DJI Action 2
Announced October 27, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
DJI Action 2 offers an innovative, ultra-compact modular design that makes it a highly portable and versatile tool for capturing video. Although its magnetic mounting system is brilliant, the camera frequently struggles with overheating and limited battery life compared to traditional action cameras.
Weighted from 35 reviewer scores
Pros
- Effective electronic image stabilization and horizon leveling
- Innovative, compact, and lightweight magnetic modular design
- High-quality 4K 120p video performance
- Intuitive touchscreen interface and responsive controls
- Solid build quality and waterproof camera unit
Cons
- Frequent overheating issues during recording
- Limited battery life and lack of user-replaceable batteries
- Modules are not waterproof and use proprietary magnetic connections
- No integrated microSD slot or USB-C port on the camera module
- Subpar low-light video performance
- Launch price $519 (USD)
- Sensor 12MP
What the Reviewers Say
All 35 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
The clever people at DJI have come through with a unique camera and a budding ecosystem of accessories that deliver high-quality performance.
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DJI spent more than two years rethinking its place in the action camera market, and the Action 2’s design is truly innovative.
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To summarize it, I think Action 2 is a really good action camera. If DJI is able to iron out all the minor bugs and missing features with the final release firmware, it will be a fantastic product.
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Action 2 is a lot of fun, and I like the small cube.
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So first one, obviously as you can tell, I love how modular this camera system is, but mainly what's really impressing me is the dynamic between this camera unit and the front screen unit.
- WIRED 6/10
For most people, I think the GoPro is a better choice. It's cheaper, image and video quality are marginally better, and every accessory on the market works with a GoPro.
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The DJI Action 2’s video performance may be respectable rather than groundbreaking, but its pioneering magnetic mounting and mod system not only works brilliantly – it also serves to set it apart from all its rivals in the action cam market.
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The DJI Action 2 reimagines the action camera in a modular form factor with support for magnetic mounts. It's innovative, but falls a little shy of dethroning GoPro.
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Vloggers should stick to the Hero 10 Black, but for everyone else the Action 2 is a small, versatile little video camera that's a fun travel companion.
- Digital Trends 9/10
The DJI Action 2 is a genuinely innovative action camera, and its novel approach makes it really stand out from the competition. It does pretty much everything you’d want an action camera to do and does it very well.
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Initially when I got this a month ago, it was for 40,000 this module, but now I checked, it was for 32,000. And I feel this is a good action camera for a hybrid user.
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The Action 2 is the successor to the DJI Osmo Action, but built in a less traditional action camera design. This time, DJI went with a tiny cube aesthetic.
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What DJI have created with the DJI Action 2 is another real choice over GoPro. This isn’t a mirror or mimic of the GoPro, it’s something different.
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DJI's Action 2 has taken things in a different direction compared to its first action camera. It's nothing like a GoPro and - instead - introduces a premium metal build and a clevel modular design.
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The DJI Action 2's best qualities are its tiny size, its clever magnetic mounting and mod system and its solid electronic image stabilisation.
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The DJI Action 2 is an innovative, versatile and fun little action camera. It’s easy to use, the stabilisation is fantastic and, whether used on its own, or paired with DJI’s Mimo app, it’s capable of producing excellent results.
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The DJI Action 2 isn't just ultra versatile, it's also their most powerful action camera yet.
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[T]here are much less expensive options out there for this.
- Creative Bloq 8/10
The DJI Action 2 is a strikingly small, rich-looking action camera whose design is unmatched when it comes to portability and premium styling.
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I think I'm going to have to go ahead and buy one now, cuz I did really like it. A great little camera.
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Personally, I like the action, so as much as the podcast on review, I'll definitely have no problem recommending the DJI Action 2 to any content creator looking for a compact, lightweight camera.
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The modular camera is not a completely new idea, however, DJI has executed it properly with the magnet and the clips on the side of the camera.
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[...] I'm very much liking this, probably mostly because of this magnet design and how just how easy it is to mount onto things, but also very hopeful and curious about what the future modular design accessories will bring to this system.
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The Action 2 camera module could really benefit from its own USB-C port and microSD slot as its functionality is limited without attaching the available magnetic modules—at which point you’re negating its size benefits.
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I love the look of this little camera, I love how small it is, and if the image quality was better out of this thing I think I could overlook some of the complexities of the system.
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Aloysius Low is an ex-CNET editor with more than 15 years of experience in tech and esports.
- CGMagazine 5.5/10
My hopes were so high for this camera as a potential go-to option for vloggers for its quality, ability to do IRL streaming and its compact setup, but the lack of reliability of the camera’s recording makes this an instant pass.
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The DJI Action 2 is an innovative action camera that's more portable and versatile than most. There's a price to pay for that innovation — the camera is a little pricey, especially if you get the secondary display, and it struggles with heat.
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There comes a time when big cameras are just not suitable for certain occasions and while action cams have gotten ridiculously good, there's nothing like the DJI Action 2. But would I consider it to be my go-to action cam?
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Really to me, this is a versatile camera.
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Far from being another GoPro clone, it feels like DJI has taken its own step ahead. The modular design really is a thing to behold, and its functionality is second to none.
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The new magnetic systems on the DJI Action 2 are pretty insane. I honestly expected them to be really weak and after more than a month testing this I just can't go back to all the screw things.
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If you’re a true action sports fanatic and all you look for in a camera is image stabilisation and quality, the DJI Action 2 will certainly hit the mark, however, it’s still more of a lifestyle camera than an all-out action camera.
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If you're looking for an action camera with easy to use menus, fast scrolling, very stable firmware, this is in my opinion the best choice.
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The DJI Action 2 is basically an Insta360 GO 2 supercharged that can shoot in 4K. It's as simple as that.
