By DJI appears poised to enter the 360-degree camera market, taking on established players like Insta360 and GoPro. Rumors about the DJI Osmo 360 suggest a compact design with features tailored for action enthusiasts.
Leaked designs indicate a possible landscape-oriented screen beneath dual lenses, accompanied by accessible controls and robust build quality.
This move could make DJI a significant competitor, especially with its history of challenging GoPro in the action camera space through its Osmo Action lineup. Insta360, currently dominating with its versatile X4 model, and GoPro, still delayed on releasing the Max 2, may face increased pressure to innovate as DJI steps into the arena.
While DJI’s expertise in hardware is well-regarded, its ability to master the complex software demands of 360-degree cameras—like seamless stitching and advanced editing tools—remains to be seen. If successful, DJI’s entry could invigorate the market, offering consumers more choices and driving technological advancements.
With rumors pointing to a release before the end of the year, all eyes are on DJI to see how its first attempt stacks up against the competition.
DJI Reportedly Prepares to Launch First 360-Degree Camera to Challenge Insta360
DJI is rumored to be entering the 360-degree camera market with its first-ever model, the DJI Osmo 360. According to leaks shared by @JasperEllens on X (formerly Twitter), the camera has appeared in a US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing, hinting at an imminent launch.
The Osmo 360 is expected to rival Insta360’s highly-rated X4, which currently dominates the market with features like 8K video capture and advanced stabilization. DJI’s potential entry could also shake up a space where GoPro has struggled to keep pace—its Max 2, a long-awaited successor to the GoPro Max, has faced repeated delays since its initial announcement in 2023.
With competitors like Insta360 and Kandao QooCam already offering strong alternatives, DJI’s rumored camera could bring fresh competition and innovation, particularly if it capitalizes on the company’s proven strengths in hardware design and stabilization technology. Details on features remain scarce, but DJI’s history of rapid iteration and competitive pricing might make the Osmo 360 a noteworthy addition to the market.
If these reports are accurate, DJI could debut the Osmo 360 by the end of the year, creating a new challenger in the 360-degree camera landscape.
Given its reputation for shaking up established markets, DJI entering the 360-degree camera space could mark an exciting development. Known for delivering GoPro alternatives with the Osmo Action series and redefining vlogging cameras with the Osmo Pocket line, DJI has a proven ability to create innovative, user-friendly devices that challenge market leaders.
If the rumored Osmo 360 follows in the footsteps of these successes, here’s what we might expect:
- Cutting-Edge Stabilization: DJI has excelled in stabilization tech across its products, from drones to cameras. The Osmo 360 could feature stabilization similar to Insta360’s FlowState, or even surpass it with gimbal-like smoothness.
- High-Quality Video and Imaging: With Insta360 X4 offering 8K video, DJI would likely aim to match or exceed this resolution, possibly with enhanced HDR capabilities and superior low-light performance for versatile shooting.
- Compact and Durable Design: DJI’s design ethos prioritizes portability and durability. The Osmo 360 could feature a rugged, waterproof build with intuitive ergonomics and a user-friendly interface.
- Advanced Editing Software: Insta360 has set a high bar with its editing tools. DJI would need to provide seamless mobile and desktop software for reframing, stitching, and creating creative effects, possibly leveraging AI for automation.
- Competitive Pricing: DJI has a history of pricing its products to compete aggressively with market leaders. The Osmo 360 could undercut Insta360’s premium offerings while delivering comparable or superior features.
While exact details are yet to emerge, if DJI brings its innovation and expertise to the 360-degree camera market, it could pose a serious challenge to Insta360’s dominance and reinvigorate competition in the space.
Will DJI get it right first time?
In the competitive world of action cameras, brands like DJI, GoPro, and Insta360 each bring distinct advantages. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro stands out with its larger sensor, which delivers excellent low-light performance, brighter screens, robust waterproofing, and long battery life.
However, its 4K resolution lags behind rivals like the GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta360 Ace Pro, both of which aim for higher resolutions and more advanced features.
Transitioning to 360-degree cameras presents an entirely different challenge for DJI. Competing with the Insta360 X4, which offers 8K video, and the Kandao QooCam Ultra 3, requires a focus on resolution and editing flexibility.
360-degree cameras is essential
High resolution in 360-degree cameras is essential because it allows creators to crop and reframe while maintaining video quality. DJI’s typical strategy of prioritizing low-light performance through larger sensors may not suffice in a market where resolution and clarity dominate.
For DJI’s rumored Osmo 360 to succeed, it could aim for 5.3K or higher resolution and leverage its expertise in stabilization to set itself apart. By equipping its device with a larger sensor, it could outperform rivals in challenging lighting conditions, balancing resolution with quality.
Furthermore, developing intuitive, user-friendly editing software will be critical.
Pain-free editing and smooth video stitching are deal-breakers for many users in the 360-degree space.
If DJI can combine its hardware expertise with an effective software ecosystem, it has the potential to disrupt a market currently led by Insta360 and create a standout product in the realm of 360-degree cameras.
