is, of course, aware of this, and so it includes a variety of mounting accessories in the box and offers even more mounting gear separately.
Talking about “modules”, the Osmo Nano consists of the main camera module and another module with a built-in 1.96-inch OLED touchscreen, which DJI calls the “Multifunctional Vision Dock” (weighing 72g / 1.58 lb). Both modules are connected with magnets and quick-release latches on each side. The good thing is that the magnets are arranged in a way that allows the display module to be mounted either facing the opposite side of the camera or facing the same side. Thankfully, the touchscreen can control the camera remotely as well.
For water sports and outdoor adventures, the Osmo Nano camera is waterproof up to 10 meters (32.8 ft) without any additional housing. Additionally, when paired with the Multifunctional Vision Dock, it offers IPX4-rated splash resistance, protecting against sweat, rain, and minor splashes.
Image quality – 1/1.3” sensor, 4K120 video, 10-bit D-Log M
At the heart of the DJI Osmo Nano is a new 1/1.3” 35MP CMOS image sensor paired with an f/2.8 lens with a FOV of 143° (focus range 0.35m to infinity). The maximum resolution for still images is 6880 x 5160px, and the camera can take JPEGs as well as raw photos.
For video, the available resolutions and framerates are:
- 4K (4:3): 3840 × 2880 @ 24/25/30/48/50fps
- 4K (16:9): 3840 × 2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 2.7K (4:3): 2688 × 2016 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 2.7K (16:9): 2688 × 1512 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 1080p (4:3): 1920 × 1440 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 1080p (16:9): 1920 × 1080 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
Slow motion modes are available in 4K and 2.7K up to 120fps (4x) and in 1080p up to 240fps (8x). I assume these modes will be recorded with a base framerate of 30fps and without audio (or with audio as a separate file – like with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3).
The HEVC (MP4) video files feature a maximum bitrate of 120Mbps, and they offer 10-bit 4:2:0 color with the ability to record with D-Log M color profile. DJI claims the Nano achieves up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. I hope we will be able to test the claimed DR in our CineD lab.
The camera features DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 electronic stabilization (not supported in slow-motion modes) with the option to activate horizon balancing (available only in 16:9 modes). There is a timelapse and hyperlapse mode, as well as a SuperNight mode that applies heavy NR to low-light shots.
The footage can be saved either on the camera’s built-in storage or on the inserted microSD memory card (only with the connected Vision Dock). Regarding the in-camera storage, there will be two versions of the Osmo Nano:
- 64GB (48GB available storage) – supports transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s via the Vision Dock’s USB-C port.
- 128GB (107.6GB available storage) – supports transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s via the Vision Dock’s USB-C port.
Regarding audio recording, the Osmo Nano features two microphones for stereo recording. Additionally, the camera can wirelessly connect to two DJI microphone transmitters without a receiver (the first-generation DJI Mic is not supported).
Battery, transfer, smart features
Osmo Nano’s Multifunctional Vision Dock acts as a display screen, a remote photo trigger, a charging station, and a high-speed file transfer station. The dock can fast charge the main camera up to 80% battery level in around 20 minutes. The battery in the camera is rated at 530mAh capacity and the battery in the vision dock offers 1300mAh.
According to DJI, when docked and fully-charged, the camera can record up to 200 minutes of 1080p 24fps video. The new Endurance mode allows for the recording of up to 60 minutes of 4K 30fps (16:9) video. The Multifunctional Vision Dock can also connect mobile devices or computers using a PD fast-charging cable for transfers up to 600 MB/s.
The Osmo Nano offers a variety of smart shooting features such as:
- Horizontal & Vertical Shooting – easily switch between horizontal and vertical shooting
- Auto Recording – set shooting intervals and clip durations for automatic recording
- Gesture Control – start shooting with a nod gesture or tapping the device in auto recording mode
- Pre-Rec – automatically saves footage from just before the record button is pressed
Price and availability – not in US at launch
A DJI Spokesperson told us about the US availability of Osmo Nano: “Osmo Nano will not be available officially in the U.S. market on official websites upon its global launch on September 23. DJI remains committed to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions.”
There are two different versions available. The Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) will retail for approximately €279 in Europe, and the Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) is priced at around €309 in Europe.
- Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) – Includes the Osmo Nano Camera (64GB), Multifunctional Vision Dock, Magnetic Hat Clip, Magnetic Lanyard, Protective Case, USB-C to USB-C PD Cable (USB 3.1), and Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount.
- Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) – Includes the same accessories as the 64GB version.
Other mounting accessories are available separately:
- Osmo Magnetic Headband
- Osmo Dual-Direction Quick-Release Foldable Adapter Mount
- Osmo Nano ND Filter Set
- Osmo Nano Glass Lens Cover
- Osmo Nano Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount
What do you think about the new DJI Osmo Nano modular action camera? Is it a worthy successor to the four-year-old DJI Action 2? How do you think it compares with the Insta360 GO series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.