While the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro looks little changed from the Action 4, there are a few updates that keep it from being the best action camera you can buy.

This year's model introduces a slightly upgraded sensor with 13.5 stops of dynamic range and the ability to shoot 40mp still images. Perhaps most importantly, it has a more efficient processor for longer runtimes and 48GB of internal storage.

But is the $349 DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro worth the money?

To learn more, read this article, and watch our full video.

If battery life is important to you, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro should be at the top of your list; the Pro uses a larger 1,950mAh battery, has a more efficient 4nm image processor, and the best action camera we tested battery life among the action cameras we tested.

DJI claims to be able to record continuously for about 4 hours, but this is at 1080p30, which I can honestly say I have never used. That said, at 4K60, which is where I primarily record, I can record for about two hours outdoors, which is still incredible, but stepping down to 4K30 extends the recording time by another half hour or so.

With a combination of short 2-5 minute clips and longer 10-15 minute clips, I can easily record all day without having to recharge or change batteries. You can also opt for the Creator Combo, which includes two additional batteries and a battery charging case.

The fixed depth of field will not fool you into thinking this is a small pocket camera, but the Action 5 Pro stands out with its incredible dynamic range, high bit rate that gives you lots of room for color grading, and low light performance. Focal length. At its widest, the FOV is equivalent to 9mm, widening to 17mm with distortion correction and maximum Rocksteady+ image stabilization enabled. It can also record in 16:9 or the more flexible 4:3 aspect ratio, which is especially useful if you want to edit widescreen and vertical crops from the same clip without sacrificing much framing.

Because of the large sensor we first saw in the Action 4, unlike most other action cameras, the Action 5 continues to perform half as well in low light. Image quality is maintained past sunset, but noise is more prevalent, as expected. However, for an action camera, the results are still impressive.

As someone who frequently mixes footage from multiple cameras, the DJI Action series has always been my preferred action cameras.

The color profiles available are Standard, HDR HLG, and D-Log M, the latter of which matches well with DJI's other cameras and drones, especially the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and DJI Mini 3 Pro, which have been my primary cameras for travel and outings over the past year, making them my preferred choice.

The Osmo Action 5 Pro has color displays on the front and back, both of which are touch-sensitive. The square front screen is 1.5” diagonal and has a brightness of 800 nits, small but large enough to quickly change shot framing and camera settings.

The 16:9 display on the back is slightly larger, with a 2.5-inch diagonal and 1,000 nits peak brightness, making it easier to read and use in direct sunlight than the GoPro Hero12 and Hero13 Black cameras.

Osmo has one USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and the camera can also be used as a webcam when connected to a computer. It also does not have a microphone port, but a wired microphone or receiver can be connected using a USB-C - 3.5mm adapter. Even better, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the Osmo Action 5 can be paired directly with up to two DJI Mic 2s via Bluetooth. As with Picture Mode, if you are already using other DJI cameras, staying in the same ecosystem really helps.

The Action 5 Pro has extended its waterproof rating by 2 meters, allowing it to reach a depth of 20 meters without a diving case. Even cooler, it now has a built-in pressure gauge that records depth, altitude, and other data in real time. A companion app allows this data to be displayed to add even more context and dynamism to the images.

The first reason I would want to skip the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the lack of resolution beyond 5.3k.

In my experience, even 4k is sufficient resolution - especially for an action camera. Nevertheless, those who like to add movement to their footage through reframing, cropping, and digital processing will appreciate the additional resolution offered by rival action cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black and the Insta360 Ace Pro. However, while battery life will be shortened, it's nice to have the extra resolution when you need it.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 performs very well. However, it has been several years since DJI introduced a truly revolutionary lineup, and one area DJI could explore is to offer GoPro-style lens attachments like those found on the GoPro Hero 13 Black. The ability to quickly attach a macro lens, anamorphic lens, or ultra-wide angle lens to the camera would allow users to quickly change the look of their videos for more dynamic shots.

Finally, the Action 5 Pro brings some useful upgrades, but if you already own the DJI Osmo Action 4 or are torn between both action cameras, you may not need to upgrade. Video quality is essentially unchanged, and the new 40mp sensor will only stand out if you take a lot of stills. But who would really buy an action camera with that as its main feature?

Personally, I would very much appreciate the built-in storage, larger rear display, and improved battery life, but if you didn't care for them in the 4, they are not a good enough reason to upgrade. Both are great choices, but $249 for last year's Action 4 is a steal.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 is a great choice for creatives like me who have already invested heavily in other cameras and audio equipment from DJI. From color matching, to pairing, to using the same microphone with each other, it adds a lot of value to an already very affordable and competitively priced action camera.

If you're deciding between this and last year's model, you can't go wrong with either, but the $100 premium to get the Action 5 Pro may be worth it if you need those improvements and new features.