Over five years since the GoPro Max launch, DJI has recently unveiled a mighty alternative with the Osmo 360.
To help you decide between the 360 cameras, we’ve compared our experiences with both the OG GoPro Max to the new DJI Osmo 360. We explain everything from how well-designed they are, to their features and all important video quality.
Still not sure which camera is best for you? Our best action cameras and best GoPro lists offer something for everyone.
Price and Availability
The DJI Osmo 360 starts at £409.99 which includes the camera itself, one battery, a pouch and a lens protector. However, there are numerous bundles you can select from which include different accessories, depending on what you intend on using the DJI Osmo 360 for.
Although the GoPro Max launched way back in 2020, it remains a popular choice and has a firm spot on our best GoPro guide, plus it has seen some updates and general tweaks over the years. At the time of writing, the GoPro Max has an RRP of £349.99/$369.99 – although it is available for much less.
Design
- DJI Osmo 360 has an IP68 rating
- GoPro Max is slightly longer but the Osmo 360 is taller and wider
- Both have convenient, removable batteries
Both the DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max share a similar short and squat design, which although does look different from the Insta360 X5, is in-keeping with conventional 360-degree cameras.
While the Osmo 360’s dimensions are 61 x 36.3 x 81mm (LxWxH) and the GoPro Max is slightly longer but shorter at 65.15 x 25 x 74.15mm, it’s worth remembering both are still palm-sized and sport a two-inch touchscreen display for controlling the camera.
Thanks to an official IP68 water resistance rating, the Osmo 360 can not only withstand splashes or even a dunk in the pool, but it can be submerged in a body of water at a depth of up to 10m. In comparison, the GoPro Max is certified up to just 5m although GoPro disclaims on its official site that the Max is “not intended for underwater use”.
As mentioned earlier, the GoPro Max has seen a few tweaks since we originally reviewed it back in 2020, with one of the main being new 1/4-20 mounting threads. This means the camera is compatible with industry-standard mounts and tripods now too.
Otherwise, both 360 cameras sport a removable battery and a USB-C port.
Winner: DJI Osmo 360
Features
- Both have an intuitive touchscreen interface for controlling the camera
- GoPro Max has six microphones while the Osmo 360 has four
- Both have built-in video editing tools via their respective smartphone apps
Before we dive into the differences between the DJI Osmo 360 and the GoPro Max, it’s worth noting that both offer an intuitive interface, whereby you simply swipe across the touchscreens to open menus, change settings and more.
All content that you capture with the Osmo 360 can be shared into the DJI Mimo smartphone app, where you can quickly and easily edit your videos. For more in-depth editing, there’s also the DJI Studio on PC and Mac.
Similarly, you can also edit your videos through the accompanying GoPro smartphone app. Not only that, but you can also use the app to control your GoPro, much like the Insta360 X5, which is a useful tool that we found offers a smoother preview image than the GoPro itself.
Finally, while the Osmo 360 is fitted with four built-in microphones, the GoPro Max sports a total of six. With both, while neither can capture audio as well as a connected microphone would, they are sufficient in a pinch.
Winner: DJI Osmo 360
Video Quality
- DJI Osmo 360 can capture footage in up to 8K resolution
- GoPro Max offers powerful stabilisation
- DJI Osmo 360 can capture panoramic photos in up to 120MP
The DJI Osmo 360 boasts the edge when it comes to resolution, as it can capture full 360° footage in up to a whopping 8K/30fps whereas the GoPro Max offers up to just 4K. We also found that although the GoPro Max uses two 12MP Sony sensors, it is bested by other devices as content tends to lack sharpness and detail.
In comparison, we found the 8K footage of the Osmo 360 to be “incredible” and, thanks to its full one-inch sensors, more light is let into footage at all times.
Where the GoPro Max does well, however, is with its stabilisation. In fact, we hailed stabilisation so powerful that it’s advisable you turn off its maximum setting for more adventurous filming. Having said that, the Osmo 360 offers “top-notch” stabilisation, regardless of whether you’re filming in 360-degree or single-lens modes.
Winner: DJI Osmo 360
Verdict
Considering it’s been over a long time since GoPro Max first launched, and there are murmurs of a GoPro Max 2 coming soon, we’d easily recommend the DJI Osmo 360 here.
As we hailed the Osmo 360’s footage as looking “incredible even when there’s little natural light”, it’s an easy win for anyone who wants a solid all-in-one 360-degree camera.
