GoKawiilI traveled all the way to Berlin to test out DJI’s new 360 camera. OK, not just for that, but it was definitely one of the reasons. You see, due to the ongoing FCC block on new DJI products by the US government, it’s likely the new Osmo 360 II won’t be available in the US. Which is too bad because, as was the case with this camera’s predecessor, the hardware is top-tier.
The 360 II improves on the older Osmo 360 with new image sensors, dual, square 1-inch image sensors, as well as a maximum resolution and frame rate of 8K60. It bests Insta360’s X6, which maxes out at 8K50. Those 10 extra frames per second might not seem like a big deal, but in many situations, they can be the difference between having usable footage and not. Probably the biggest improvement, however, is the addition of user-replaceable lenses.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Unfortunately, the prospect of availability in the US through official channels is gray. As gray as the market where you’ll inevitably find this camera. With fingers crossed for future US availability, DJI loaned me a 360 II for a few days in Berlin to check it out.
The Osmo 360 II’s hardware is too different
On the outside, the second-gen model is similar to its predecessor. There are some exposed screwheads that give it a slightly tougher look, but the screen and buttons remain the same. There’s also a larger mic opening on the front.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
The most notable change is the switch to user-replaceable lenses. As someone who’s used and ruined numerous 360 cameras over the years, I’d advise you not to overlook this feature. It’s all too easy to accidentally scratch a 360-degree camera lens since they stick out from the body. Repairs, when possible, can be costly, too. So being able to replace them yourself should be considered a must-have “feature” for most people.
The rest of the images in this story are from the Osmo 360 II and been reframed or cropped but otherwise unedited. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
The other major change is new, square, 1-inch sensors. DJI says these have 14.5-stops of dynamic range. I didn’t get a chance to do much low-light testing, but it seemed solid. The earlier 360 was already good in this regard.
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