Introduction
DJI has always been at the forefront of innovation in the drone and camera world. However, when it comes to action cameras, the brand has often been seen playing catch-up with its biggest rival, Insta360. With the release of the DJI Osmo Nano ($299), DJI is directly targeting the growing mini-action cam market dominated by Insta360’s Go Ultra and Go 3S.
What makes the Osmo Nano unique is its design, which allows the tiny camera to detach from its Vision Dock (screen module), giving creators the freedom to capture moments in ways that bulkier cameras can’t. Whether you’re diving underwater, attaching it to a pet, or using it for vlogging, the Nano delivers compact performance that competes with much bigger devices.
In this detailed DJI Osmo Nano review, we’ll explore its design, features, performance, pros and cons, video quality, and whether it’s worth your money.
Basic Information
| Feature | DJI Osmo Nano |
|---|---|
| Price | $299 (64GB) / $329 (128GB) |
| Dimensions | Extremely compact, detachable camera |
| Weight | Camera: 1.83 oz (52g), With Vision Dock: 4.37 oz |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.3-inch |
| Field of View | 143° Ultra Wide (adjustable) |
| Waterproof Rating | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Video Resolution | 4K up to 60fps, 4:3 4K up to 50fps |
| Slow Motion | 4K 120fps |
| Stabilization | RockSteady 3.0, HorizonBalancing |
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB (fast transfer speeds) |
| Battery Life | Camera: 90 mins, With Dock: 200 mins |
| Charging | Fast charging (80% in 20 mins) |
| Connectivity | DJI Mimo App, DJI Mic compatibility |
| Accessories Included | Vision Dock, hat clip, lanyard, protective case, charging cable |
| Rival Devices | Insta360 Go Ultra, Insta360 Go 3S, GoPro Hero 13 |
Design and Build
The DJI Osmo Nano is one of the smallest action cams DJI has ever made. At just 1.83 ounces (52g), the camera feels feather-light, making it perfect for everyday use. You can clip it onto your head, attach it to your shirt with the lanyard, or even mount it onto pets for fun POV shots.
The detachable design is where DJI took a slightly different approach than Insta360. Instead of flipping the display like the Go Ultra, DJI’s Vision Dock magnetically attaches to the bottom of the camera, letting you switch between forward-facing action mode and rear-facing vlog mode.
While this adds flexibility, it’s not as seamless as Insta360’s flip design—you need to detach and reconnect the module to change shooting angles.
Still, with translucent lightweight plastic and a capsule-like shape, the Osmo Nano strikes the perfect balance between portability and usability.
Features and Performance
Compact Size for Daily Adventures
The Osmo Nano’s underwater rating of 33 feet (10m) makes it a reliable companion for swimming, diving, and watersports. Its small build means you can use it for hiking, biking, or even kid-friendly fun, like capturing a child’s playtime or a pet’s walk.
Magnetic Mounting
The Nano uses DJI’s tried-and-tested magnetic mount system. It allows quick attachment to various accessories, including a hat clip and lanyard, making it versatile for both casual users and creators.
Sensor and Optics
Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, the Nano beats smaller-sensor rivals like the Insta360 Go 3S. Its 143° ultra-wide lens delivers expansive shots with the option to “dewarp” into a square frame.
Internal Memory
One major advantage is its built-in memory (64GB or 128GB), which eliminates the need for microSD cards. Transfers are also lightning fast at 400–600 MB/s, making it a breeze to move footage to a computer.
Battery Life
The camera module has a 530mAh battery while the Vision Dock has 1,300mAh, giving you up to 200 minutes of use combined. However, at higher resolutions like 4K 60fps, battery life drops significantly (around 35 minutes).
Controls
The Vision Dock houses the touchscreen controls, while the camera itself has only a single power/record button. Navigation is via swipes and taps, which takes time to get used to but works well once mastered.
Smart Features
- Voice & Gesture Controls for hands-free operation
- Timelapse & Pre-Rec modes
- Endurance Mode for extended battery life
- DJI Mic compatibility for professional-grade audio
Video and Image Quality
This is where the Osmo Nano shines. Thanks to its larger sensor and 10-bit color recording, video is vibrant, sharp, and dynamic.
- 4K 60fps recording ensures smooth, cinematic quality.
- Slow Motion at 120fps brings out action-packed detail.
- D-LogM recording provides extra flexibility in post-production.
In daylight, footage is crisp with natural colors (a big improvement from the oversharpened look of older DJI cams). In low light, the Nano performs admirably, though it still lags slightly behind Insta360’s Go Ultra.
The stabilization system, RockSteady 3.0, works well in daylight but struggles in darker conditions where blur and pixelation creep in. Still, for everyday vlogging and sports, it’s more than capable.
Audio
The Nano comes with dual built-in microphones for stereo audio, but like most action cams, onboard sound is average. For serious creators, the ability to connect DJI Mic 2, Mic 3, or Mic Mini via OsmoAudio gives a significant boost in recording quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tiny and ultra-lightweight design
- Detachable camera for versatile shooting
- Excellent 4K 60fps video quality
- 10-bit color & D-LogM support
- DJI Mic compatibility
- Built-in fast internal storage
- Good battery endurance with Vision Dock
Cons
- Editing app not as powerful as Insta360 Studio
- Stabilization weak in low light
- Vlogging setup less convenient than rivals
- Limited accessories compared to GoPro
Price and Value
The DJI Osmo Nano is competitively priced at $299 (64GB) and $329 (128GB). Considering that it includes multiple accessories and built-in storage, it’s a better deal than Insta360’s Go Ultra ($429) or Go 3S ($400), both of which lack some of these features.
For creators on a budget who still want professional-looking footage in a compact form, the Osmo Nano is one of the best-value action cameras available.
Final Verdict
The DJI Osmo Nano is a strong first step for DJI into the world of mini action cams. While it doesn’t quite outshine Insta360 in terms of editing tools and stabilization, it more than makes up for it with video quality, design, and affordability.
If you’re a vlogger, traveler, or casual creator looking for a compact, lightweight, and powerful camera, the Osmo Nano deserves serious consideration. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s a winner in everyday usability and quality video output.
Social Media & Further Information
Twitter/X: @DJIGlobal
Official Website: DJI.com
Instagram: @djiglobal
YouTube: DJI Official
