DJI is best known for its drones and gimbals, but in the action camera space it has often trailed behind Insta360 and GoPro. With the new DJI Osmo Nano, priced at $299, DJI is taking direct aim at Insta360’s compact Go Ultra and Go 3S. The Nano is a modular, ultra-small action cam that detaches from its screen, making it easy to wear, mount, or even clip onto pets. But while DJI nailed the image quality, the overall experience shows both promise and compromise.

Key Features & Specifications

Here’s what stands out about the Osmo Nano in plain terms:

Camera Sensor: 1/1.3-inch sensor (larger than Go 3S, matches Go Ultra) for better low-light performance.
Lens: Ultra-wide 143° field of view, with an option to dewarp into a more natural look.
Video:
- 4K at up to 60 fps
- Slow-motion 120 fps in 4K
- 10-bit D-LogM or standard shooting for richer color grading
Design: Detachable 52g capsule-style camera, magnetically clips to Vision Dock screen.
Battery Life:
- ~90 minutes (camera alone at 1080p/24)
- ~200 minutes with dock (at lower resolutions)
- Real-world 4K/60p runtime is closer to 35–40 minutes.
Waterproofing: Rated to 33 feet (10 meters) without extra housing.
Storage: Built-in 64GB or 128GB (fast transfer speeds), no microSD slot.
Connectivity: DJI Mic compatibility, dual built-in mics, DJI Mimo app support.

Design & Build Quality

The Osmo Nano embraces minimalism. The main camera module is featherlight at just 52 grams, making it comfortable to wear on a lanyard or clip to a hat. Its translucent plastic shell feels modern but not particularly premium. Once docked with the Vision Dock screen, the whole system is still lighter than most traditional action cameras.

Unlike Insta360’s flip-screen system, switching between selfie (vlog) and outward-facing modes requires detaching and reattaching the dock, which can be fiddly in fast-moving situations. The magnetic mount is reliable and works seamlessly with DJI’s accessory ecosystem, including headbands, clips, and lanyards.

Performance & User Experience

Video Quality

This is where the Nano shines. The large 1/1.3-inch sensor produces bright, detailed footage in daylight and holds up well in low-light environments like city streets or bars. Colors are more natural compared to older DJI cameras, avoiding the artificial sharpening that plagued models like the Action 5.

With 10-bit recording and D-LogM support, creators can push their footage further in post-production, rivaling GoPro’s cinematic look. For casual users, the standard color profile still delivers vibrant, share-ready clips.

Stabilization & Shooting

DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 does a solid job during daytime walks and sports, but it struggles at night. Fast jolts in dim lighting can introduce blur or pixelation, meaning serious nighttime vloggers may need to tweak shutter and ISO manually. HorizonBalancing works well up to 30°, keeping shots level even when the camera tilts.

Battery & Heat

Battery life is highly dependent on settings. At 4K/60p, expect about 35 minutes before the module overheats or runs dry, though endurance mode stretches this slightly. Docked use offers longer sessions, but that defeats the Nano’s ultra-light charm.

Audio & App

While the Nano connects flawlessly with DJI’s wireless mic system, the built-in microphones sound thin. They’re fine for ambient noise but not dialogue-heavy vlogging.

The DJI Mimo app provides basic editing tools, but it lags behind Insta360’s Studio software, which offers advanced AI-driven effects and more creative freedom. This is an area where DJI needs serious improvement.

The Good (Pros)

Excellent video quality with natural colors and 10-bit support.
Ultra-light and wearable for creative shooting angles.
Built-in fast storage eliminates microSD hassles.
Strong accessory support (mic, clips, mounts).
Priced lower than rivals with more in-the-box value.

The Not-So-Good (Cons)

Poor stabilization in low light.
Overheats quickly at higher resolutions.
Vlogging setup less convenient than Insta360’s flip-screen design.
Built-in mics are underwhelming.
Editing app lacks depth compared to competitors.

Verdict & Target Audience

The DJI Osmo Nano is a bold first step into the mini action cam category. It’s not perfect, but it excels where it matters most: video quality. If you’re a content creator who values image performance and already uses DJI’s ecosystem (like their microphones), the Nano is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to Insta360’s pricier options.

However, if you prioritize convenience, stabilization, and editing software, Insta360 still has the edge. The Nano is best suited for adventurous creators, vloggers who edit footage on a computer, and anyone who wants a lightweight action cam without breaking the bank.