DJI Osmo Action vs. GoPro 8 vs. Insta360 One R: Which Action Camera is Right for You?

Insta360 recently introduced its innovative modular action camera, the Insta360 One R. With its ability to detach the battery, screen, and camera sensor, and attach different modules, it has certainly turned heads in the industry. But how does it compare to the popular DJI Osmo Action and the undisputed king, GoPro Hero 8? Let's dive in and find out.

Action Camera Specs Comparison

Before we delve into the details, it's important to note that the final firmware for the Insta360 One R is yet to be finalized, so the color profile and footage quality are still to be confirmed. With that said, let's take a closer look at the specs of these action cameras.

	GoPro Hero 8	DJI Osmo Action	Insta360 One R (default)
Sensor Size	1/2.3″	1/2.3″	1/2.3″
Resolution	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP
Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8	f/2.8
Video Modes	Various	Various	Various
Max Resolution	4k60	4k60	4k60
Battery Life	11 m	1300 mAh	1190 mAh
Modularity	No	No	Yes
External Mic	Yes	Yes	Yes
Display	2-inch	2.25-inch rear, 1.4-inch front	1.3-inch

1. Modularity

The standout feature of the Insta360 One R is its modularity. It can be disassembled into three parts: the screen, core, camera sensor, and battery. These modules connect to each other using Lego-style pins. Surprisingly, even as a single unit, the Insta360 One R is waterproof. Additionally, the modularity allows for different camera sensors and even a flip display. While currently offering a 360-degree camera sensor and a 1-inch Leica sensor, more camera modules can be expected in the future.

2. External Microphone

All three cameras have excellent internal microphones, but if you're looking for better audio quality, you'll want to connect an external microphone. The Insta360 One R stands out with its 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent in both the DJI Osmo Action and GoPro Hero 8. This makes it easy to connect any third-party microphone. Additionally, the One R can also record audio over Bluetooth, allowing you to use a Bluetooth microphone or even Apple Airpods.

The DJI Osmo Action features a Type-C port that can record audio, but you'll need to use DJI's proprietary Type-C/3.5mm adapter. Similarly, the GoPro Hero 8 can also record audio via the Type-C port with GoPro's Pro 3.5mm mic adapter.

3. Display

Due to its modularity, the Insta360 One R sacrifices screen real estate with its tiny 1.3-inch touchscreen display compared to the larger screens on the GoPro and DJI Osmo Action. If you have larger hands, dealing with the One R's display might be a bit cumbersome. On the other hand, the DJI Osmo Action features a dual-display setup, which is convenient for vlogging.

The GoPro Hero 8 only has a rear display, but you can add GoPro's display mod as a secondary display.

4. Additional Features

All three action cameras are capable of creating timelapse and stabilized hyperlapse videos. The Insta360 One R goes a step further with its ability to capture starlapses, allowing you to capture star trails in video form. One of the most impressive features of the Insta360 One R is the invisible stick module, which lets you capture 360-degree videos and photos. The One R removes the selfie stick in post-processing, resulting in seamless videos. It's worth noting that the invisible stick only works with the 360-camera module.

5. Pricing & Variants

The Insta360 One R offers three different variants, which can make things a bit complicated. The base 4k wide-angle variant with a single 4k camera sensor is priced at $299, while the 360-camera bundle is priced at $480. There's also a premium 1-inch Leica sensor variant priced at $549. You can mix and match the sensors to create your own bundle.

Comparatively, the DJI Osmo Action is priced at $274, and the GoPro Hero 8 can be purchased for $349. The GoPro also offers a max variant that features a 360-degree camera and is priced at $499.

In conclusion, the Insta360 One R is still in the pre-production phase, so it's too early to make a final judgment based on initial impressions and specs. However, it's clear that the One R's modularity and unique features set it apart from the competition. Whether you're a professional or an adventurous enthusiast, these action cameras offer a range of features to capture your experiences.