DJI launches the Motion 5 Professional digital camera with topic monitoring and improved video

DJI has been chipping away at GoPro’s action cam dominance and simply took one other massive step with the launch of the Motion 5 Professional. With a brand new “next-gen” sensor, it guarantees improved video high quality, together with prolonged battery life, greater shows and a brand new function, topic monitoring and centering.

The 1/1.3-inch sensor is similar dimension because the one on the Motion 4, however DJI says it now boasts 13.5 stops of dynamic vary, “making it the primary motion digital camera with specs that rival skilled cameras.” Most picture decision is 40 megapixels (MP), up from 10MP on the Action 4. The lens has the identical 155 diploma area of view and f/2.8 aperture because the final mannequin.

You may shoot 4K at as much as 120p in 16:9 as earlier than, nevertheless it now helps 4K 120p seize at 4:3 (3,840 x 2,880 pixels), sluggish ultra-slow-mo may be captured to your complete sensor if you wish to crop the picture later. Decision continues to be capped at 4K UltraHD, although, the place the GoPro 13 helps as much as 5.3K 8:7 (5,312 xs 4,648) seize, giving customers extra cropping choices.

As earlier than, pictures may be captured in 10-bit D-Log M and HLG to spice up dynamic vary. DJI says you possibly can shoot “high-dynamic, low-light video” at 4K/60fps to seize shadow particulars with out overexposing highlights. It additionally comes with a SuperNight mode that makes use of AI noise discount to yield comparatively clear video.

The brand new 1950mAh has the next capability than the earlier 1770mAh mannequin, which permits for as much as 4 hours of steady use or round 50 p.c greater than earlier than (the Motion 5 Professional can nonetheless use the earlier mannequin’s batteries, although). That was aided largely by a brand new 4nm chip and new algorithm that optimizes for power financial savings. “Even in temperatures as little as -20° C (-4°F), the digital camera can reliably report video for as much as 3.6 hours,” DJI provides.

A key new function is topic centering and monitoring that lets creators shoot with out a gimbal. As with different DJI merchandise (ActiveTrack on drones), it intelligently detects a topic’s place and dynamically adjusts the composition to maintain the topic centered within the body. That is executed digitally, clearly, and backbone is lowered to 2.7K — nevertheless it might nonetheless be an amazing profit for excessive sports activities and different creators. As earlier than, it presents “strong stabilization” and HorizonSteady that retains the digital camera degree by means of 360 levels of movement.

The Motion 5 Professional is EN13319 licensed to be waterproof with out a case all the way down to 20m (66 toes), 2m greater than earlier than. It will possibly begin recording routinely as quickly as you are underwater and comes with an attention-grabbing new function: a stress gauge to report underwater depth, period and altitude knowledge to make sure consumer security.

Although the physique is similar dimension as earlier than, each OLED screens are bigger due to smaller bezels, up 16 p.c. The bigger rear display is now 2.5-inches diagonally, up from 2.25 inches and the biggest on any mainstream motion cam, in keeping with DJI. As earlier than, the Motion 4 works with the DJI Mic 2 for high-quality sound recording and you’ll concurrently use the built-in mic for ambient sound.

One other good addition is 47GB of built-in storage and 80MB/s switch charges through Wi-Fi 6.0 or USB 3.0. Different options embody an up to date Mimo app, Wi-Fi livestreaming, timecode for a number of digital camera syncing and a pre-record function.

I’ve had the Motion 5 for a short while and it largely resembles the earlier mannequin, aside from bigger energy and report buttons, a unique inside mic opening and a gap on the backside for the stress sensor. Different options just like the magnetic mount are carried over from the Motion 3. The enhancements look promising, so keep tuned for a extra detailed overview (the place I hopefully will not wreck my face).

Maybe one of the best information concerning the Motion 5 is that it is cheaper than the Motion 4 at $349 within the Professional Combo package deal that features the digital camera and one battery, a protecting body, quick-release adapter mount and extra. The Motion 5 Professional Journey Combo provides two extra batteries and a charger together with a 1.5m extension rod for $449. Each at the moment are accessible at DJI’s retailer and most approved retail companions.